How to protect yourself when traveling

Travelling is of utmost importance to go from one place to another. The chances of transmission of virus increase in public transports. These include how to protect yourself from coronavirus in an uber, train, local cab, and even on airplanes.

Are you ready to Travel? Here’s Info On Ways To Protect Yourself From Coronavirus When Traveling

• Understand your risk factor when traveling

Some people have a greater chance of catching the infection. It includes children and the elderly. Additionally, if you have an underlying disease or illness, then it is also better if you avoid transport.

• Wear face maskswhen traveling

Facemasks are the safest way to protect yourself from the virus. They help to protect us from catching any airborne droplets of the virus. Additionally, also avoid touching your face with contaminated or dirty hands.

• Do not immediately handle cashwhen traveling

At some point in your travel, you will need to handle cash. Try switching to online modes of payment. If not possible, then do safely keep away the cash and sanitize it when you reach home. Pay special attention to such things that are a source of infection. It can also include tickets for the mode of travel.

General Tips To Protect Yourself From Coronavirus

The recent pandemic has left everyone in a state of panic. Coronavirus or COVID-19 is the buzz of the media everywhere. Covid-19 is a new strain of the virus that originated from China. It is responsible for producing acute respiratory syndrome. Every media source is informing us about the symptoms of the disease.

Moreover, people also must know how to prevent it. Especially as we reopen. However, rarely do people tell you about ways to protect yourself from coronavirus. Before we discuss how to protect yourself from Coronavirus when returning to work lets go over a list of general tips and preventive measures that you can take to protect yourself from coronavirus.

Only leave your home when it is necessary. No one around the world can stress enough that staying home means-staying safe. Avoid going out in public. This automatically reduces your chance of contracting COVID-19. The best way is to use e-commerce routes if possible.

1. Build up your immunity for the virus. Eat well and sleep well. People overlook the fact that these two are the building blocks of immunity. People who ignore these two things can suffer from dire consequences.
2. When coming home from a public setting, remove your shoes outside your homes. Upon entering, do not wish or greet anyone. Firstly, wash your hands and change your clothes. This way, you not only protect yourself but your family as well.
3. All business owners should reduce the shift hours in their offices. They can also reduce working staff in the office. Promote habits of working from home. Safety checks must also be present at the entrance to the workplace. This ensures that the person is not hiding any symptoms.

Also see the Video Series with Info from Experts at the World Health Organization and the CDC found here.

Whether you are traveling within your home country or traveling abroad, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead for your own protection and for the protection of your loved ones. The wise teacher Dalai Lama once said: “Once a year go someplace you’ve never been before.” Traveling the world to see the sites is on many peoples bucket lists, here are several tips to protect yourself when you’re away from home.

Protect Yourself Before You Go

Travel Insurance?

Before buying travel insurance offered by your airline, check to make sure you are not already protected. Your credit card may already have a travel insurance policy included. Contact your credit card company to find out. Your health insurance company may also cover international visits. Check with them.

Health Insurance

Before traveling, contact your health insurance provider to clarify how claims will be handled should you need to see a doctor while on your trip. If traveling out of the country, your health insurance may still cover you but many times you will have to pay costs up front, keep the receipts, and then be reimbursed by the insurance company later.

If traveling internationally, be sure to also call your local health department in advance to find out if you need any vaccinations.

Life Insurance

There is always a risk something could happen to you. If you have people relying on your income, be sure you have a life insurance plan in place before traveling. If you died while on a trip, there are costs to have you sent home, as well as funds needed to cover any medical expenses that may have occurred. Term life insurance is an affordable option that ensures your income will be replaced if you die pre-maturely.

Talk to Your Bank and CC Company

Many times if a credit card company or bank sees suspicious charges made, they will turn off the card to protect the account holder. While this is a nice safety measure, it can be extremely frustrating if you are in Dublin, for example, and just want a Guinness but the bartender tells you your card has been declined. It can be a long process to get access to those funds again. So, remember to contact them prior to leaving so you avoid these problems.

Another reason to contact the bank is to find out if there will be any fees or charges if you use your card while on your trip. Especially if you are overseas, ATM fees can get out of control if you are not using an ATM that is not in the same network as your bank.

Make Copies

Before you go, make copies of your itinerary and identifying documents (passport, license, etc.) and carry one copy on you, one copy in your luggage, and leave additional copies with a trusted person back at home. This way if you lose luggage, or someone steals from you, or a natural disaster hits, you still have access to your important information.

Research the Area

TripAdvisor is a great source for information when planning a vacation. World-travelers like yourself can get tips, tricks, and ideas of what to do, where to go, and where not to go from people who have been to your destination. If traveling to a relatively unknown place, research ahead of time for spots you should maybe avoid.

If traveling abroad, be sure to read ahead about their customs. For example, in many Eastern countries it is considered aggressive and rude if you make direct eye contact.

How to Protect Yourself While You’re There

Be safe With Your Money

For obvious reasons, it’s best to avoid carrying large amounts of cash while traveling. Using alternatives to cash like travelers checks, credit cards, and digital wallet apps such as Google Wallet or Apple’s Passbook allow you to store digitally encrypted versions of airline and restaurant loyalty cards that can save you both time and reduce the risk of having your credit card stolen. If you must carry cash, you may want to also stash some money in discrete places like in your shoes, socks, or bra. It’s also a good idea to take only what you need for spending money and leave the rest of your cash in a secure hotel safe. If you get mugged or pick-pocketed, you will still have some funds immediately available.

Travel in Groups

It’s pretty obvious that you are less likely to be attacked if you are in a group rather than alone. If you are a solo-traveler though, be sure to stay alert and avoid walking alone after dark.

Be Nice to Locals

If you are traveling to a place where English isn’t the native tongue, learn a few of their common phrases. Strike up conversations when you can. People will see you are making an effort and being respectful which, in turn, will make them more welcoming.

The best way to spend your hard-earned money is on experiences, not things. When traveling the world, you’ll make many memories and meet many people. We hope these tips will help you, and please add more of your own traveling tips in the comments.

