TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS FOR EVERYONE

Travel Safety on Public Transportation

Travel safety is especially important when one is traveling abroad, as help may not be readily available nor as facilities as good as it is in one's country of origin.

When one is traveling, it is sometimes unavoidable to use the public transportation system in the city or town of our destination. Riding public transport, be it a train or a bus, offers some adventures but it could cause some misfortunes if one is not careful. Be safety conscious and follow the travel safety tips outlined below:

• While waiting for a bus, streetcar, or train, stand near others who are also waiting.
• If the immediate area is deserted or in darkness, stand near an occupied building or in a lighed area until transportation arrives.
• Once on the bus, streetcar, or train, be aware of those around you. If someone looks or acts suspicious, notify the driver.
• If the coach is empty or nearly empty, sit as far up fron and as close to the driver as possible.
• If someone begins to bother you, get up and notify the driver immediately.
• Upon arriving at your stop, be aware of those who alight with you. If you feel you are being followed, go to the nearest occupied building and ask for assistance.
• After dark, attempt to get off the bus in well-lighted areas. Use only well-lighted streets to reach your final destination.

Travel Safety in an Automobile

The car is the most convenient mode of transport undoubtedly, whether at home or abroad. Abroad, it is often said that the best car for traveling is a rental. Car accidents do occur, and it pays to be aware of this and take precautions.

Here are some time-tested travel safety tips when using a car - rental or your own.

• Make certain your car is always in good working order, with safe tires and an adequate amount of gasoline for your planned trip. It pays to have a full tank of gas always.
• Always check your car before getting in - to make sure that no one is hiding inside.
• It is best to park in attended lots. If you must leave a key with the attendant, leave only the ignition key or the valet key. In all cases, lock your car.
• Do not leave packages or personal items in open view in the car - place them in the trunk.
• At night, park only in lighted areas.
• If you are in danger of being harmed or robbed, while in your car, start sounding your horn until assistance arrives.
• Never, never pick up a hitchhiker. In some places, this is even illegal.
• If you have a flat tire in area you feel might not be safe, try to keep driving until you reach a safe location.
• If you feel you are being followed, drive to the nearest police or fire station, or open gas station.

In general, if you are confronted with a dangerous situation, yelling "FIRE", "FIRE", instead of "HELP", will generally bring faster attention.

We hope these travel safety tips got your attention. Please feel free to print this page and share it with your friends.

Pickpockets could cause you a lot of inconvenience when traveling. Check out our article on this travel safety tip in this page.

Have a safe day.