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