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Update: In addition to cough, fever and shortness of breath, possible symptoms of COVID-19 have been expanded to also include sore throat, weakness, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of smell or taste, and chills. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please access the free screening questionnaire via MyBSWHealth.

With so much information swirling around the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), you likely have a head full of questions and worries, the biggest being this — how can you protect yourself and your family?

Here’s the good news from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): For most people, the virus is mild. And just like any other virus, common sense safety measures can help you prevent illness while at home and abroad.

Basic infection control steps

These tips may seem like common sense, but the best thing you can do is follow current CDC prevention and treatment guidelines, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If you’re sick, stay home.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol as a second option if soap and water aren’t readily available.
• Make sure you follow proper handwashing technique.
• Teach your children to wash their hands and follow these important safety guidelines.
• Wear a face mask.

Preventing coronavirus while you travel

Just like any other virus, common sense safety measures can help you prevent illness while at home and abroad.

If you and your family are planning to travel in the coming days, take extra precautions while passing through airports and using public transportation. In addition to the above basic safety measures, you should pay attention to the following travel concerns:

• Stay up to date on travel health notices issued by the CDC. These notices could change on a day-to-day basis for different destinations.
  • Warning Level 3: CDC recommends travelers avoid nonessential travel to these destinations.
  • Alert Level 2: Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions should consider postponing nonessential travel.
  • Watch Level 1: Travelers should use usual precautions.
• Be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19, but keep in mind that many respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, can cause similar symptoms.
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
• As with any trips, make sure you have your doctor’s contact information handy and locate the nearest hospital.
• Be courteous of those around you. Do your part to fight stigma against travelers — spread kindness, not fear.

This podcast episode of “Registered Nurse, Unregistered Thoughts” was recorded on February 28, 2020.

When to see a doctor

If you are feeling symptoms of respiratory illness, first know that many different viruses can cause similar symptoms. Chances are, your illness is due to a more common virus like influenza. However, be sure to tell your doctor about any recent international travels or existing medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, that may put you at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.

If you spent time at an international destination with community spread of coronavirus and feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing, take these steps:

• Seek medical advice. Call ahead before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel to any areas with community spread of coronavirus and your symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean your hands by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.

Since we are still in the early stages of learning about this disease, there is much we don’t yet know. Follow along with the CDC for the most up-to-date information and recommendations.

You are here because you probably have a vacation coming up, and you want to know how to properly protect yourself when traveling. Although travel can be fun and stress-free, there are times when the unforeseen can happen like a lost or stolen passport, stolen wallet or even a natural disaster. However, when you take the proper precautions prior to and during your travels you can help minimize the potential for these things to affect you, and if they do happen you are at least prepared to appropriately handle the situation.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

STEP is a FREE service to allow U.S. citizens/nationals traveling abroad to enroll with the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Enrolling in STEP will enable the U.S. Department of State to send you email updates about travel warnings specific to your itinerary and any applicable information relating to incidents, such as floods, earthquakes, social unrest, etc. In low-risk areas, it may not be that big of a deal; however, if you are traveling to high-risk areas (check here) we highly suggest enrolling. Additionally, if you lose your passport while abroad, STEP can expedite its recovery since your passport and identification information is securely stored once enrolled.

Protect yourself when traveling by enrolling in STEP here:

Place Mail and Packages on Hold

When traveling, especially for long periods of time, one of the biggest indicators of no one being home is mail piling up at your front door and spilling out of your mailbox, which can be a gift to thieves. Knowing that we always stop our mail and package deliveries.

The United States Post office offers mail hold services from 3 to 30 days in a row. You can select how you would like to receive your mail on your selected end date. For hold times greater than 30 days, please sign up for USPS Forward Mail Service.

Stop USPS mail delivery here:

If you receive package deliveries from UPS and FedEx, make sure you put in a vacation hold with each of them as well. Since I am enrolled in UPS My Choice®, I am able to redirect my packages to my local UPS store for free.

Notify Your Home Security Company

If you have an alarm system installed it is best to notify your alarm company that you will be away and give them your exact dates of your travel. The alarm company will know to immediately send authorities should your home alarm system get activated due to an intrusion. You should also update your list of emergency contacts in your security account just in case your alarm goes off while you are on vacation so that person can respond to the emergency on your behalf.

Share the Details of Your Trip with Someone You Trust

I just want to Thank God for great neighbors. We are privileged to live in a community with pretty awesome neighbors. We all look out for each other. One time while we were out of the country, our alarm had gone off and my neighbors cased the perimeter of our house with a cutlass and a bat. Thankfully, there was no burglary attempt, our alarm was having issues, which we’ve since fixed. That said, make sure you let someone you trust know that you are traveling who can check-in on your home in your absence.

Notify your bank(s)

Another way to protect yourself while traveling is to notify your bank(s). The last thing you want to do is to get stuck in an unknown place, especially if you are abroad, without money. Also, you should bring with you more than one credit card just in case one gets flagged for suspicious usage. When we travel, I always bring my Chase Sapphire Preferred® card because it offers travel protection like free trip cancellation and interruption insurance that can reimburse you if your trip gets canceled or you get stranded in your destination through no fault of your own.

Protect Yourself When Traveling Overseas – No matter how far you may be going, a trip can be both exciting and stressful.

When you travel to other countries, try using an ATM for withdrawals for pocket cash instead of exchanging your cash for the country’s currency. Banks normally get an exchange rate that is much higher than an individual would be able to get. This can save you a lot of money during your trip.

Keep notes of all important documents when you travel abroad. You should have your embassy’s phone number, address and website if available, for any country you travel to. You will need to contact the embassy if you have any trouble. This will help with the troubles that you get into.

After choosing a destination, spend some time learning more about where you plan to travel. Find a good map of your destination, and take some time to learn about the geography and the main attractions. If you learn the area, you will have an easier time while you travel.

