Before You Go

• Turn off and unplug your electrical appliances.
• Close the blinds/curtains to your room.
• Lock your doors and windows.
• If you are traveling by car, make sure that it is serviced and has a full tank of gas.
• If you are leaving your car behind, remove all valuables and make sure it is locked.
• Leave your itinerary with someone you trust.

On the Way

• If you have to put a luggage tag on your luggage, consider using your last name and your first initial, rather than your full name.
•  Use your work address, if you have one, rather than your home address.
• Never leave your bags unattended, even for just a few minutes.
• If you are driving, and your car breaks down on the roadway, steer the car as far off the road as possible and use your cell phone to call for assistance.  Stay in the car, with your doors locked and your windows rolled up.  If someone stops to offer help, remain in the car and let them know that the police are on the way.  Although often the person stopping is just trying to be a good Samaritan, it is safer to remain in the vehicle.

When You Get There

• If you are staying in a hotel, ask the management if there are any areas that are unsafe so that you know what areas to avoid.
• Don’t leave your room key unattended (at the beach, pool, restaurant, etc.) .
• If the hotel has a safe, consider using that to store your valuables.
• Don’t carry more money on you than you can afford to lose. Leave the rest in the safe.
• Don’t give a ride to anyone you don’t know well or just met.
• Don’t go back to your hotel room with someone you just met.
• If you are going to drink, drink in moderation.  What might seem like a great idea after a few drinks, may turn out to be a disaster once you’ve sobered up.
• Volunteer to be the designated driver.  It’s always more entertaining to watch people act the fool rather than to be one.