Crime is a fact throughout the world. In most of the places, tourists are targeted for theft. To have a safe and pleasant vacation, it is a must to follow the safety travel tips. If you tend to over pack, then it becomes a problem from the very start itself. It is important to travel light in order to reduce hassle and stress. Traveling light helps you be free to move around without worrying about your baggage. It is smart to avoid wearing Expensive-looking jewelry. It is a wise idea to put your valuables in various places rather than all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Don’t use shortcuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets. Never discuss your travel plan with strangers. Avoid wandering through unfamiliar areas alone, always remain alert.

It is important to stay healthy throughout your trip to make your trip more enjoyable. It is quiet common to fall sick when you are traveling to a new place. Traveling can bring you in contact with things that your body hasn’t been used to. Be aware of endemic diseases and have appropriate shots and pills with you. Before leaving, rest as much as possible to speed up the recovery period. In addition, try to have a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and stay well hydrated. It is better to drink bottled water, also avoid eatables from road side vendors.

Perhaps a spouse can’t travel any more and you have no one with similar interests to travel with? Or perhaps you’re concerned about safety and health or problems with unfamiliar languages and cultures?

If it’s too scary to think of heading off alone, try joining a tour group the first time, one where you’re likely to meet people with similar interests. Find a group that allows for free time to explore on your own and follow your interests. Being alone in a group combines the best elements of solo and accompanied travel. You always have people in the group to talk with and eat with, but you can also explore on your own, close your door, and savor your privacy.

Solo travel arrangements usually require paying some penalties in the form of financial supplements. If this is a deterrent or you don’t like the idea of going with a group, look for an organization that will supply you with a companion of your age and gender (see Solo Travel Resources box on next page). The risk is that you may not “click” with that person. But think of it as a short-term commitment: you’ve at least got to where you want to go and you may even have found a longer-term friend.

Real solo travels—where you decide the destination, read up on it, get your own tickets, and head off alone—is another matter. This is where you weigh concerns for personal safety and where women feel especially vulnerable (nearly all the solo travel advice is directed at women). While it might not be wise to strike out on your own to, say, Burundi, a shake-down visit to a more familiar culture like Mexico will get you started.

Perhaps the most important goal to keep in mind is to learn as much as possible about the people and places you’ll be visiting before you leave home and go out of your way to meet the locals when you’re there. You can do this in small ways: by admiring a gardener’s work, offering to take someone’s picture, asking for information about local landmarks, accepting an invitation into a family home for a meal, etc.

People everywhere, travelers and locals alike, are more willing to take up with singles than with pairs. So leave your shyness at home, pack your bag (preferably a rolling carry-on), and go for it!

Air travel is generally the biggest money outlay—and therefore the biggest deterrent to going anywhere. Consider some key ways around it. One is the extraordinarily low winter airfare to get to Europe that happens every year, usually between mid-October and March or April. Airlines offer transatlantic roundtrip fares of $400 or even less to London, Paris, Rome, etc.

Why would you want to go abroad in the winter? To see and do the same things as in peak seasons and without the crowds and high costs for museums, concerts, theater, language courses. Hotels and all-inclusive packages are generally cheaper at that time too. Book at least six months in advance and pay early to get low-priced promotional airfare, or, if your time is flexible, see what you can get at the last minute for a low price. Most major airlines have discontinued the senior discount fare, making the off-season rates especially attractive. Once in Europe, you’ll find more new airlines to provide cheap travel from nearly all the major hubs to wherever you want to go (see below).

Rail Passes

Once you’re there, even more opportunities to save are available for the over-60 crowd. Most senior rail passes are for single countries or contiguous countries such as Scandinavia or the Balkans.

Eurailpass, good for unlimited travel in about 17 European countries, offers no senior discounts, making individual country passes a better deal. Here are the best ones:

Eurostar, the Channel Tunnel train, and the Thalys train give seniors 25-30 percent off, but you may have to order them ahead.  In many major cities local transportation—subways, buses, and lake steamers—is grouped together in a one-purchase card.

