Whether you travel for work or for vacation, here are the top ten tips for safety while traveling:

Safety While Traveling:  Before You Leave

1)    Make copies.  Document everything before you leave your house:  take photographs of the content of your luggage and Xerox the front and back of every credit card, I.D., driver’s license, passport, tickets, or any important document.  That way, if anything is lost or stolen, you have back-up proof of your identity and documentation of your belongings. 

Safety While Traveling:  Arriving at the Hotel

2)         Stay at a secure hotel.  Try to stay at a hotel that uses the new electronic entry keys that are reprogrammed for every new guest.  That way, you can be assured no former occupant has a key to your room.

3)         Keep your room number private.  When checking in, make sure the clerk does not state the number of your room out loud.  Anyone could be listening.  Instead, have the clerk indicate your room number by writing it down.  If the clerk does state your room number out loud, immediately request to be moved to another room. 

Safety While Traveling:  During Your Stay

4)         Engage lockdown.  Whenever you are in your room, lock every lock on the door, including the deadbolt.

5)        Always confirm identity.  If someone knocks on your door claiming to be an employee of the hotel, do not open the door.  First, call the front desk to confirm that they have sent an employee to your room. 

Safety While Traveling:  Out and About

6)        Watch your belongings.  Keep your purse or bag as close to your body as possible.  Wear the strap across your body so it’s impossibly to snatch easily.  Keep your bag zipped or closed securely at all times.  Pickpockets are highly skilled. 

7)         Be careful with cabs.  Do not ride in unmarked cabs.  Only travel in cabs that include a company name and phone number.  For extra safety, call the number to confirm it is one of their cabs.  Once in the cab, sit behind the driver.  You can see him, but he can’t see you.

8)         Stay connected.  If your cell phone does not work in the country you are visiting, consider renting one for the duration of your stay.

9)         Be discreet.  Never show your money or passport in public.  When making a purchase, pay discreetly.  Show your passport only to officials who have shown you proper identification.  If you are suspicious, politely ask to see a superior.

10) Carry self-defense aids.  While traveling in a country where you will be on foot, consider carrying a can of mace.