- Qipit
Qipit itinerary, passport and other important documents: Make sure you are protected in case of theft, loss or other emergency by making easy to access digital backup copies of important documents. Qipit (www.qipit.com), a free service, turns any camera phone into a mobile scanner so you can convert important documents (travelers checks, driver's license, passport or itinerary), into enhanced easy-to-read digital copies that can be saved online, emailed or faxed right from your phone to anywhere in the world.
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- Insurance
Review your insurance coverage: Confirm with your medical insurance provider that your policy applies overseas and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If your coverage does not cover you abroad, consider supplemental insurance.
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- Local Laws
Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: While visiting a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. The State Department website at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html has useful safety and other information about the countries you will visit.
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- Don't Be a Target
Don't make yourself a target: To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear flashy clothing or jewelry. Further, do not carry excessive amounts of cash. Lastly, do not leave your luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
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- Trust Your Instincts
Make smart choices and use your common sense. Ask for your room to be located close to an elevator and away from exits. Avoid booking a ground-floor room or a room that has easy access from outside. Always keep your room double locked and be sure to use the dead-bolt.
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- Privacy Please
When traveling alone, simply keep a low profile. Use covered luggage tags and include your office address instead of your home address. Check-in using your last name and first initial only. Inform the hotel not to release your information to anyone and ask them not to deliver any packages to your room.
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- Stay Connected
It's a good idea to email your upcoming travel itinerary to a colleague, friend or relative so someone will always know your whereabouts. Be sure to carry a cell phone when traveling alone, and of course sending an e-mail from the road to keep people informed is a good idea.
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- Learn about local culture
A little cultural research, pre-departure, can go a long way toward staying safe during your vacation. Are certain styles of dress frowned upon? Are there certain neighborhoods, bus routes, or subway stations that are notorious for petty crime? Getting a preview of what to expect can help you once you've arrived.
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- Don't be flashy
In certain parts of the world, iPods, cell phones, and certain clothing styles are the norm. In other places, they can make you stand out more than anything else. Many also feel a vacation is an excuse for getting new clothes or gadgets; however, it may make them more susceptible to petty crime. Additionally, don't be flashy with your behavior. While a vacation is certainly a time to relax, approaching a trip as an extended party (particularly as a solo traveler) can lead to big trouble.
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- Keep a phone card and cash on you
Always carry a small amount of cash so you can hop in a cab or go into a cafe if you don't feel safe, but beware of changing money in urban centers. A phone card is a good item to have, even if you have a cell phone. Should your phone and/or wallet get stolen, with a phone card you can make a quick call to a cab or your hotel to arrange for transportation, or get in touch with friends and family who may be able to help.
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