Traveling alone can be a great experience, you just need to be more careful about possible crime. There are measures you can take to make traveling sans company more safe. Keep reading this article to stay safe when you’re away from home.

Don’t do anything private on a public computer or WiFi connection. Public computers are vulnerable to keyloggers, software that records anything you type. This means that once you input your information, the person who installed it has access to it as well.

Once you have picked a destination, learn everything you can about the area. Buy a map of the area in which you are visiting, learn about the environment, and find tourist attractions. Once you arrive, it will be easier to maneuver through the area if you’re familiar with it.

Build in some flexibility about where you go when planning a vacation. While you might have your heart set on a certain one you always go to, being flexible can open you up to new experiences. In addition, choosing another destination can save you money if you are on a tight budget.

When traveling in strange cities, be alert for criminals posing as police officers or other government officials. Do not let anyone have your passport unless you are sure they are legitimate. If someone demands that you go to an office, walk. Make sure that you do not get into an automobile with somebody that you do not know, especially if they are acting oddly.

When traveling in other countries, be wary of what taxis you get into. Be sure that you choose legitimate operators. Anyone can place a “TAXI” sign atop their vehicle, which means you can be in danger.

Be sure a loved one has access to the itinerary of your trip. That way, someone at home will know where are are at all times. In addition, regularly call, text or email that family member so they know everything is okay with you. If they are aware of your location and communicate with you often, your family and friends will not worry.

Be sure to dress in casual, simple shoes that can be quickly removed. When you are boarding a plane you will need to remove your shoes during the security check. Shoes that you find comfortable are critical. Do not worry about serious foot support; you will be doing a lot more sitting than walking when you travel by air. Therefore, it is smart to wear sandals or flip-flops when flying.

Rush Hour

Do your best to avoid traveling during rush hour when you are driving. If you can’t avoid a rush hour in a city, stop at that time for a meal or rest. This can be the time to grab a bite to eat or let the kids out to burn some energy.

If you are going to travel with a young child, make sure you take breaks at least every two to three hours. Breaks give you the chance to stretch your limbs and visit the bathroom. Stopping and taking the child from the vehicle may also lower the incidence of motion sickness. While your trip may be a bit longer, less stress will make any delay worthwhile.

Always pass on a copy of the itinerary to someone that you trust. It should include the names, addresses and phone numbers of your destinations and any people you expect to visit. You should make sure they have a photocopy of your passport and your airline reservation.

Go luggage free when traveling by air. This saves plenty of time and makes the travel much better. Get your luggage to your destination by using FedEx or UPS. This will be worth it over the long run even though it may cost a little more.

Get out of your seat once every hour or so to move around and stretch if you have to travel for a while. Being in a sitting position for a long time can do harm to your muscles and even cause blood clots.

When traveling, a case for contact lenses can come in handy even if you have 20/20 vision. You can put small amounts of gel or lotion in them if you plan to only use a little bit.

Try to make your bags look distinct from other people’s. Decorating it with stickers, drawings and/or paint will do the trick. This way you can be sure to spot your bags if someone takes it by mistake.

Long flights across continents can certainly be taxing. Try to time your flight so that it arrives around the time when you would usually wake up in the morning. Relax and take a nap on the plane ) and rest until you reach your destination. This will leave you feeling great in the morning.

Put your personal information on a label inside your bags. Include your phone number and address along with your name. If the luggage is lost and the outer tags get removed, the authorities can still figure out that the luggage is yours. It’s a simple precaution that could save your luggage.

Before traveling to a foreign country, remember to purchase a high quality voltage converter or electrical adapter from an electronics store. If you purchase one at the airport or from a shop near your hotel, you are more than likely going to pay three or four times the normal price.

Traveling can be a dangerous affair. Groups can be safer, but there are lots of ways to protect yourself when traveling on your own. Use the guidance from this piece to keep yourself free from attack.