Tourist
 

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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