Travel Safety

Planning Your Trip:

Research the country you are going to. Familiarize yourself with its laws and customs.
Select hotels carefully. They should be situated in well-known and safe areas.
Make a copy of airline tickets, driver’s licence and credit cards. Keep these separate from the originals.
Establish points of contact. Someone should know your whereabouts at all times and be provided with contact information on where to reach you.
Know important phone numbers (i.e. Health and Life Insurance, police, ambulance and hospitals of travelling destinations).
Know location of Canadian Embassy and other safe places where you can find refuge and assistance.
Bring a “Give Away” wallet, purse, and money.

Keep a low profile and protect your identity. Avoid discussing personal and background information.
Do not use street ATMs.
Know how to use local phone and carry “local phone” change at all times. When using pay phone, turn around and face those around you.
Travel in a group whenever possible.
Walk on well-lit, heavily traveled streets. Avoid alleys or side streets.
Keep informed about international events.
Do not display any outward vestiges of wealth which contrasts with those of the country in which you are travelling. (i.e. money, clothes, jewellery, etc).

Use concealed bag tags.
Spend as little time as possible in airports.
Do not leave your belongings unattended.
Stay away from unattended luggage, trash containers, lockers, windows, and glass walls.

Use valet parking whenever possible. Otherwise park close to hotel access point.
Do not place ID or credit cards on counter for strangers to see.
Avoid ground / first floor and high floors in Third World locations.
Use elevators rather than stairwells. Stand near the elevator control panel so if threatened, you can push the alarm button.
Keep your room key in your possession at all times.
Report lost keys immediately and consider changing rooms.
Do not accept deliveries to your room unless previously arranged.
When room is vacant, leave your lights or music on and pull curtains.
Read fire/safety instructions.

Driving is not advisable in some higher risk and Third World locations.
In some Third World countries, do not use public transportation.
Drive on top half of gas tank. Refuel during daylight or at well lighted service stations.
Check the interior before entering your vehicle.
Lock doors and have a cell phone.
Place packages in the trunk.
Place bags on the floor, never on the seat.
Avoid dark remote parking areas such as hotel garage parking.
If your car is bumped from behind in an isolated area, put flashers on and drive to a location where there are other people. Do not stop immediately.