Aisle Seat

Choose an aisle seat on the plane. Though the window seat offers a view, there are few benefits to it. The aisle seat lets you have access to bathrooms easily, overhead compartments and airline personnel. It also gives you one side free of confinement.

If you’re going to a destination that requires you get vaccinated, be sure to carry your vaccination certificate with you. You may not be able to enter a country if you do not provide this documentation. Authorities cannot know if you have actually had the vaccinations, meaning they could quarantine you.

If you have to buy a camera for your trip, think carefully before you buy. For example, a camera with a rechargeable battery might not be suited for backpacking. In almost all cases, you will want a digital camera that can be turned on and focused very quickly so that you don’t miss the shot .

If you will be traveling through a smaller airport, check which airlines offer services there. Smaller airports will often feature charter airlines. These airlines may not show on the travel sites, but can often offer great deals versus the big airlines.

Bring a doorstop to your hotel room. These wedges are important if you have people coming in and out.

Keep your business card or some identifying information from your hotel when venturing out. If you are in a foreign country or city and you get lost, you will have something to show to others to help find your way back to the hotel. This is great as well for those that do not have a firm grasp of the language.

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Educate your family by traveling. Traveling is a great way to educate your family about other cultures around the world, as long as you take the correct safety precautions. This is a wonderful way to create an understanding of the rest of the world and to build tolerance of others.

Consider environmentally friendly services for an ecologically mindful trip. A lot of hotels have a program for reusing linens, have lighting that is energy efficient, put recycling bins out for guests to use, utilize alternative sources for energy, and feature plumbing with low flow. Many tour companies and visitor-friendly restaurants are sporting eco-conscious options if you want to travel with the Earth’s health in mind .

Take an early flight to avoid a delay in your flight. As planes begin to back up throughout the day, more and more flights will be delayed. The first morning flight should not have many reasons for delay at all.

You can save yourself a little money while traveling abroad by avoiding the currency exchange process. A better option exists to get your hands on the local currency. A better way to obtain currency in the new country is by using ATM machines. These machines will usually have the best exchange rate available.

Don’t forget those important medications. This is something that can be easily overlooked. When you reach your destination, it could be hard to get your medication, particularly if the country does not accept your insurance.

Do remember to tip generously. Give twenty dollars to the steward. The same members of the crew will probably serve you the whole trip, so if you start out being generous, they are more likely to take excellent care of you.

Sliding Doors

If there is hotel room available on a floor that is higher, you should request that one. Burglars are more likely to break into a ground floor home. Whenever possible, request a room devoid of sliding doors. Sliding doors are notoriously easy to jimmy open.

Make your luggage uniquely identifiable. You can attach something bright to the bag, color it, or tie a ribbon to it, anything to make it stand out from the rest. You don’t want someone to take your luggage because it looks identical to theirs.

Long flights across continents can certainly be taxing. To avoid this, plan your flight to your destination first thing in the morning when you would generally awaken. When you get on the plane, take a sleep aid after dinner. ) and rest easy all the way to your destination. Wake up feeling refreshed and ready to greet the day!

When traveling, it is vital that you have all the required visas to pass from country to country. There are different kinds of visas, so check to make sure that you have the proper one to travel within a country before your visit. Ask your travel agent, or consult the website of the embassy of the country where you are going.
Whether for an international voyage or road trip, a travel itinerary that’s well-planned provides endless possibilities. These tips will help you make your trip enjoyable.

TIP! To stay on budget when planning your trip, plan it with plenty of time. There are many things you purchase for travel, most of them are cheaper, the earlier you buy them.

Social distancing is one of health experts’ recommendations to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 — especially now that confirmed cases of the virus in the Philippines and abroad are constantly increasing — but if you’re traveling by plane soon, that can be easier said than done. If you’re getting on a plane soon, here are some ways to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.

6 tips to protect yourself from COVID-19 during a flight

1. Understand the risks of traveling.

Perry Flint, a spokesman for the International Air Transport Association, tells Afar that the risk of catching any illness on a plane is low. “Of course, there’s a chance of catching something any place people congregate, but less so on a plane, because the air is filtered and refreshed constantly, with systems similar to what you’d find in a hospital operating room.”

Still, it can help to be aware of the risks you might face when traveling. The Washington Post advises checking the status of the COVID-19 outbreak in your destination, especially if you’re flying to an area where there are confirmed cases of the virus. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website for that information. You can also check the advisories released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) regarding travel bans to other countries.

2. Get vaccinated.

While there is still no vaccine against COVID-19, experts say the flu and pneumonia vaccines could help lessen your risk of infection. In a previous SmartParenting.com.ph article, Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana, director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the National Institute of Health, says, “Magpabakuna kayo because it might save your life. Kahit wala pa tayong nCoV na vaccine, meron naman tayong vaccine sa trangkaso at sa iba’t ibang bagay, sa pneumonia.”

3. Choose a window seat.

National Geographic reports that according to a study by a group called the “FlyHealthy Research Team,” choosing a window seat and staying there throughout your flight might lower your risk of coming into contact with a co-passenger who might be sick — unlike aisle seats, which provide more access to potentially-sick individuals, says The Washington Post.

4. Wash your hands.

Washing your hands is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of COVID-19 infection. The CDC notes, “Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.” Click here to learn how to wash your hands properly.

5. Wipe down all high-touch surfaces.

The practice of wiping down communal surfaces is now being recommended by health experts, The Washington Post reports. The CDC says that, according to current evidence, the virus that causes COVID-19 “may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials,” so don’t forget to wipe down surfaces like the seat cover, tray table, armrest, seatback pocket, and window shade.

Experts also say the bathroom, which is among the most frequented areas in a plane, should be avoided as much as possible. Business Insider notes that the possibility of coming into contact with harmful pathogens in an airplane lavatory is high since virtually every part of it is touched by multiple people during every flight. If you do use the bathroom, make sure to wash your hands before exiting and apply hand sanitizer when you return to your seat.

