Comments on: March’s five must-know travel tips…

By: HighTechNerd

HighTechNerd — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 23:19:06 +0000

Regarding paying bills while overseas: be very careful about how and where you do this. If you’re using your own laptop, that’s fine. But try not to use someone else’s computer (eg, Internet cafe), as it’s very easy for someone to have installed software that captures every keystroke, thereby capturing your passwords when you type them in. I suggest never using an Internet cafe for anything that needs security, as there’s almost no control over these machines. A high-end hotel’s business center is better, but even then, think twice.

By: Gila

Gila — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:13:12 +0000

You are absolutely correct about not using a backpack to hold anything of real value. My husband usually carries one to put a fleece in, a guide book (covered with a local newspaper), a water bottle, and some sun lotion. On the plane or a tour we add a neck pillow, ear plugs/buds and an eye-cover. That’s it!
My lightweight, small, strap purse has some tissue,
a comb, spritz sanitizer, gum, my clip-on sunglasses and a little coin purse with some “small money” for the metro, buses, etc. Everything else is in a waist wallet – money, credit cards, airline/train tickets, prescriptions, “vault” internet info, phone number, passport, driving ID- under my clothing, except my camera and cell phone.
It would inconvenience us to have our backpack or anything in my purse stolen – but that’s all – it wouldn’t really be a bother.
I carry the camera and phone (and any transit card or pass)in a small, strapped over-the-chest camera case, separate from my purse, and I wish I could put them in some sort of inner secure coat pocket. Has anyone tried doing this?

By: Maurice

Maurice — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:47:19 +0000

Another tip concerning time is to set your world phone to your home time. You will always know the correct time at home and never call at an inappropriate time.

By: John

John — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:34:48 +0000

1. Carry On Bags: Consider something like the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Zip Top canvas bag. My wife has used ione for years. She can put her purse, our travel documents, a book and who-knows what in one. With a zippered top nothing will fall out or get lost; and
2. Lost Luggage Protection: 1. As added insurance, consider strapping a Retriever Luggage Tag [http://www.magellans.com]to each piece of luggage to supplement your regular luggage tag. It’s really a pouch – you put your itinerary inside so that the finder can return your luggage to where you are on vacation. Much better than fining it waiting for you at the front door. Also, take a photo of each piece of luggage, print it off and carry it with you. Makes it easier for the lost luggage people to ID yours.

By: Jane Ackling

Jane Ackling — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:38:24 +0000

Regarding: “How to give your luggage a better chance of finding you again if lost”. While it is a good idea to give information that will allow your luggage or belongings to be reunited with you, avoid adding your home address and number, as it alerts a potential thief to the fact that you are not at home and how long he has to burglarize the place before you return. With a phone number, he even has the option of calling to make sure your house is unoccupied. Limit information to the absolute minimum needed to contact you.

By: Jean Bell

Jean Bell — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:57:05 +0000

Do NOT use a backpack for sightseeing, unless it is secured w/ a lock. I have switched to a purse (Magellan’s), the strap of which has metal links to prevent “cut and run”, and a protective flap for valuables, difficult to tamper with. The chic design can also serve as an evening bag. This was the result of a theft in Istanbul, Turkey, as I reached for my camera and lost my wallet in the blink of an eye.