Travel Security Means Have Fun, Be Safe, Be SecureUnderstanding travel security will make you and your family much safer when visiting unfamiliar territory. This web site is committed to providing Florida tavel information updates whenever feasible. However, understanding how to protect our families and valuables while traveling must be a high priority for all of us. The following couple of pages draw from my nearly 40 years experience in the travel industry (i.e., Delta Airlines, CruiseOne Travel Agency owner/operator and Department of Homeland Security).
Affordable travel offers exitement and adventure throughout the United States and other areas around this beautiful planet Earth. Travel security simply means taking a little extra time, beginning with the planning stage to learn about the area environment you will be visiting. You also need to consider your stopovers, even if only an hour for a dining experience enroute. This site can't possibly give you all of the possibilities involving security but we hope to give you enough to effectively plan for a "no problems" travel experience. Identification, Don't Leave Home Without ItPassports and valid drivers licenses are the most preferred forms of identification in the United States. For added travel security leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member or close friend.
When traveling by air I can't emphasize enough the value of enhancing your travel security by reviewing the
TSA
web site for the latest updates on policy changes. TSA officers are given mandates requiring that they conduct additonal screening of you and/or your personal property. Sometimes it's random but most of the time it is some innocent thing you did, such as trying to carry a bottle of wine through the screening checkpoint even though the TSA has had a ban on liquids, gels and aerosols over 3.4 oz (100 ml)since August 2006.
Confirm your flight times and arrive early at your airport, at least 90 minutes at larger airports and 60 minutes at smaller airports. Travel light and upon check-in move immediately through the security screening checkpoint to your departure gate and never leave your carry-on baggage unattended even for a minute. When you have checked luggage, keep it locked with TSA friendly locks or leave it unlocked. Hardsided luggage is best. Travel security means that you avoid traveling with expensive luggage that will make you stand out. Prior to checking in at the ticket counter go through your carry-on luggage and remove items not needed or which pose a security risk, such as anything that looks like a weapon (even if it is only a toy gun or knife), expensive jewelry (leave at home unless absolutely needed for your special ocassion), liquids and gels (including tooothpaste and mouth wash) in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (exception: prescription medications). Be sure to carry your medications with you in the event of lengthy delays or mis-routed luggage. Once aboard your aircraft quickly stow your carry-on gear, check under your seat for any items that may have been left behind by the previous passenger and take note of your nearest emergency exit. When Traveling by CarFor your continued travel security when traveling by car make it a habit to lock your doors and keep your windows rolled up. Car jackings are on the rise in many of the larger metropolitan areas. When renting a car ask the rental agent for a good area map and carefully check your travel route before departing the rental lot. Remember to lock your car when unattended and avoid leaving valuables in plain view.Public TransportationA key element for effective travel security is for you to dress casually and keep a low profile. Leave expensive jewelry at home or at least in your hotel room safe when provided.Hotel SecurityHotel travel security suggests that you never give out your room number freely and chain lock your door when you turn in for the night. Read and understand your hotel's emergency exit plan in the event of a fire or natural disaster. Locate the nearest medical facility in the event of an emergency.Additionally we recommend you carry convenient cleaning products such as Handi-Wipes for cleaning common hotel items such as TV remote, telephone and drinking glasses when not individually wrapped. Continuous Travel SecurityContinuous travel security means that you remain alert to your surroundings at all times, not only for possibble criminal activity but also for wild animals such as alligators and venomous snakes. Always carry an ID card or copy and to protect yourself against pickpockets, avoid crowds.To avoid becoming a natural disaster statistic heed local weather warnings. Florida is notorious for major thunderstorms developing in relatively short periods of time especially during the summer months. These storms frequently bring funnel clouds which can touch down as deadly tornadoes. Follow the advice of the local weather experts and you can expect to survive the event. When a hurricane warning is issued don't assume your hotel is a safe haven. Many times over the years I have read about hurricane parties that have ended in tragedy when tourists chose to give their safety a back seat, believing it was safe to stock up on beer and ride out the storm in their room. Don't Forget Your CameraPlan your fun carefully but always remember travel security to keep yourself safe and secure. Google"travel security gear" and you might discover additional ideas for you and your family to have an award winning travel experience with memories that will last for years. Now get your camera and get going.
|
