Jamaica by Matt

When traveling many things can and do go wrong so following a few simple rules could prevent many of those problems fellow travelers encounter on the road. Travel can be expensive enough as it is without expensive mistakes which could be avoided, resulting in a dislike for your chosen location and its people. Nobody wants to spend time in a Police station while they are on vacation, much less being too afraid to go out. If you want to travel safely then you need to start employing a little of that (an old concept) common sense that will keep you out of trouble.

Nature gave us all a very effective means for survival in unknown circumstances; it’s called instinct and you must learn to trust it. Always be careful about traveling with all your documents and money if you are just going to town to see the sights or have a meal. Consider just what you require for your trip out and take that, placing everything else that is of importance in your room or hotel safe. One suggestion that can help reduce the risk of losing everything is placing cash and credit cards in different locations like pockets, wallets and bags; a pickpocket who is trying to steal from you will only get a small amount, leaving you with means to get back to the hotel.

Many couples who have not adopted the travel safely ethos will have 2 credit cards, both accessing the same account; it is much easier to use two cards, each accessing separate accounts so if one is lost or stolen, there is a backup. For some time now, thieves have been perfecting the art of snatching handbags and cameras on straps over the shoulder; but by placing the strap over the head and laying it across the chest, this is much harder to do without cutting the strap. When you walk out make sure you are on the sidewalk as motorbikes and cars can’t drive here and if you have your bag or camera dangling off the shoulder furthest from the road it won’t be so easy to take. There are many ways to scam tourists and you are vulnerable when you are on vacation so it is an easy task as these people are very good at what they do.

Complacency is a dangerous trait and we have all been guilty of it when we are on vacation, remember this is what they do every day to make money and feed their families. For instance, when carrying small bags (rucksacks for example), it is not a difficult job to place a small combination lock on it to put thieves off; remember they are always looking for the easy victim!