Use these tips from a former flight attendant and avid leisure traveller to improve travel street smarts across the world, across the country or across town.

 

THINK LACES
Developed by wildland firefighters to improve their safety on the fireground, LACES stands for lookout, awareness, communication, escape and safety. It is an excellent acronym for travel safety. Always be on the Lookout for each other and threatening situations. Awareness means not becoming so distracted by attractions and activity that you fail to perceive and react to potentially threatening situations. Communication is knowing who and how to call for help and sharing information with your travel companions. Escape means always seeking an exit route. (This applies at home in theatres, restaurants, sports arenas…everywhere you go.) Safety is finding a safe zone. Safety is establishing a meeting place in away from your hotel, on a cruise ship, or at a concert/sports arena in the event of an emergency. Safety should be “top of the mind” in your travels and at home.

TAXI STREET SMARTS

• Use only legitimate, well-marked taxi companies. Ask for advice about local cabs at the airport information desk, cruise desk, or hotel concierge. Inquire about how fares are calculated and how much average charges are to your destination. Have your destination address written down so you can show it to the driver.
• Always note the cab’s registration number and the driver’s name. Ask if necessary. Get a business card from the driver so you can call the company for future rides or in case of a problem.
• In countries where charges are negotiable, negotiate your set price before you get in the cab. If it is too much (remember you asked what it should be), say “No…too much.” Make a counter-offer for the “going rate.” Agree before you go.
• Fasten your seat belt. No seat belt? Choose another cab. Lock your door during the ride. Always ride in the back seat.
• Have small bills and local currency to avoid problems with change.
• Don’t climb in and buckle up until you see your luggage placed in the trunk and the lid is closed.

ON THE STREET

 

• Avoid straying into dangerous parts of the city by asking the hotel concierge or front desk personnel to mark potentially dangerous streets and areas on your map.
• Take a minimum of cash for outings. Keep credit cards and cash in separate pockets. Use a hidden money belt for credit cards and most cash.
• Carry a “fake” wallet. Put a few dollars and some fake credit cards and photos in it. If approached by a thief, remove it slowly and toss it to the ground to your right…and run.
• Foil pickpockets by making theft difficult. Avoid carrying cameras and travel funds in a fanny pack or back pack. They scream “tourist” and make it easy to slit straps or the bottom and escape with the contents. Use a hidden money belt or neck pouch for travel funds. Carry cameras in a scrubby duffle or local shopping bag. Carry purses and tote bags with the strap across your chest and your arm over the bag. A man’s wallets should be carried in the front pant pocket. Pin the pocket closed with a large safety pin and thwart even the best pickpockets.

In the unlikely event a problem occurs, stay calm and follow the directions of authorities. This is not the time to play hero/heroine. Travel security will continue to evolve and become more effective. Remember the odds are in your favour for a safe and healthy trip.

 

by Lynne Christen

Reprinted from "TRavel Edge", Vol 2, Issue 2, published by the Travel Savers Travel Club