1. Before your trip starts discuss the problems associated with getting separated in a strange city. Tell ALL of the people in your group that if you get lost or separated from each other to return to the last place you were together. As an alternate meeting place, tell them to return to the car or pick up point for your transportation, every hour on the hour. (This points out how important it is to plan a place and time to meet and ALWAYS park in a well-lit and safe area).

2. Do not stop on the street to consult a map or ask for directions. This immediately identifies you as a tourist. Step into a busy business to look at maps or check directions. 

3. Talk to your children about where you are going and the different types of transportation you will be on. Talk with all group members about safety and security, and discuss any special problems anticipated in the regions you will be in.

4. Remember when you are on vacation to continue to think. You may be in a beautiful area, but sometimes people are looking for suckers. Leaving cameras and valuables in plain sight is not a good idea. For example, in Maui people often stop to watch the whales, leaving their cars unlocked while their luggage is in the back seat. While they are looking at the whales, others may be going through the bags. Also, remember to take your keys with you when you lock the car. Many people forget and then end up having to shell out cash to get back into the car.  

5. Do not carry your camera equipment or other valuables around in bags marked with brand names on them. Try to conceal such items in a regular backpack or in other less obvious ways.

6. While driving in large cities always keep your windows up, doors locked, and valuables out of sight. Travel well-lit, busy routes. If you are accosted or followed, drive to a busy place like a convenience store, gas station, police station, or fire hall. Once there, stay in your car and draw attention to yourself by honking your horn. 

7. When you are finished with a roll of film, leave it in your hotel safe rather than your camera bag. If your camera is stolen, you still have the film. 

8. When you first go into your hotel room and before you throw down your bags and collapse exhausted - take a moment to look back out into the corridor and remember where the fire exit is (in THIS hotel!) It takes only a moment. And - if you're exiting your room during a fire alarm - Remember! take your key with you - you may need to get back in if your exit is blocked by fire. 

9. During your trip do not give out information about your destination, valuables or itinerary to people who do not need it - desk clerks, door men, taxi drivers and such. 

10. Do not look vulnerable or lost. Walk with a purpose and stay alert to what's happening around you.   Travel in groups when possible.  

11. When using the automatic teller machine (ATM), be aware of your surroundings and company. Don't use ATMs in dark, out-of-the-way areas.  

12. Try to look as if you know where you are going, this may not be so easy if after all it is the first ever time in that country, but even still look confident as IF you know.

13. Do NOT pull large amounts of cash out of your pocket. This will catch attention, no matter what country you are in. It sounds so silly, but it is amazing how many people pull out a mound of cash to buy some small item.

14. Try to think about where you are going that day and carry sufficient cash for that and any unforeseen extras, plus a card. That should cover all you need and will limit any losses if anything did happen.

15. Do NOT accept drinks from anybody that you have just met, especially if in dubious surroundings or do not know, they could be laced with any type of concoction.  

16. Try not to go on "wonderful trips" or to a "super shopping centre" rides with people who approach you in the street. This could lead anywhere, and will probably cost you a lot more than by taking a normal taxi. Ask your concierge or read through this site.

17. Check on your first day whether you need to reconfirm your next flight, if so do it then. Some airlines do not require this anymore but it is still worthwhile calling them so that they at least have your contact details, in case the flight is delayed or whatever.

18. Do not carry your passport around, leave it in the safe in your hotel. A photocopy will suffice if local law states that you need to.  

19. Keep abreast of dangerous places based on the bulletins put out by your country's department of state or foreign affairs. Heed the information and  

20. Make a note of the phone number and address of your embassy in each country or area you are traveling to and give them a call to register when you are there.

(This is not necessary in developed countries such as the US and Western Europe).

21. Always lock and label your luggage.

22. Leave photocopies of all your important travel documents such as air tickets, traveler's check numbers and credit/debit cards at home with a trusted family member or friend. Make copies for yourself and keep them separately from your documents.

23. Always ensure someone knows your exact travel plans including flights, rail departures etc. If your plans are flexible or they change, update a designated person and make sure they write all the information down.

24. Do not wear clothing that labels you. Be unassuming in your choice of clothing and do not flaunt wealth. Do not wear any jewelry other than a simple wedding band. Even if you aren't married wearing a wedding band will avoid unwanted attention.

25. Do not carry laptops or cameras in expensive looking bags. Be creative. If you are a woman use a padded diaper bag. Use a money belt for carrying money and documents while traveling. Do carry prescription medicine or other essentials on your person in case you lose your luggage.

26. Do not accept letters, parcels or gifts from strangers and do not allow your luggage to sit unattended, even for a moment. If you see unattended luggage in an airport, train, or bus station report it.

27. Carry a personal noise-making security device. Pepper spray is not a good idea. It is legal within Canada and the US but illegal to cross a border with. It is also illegal to bring on planes. Children should be told to yell and scream if they are in danger. Adults should do the same.

28. For a small fee, many airports will shrink-wrap your bag in plastic. This not only prevents tampering and theft but also saves wear and tear on your luggage.

29. To speed your way through security, do not carry anything sharp in your handbags and have your cell phone and laptop ready to fire up for the security agent. If you carry drinks in your carryon, be prepared to take a swig. They could be volatile liquids.

30. Do not carry all your money or checks in one place.

31. Avoid carrying your purse and/or wallet loosely or in obvious places where they may be easily stolen. Don't leave purses on chairs or on restroom hooks.

32. When you go out at night, try to stay in well lit areas and travel in pairs or groups if possible.  If you are unfamiliar with an area, take a map along so you will not get lost.

33. Make a list of your credit card toll-free phone numbers in case you have to cancel them.

34. Keep a written record of your confirmation numbers whenever you make reservations.

Always ask for the number. And always ask if there are discounted rates available, especially if you are a member of AAA, AARP or a travel club.

35. Leave an itinerary of your trip with someone at home in case you need to be contacted.

36. Check the weather forecast for your destination before you leave to ensure that you are taking appropriate clothes. And find room in your luggage for a folding travel umbrella.

37. Always keep medicines in their labeled containers and bring a copy of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If any of your medicines contains a narcotic, get a letter from your doctor indicating your need to take the drug.

38. Carry an extra passport photo with you just in case you need to replace a stolen passport.

39. If you plan on driving, ask your insurer about a special proof of insurance card you can take with you

40. Do not carry large quantities of cash. Travelers checks provide personal security and can be replaced. Also, carry only credit cards you will use on vacation. Canceling lost or stolen credit cards is inconvenient and sometimes difficult on a vacation.

41. When traveling to a foreign country always consult your AAA Travel Agent regarding required travel documents such as passports, visas and tourist cards. It is a good idea, however, to always carry proof of citizenship, preferably a passport.

42. With advance notice, most cruise lines and airlines can accommodate special dietary needs. Your AAA Travel Agent can make those arrangements.

43. Travel insurance can cover unexpected expenses including lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellation, emergency medical needs and missed flight connections. For answers to travel insurance questions, call AAA Trip Assist Cruise/Travel Protection at 1-800-284-8300.