Travel safely - some tips!

Safety during travel should be given topmost priority.
Traveling carelessly will attract trouble. There is a tendency for people to drop off their usual guard during vacation travel. Such callous attitude may invite trouble.

Have a definite plan

The tour plan should be charted out days in advance with all the details taken care of. Every member of the group should be aware of all the details of the tour plan. There should be a team leader.
Each member of the group should feel free to discuss openly their concerns, ideas etc to make the travel pleasurable. If you feel that you won't fit perfectly in a group it is better to avoid travel with them. Tell them 'NO' politely.

Beware of strangers and touts

Here, you will have to trust your instincts and gut feelings. Research a lot about the places you are going to visit. Browse the internet, read the blogs, you will get plenty of info.
Ask the Hotel concierge or the tour desk about the the tourist spots. Most of the hotels have reliable tour planners. Give priority to safety even of it costs a little more.
As far as possible avoid touts. There will be lot of touts around tourist spots to distract you. Keep a distance from them.

Safety in places of stay

Stay in a reputed place. Avoid shady dwellings. Any concerns should be immediately notified to the people at reception desk. Keep the doors and windows locked especially when you sleep.
Use the safety latch and peephole. Refuse stay in interconnected rooms. Keep a flashlight, candles and matches ready in the case of an unlikely event of power failure. Never allow strangers to visit you in your room, meet them at the lobby. Handle the electrical appliances safely. Make sure the room you stay is safe!

Important contacts / telephone numbers

Note down the telephone numbers of tourist police and other emergency numbers.

Passport / tickets / identification / money / keys

Safely keep all these with you. Extra pockets in clothes will be useful. Use the safe deposit locker in the room.
Handle money carefully. Never attract unwanted attention by showing off money, jewellery etc. Always be on the guard. Watch out for pick pockets!

Avoid shady places

Dark alleys, shady dwellings....well....it is common sense these places are dangerous. Keep away....
Be safe! Go to reputed joints to have food and drink if needed. Return to Hotel well before late night.

Enjoy a safe travel especially during vacation!