For discounts in general, other than transportation, different countries offer different deals, and the practice is often unpredictable. Some bargains are available to anyone over 60; others are limited to citizens of the EU nations. In Greece, for instance, a few museums and archeological sites are discounted. In Austria discounts vary from one museum or site to another; there is no general rule. You often have to be a member of an association or hold a British pension book in England to get a discount. And so it goes—no hard and fast specifics. Before you go, see what discount cards are available for free or reduced rates to attractions in the areas you’ll visiting.

The point is that discounts are out there. They’re very often available for movies, theaters, museums, tours, local sightseeing, historic buildings, hotels, restaurants, and car rentals. The main rule to keep in mind is that if you think you may qualify for a discount on anything ask. They’re not apt to volunteer the offer—any more than they do in your home town. In the case of hotels and car rentals, ask when you make the reservation, not when you check out. And ask too for weekend or midweek packages at hotels or, better yet, look for lower-priced B and Bs where you’ll often feel like one of the family.

As for evening meals, which abroad are frequently served when American seniors are ready to turn in, look for early-bird menus, often served before 7 p.m.

Another tip: always keep some form of identification like a passport or a driver’s license with you that show your date of birth. You never know when and where a bargain is waiting for you. Finally, verify all published rates and schedules before you assume they’re valid.

People remain more vulnerable if they still operate on the premise of the days when they left the key under the mat or the house unlocked. Recently, I was visiting relatives in the US Midwest and was alarmed at their crime prevention attitudes. They routinely left their 3000 square foot home unlocked with patio doors open. Their opinion is that if someone wants to break in, they will. So why make it difficult; they will only damage locks and/or break windows. This is very foolish thinking. Criminals are basically lazy. If there are two houses side-by-side and one is locked and alarmed, even if they are high on drugs and looking for an adrenalin rush, they are more likely to choose the easy target!

Arm yourself with the latest information from the local police department, and try to think from inside a criminal’s mind-set – don’t make yourself a target. Start by removing all keys hidden outside your home. Let’s face it – there are only a few good hiding spots outside a house and if you think it is a good hiding spot, you are probably wrong. It is likely to be the same spot as most people use: under a mat, in a flower pot, in the mailbox, on the top of the door jamb, under a bush—how predictable is that? Install secure dead-bolts, and proper locks on windows. Place screws in the top window tracks on sliding windows, so windows cannot be easily lifted up-and-out from outside.

Get a monitored alarm system. It is affordable and can minimize damage if thieves do enter. Most people who have never experienced a burglary fail to fathom the damage and vandalism that occurs in the process. Install light timers and use them. Ensure that mail, junk mail and newspapers do not accumulate, leaving tell-tale signs of your absence. Arrange to have the lawn mowed and watered and make arrangements to secure the safety and care of your pets.

Next, build a “what-if” plan. Leave your travel itinerary with a trusted neighbor or friend. There are many reasons for staying in touch. Not only does it protect your home. It enables family/friends to reach you in case of a family emergency. It also secures your safety. Recently a retired couple was buried alive in a mud slide in BC and it was nearly a week before they were even announced missing. They were in the habit of not staying in touch, so the family simply didn’t think anything was wrong – until it was too late.

Given the circumstances of the slide it is unlikely that earlier notice would have saved their lives, however it would be a relief to a family to never have to question that. Set up a travel about to keep your family and friends involved with your trip. It will create a great diary and memory of your trip and gives a meaningful way to maintain contact.

Keep personal records, both with you and at home of your credit cards and travelers’ cheque numbers. Keep a back-up credit card and/or travelers cheques secure but separate. Keeping everything together could leave you stranded. Notify your credit company that you will be making more expenditure and that billings will come from your travel destination.

One week into my daughter’s trip around the world her bank phoned me and asked for her. When I said she was unavailable, they asked when they would be able to reach her. I stated she was on a lengthy trip and would not be accessible for some time. They asked me where she went and when I expected to have contact with her.

