When traveling abroad you need to observe the rules of safety as much as you would at home. Here we look at some ways to remain safe while in your hotel and when you are taking public transportation.
Hotel Safety
Make sure that your hotel door remains locked at all times. There should be no exceptions to this. If you have a visitor coming to see you then agree to meet him or her in the lobby.
Keep your money, credit cards and any other valuables you may have in your room in the hotel safe when you are not in your room. Do not leave these items unattended or in plain sight!
If you plan to stay out late in the evening then let someone know what time you are expected to come back, where you will be and who you will be with. In this way if you do not return on time then the person you have told knows where to look for you.
If you are alone and you go to use the elevator and there is already an individual on it who looks suspicious for one reason or another then do not get on it. Use the stairs instead. Listen to your instincts.
Every hotel room should contain information about fire safety in it. Take the time to learn what the procedure is to report a fire. You also need to find out where the nearest fire exits are and where there are alternate exits. The more prepared you are in case of a fire the safer this can be for your life!
Public Transportation Safety
Taking public transportation is safer in some countries you visit than in others. Before you book a trip to a country take the time to read up on the crime in the particular country you are looking at. In some areas tourists are commonly targeted by criminals by way of public transportation. This does not mean that you should completely avoid public transport but that you should be very careful.
If you want to take a taxi in a foreign land then only take one that is identified by its official markings. Do not take an unmarked cab. If you cannot verify that it is a legitimate cab that belongs to a local cab company then continue to wait until you find one that is.
Many popular tourist routes have experienced robberies of passengers on trains. This is an increasingly common popular in many foreign countries. It happens most often at night and on trains that are overnight. Do everything you can to avoid confrontation. Avoid eye contact with people who look like they could be trouble and move away from others who get close to you on the platform, in the station or in the corridor of the train.
Do not accept any food or beverage that is offered to you by a stranger. Criminals often put drugs in food or drink items and then offer them to passengers. It is also essential that you lock the compartment you are sleeping in. If this is not possible and you are traveling with someone else then take turns sleeping. If you are alone then do not go to sleep. You may be tired but at least you will be safe and so will your luggage.
Many public buses and bus stations also experience the same problems that are found on trains. It is important that you keep your wits about you and do not let down your guard. If you must sleep in a station or on a bus unprotected then tie down your luggage and do everything you can to keep your valuables secure.