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There are many different stories involving things going wrong on vacations. Many times you will find that what happened in those stories was because the person was not properly prepared. After you read this article, you will never have any travel problems caused by poor planning again! overland 4×4 forum

Avoid using public computers for banking information. You may unwittingly allow others access to your financial and other data.

When you travel, do not overpack. The less you pack along, the less likely you will lose valuable items or have them stolen. Do not take too many shoes, because they are bulky and unwieldy.

If you are flying or driving with a young child, it is vital that you bring along things that will keep your toddler entertained, especially if the traveling is long. Take a few of their their favorite toys. Also, consider picking up something new. A new toy is more likely to hold your child’s attention than something they’ve seen before.

Pack a door stopper when you are planning to stay in a hotel. If you are travelling in a country less developed, it is important that the hotel have added security, especially at night. If there is no deadbolt or chain on the door, place a doorstop under your door before you go to bed.

Join a price watcher for travel. This allows you to enter your destination and the website alerts you to any price change. Once the price drops to your specifications, then you will receive an email alert. This saves you from checking every day for the price.

If you travel to an amusement park or other specific attraction, find out if online tickets are available, and print them beforehand. The small fee for such a service is worth it to avoid long lines. If your destination offers timed entry, printed tickets can also be used to get around the admission line.

There are always ways that your pet can head off on vacation with you. Vacations that are pet friendly are becoming quite popular, and many hotels even offer special deals for those traveling with their furry companions. These range from pet-friendly cruises to cat spas and dog daycare centers. Always check to be sure that pets are welcome before making an reservations.

Pack a raincoat when traveling. You don’t want to be caught in terrible weather without a way to protect yourself. Also, the rain coat can double as a windbreaker in cold weather or even a bathrobe while you are in your hotel room.

Before you travel, make budgeting easier by finding out about currency exchange rates beforehand. When you know how far a dollar goes before you reach your destination, you have a better idea of how much you can afford to spend, and you can develop an appropriate itinerary. This way, you can enjoy yourself without worrying about money.

Force yourself to stay awake at least until early evening in order to acclimate better after you change time zones. With jet lag having set in, you must keep from sleeping too early or take the chance of prolonging it. It’s easier to overcome jet lag if you adjust to the local time as quickly as possible.

The world can be a great big place to investigate. Regardless of your tastes or personal interests, you are sure to find great places to explore. No matter how far you want to go, you are sure to find a new spot to explore.

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Vacation is a time for rest and relaxation. But your good-time getaway can quickly turn into a living nightmare if you’re the victim of theft while you’re away from home. Lock down your loot and guard your identity when you travel abroad with these helpful tips on how to protect yourself.

1. Keep Your Money Hidden

Listen, we all know you’re a baller with the big bills on vacay, but let’s keep that our little secret. The less money you flash around in public, the fewer chances a would-be thief has to target you.

“I always kept my money hidden, and never ever pulled money out,” says frequent traveler and blogger Stephen Roe, who lived in Tijuana, Mexico for five years without becoming a victim of theft. “Other Americans would pull out a wallet to pay. I would always choose to select the money in my pocket and only pull out the amount I needed. That way, potential criminals wouldn’t know how much I had.”

Roe adds, “In addition, it’s best to pay in the local currency whenever possible. Whipping out American dollars, even if it is accepted, can mark you as a potential target.”

Travel author Susan Schenck suggests a similar strategy with your debit card.

“When going to an ATM, have the card in a money belt,” she relays. “Make sure there are no loiterers around the area, though often they are even across the street. Go into the bank to count the money. There is a security guard there, often with a gun. Then place it all in your money belt. This is critical. I have so many friends who stuck the money in a pocket only to find it was gone when they got home. Pros can pickpocket you without your feeling anything. Keep the money belt well hidden under your pants.”

2. Use Credit Cards Wisely

First, never use a debit card abroad. If it gets stolen, your funds can get depleted and it will take time for the bank to release the funds, if they decide you weren’t responsible. Trying to settle these types of matters while you’re on vacation abroad is definitely not ideal.

Travel expert Ferdinand Goetzen suggests avoiding using your card in questionable places. “This is especially important when traveling in less developed nations,” he says. “Payment security infrastructure can often be lacking so it’s best to avoid using your card unless it is a trusted venue or bank.”

But credit cards can be helpful when used in safe environments, and can be a better alternative to carrying cash around. It’s better to lose a credit card than cash. Credit card companies typically don’t hold you accountable for fraudulent charges, as long as you report it quickly. Keep track of your cards carefully so you know if you’ve lost one, and set up alerts to notify you of purchases so you can see right away if someone has stolen your card information.

3. Use Caution When Taking Taxis

Taxis and nefarious taxi drivers can cause unnecessary trouble if you don’t keep your wits about you. Schenck advises to write down the cab number before you get in for reference if you accidentally leave something behind. When exiting a cab, if you have luggage in the trunk, do not get out of the cab until the driver does; they’ve been known to high-tail out of there with your valuable belongings in tow. And never ask a taxi to wait while you go to the ATM if you leave stuff in the cab. “One friend lost her laptop that way,” Schenck says.

4. Use a Dummy Wallet for Fake-Outs

Want to trick the trickster? Have a fake wallet with outdated credit cards and maybe $20 in it that you can hand to anyone who holds you up. They want a quick getaway and aren’t going to sit there and check the dates on the cards, says Schenck.

5. Keep $20 Where the Sun Don’t Shine

Well, maybe not in the sense that you’re thinking of, but it’s not a bad idea to keep a $20 bill in your socks, bra, or other safe, close-to-your-body area in a hidden garment in the event that you’re robbed. Twenty dollars goes a long way in many countries, and you’ll at least be able to get home or to the nearest police station.

6. Bring a Separate Small Backpack for Valuable Objects

“One of the most common thefts occurs when people leave valuables in their main luggage and leave it in the hotel lobby or in the baggage compartment on buses or trains,” Goetzen warns. “I always bring a small backpack with all of my most important belongings because I don’t like to let them out of my sight.”