It was at that point that I became aware that the call had been triggered by the flurry of charges coming from Tokyo, Hong Kong, and China. If she had not been living with me, or had my response to the bank been different, they would have frozen her cards assuming she was being victimized by fraud.

Most travel by air has been affected by the World Trade Center attacks, and security criteria is constantly changing and becoming stricter.

Many of the things you could carry even a year ago are now prohibited. Simple things we could carry such as a bottle of water, now can only be carried on if it has been purchased beyond the check-in gates. Keep your luggage in sight at all times. You become liable if someone plants anything in your luggage. Remove all previous destination tags to prevent your luggage from going on its own vacation – alone. Place tags that list your name, address and telephone at the next destination point – making it easier for the airline to reunite you with your luggage if it becomes lost. It is wise for these tags to be somewhat private, so they cannot be easily read by the wrong people. Keep a list of the contents of your luggage and carry-on items so you will be able to tell the airline what you are missing if it goes astray and is never found.

Use a unique method of tagging your luggage for quick, easy identification when it comes off a carrousel. The more times your luggage goes around the circle without you grabbing it, the more likely it is to be lifted willfully or accidentally by someone else.

When there are 500 black suitcases going around and around, unless yours has some quick identifying feature it becomes unrecognizable. Beautiful expensive luggage is often targeted more than ‘tacky tourist’ suitcases with large pink daisy designs. The assumption on the part of the thief is “if that is how bad their taste is in luggage, what is inside is probably equally as unappealing”. Exercise your sense of humor – they will never know.

At your destination, do not leave cash or valuables in your hotel room. In fact, it is a good idea to leave all expensive jewelry home. Wearing expensive jewelry is like hanging out a sign – “I have expensive taste and my luggage may be worth going after”.

Lock your suitcases when leaving them in your room. It makes them more secure from unscrupulous housekeeping staff and also prevents the possibility of the suitcase being used to carry things out of the room.

Never open your door to an unexpected person or stranger. Look through the door viewer and use the security measures provided by the hotel for your protection while in your room. It is also possible to purchase an inexpensive motion sensitive alarm to hang on the inside of your room door. If an intruder enters, it will alert you. It is a terrible experience to wake up to a stranger in the room with you. We were once victims of a home invasion, and although we were unaware of the burglar’s arrival and departure – it took a very long time before we could sleep without feeling we were being watched. Protect your calling card numbers or pin numbers from people who may easily watch you, or snap your picture with a camera phone.

Drink Water.
Before and during your flight drink plenty of water. Water hydrates the body hence alleviating symptoms of dehydration. Moisture to the nose, eyes, throat and mouth are all maintained through adequate hydration. The process of maintaining pressurized airplane cabins is focused on maintaining enough oxygen – not on enough humidity. Airplane air is very dry and keeping yourself hydrated prevents added stress on your body.
Avoid carbonated drinks, tea and coffee as they are all diuretic in nature

Wear Loose Clothing.
Wearing clothing with an adjustable or expandable waistline, and comfortable footwear.
Sitting long periods of time causes swelling. The same applies to road travel. Restrictive clothing interferes with circulation, digestion and elimination and is unkind to oneself.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine. In addition to the diuretic effect of these beverages, these drinks result in disruption of sleeping patterns.

Choose Flight Times Wisely.
Choose your flight time wisely you can suffer much less from jet lag. Book Air + Hotel together and SAVE with Travelocity It may seem like you ‘wasted’ a whole day traveling – but better that than wasting a day recuperating from lost sleep. The best thing to do is to stay up and go to be at the normal bed time at your destination.

Minimize jet lag by getting plenty of sleep before you go. Reduce alcohol consumption and eat well-balanced meals and do not overeat. Do not eat rich or spicy foods prior to flying.

Avoid over-the-counter and prescription sleeping medications as much as possible and consult a doctor, before using them.
Get as much exercise as you can on your trip. If you have a stop over – don’t sit –take advantage of the airports long corridors for some exercise.

