11 Tips for Teen Safety During Spring Break

For those teens that are jet-setting during their spring break, or those parents waving goodbye, here are some helpful tips for everyone that may need a few reminders for safe travels.

1. Research your destination before you reach it. Different countries, states, and territories have different ideas of socially acceptable interaction. For instance, smiling at passersby might mean something completely different in other parts of the world, and may even be taken as an invitation to be pursued or followed. Sometimes eye contact is considered a faux pas. It is best to do your research to enable you to blend in for safety reasons.

2. Check your insurance options for lost or stolen luggage: The United States Department of Transportation requires airlines to be liable for losses for checked bags on domestic flights, but it may not cover the cost of all of your lost belongings. Nearly all valuables most likely to be stolen (i.e. camera equipment, jewelry, cash) are excluded from liability.

3. Carry-on luggage is not covered by the transportation liability. Travel insurance can be purchased as well as excess valuation coverage, homeowner's or renter's coverage, and Credit card coverage. All airlines only pay the depreciated value of lost items. Check the personal replacement policy with your insurance.

4. Buy hard-sided luggage and lock for added safety. Soft-sided luggage is an attraction for thieves. Sierra Trading Post offers many brands of hard-sided luggage such as Eagle Creek, Victorinox, Pathfinder, Columbia Sportswear, and High Sierra.

5. Always be aware of your surroundings. Most robberies and other unfortunate encounters occur in bus and train stations, and crowded streets when you least expect it. People who are distracted by using cell phones, fumbling for keys, or have their hands full of shopping bags are big targets for crime. Keep an eye out as you approach your car, train, bus, or other transportation. Have your keys ready to unlock your car or house, and take a good look around the entire parking or boarding area for suspicious activities and people. The majority of traveling victims are those that act unaware of their surroundings. If it's dark outside, buy a keychain light or a flashlight to help you find your way. (Flashlights and keychain lights are simple solutions to see in the dark.)

6. Carry an air of confidence when traveling, even if you are in an unfamiliar location. Take mental note of cross streets, but wait to look at maps until you are inside at a discreet place. Ask trustworthy people for directions, such as police officers, and desk clerks at train and bus stations, and hotels.

7. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for any security issues in any area of the world. Pay attention to the news at all times, especially in a time when such safety threats are so prevalent. As always, buckle up. Remind your friends and loved ones of the easiest safety precaution they can take. You may save their lives.

8. When registering, give only necessary information: Provide only your last name and first initial. In your hotel, raise suspicion if switchboard is giving away room numbers, or piling room keys on a desk. Ask if there is a safe available for your valuables.

9. Avoid thievery by hanging the Do Not Disturb sign on the hotel door when you leave. This acts as a deterrent for thieves, and gives the illusion that the room is occupied. Keep your room key with you at all times and within easy access.

10. Robberies happen where least expected: Pack money, credit cards, and valuables in a secure money belt under your clothes...not just in your purse. If carrying cash, spread it out in several places such as inside shoes, very little in your purse, and in your money belt to prevent the loss of all your valuables. Carry only necessary valuables with you.

11. A common thief tactic is to cut purse and money belt straps so they can disappear quickly in the thick of a crowd with your belongings. Purchase money belts with metal linings on the strap so scissors and blades are unsuccessful.

(Source: Sierra Trading Post)