Also, stop assuming that your belongings will be safe with the friendly, nice-looking people next to you at transportation hubs while you go to the bathroom. Even friendly, nice-looking people steal things, and you’ll be quite S.O.L. (and super P.O.ed) if they gang the bag with your tickets, passports, and wallet while you’re taking a whiz.

7. Use Common Sense

Don’t travel to areas that aren’t policed, stay out of dark alleys, and don’t go anywhere with anybody you don’t know. Don’t drink so much when you’re in unfamiliar territory either. It makes you do stupid things and make poor decisions, and you become a sitting duck for criminals. Your mom totally would’ve told you so.

Do you have tips on how to protect yourself when traveling abroad? Let’s discuss in the comments below.

October 12, 2018 by Island Miler

Inclimate weather has been an increasingly common issue, which in turn causes many travel-related issues. But there are ways to protect yourself when traveling, or at least mitigate the impacts of weather. And best of all, most of you probably already have these coverages!

Trip Delay Insurance

Often, weather can cause extended delays. And if you’re flights experience significant delays, you could find yourself needing a hotel, meals, and even toiletries or clothes. But, if your flight is delayed due to weather, airlines aren’t likely to reimburse you for the delay. As a result, it’s a good idea to have a backup, so you don’t end up spending extra money. This is where Trip Delay Insurance comes in.

The good news is that many popular travel cards provide Trip Delay Insurance as a benefit. Chase, for example, offers this coverage on many of its travel cards, as does Citi and Barclays. And, in the case of the Chase Sapphire Reserve, coverage kicks in after six hours and the common carrier ticket was purchased with the card or with rewards earned by the card. Coverage includes meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, and more for the cardholder, spouse, and children under 22. It is secondary to any other coverages or reimbursements, though it doesn’t cover prepaid expenses or hazards already known before departure.

Bear in mind that these coverages are useful for delays when you’re on your way to your destination. But, they are also helpful in case you become stranded at your destination. After all, should you get stuck and need to extend your stay at your hotel, you will need to pay for the additional nights. And even if your delay is due to the airline and they reimburse you, the additional coverage to buy necessities may be helpful.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

The other important coverage to have is Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. And like the Trip Delay Insurance, it’s another coverage that is often supplied by major travel credit cards. But, unlike the Trip Delay Insurance, this coverage reimburses you if you need to cancel your trip before departure or cut a trip short. Coverage reasons for Chase include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Accidental injury, loss of life or illness of you, a travel companion, or immediate family
• Severe weather that prevents the start or continuation of the trip
• Terrorists or hijacking
• Jury duty or court subpoena that cannot be postponed or waived
• Financial insolvency of the travel agent, tour operator, travel operator

Of course, like the Trip Delay Insurance, purchases must be made with an eligible card or reward points.

Other Coverages

Other common coverages your card may come with include baggage delay, lost luggage, travel accident, emergency evacuation and transportation, travel and emergency assistance, car rental collision, and emergency medical and dental coverages. They’re all protections you hope to never have to use but are good to have just in case. But remember, all of these coverages require that you make your travel purchases with that card.

Cards That Don’t Provide These Coverages

Notably, American Express cards DO NOT provide Trip Delay or Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurances. This includes the American Express Platinum card, which is shocking given the annual fee. Likewise, other popular card providers like Capital One do not provide these coverages either.

As a result, when booking your flight, you’ll have to make important considerations. What’s more important? Earning 5x Membership Rewards points via Amex and not having the coverage? Or are you ok with earning 3x points and having the coverage with the Chase Sapphire Reserve? It’s an even more important consideration now that Korean SkyPass isn’t a Chase Ultimate Rewards partner anymore.

Protect Yourself When Traveling, Final Thoughts

Personally, I don’t travel a whole lot. And when I do travel, it often takes a lot of planning and saving, regardless if it’s saving points or cash. So it gives me peace of mind knowing I have these protections in place. After all, it can be difficult to have to shell out extra money in case things go awry. And it’s especially comforting to know I won’t lose everything because of things not under my control. So, for me, it’s worth taking the points penalty to ensure I have coverage.

The protections of the Chase Sapphire Reserve are yet another reason why I love the card so much. It’s a very flexible card with so many benefits, which makes it the perfect travel card. I only wish the Amex Platinum came with at least some of the same protections. But, on the other hand, the Amex Platinum does have better service. Of course, purchasing extra coverage is always an option too. Companies like Allianz offers many, many options to choose from. But, again, why pay if you already have coverage?

US CDC has shared the best ways to help keep your trip safe during the Covid-19 epidemic.

Stay far away from who have Covid-19 symptoms

Like the seasonal flu, the flu caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has a direct transmission mechanism when you come into contact with body fluids secreted from an infected person. You will become infected when you accidentally inhale those small saliva particles. Therefore, you should try to avoid contact with people who exhibit symptoms similar to pneumonia or the common cold, such as cough or runny nose. The recommended safe distance is at least 1.8m.

Wash your hands often

Using antibacterial soap to wash your hands at least 20 seconds. Do not touch any part of your face with unwashed hands. Travelers should wash their hands after touching money, public objects (doorknobs, wipers), wash their hands before putting their hands on their faces or masks (dirty masks also make you sick).

Dry hand sanitizer should only be used in the absence of soap and water. Note, travelers should use dry hand gel with alcohol content of 70% or more to ensure safety for themselves. In particular, avoid using homemade, unofficial hand-made gels / lotions on social networks.

Use a mask properly

You think you are safe when using a mask but actually when your hands are dirty, your mask may get dirty if you touch the mask. That’s when you get infected. While masks don’t stop infection completely, they can help you limit direct contact with suspected body fluids.

Do not use aircraft blankets and pillows

Guests should prepare their own blankets and pillows to protect their health.

Things to do after the flight

If you feel unwell after the trip, you should see your nearest doctor. Talk to your doctor about where you went and what you did on your trip, including any animal bites, bugs or scratches.

