June 23, 2003 -- No matter how often I travel, there's something I always neglect to pack. So it's nice to have the advice of experts, the hardworking members of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), to give us a head's up on what to remember not to forget for this summer's vacations. The Society's 1,300 members, through its president, Adele Malott, want to encourage Americans to travel, saying that "in some ways, travel is better than ever, with people more open, helpful and considerate."
Here's the consolidated wisdom about moving about in an unsettled world from all those traveling scribes:
1. Plan ahead, know the hotspots. If going abroad, check out www.travel.state.gov for safety profiles, including warnings and advisories.
2. When abroad, learn the location of the nearest US embassy or consulate. Leave a copy of your passport with them, as well as with someone at home, and the real thing in your hotel safe. For walk-around ID, make a color copy of the passport cover and the first two pages.
3. Don't read maps and guidebooks on street corners as these indicate your tourist status and make you easy targets. Go inside somewhere.
4. On checking in to your hotel, get acquainted with the concierge or front desk staff, especially if traveling alone. Tell them what you're up to (if necessary, in the guise of asking advice). They just might keep an eye out for you.
5. When going out, pick your clothing carefully and don't dress like the Chevy Chase tourist character from the Vacation movies. Try to dress as the locals do, avoiding calling attention to yourself.
6. Avoid large crowds such as political rallies (sometimes it's hard to know when these are taking place) or sporting events. (On another note, personally, I believe that smaller hotels and lodgings are less likely to attract terrorists than the big chains.)
7. Communications. Always learn the words for "help" and "police" in the local language, keep local change for the pay phone or carry a local phone card, the number where help is available (remember, it's not always 911), the number of your hotel and other emergency information.
8. Taxis. In some locales, hailing a cab can be risky, so have your hotel or restaurant phone one for you. Carry your hotel's business card with you so you can always get back there easily.
9. Restaurants. Avoid fast food places if you can (the food is better elsewhere, anyhow), and don't sit in the front windows.
10. Defend against pickpockets, by separating and stowing money and credit cards in money belts, socks, bras, neck pouches, etc.
For more tips and information check out www.satw.org.
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