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1. Do your homework Take the time to research your destination. Are there any travel advisories issued by the U. S. State Department? Does the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommend any particular health precautions such as vaccinations or other prophylactic medications? What is the weather like at the time you'll be traveling? Much of this information is available online. Go to Traveler's Resources for links to important websites. It is very important that you know and understand where you are going, what you can expect when you get there and thus prepare for what is to come.
2. Do not act like an easy victim. There are predators and there is the prey. Criminals, like predators in the wild, look for the easy pray. The slow and vulnerable that will take the least effort to victimize. Body language and the messages it sends out are read by us everyday. We see other people as confident, shy, scared or strong willed by the way they carry themselves. Criminals read people's body language. Thus, to be less like easy prey, maintain an awareness of your surroundings. Do not go onto dark streets or isolated places. Avoid going places by yourself. Be firm and confident in your movements and interactions with the locals. It's like the old saying that when a bear is chasing you, you don't have to be the fastest, you just have to be faster than the last person.
3. Dress down If you are traveling anywhere but at 4 and 5 star resorts, do not dress to impress. Walking down a dusty third world market street sporting diamond rings, expensive watches and designer clothes is both offensive to the locals and advertises to the local criminal element that you are a profitable target. While you don't have to dress in the local costume, you should dress more casually so as to blend in more with the local environment. Also, avoid dressing in military style clothing. Many people have had bad experiences with their local military and they may mistake you for a "military advisor" or mercenary. Not good in most places in the world.
4. Second wallet Carry a second "decoy" wallet. In this wallet, place an expired credit card, an old id and a small amount of cash. Carry this decoy wallet where you would normally carry your real wallet. Your real wallet should be kept in a not so obvious place on or about your person. If you are robbed, the crook gets the decoy wallet with a worthless credit card and only a few dollars in cash.
5. Photocopy your passport Photocopy your passport and other important identifying papers. These copies should be kept in a safe and secure place. Preferably in the hotel safe. That way, if the originals are lost, stolen or damaged, the copies will make it a lot easier to get replacements at the nearest embassy or consulate.
6. Copy down important numbers in case of emergency If you lose your wallet or purse with your credit cards, it helps to have the emergency number the credit card company maintains quickly available to report the loss and get a replacement. You'll also need to copy down the credit card numbers. Like the copy of your passport, keep this information in a safe and secure place.
7. Be Aware It is always important to be aware of your surroundings. This is especially so when traveling to exotic locations where you are in unfamiliar environments. Being aware does not mean being paranoid, but you need to be in tune with who and what is around you. Where is the nearest exit? Who is standing next to your spouse? What happens if? Being aware is simply taking the time to look around and being prepared. Awareness is safety.
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