SAFETY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION –
1 While waiting for a bus or streetcar, stand near others who are also waiting.
2. If the immediate area is deserted or in darkness, stand near an occupied building or in a lighted area until transportation arrives.
3. Once on a bus or streetcar, be aware of those around you. If someone looks or acts suspicious, notify the driver.
4. If the coach is empty or nearly empty, sit as far up front and as close to the driver as possible.
5. If someone begins to bother you, get up and notify the driver immediately.
6. Upon arriving at your stop, be aware of those who alight with you. If you feel you are being followed, go to the nearest occupied building and ask for assistance.
7. After dark, attempt to get off the bus in well-lighted areas. Use only well-lighted streets to reach your final destination.

AUTO SAFETY –
1. Make certain your car is always in good working order, with safe tires and an adequate amount of gasoline for your planned trip.
2. Always check your car before getting in – to make sure that no one is hiding inside.
3. If you have a garage, be sure you lock the door as you leave. To learn about the most suitable garage door protection, read “How To Protect Cars, Bicycles, Motorcycles” – available from the above publisher for just $1.00.
4. It is best to park in attended lots. If you must leave a key with the attendant, leave only the ignition key. In all other cases, lock your car.
5. Do not leave packages or personal items in open view in the car . . place them in the trunk.
6. At night, park only in lighted areas.
7. If you are in danger of being harmed or robbed, while in your car, start sounding your horn until assistance arrives. 8. Never pick up a hitchhiker.
9. If you have a flat tire in an area you feel might not be safe, try to keep driving until you reach a safe location.
10. If you feel you are being followed, drive to the nearest police or fire station, or open filling station. ELEVATOR SAFETY –
1. Observe elevator interior before entering. Wait until the next elevator if you are uncertain of any occupant.
2. Females riding the elevator alone should always stand near the control panel. If accosted, press ALL buttons.
3. If a suspicious person enters the elevator, exit before the door closes.
4. Before exiting from the elevator, observe the corridor for suspicious activity.

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Traveling is fun, but tourists are vulnerable to thieves and pickpockets. A small financial disaster can ruin your vacation. Use the following tips to protect your money while traveling.

Alert your Bank

Before leaving, tell your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans. This will keep them from freezing your cards when they notice “unusual” spending. Also, if your cards are lost or stolen, the reporting process may be quicker with a travel alert on your card.

Assess Your Wallet Contents

Personal finance writer Donna Freedman suggests a wallet audit . List the contents of your wallet before leaving for your trip. Don’t write down your credit card number, just the 800-numbers of your banks and institutions. Keep this info somewhere secure and accessible. If your wallet is stolen, refer to this list. It will keep you from having to hunt for numbers and remember what was in your wallet.

Keep Copies of Personal Documents Handy

Before traveling, make physical copies of your driver’s license or passport. Consumer Traveler recommends making three copies of the front and back of your government-issued ID. Leave one copy at home, give one to a friend, and bring one with you—secured in your suitcase or hotel safe.

If you lose your physical ID, your copy will come in handy. If you lose your ID and your copy, you’ll have a friend to call. If your friend isn’t available, you’ll have a copy at home. Someone can fax or overnight it to you, Consumer Traveler suggests.a

Let’s say your ID is stolen right before you have a flight. TSA rules are ambiguous on this matter. But from my own experience, the TSA will probably allow you to fly with a copy of the police report and a copy of your photo ID.

Pare Down Your Wallet

Travel with a light wallet. Bring only what you’ll use, and leave other cards and information you don’t need at home. Bankrate also suggests you leave out any card that has your social security number on it:

“For health insurance cards, the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit organization focused on identity theft prevention, suggests making a copy of the card and removing the last four digits of your Social Security number. Bring the photocopy with you on your trip and leave the original card at home.”

If you’re traveling with a debit card, be extra careful. While it does offer convenient access to your checking account, this can be dangerous if it’s stolen. Consider keeping your debit card in your hotel safe, only using it in case of emergency.

Use a Credit Card with No Fees

Carrying too much cash is also risky. Instead of using a cash/debit card combo, consider using a credit card, too. If your wallet is stolen, your cash is gone. But charges made to your card can be reversed when you report the theft. Pick a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and includes fraud protection.

Avoid Overseas ATMs

While overseas, you’ll probably have to take out cash at some point. But limit your use of ATMs—not just because of the fees, but also because ATMs can be risky. Bankrate points out that some thieves set up phony ATMs in touristy areas. If you have to use one, try to do it in a bank, hotel or airport. You can also check Visa and MasterCard’s websites for a list of legit ATMs.

Stash Cash & Cards Strategically

Money pouches or belts can be worn inside your pants to stash money securely. But that awkward money bulge can also make you stand out as a tourist.

USA Today suggests alternative “on-body storage”:

“Under-clothing storage accessories have come a long way since neck pouches and money belts came onto the scene. Though those classics are still in favor, newer options include bra stashes, as well as long johns, underwear, and undershirts with built-in pockets for safe storage.”

For added protection, consider spreading out your stash, too. Keep some in your shoe, some in your undershirt pockets, etc.

What to Do If Your Wallet Is Lost or Stolen

If your wallet and ID are stolen while traveling, the first thing you should do is contact the police and file a report. Again, if you’re flying, you’ll probably need this report for TSA agents.

If you simply lose your wallet or ID overseas, Fodors recommends contacting your nearest consulate or embassy. If you lose your wallet or ID in your home country, they recommend contacting the police:

“If you are an American citizen and your state-issued driver’s license or photo ID card is lost or stolen while you are in the U.S., the first thing you should do is file a local police report. Both the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and airline representatives stress the importance of this step, which creates a paper trail and pinpoints the loss at a specific time and place.”

We’ve previously written about the additional steps to take if your wallet is lost or stolen. To recap:

• Contact the police
• Make a list of your subscription services and online accounts
• Get a new State ID
• Make a list of everything else in your wallet and make some phone calls
• Request a credit report and initiate a fraud alert

For more detail on each of these, check out the full Lifehacker post.

