Judy Nick’s Travel Safety Tips
Jerry and I have traveled over much of the US and the world.  I have never been afraid, but I am alert and wise.  These are safety precautions that I use whether in Houston, TX; NYC, Paris, or China. It pays to be alert and smart!

1. Be alert to your surroundings and use wisdom!
2. Project an attitude of confidence- body language, direct eye contact!
3. Travel in numbers– never by yourself.  Even on a resort property it is NOT wise to walk even to the front desk after dark by ones-self!
4. Carry emergency information with you.  If you are in a foreign country, have the number and location of the US Embassy.
5. Don’t flash your wealth, or wear a lot of bling!
6. Watch your valuables! Such as a camera, etc.  Don’t sit it on the seat or table beside you. Carry as few valuables as possible. Keep your passport in a safe location.
7. Safe guard your hotel/resort room. Use the safety latches, do not open the door to strangers.  If going to get ice, tell someone in the room.  If you aren’t back in a couple of minutes, call security OR better yet, two people go to get the ice! 
8. Make a couple of copies of your passport (and any other important documents that you are carrying).  Keep the copies and the actual passport in separate places.
9. When talking with strangers, waiters, hotel employees, etc., do not share too much information with them. 
10. Be aware of your clothing.  Some outfits scream TOURIST! The less obvious you look, the less attention you’ll get from the wrong kind of people.
11. Stop using your BACK POCKET!  First place, a pickpocket will hit, and you will never know.  Money belts are sold at all travel stores.
12. Back packs are just begging a pickpocket.  An expert pickpocket can unzip your backpack, and you will never know til they are long gone. Get a pack that goes in front.
13. Stay tethered to your bag/purse.  Only wear a bag/purse that the strap fits over your body, and the purse is in front of you.
14. When walking in large cities or villages always walk on the inside closest to the shops, not on the side of the street.  If someone runs a vehicle upon a sidewalk, usually the people closest to the street are the ones hit.
15. Contact your bank and credit card companies informing of your vacation and locations.
16. Use ATM’S wisely only in secure locations.
17. DO NOT CARRY AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CASH with you.
18. Use the in-room safe or safety deposit box at the front desk of a hotel or resort. Never leave any amount of money or valuables out in a hotel/resort room except in an in-room safe.
19. Watch your drinking– stay relatively sober! I am not saying to not have fun, but do so responsively! If you are wasted, you are not present and alert; anything can happen.
20. Watch your language and response to situations.  Some mischievous individuals may make unacceptable comments to you, just trying to get a reaction from you.  It is better to not react, report the incident to your hotel/resort/police, etc. These individuals thrive on reacting to your reaction. BE WISE!
21. Trust your instincts!  If you sense danger, get out of the situation, or do not go. Gut feelings are important.
22. If using Uber or Lyft, be sure the car and driver are the description that was text to you. Check before you get in the car.
23. Watch for scammers – every area has their own particular scam, particularly if you don’t speak the language or you are unfamiliar with the culture.  Google worst scams for tourist at your specific location.  Be aware!
24. People all over the world are jealous of Americans.  They think we have it all, and we do have it pretty good.  Be aware that even though they seem friendly and nice, they may have resentments and jealousies toward Americans.  BE careful when dealing with others!
25. Traveling out of the US–have Travel Insurance.