Tips for Tourists

Whether you are flying or driving, there are universal precautions to consider upon your arrival at your destination.

When Parking

• Lock maps and expensive items in trunk
• Choose well-lit parking: park where your vehicle can be seen; well-lighted, populated areas are preferable
• Prepare for quick getaways: back your vehicle into parking spaces in order to pull away quickly
• Lock doors: always lock vehicle doors even if you'll only be gone for a few minutes
• Be alert: when in parking lots, parking garages, or on side streets, look around before getting out and check the backseat before getting in the car
• When being followed: if someone seems to be following you to your vehicle, walk past it to find help

At Hotels

• Make advance reservations: book a hotel or motel room in advance with the advice of your AAA travel agent
• Be cautious: we aware of people hanging around the lobby, listening to you check in, or people following you to your room; avoid strangers offering to carry your luggage; if you think someone is following you to your room, walk past it and go to the lobby for assistance
• Protect room numbers: if someone overhears your room number, you can ask for a different room
• Protect valuables: place valuables in the hotel safe; avoid leaving even moderately valuable items lying around in your room
• Unexpected visitors: don't automtically open your door when you're not expecting a visitor; call the front desk for verification of housekeeping and room service staff
• Use peepholes: always use the peephole in your door to see who is outside
• Lock doors: keep entry and balcony doors locked; engage deadbolts and chains when present
• Protect keys: don't leave keys lying around when you're at the beach or pool
• Consider a portable door alarm: provides additional peace of mind; available at specialty shops
• When you leave your room: keep the TV and lights on; avoid establishing a regular routine
• Avoid door signs: don't use the door sign to indicate that you need housekeeping service; if your room is clean, consider putting out the "Do Not Disturb" sign
• Running safely: check with the hotel front desk or a security guard for a safe course
• Tell someone your plans: let others in your party know where you'll be and when you'll be back

While Sightseeing

• Stay alert: tune in to your surroundings
• Practice good posture: stand tall, walk confidently, and don't make it obvious that you're a tourist
• Trust your instincts: if something doesn't feel right, leave quickly
• Suspicious characters: always be on the look out for them and avoid them
• Meeting spot: try to keep the family or group together; agree on when and where to meet up if the group gets separated
• Coping with crowds: hold hands with family members when walking through crowds and consider using a safety "leash" for toddlers to make sure they don't stray too far
• Bathroom break: children should be accompanied by an adult; try to go in twos
• Staying together: make frequent headcounts to be sure everyone is together or has made it back to a designated meeting spot
• Getting attention: give whistles to children and instruct them that they are only to be used if the family or group gets separated
• Packages: don't carry too many bulky packages
• If lost: if you get lost, don't act like it
• Strangers asking for directions: if you're alone and someone asks for directions, act like your waiting for a friend to join you, keep your distance and identify a safe place you can reach quickly
• Being followed: if you think you're being followed, do an about-face, cross the street, or duck into a store; be prepared to call police
• Going out at night: stay with a group in lighted, busy areas
• Use the sidewalks: walk on the street side; avoid bushes, trees, and dark doorways
• When in danger: always make as much noise as possible

To Avoid Standing Out in a Crowd

• Jewelry: don't wear expensive or expensive-looking jewelry
• Money: carry travelers cheques, one credit card, and only a small amount of cash
• Purses: avoid carrying a purse or use a clutch-type purse, or one with a strap, and hold it in front of you
• Banking: when you get travelers cheques or cash, count your money and put it away before going outside; go to ATMs during the day and with someone else
• Theft: if someone wants your purse, wallet, keys or vehicle, do not resist

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