Safety
Unfortunately, crime does happen,
but it shouldn't be hard to stay safe if you
are careful with your belongings.
ACCOMMODATION - When you are in your
accommodation, always store your valuables in
the safe provided.
Always keep your door locked, whether you are
in or out and if you are not sure of the validity
of a 'room service' visit, phone reception before
you open the door.
POSSESSIONS - Always keep a close eye
on your daybag as tourists are an easy target
for pick pockets.
Try to keep valuables such as your camera out
of sight and perhaps keep your money in a money
belt around your waist.
When paying by credit card, don't let it out
of your sight as they could be taking multiple
copies.
It is easy to be relaxed about these things
as you think it will never happen to you. However,
just be careful and if you are really worried,
leave sentimental objects and valuables at home.
MUGGING
- Try and avoid it by not flashing money around
in a public place.
Don't wander round looking like a foreigner
with a map in front of your face.
If you really are lost, choose the person you
ask carefully and do it in a well-lit and crowded
street.
Always carry some cash in your pocket - about
$50 dollars should do - to pay off any would
be assailant.
Keep away from dark streets and always walk
on the edge of the pavement. At least then you've
got a chance to run into a lighted area, across
a busy street if necessary, and call for help.
Try not to get drunk in strange bars, however
friendly the locals may seem!
CAR THEFT
- Keep all your luggage and valuables out
of sight in the boot of your car or vehicle.
Under no circumstances stop if you see a 'friendly
stranger' waving you down or pointing at your
vehicle as if you have a fault.
Particularly
when driving in urban areas, keep your doors
locked and your windows never more than slightly
open. Hire cars in America all have air-conditioning!
WATER SAFETY - Never go into the water
if you have had too much to drink.
Try to avoid swimming at night or alone as there
are some strong currents that can take you by
surprise.
Do not swim after a meal as you are more likely
to get cramps.
If you want to relax on a lilo, be careful not
to fall asleep and drift far out into the ocean.
For more information
go to www.lonelyplanet.com
and click on their worldguide for more
detail.
And last of all - enjoy yourself! It may sound
like there are a lot of things to remember,
but if common sense is one of them, you should
be fine and be able to enjoy what the States
have to offer.
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