Odyssey Travel Tips

Since the tragedies of September 11, 2001, people have been more and more concerned about personal safety, especially when traveling. We at Odyssey Travel, Inc. share that concern, and want to take this opportunity to provide some tips for safe travel, both at home and abroad. We want your travel experience to be a memorable one, but only for the fun!

While You're Gone

• Leave the house with a "lived in" look. Use timers on interior lights and the stereo, radio, or TV.
• Have mail and newspaper delivery held, or ask a trusted neighbor to pick it up for you.
• Arrange to have your lawn cut if you'll be gone longer than a week.
• Don't leave notes on doors.
• Hide your valuables
• Notify the police or a trusted neighbor of your absence.

At the Airport

• Use concealed bag tags - the kind with the flap over your name and address
• Spend as little time as possible in the airport. Leave yourself plenty of time to get through security, but don't arrive too early. About 90 minutes prior to take-off for domestic flights, two hours for international flights should be plenty.
• Pass through security checks quickly, then proceed to a lounge or other open area away from baggage lockers.
• If possible, sit with your back against a wall.
• Remain alert. Be a "people watcher."
• Click here for a list of what is permitted on board aircraft.

At Hotels

• Do not give your room number to strangers
• Choose an inside hotel room if available. You may want to sacrifice the view in exchange for safety.
• Sleep away from street side windows. If your room has two double beds, take the one furthest from the window. If it has a single bed, sleep on the side furthest from the window.
• Leave lights on when room is vacant.
• Pull the curtains.
• Arrange knock signals with others in your party.
• Answer the telephone "hello." Don't use your name.
• Lock up before you leave the room. Put your valuables in the safe, either in your room (if available) or at the front desk.
• Keep your room key in your possession at all times.

While Driving

• Select a plain car; avoid the "rich American" look
• Lock your car when unattended.
• Look for signs of tampering such as scratches around the locks, doors, windows, and trunk. Look under the auto before you get in. Be alert when opening the doors.
• Keep the gas tank at least half full.
• If possible, alter your routes and avoid choke points.
• Watch mopeds and motorcycles.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.
• Drive with the windows up and the doors locked.
• Remember - REMAIN ALERT!!!

At All Times

• Avoid crowded areas
• Be alert exiting bars, restaurants, etc.
• Know how to use the local phone system. Carry "telephone change"
• Know emergency numbers for police, ambulance, and hospital
• When traveling abroad, know the location of the US Embassy and other safe locations where you can find refuge and assistance.

Other Ideas

• Place a large, wide rubber band around your wallet before you put it in your pocket. This will make it harder for pickpockets to "pick."
• Carry a "throwaway" wallet with a few dollars worth of the local currency in it. If you're ever attacked, give the robber the "throwaway" wallet. Remember that your "pocket money" may be more than a month's wages for a local criminal, especially in poorer countries.
• Travel with companions, and avoid dark roads or alleys.
• Obviously, NEVER accept packages or bags from strangers, especially prior to boarding an airplane.

This list of travel safety tips is certainly far from comprehensive. For further information, we recommend visiting the US Department of State website under the link for Services and Information for American Citizens Abroad at http://travel.state.gov/acs.html. This site has links for emergency information listed by country of destination, to include doctors, hospitals, lost passports, embassy and consulate locations, etc.

For even more information, please visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration site at http://www.TSATravelTips.us. This site offers tips for travelers and consumers, explains security procedures, and offers additional tips for a safe vacation.

Odyssey Travel, Inc. cares about you and your family, and we wish you a safe trip!