What to Do If You Lose Your Wallet

Losing a wallet can be nerve-racking, but having a plan for replacing the contents of your wallet…

Traveling is so much fun but planning the trip. It can be stressful trying to keep all the logistics of your travel plans straight. Read the tips in this article for help planning your next trip so you can fully enjoy every second of it.

Losing a child in a foreign place can be very stressful and you probably do not even want to think about it.

If immunizations are required for any country you are visiting, make sure you carry with you the certificate stating you got the treatment. Without proper documentation, authorities will have no way to know if you have been vaccinated and may place you in quarantine.

If you wind up traveling through a small airport, look at their website to see what services the airline offers.

Check out your hotel alarm when you get there. Set the alarm to a reasonable time or turn it off so that you can sleep peacefully.

When driving or taking a plane with a toddler, you have to bring along things that will keep him interested and happy during the trip. Bring a lot of toys and games that you know the child really enjoys. You may even consider purchasing a new toy to keep your little one excited.

A motorcycle is great way to go on a road trip. It can be quite a lot of fun.

These sheets will be for the kids to play cards or color in coloring books on.

Cash in your traveler’s checks before shopping or eating. Be safe because you may see that you don’t get shorted.

Jet Lag

Jet lag is a real drag. You can’t completely avoid jet lag, so you should try and sleep as much as possible before you leave. You should also try sleeping during the flight if possible.

You might not need the extra insurance the salesman wants to push on you. Vehicle insurance policies often have basic third party liability coverage.

Don’t be too rigid with your trip time, especially if someone needs you to pull over so that they can go to the restroom. Your trip will not be destroyed nor will your plans be ruined if you have to pull over for ten minutes. This will keep your fellow travelers happy and annoying.

Pack extra snacks when traveling by car.You should pack twice as much as what you were originally thinking. This will maintain them happy and busy so they don’t cause a ton of issues when traveling. Even some junk food is harmless this once.

Be up front when buying travel insurance.Tell your provider when you may have. You will be left with the bill.

Be careful when receiving any emails you receive for travel deals.

You can frequently save money through booking flights that connect to one another. Too little time and you may miss your flight.You could be in the airport awhile if there is a long flight delay.

If you decide on bringing along a pet on your trip, look for pet-friendly hotels and airlines.

Keep in mind that many people stay in your hotel.Be sure to keep the noise level down so you do not disturb your neighbors. Even during the day people may be sleeping, some people may be taking a nap. You don’t have to take it to an extreme, but make sure a reasonable volume level is maintained.

These cables will allow you to use your computer through the television provided in your room.

Plan and book hotels in ahead of time. Some hotels even offer packages that include activities and meals at your destination. Decide if this may be something you would like to partake in.You should also consider the room you desire. For instance, if you’re a light sleeper, book your room away from the elevator. Ask questions that will allow you get the right accommodations for your specific needs and wants.

Get an expandable file for your itinerary. You can also sort maps along with receipts.

Use lens case to bring small amounts of lotions and gels along on your travels. These small containers have leak proof screw on lids, they are easy to carry, and they have room for seven days’ worth of what you need. You can purchase these inexpensive items at your local drugstore.

Be safe when you are on vacation. Know your surroundings and inquire with the hotel about areas in which you are visiting. There are bad areas and also those you may visit.

You must stay alert and need to stop to take a break. Stretch you limbs, use the restroom, eat a snack, or take a short catnap. Then you can continue your itinerary when you are refreshed.

Avoid carrying extra baggage by traveling light. Just bring what you will really need when traveling.

It is important to be sure that your dog to travel.They should always be kept on a leash during any portion of travel where people are present.

If you follow the tips in this article, you will be able to successfully plan a fantastic trip. There are certain things you can do to help prepare and make your trip a success. Use the tips within this article to make sure your trip is successful and fun.

By Ally Hirschlag

January 02 2020 03:07 PM EST

weather.com

During the winter months, traveling can offer the greatest respite from the colder, darker weather. Many people save their vacation days for this time for exactly that reason. No one wants Seasonal Affective Disorder to get the better of them, and what could be a more perfect antidote than a relaxing vacation, hopefully in the sun, and away from the everyday grind? That said, there’s one good way to have your long-anticipated vacation ruined before you even leave your departing city — contract a virus.

Your risk of that happening is the highest when you fly. For example, according to a study in the Journal of Environmental Health Research , colds may be 113 times more likely to be transmitted on an airplane than while traveling via ground transportation. Research points to the main cause for this being exceedingly low humidity in plane cabins (below 20%), which is a result of traveling at high altitudes. Pathogens, like those responsible for various colds and flus, seem to travel faster in dryer air , hence why they spread so rapidly in the winter.

But that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get sick if someone on your plane is sick. Here’s what you need to know about cold and flu risks while traveling the friendly skies and what you can do to lower them.

Avoiding the flu in the air

While recent research has shown that contracting the flu on an airplane is actually far less likely than previously thought, passengers still have an elevated risk simply by being in close proximity to other, potentially sick people. A study by Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology graduate students found that passengers who sit within three feet of a passenger with the flu, your odds of contracting the virus jump from 3% to about 80%. That means anyone sitting two seats in front, behind or on either side is in “the infection zone”.

If you realize you’re in said zone after you’ve taken your seat and you’re on a full flight, however, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself from getting sick.

Keep your nose and mouth covered with a medical-grade mask or a thick scarf.

Avoid touching shared surfaces, like armrests and tray tables.

Don’t touch your face and wash your hands regularly.

The virus may be hiding in plain sight

Just because you don’t hear coughing or sneezing doesn’t mean someone who’s contagious isn’t close enough to infect you. People who have the flu but aren’t showing symptoms yet are as contagious as those who are. So for example, a crew member could be sick and not know it, and because they move around a lot and touch things like pillows and drinks, they have a much higher chance of spreading the flu virus than the average passenger.

