5 Great Travel Safety Items

Traveling for your first time overseas and somewhat nervous about it? Don't worry, it's normal to be concerned about what things to bring with you and what to leave at home on your first trip abroad. Having traveled abroad before, I have comprised a short, simple list of very necessary and practical things that will fit in the smallest compartment of your suitcase, and won't weigh it down too much.

5 Great Travel Safety Items:
- Language Translator

- Power Converter

- Pick-pocket proof bag

- Wallet/passport holder

- Simple, easy-to-read maps

First and foremost, if you're traveling to a foreign country that is not a primarily English-speaking country, you should either learn the language first or take a very reliable language translator. Being a linguistic-guru, my dad did some research on electronic language translators and found one that suits my needs perfectly. The Lingo Global Traveler offers 20 languages including Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Greek, and many others. It's handheld, simple, convenient, and VERY easy to use. A great way to purchase it is through Amazon, here: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R2A588

Secondly, many people neglect to realize the fact that every nation has a different power outlet design. Do NOT forget to purchase a small, convenient power converter and take it with you. The one I have is called the Powerline Global Power Converter and it offers converters for countries/continents including Europe, Oceania (Australia/New Zealand), North/South America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Great Britain and Hong Kong. It's simple to carry and doesn't weigh much at all. It's cheap but good quality, and can be found at Walmart, here: www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do

Thirdly, pick-pocketing is a huge problem (but very small crime) in many countries in the world. Most pick-pocketers know exactly what they're doing and are very experienced in doing so. A great, but very out-of-date option for a bag is the fanny pack, as it sits right on your waist, on the front of your body. However, many people have come to find that pick-pocketers still go for fanny packs too! A great option for a bag that's stylish, unique, AND pick-pocket proof is the Kavu bag. It may not be the cheapest of bags (ranging anywhere from $30-$70) but it's very convenient, and fits right under your arm to repel pick-pocketing thieves. You can find the Kavu bag here, on the website: www.kavu.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp

Fourthly, a convenient way to carry your cards, money, and passport is a wallet/keychain accordion, which will fit easily into your Kavu bag. I use one of these on a daily basis, just going to work and school as a simple and compact way to carry my necessities. Many selections, brands, colors, and materials of wallet/keychain accordions can be found here: www.bizrate.com/wallets/key-wallet/

And finally, you'll definitely need a map. But who likes carrying around big obnoxious maps that cover your entire body and are difficult to read? You know, the kinds that rip and tear and get water drops from a London rain, or food stains from a gyro in Greece? Not me. I've found a really great, tear-proof, waterproof, compact, easy-to-read map AND it includes information on the city you're visiting, such as restaurants, the climate, popular destinations, etc. It's called the Pocket-Pilot and I bought it for a mere $5 at Barnes and Noble. Here are some more options: www.mapamia.com/international-travel-maps-pocket-pilot-maps-c-16_78_739.html

One final note... Another great thing to invest in is the iPod touch (or the iPhone). It contains thousands of apps you can download (most of which are free!) and is a very easy to use piece of technology. I have one, and I use it daily!

Happy travels and bon voyage!