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 Travel & Outdoors | July 2006 
Travel Safe and Sound: 10 Reminders for Worry-Free Travels
 Michael McCann - ABC News
Michael McCann is the former Chief of Security at the United Nations and now the president of McCann Protective Services, a New York protection firm. Based on his "top ten mistakes business executives make while traveling," the tips below offer ways to ensure your travels abroad are safe and sound:
1. Do not flaunt your wealth: Leave the gold watch and diamond earrings at home and "maintain a low-key, non-attention getting demeanor" in order to blend into the native crowd.
2. Stay focused - not on technology: Since traveling abroad brings you in contact with diverse languages, geographies and cultures, stay alert. Maintain a hands-off policy for all technological devices, including cell phones, blackberries and laptops, while commuting or settling into the new surroundings.
3. Tidy up the wallet: When traveling, take only a few credits and a minimal amount of cash with you. Use travelers' checks where possible. Leave all unnecessary membership cards, such a gym club or video store membership, at home. As for personal photos, bring only pictures of those with whom you are traveling in case someone gets lost.
4. Higher is not always better: Request a room on the third through fifth floors. This ensures a quick exit from your room in the case of an emergency. Avoid rooms at the back of the building.
5. Avoid showing off hometown memorabilia: Keep the sports clothing in the closest at home and the names and addresses under wraps inside the suitcase.
6. Travel light: Pack the necessities and leave the rest at home. Being bogged down by heavy luggage pinpoints a tourist. If traveling with a laptop, use a bag that does not resemble "a traditional computer bag."
7. Know the local climate - weather-wise and attitude-wise: Bring clothes for the weather predicted so as not to stick out visually. Study the local customs and traditions. Figure out what "crime problems exist."
8. Make extra copies: Photocopy and pack an extra copy of your passport inside your luggage. Keep extra copies of your "official ID information," including driver's license and credit cards, at home.
9. Stock up on meds: Make sure to pack extra doses of prescribed medicines. Also bring along the original container in case a refill is needed. Study up on the medical coverage provided at your destination in case of an emergency.
10. Keep in Touch: Bring along updated "emergency contact lists" of both home numbers and local numbers, including those of the American consulate and police |
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