Why didn’t I think of that!?! . . . Travel Tips Part I

 

Are you trying to get one last summer excursion in? .  . . Or maybe you are in the midst of planning the fall grand getaway. If you are going to be traveling in the near or distant future here are a few tips to keep your dream vacation from turning into a nightmare.

1. Separate you cash sources and valuables.

• Be aware of your surroundings. From time to time, take a look at the world going on around you. Take note of suspicious person(s) and activity going on. You do not have to be paranoid; just do not be completely oblivious of the environment you are in.
• Be aware of the things on your person. It is wise to develop a routine, such as tapping your pockets, to mentally note you that have your keys, wallet, phone, and any other items you are taking on your adventure. Also, look behind you when you are going out to make sure you did not drop or forget something.
• Be aware of items you left behind. Note what, if any, valuables you are leaving behind and be sure to put them out of plain sight. To keep nosy housekeepers out of your belongings put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door as added prevention when you are not in the room.

2. Separate your cash sources and valuables.

• Never keep them all in one bag or wallet! A recommended solution, invest in a passport pouch. It is a light weight pouch on a short cord you can wear around your neck and hide under your shirt.
• Stash your cash. Do not carry unnecessary large amounts of cash. Plan out a daily budget/allowance of what you expect you will be using and stash the rest. If you are not comfortable leaving behind cold hard cash tucked in your socks, there is the option of travelers’ checks and prepaid credit cards.

3. Scan your travel documents as well as photocopying them.

Scanning your travel documents and saving them to a secure place in cyberspace can save you much grief in the event your identification is lost or stolen.  Having copies of your identification a mouse click away, in an email to yourself or your dropbox, is a quick way to prove you are who you say you are and that the photocopies have not been altered.

4. Do some research and ask the locals where it is safe.

Research on the internet is always a good place to start. However, no one knows the area quite like the locals. Chat it up with vendors in the market, your favorite bartender, and the hotel staff. Make a friend and find out the hidden treasures, hot spots and the danger zones.

5. Get Travel Insurance.

Travel insurance comes in handy in situations like a flight delay causing you to miss your cruise. However, the real benefit of travel insurance is the medical coverage. In the event you suffer an illness or injury on your trip, travel insurance with medical coverage, can save you thousands of dollars and help you get treatment by an adequate medical staff.

The three things to consider when purchasing travel insurance:

• Coverage. What specifically will the travel insurance cover during your trip? Will you have coverage everywhere you are going on your trip?
• Reimbursement. When and how fast will the travel insurance company step in to pay for what you need?
• Cost. Does the travel insurance company charge a reasonable fee for the coverage they offer?

Photo by Moyan_Brenn