Get enough Sleep.
Many people do not sleep well in different surroundings. Combined with restless sleep and an active schedule and time zone changes it is easy to become overtired. Do not spoil you vacation by neglecting the importance of adequate rest.

Avoid Ear Pain
An existing nasal congestion or a cold can increase the intensity of ear pain during flights. Taking a decongestant medication prior to flight can help. Consult your doctor
Chewing gum or sucking candy, during take-off and landing can normalize pressure on the ear drum. Swallowing hard can help somewhat.

Carry your medications.
Carrying your medications in carry-on luggage reduces the danger of losing access to them, should your luggage get lost or delayed.

Ask you doctor if you need to change the dosage during your trip, and how you should readjust the times you take your medication to deal with time changes. If you have diabetes or epilepsy wear a medical alert bracelet – incase of an emergency. In addition to stating your medical problem, the bracelet needs to be inscribed with your medications and dosages and your doctors contact information.

Bring the details of your medications—stored separately from the medications.

Avoid getting Blood Clots.
Contrary to what we may think it is not only people with circulatory problems that can get blood clots in their legs after long flights. The problem is sitting for lengthy periods of time can restrict proper blood flow to your feet and legs.

Try to get up and walk from end-to-end of the plane once per hour. Wearing support stockings and stretching calf muscles can help. Drinking enough water is the most important preventative strategy.

Special Medical Needs
Some individuals who need oxygen therapy for circulatory, heart, or respiratory problems may need to take oxygen before and after or during a flight. Consult your doctor. Airlines may provide you with oxygen for a fee. Due to federal regulations you cannot carry oxygen onto a plane. This means that if you require oxygen, you need to make arrangements to have access to oxygen at your travel destination.
Prearrange special meal requirements prior to leaving and if you need assistance such as wheel chairs, ensure your ticket is clearly marked.

Scuba Diving to taking Wing
It’s dangerous to fly immediately after scuba diving. You’ll need to wait 12 to 24 hours after diving. Ask your doctor or diving authorities for guidelines on flying after scuba diving.

Get your Exercise
Exercise prevents blood clots,  help prevent swelling which may lead to muscle and joint pain. Doing leg extensions, or standing and raising up onto your tip toes and coming down slowly, exercises the calf muscles. Even gentle exercise helps keep your body working more normally, than remaining in sitting position for countless hours.

Listen to your Body
It is unhealthy to delay emptying your bladder. Older men should empty their bladder every two hours, to prevent escalation of prostrate gland problems.

Eating and Drinking Abroad
Use extreme caution about what you eat abroad. Do not eat rare meats – especially ground meats, steak tartar, raw fish (such as sushi), unpasteurized milk or milk products, egg products such as mayonnaise and custards, salads, shellfish and unpeeled fruits.

In many places tap water is not safe for drinking and is best avoided. This presents a challenge as soft drinks, caffeinated drinks and alcohol are diuretic and drinking water is essential for preventing dehydration, aiding elimination of toxins and general health. Bottled water is available most places and purchasing it is the best way to prevent exposure to water that could cause “tourist diarrhea” – or worse yet hepatitis, typhoid, intestinal parasites, or dysentery. Use bottled water for brushing teeth and for swallowing pills.
In many tropical countries a piece of fruit, or even an ice cube in an alcoholic beverage can be enough to result in getting hepatitis. Countries that pose a high risk include Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Eastern or Southern Europe where risks of Travelers’ Diarrhea, Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever.

Avoid food sold by street vendors. Always wash your hands with soap and water before you eat and every time you use a washroom. Practice washroom hygienic practices.

Vaccines
Four to six weeks before your trip visit your doctor and a travel health clinic to determine necessary vaccinations and regional health risks for the destinations on your itinerary. Most vaccinations require time to take effect and must be administered several weeks in advance, at least. Dukoral is the only oral vaccine available to prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea and Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever. Vivaxim an injected vaccine provides protection with a single shot.