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