Traveling During the Christmas Season

Many of us will be traveling to visit relatives and friends during the upcoming holiday season. We are in a festive mood and sometimes we tend to forget about basic safety measures that we can take while traveling. Keep yourself and your family safe. Here are some tips on Traveling:

If you are in the military or a government employee try to refrain from using military duffel bags or bags with government patches or logos and use concealed luggage tags

If you are in the military do not use rank or title to reserve airline tickets and hotel rooms

If you are in the military keep a low profile in dress and demeanor

Be cautious about giving out information regarding family travel plans to those who do not have a need to know.

Do not post your travel plans on your Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or any other social network site. You are just asking for trouble.

When you leave your home, make sure that it still has a lived in look. Use timers for lights, TV or radio.

Do not let mail or newspapers to accumulate while you are away. Have the post office hold mail, you can go to this site and stop your mail, http://www.usps.com.

Have a trusted friend or neighbor pickup your mail and newspapers.

Everyone loves their Facebook or Myspace or their own social network and you really want everyone to know what a great time you are having, please refrain from posting your pictures to your account until you get back home.

Don't leave valuables in sight through windows.

Have someone mow your lawn, rake leaves or shovel snow while you're away.

And never ever leave a message on your answering machine that you are not home, even if you are not on vacation, instead leave a message that you cannot get to the phone right now but you will call them back as soon as possible. While away check you answering machine and call back some of those people.

At The Airport:

Stay especially alert and watch your bags and laptop computer at all times.

Don't let anyone but uniformed airline personnel handle your bags. Watch out for staged mishaps, like someone bumping into you or spilling a drink. Often it's a ploy to divert your attention.

Carry your purse close to your body, or your wallet in an inside front pocket. Better yet, wear a money pouch under your clothes.

Keep a separate record of the contents of checked luggage. Keep anything of value in a carryon that stays with you. Avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewelry and luggage that might draw attention. Your aim should be to blend in with the crowd.

Traveling by Car:

Become familiar with your travel route before you start. Get a map and study it.

Keep car doors locked while you are driving. Always store your luggage in the trunk.

Park in well lighted areas only, close to building entrances and walkways.

Leaving the hotel or motel, have car keys ready when approaching your car.

Check the back seat and floors before you get in.

If you are renting a car while you are away make sure your rental car is in good operating condition, before you leave the lot. Learn how to operate all windows, door locks and other equipment.

If you are bumped by another car, think before you get out. If you are in doubt or uncomfortable, signal the other driver to follow you to a nearby police station or a busy, well lighted area where it's safe to get out. Then get out and exchange information.

Arriving at your hotel or motel:

Never leave luggage unattended.

Keep hotel doors and windows locked, and use all door locks. Learn the location of fire exits, stair wells, elevators and public phones in case of emergency.

Make sure your room has an indoor viewer and a dead bolt lock. Always verify who's at your door. If an unexpected visitor claims to be a hotel employee, call the front desk to make sure.

Ask hotel staff about the safety of the neighborhood and what areas to avoid, especially if you want to walk or jog nearby.

Before taking a cab, ask the staff about directions and estimated costs.

Don't display room keys in public or leave them on the restaurant tables, at the swimming pool or in other places where they can easily be stolen.

If you lose the plastic key card to your room, insist on a new keyed card.

Holiday Bad Weather Driving:

Be especially careful during any winter weather. Plan ahead so you don't have to rush, which increases the risk for accidents. If you have car problems or are in a car accident and need a tow, verify the tow truck that arrives is the one your insurance company or auto club sent and not a scam artist who just happened to drive by and see you as his next target of opportunity.

HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE HOLIDAY