| Perhaps you have dreamed for years of a | | | | |
| vacation in Europe or South America, or maybe | | | | |
| in your current job you find you must travel | | | | |
| often to exotic locales for your business. | | | | Look inconspicuous when traveling. Do not |
| The prospect of seeing a different land, | | | | flaunt jewelry, credit cards, or anything |
| experiencing cultures, languages and people | | | | that might catch the eye of a mugger. Of |
| different from the United States is exciting, | | | | course, it is never a good idea to carry only |
| yet there are as many risks involved in | | | | cash when traveling. Have travelers checks |
| traveling abroad as there are traveling your | | | | handy, and do not keep all of your money in |
| own country.This is not to stay that danger | | | | one place - leave some in a well-hidden spot |
| lurks behind every corner, waiting to grab an | | | | in your room (and make sure your room is |
| unsuspecting tourist or visitor. At Park | | | | locked) when you go out. |
| Atlanta ( we have had the privilege to | | | | |
| shuttle many a world trekker to Hartsfield | | | | |
| and back, and have heard many wonderful | | | | |
| stories. Since we would like to continue | | | | Exchange money only at authorized locations, |
| hearing positive words, we are happy to offer | | | | i.e. banks and hotels. When you travel to |
| some safety tips to the novice traveler, that | | | | some countries, you may find the local |
| you may enjoy a safe and happy trip. Don't | | | | vendors will gladly accept American currency |
| forget to take lots of pictures, too! | | | | rather than their own. American currency |
| | | | tends to have a higher value, and more than |
| | | | likely the natives will hang onto to it and |
| | | | exchange it when their own currency's value |
| Know the laws and customs of each country | | | | peaks. Therefore, you may want to consider |
| you visit. As a traveler in a foreign | | | | keeping a small amount of American cash when |
| country, you are subject to each country's | | | | you visit local markets. If you are not |
| laws regardless of being an American citizen. | | | | familiar with exchange rates and try to |
| Take note not to turn left when you should | | | | bargain with foreign currency, you may find |
| turn right, and remember that just because | | | | you have paid too much for certain items. |
| something is illegal in the States doesn't | | | | |
| mean it's legal elsewhere.. Should you run | | | | |
| into and legal difficulties, contact the | | | | |
| nearest US Embassy. | | | | Have your hotel arrange transportation for |
| | | | you where needed. While it is rather |
| | | | commonplace to hail a cab in a large US city |
| | | | like Atlanta, you might find there are risks |
| Always leave a detailed itinerary with a | | | | in certain countries, particularly if the |
| family member or friend at home in case of | | | | taxis are not licensed. Use only the |
| emergency. If you know in advance where you | | | | companies and drivers your hotel concierge |
| are staying, make sure somebody has your | | | | recommends. |
| hotel and transit information. | | | | |
| | | | Lastly, visit the US State Department's |
| | | | Travel site for information on obtaining |
| | | | passports and visas, and updated travel |
| Leave a copy of your passport information | | | | warnings. When armed with knowledge on your |
| with a trusted friend or relative at home in | | | | intended destination beforehand, you are |
| the event your passport is lost or stolen | | | | certain to enjoy a wonderful trip wherever |
| while overseas. | | | | you go.Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer |
| | | | who writes travel and safety articles for |
| | | | various websites, including Park Atlanta ( |
| | | | private long-term parking service to |
| Always keep an eye on your belongings when | | | | Hartsfield Airport, and CJF Security ( and |
| in public. Do not leave bags unattended, and | | | | international personal and corporate security |
| do not accept packages from strangers. | | | | organization. |