Traveling to unknown destinations can bring you the kind of trouble you don’t want to experience while on the road, namely robbery, rape or murder. Tourists are often victims of perpetrators because they do not prepare properly before embarking on a trip. Let’s take a look at some things you should do to prevent your travels from becoming a tragedy:

1. Never include your home address on your luggage tag. If you are on business, put the company address on the label; if visiting friends, you can include their address. Use covered luggage tags too.

2. Keep your baggage until the baggage is checked. If you must leave your bag, keep one foot on the handle.

3. Take important documents with you; NEVER bookmark anything you simply cannot afford to lose. Photocopy your passport, driver’s license and credit cards.

4. Carry a small flashlight. You never know when you’ll suddenly be “in the dark” and find yourself in an unfamiliar environment. At night, keep your flashlight by your bed.

5. Make sure your prescriptions are stocked properly and labeling precisely. In some countries, certain prescription drugs are prohibited.

6. Never wear anything that projects wealth. No visible gold chains, expensive watches and rings, luggage or other paraphernalia. Even better: leave your jewelry at home.

7. If possible, travel with only one or two credit cards.

8. Women in particular should never accept a drink from a stranger. Keep an eye on your drink at all times.

9. Vary your schedule; Try not to come and go at the same time every day.

10. Stay only in a hotel that uses cards to open room doors and make sure your room has a peephole and deadbolt. Secure the chain and secure the door by pushing a rubber bumper under it.

11. Stay in a room near a staircase. Never take the elevator if a fire or smoke is detected. Always stay in a hotel where the doors enter the corridor and not directly from the outside.

12. Do not wear name tags in public.

13. Do not use unmarked taxis.

14. Sit behind the driver so you can see him, but he can’t see you.

15. Pay the driver upon arrival at your destination and while you are still seated in the vehicle.

16. If you must rent a car, rent only from a reputable company. Any operational problem that occurs could indicate sabotage.

17. Be on the lookout for ‘stage’ car accidents meant to catch you off the card.

18. Return to your parking spaces to facilitate a quick exit.

19. Park only in well-lit, well-trafficked areas.

20. If your cell phone doesn’t work out of the country, consider renting one that will while you travel.

21. If you are detained for any reason by an official, ask for identification. If in doubt, tell them you want to see his superior. Keep your emotions under control.

22. If you are traveling with children, carry an up-to-date photograph of each child in case you become separated from them.

23. Write your child’s name and hotel number on each card; include the contact information of a close friend or family member on the card. Give each child a card that they will take with them while you are away. Destroy once at home.

24. Discuss with your family what they would do in an emergency while away from home, eg who to call, how to contact emergency personnel, etc.

25. Do not discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information in public within earshot of strangers.

26. Carry a basic first aid kit with bandages, iodine, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, alcohol sachets, dramamine, pepto bismol, antidiarrheals, etc.

27. Familiarize yourself with train and bus schedules before you travel. Have a backup plan in case your transportation plans change.

28. Do not show your passport in public. Discreetly show important documents only to officials.

29. Consider buying portable alarms that make a loud sound.

30. Watch for scams on the street. Children who work with adults are notorious pickpockets.

31. Never show your money in public. Trade funds only with reputable and recognized exchangers.

32. Have tips ready in advance for personal service.

33. Consider renting an escort [security] service if you travel in areas where crime is high.

The key to safe travel in any area is situational awareness. Distractions by luggage, children, hotel staff, strangers, etc. can put you at risk. Know your surroundings and stay in control of every situation.