Again, the best way to stay healthy is avoid contact with others as much as possible, keep your hands clean and your face covered. It’s also a good idea to keep hand sanitizer on you so you don’t have to head to the restroom every time you touch something someone else may have touched.

Choose your seat wisely

It may sound arbitrary, but your seat choice on an airplane matters if you’re trying to avoid illness. The aisle seat seems to be a hotbed for germs , likely because people often use the top part of the seat for support as they walk up and down the aisle. Experts suggest opting for the window seat as it’s furthest from the aisle and only has one potentially infected person on one side rather than two, like the middle seat.

Your “amenities”

Everything within reach of your airplane seat is a potential germ carrier, from the tray table , to the window shade, to the seat pocket in front of you. Passengers often treat those pockets like waste baskets, and sometimes, especially on quick turnover flights, the cleaning crew isn’t able to clean them out or wipe them down well. In order to keep those germs at bay, wipe down these surfaces with antibacterial wipes. If you’re unsure about the state of your seat back pocket, simply steer clear of it.

Watch out for the restroom

Like most tiny, public spaces where people are constantly touching things, airplane restrooms are pretty dirty . Studies have found that everything from the sink faucets to the flush buttons can have E. coli. Best way to avoid such gross matter? Cover the toilet with a toilet seat cover and wash your hands with your own antibacterial gel rather than touch the sink faucets.

Drink lots of water

It won’t just help keep you hydrated — drinking water also helps fortify your immune system , making it that much harder for pesky cold and flu pathogens to gain any ground. Just make sure that you clean your hands if you accept water from a peeked-looking flight attendant.

Build up your immune system with vitamins

While there is still no conclusive evidence that vitamins can keep you from getting a cold or the flu, many travel writers swear by them, and boosting your immune system before stepping onto a plane can’t hurt. Try taking a vitamin C booster, multivitamin with vitamin D in it , and/or garlic. At the very least you’ll have a bit more energy for your upcoming journey.

Get the flu shot

If you’re traveling anywhere this winter/spring and haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, now’s the time. It’s the best line of defense against contracting the virus. You can get it at your doctor’s office or at most chain pharmacy walk-in services.

Know your flu risk. Check out the Flu Tracker on The Weather Channel App.

Gerd Meissner

Gerd writes, produces, edits, and manages content at Authentic8. Before, he covered information technology and data security as a journalist and book author.

More posts by Gerd Meissner.

Gerd Meissner

Consider this before taking your next trip: When traveling for business, you are more likely to get hacked than to get mugged, according to a recent report .

Are you among the rapidly growing group of professionals – like lawyers, IT professionals, financial advisors or executive search consultants – who stay connected with their job while on an extended weekend or a vacation trip?

Then you potentially put your organization at risk every time you fire up your notebook or tablet computer in an airport lounge, hotel room or beach restaurant.

Don’t be the one employee whose carelessness opens the door for online crooks. October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so here’s to cybersecurity awareness while traveling:

The following eight simple precautions will help you protect yourself and your company against data breaches when accessing the web while traveling:

Before connecting over WiFi, verify the access point you are going to use. Prefer those that are protected with a password.

Did you ever hear about “rogue access points”? These are public networks with official-sounding labels like “Guest Connect”, “Conference WiFi” or “Official [. ] WiFi”, but they were set up by crooks to lure in unsuspecting mobile workers and tourists. Such “bait spots” may pop up on your screen in coffee shops or around convention centers and hotel neighborhoods.

The victims wouldn’t know. They get connected to the Internet as expected. But in the background, all their data, passwords, access code, emails… – is intercepted by the attacker first, and then passed on to the location’s real access point.

Even encrypted information may be intercepted and decoded by the attackers this way. Read all about how it works and what to watch out for in our in-depth blog post: Stealing data over WiFi is easier than you think .

Tip: Don’t use public WiFi at all, unless with a secure browser like Silo (see tip # 8). Instead, use the hotspot feature of your smartphone, if available.

Access only websites that can provide an encrypted connection to communicate with your browser.

This security feature will be indicated by a padlock icon displayed in the browser, next to the URL of the page you are visiting. It is becoming standard for servers that require you to log in or that handle sensitive data, like shopping or banking portals.

Note that more major hotel chains have been impacted by large-scale data breaches over the past two years, due to a woeful lack of information security in the hospitality, meetings, and events industry. If your attempt to access the hotel web results in an “outdated security certificate” or the likes, better heed the warning, forget the whole thing and pick a safer place to connect.

Speaking of which – you better totally avoid connecting to your online banking, work email or employer portal account on open networks and from shared computers.

Most advanced cyber schemes designed to steal sensitive personal information or critical business data rely on a widely cast net of malware and “bots”. Logging in from a remote Greek island doesn’t mean the password of a vacationing lawyer is safe from hackers in China who have their eyes already set on her New York City-based law firm.

In public places, beware of shoulder surfers.

“Shoulder surfing”, also referred to as “visual hacking”, is a tried-and-true method of crooks to gain unauthorized access to computer networks and bank accounts. Learn why from 3M’s whitepaper on its “visual hacking experiment” [PDF].

Like four-digit PIN numbers at the ATM, passwords that are too short and simple are easy to glean and memorize for anyone within line of sight. Shield your keyboard when entering your login on a website, on your laptop while waiting at the airport or on your iPad while enjoying a gelato in an outdoor cafe at a crowded tourist destination.

You didn’t notice anyone leaning over from the neighboring table? At many tourist destinations, it’s good to keep in mind that binoculars are cheap. Travelers are frequently snooped on from 2nd-floor apartments right across the street – rented by criminal gangs just for that purpose.

Beware the hotel business center.

In July of 2016, journalist Robert McGarvey (###) bemoaned The Death of the Hotel Business Center on his blog.

“Understand this,” he wrote: “[B]usiness centers, many of them, are radically dangerous to your data security. They can be every bit as bad as public WiFi .” McGarvey describes why hotel business centers are infested with malware like keyloggers (spyware to steal your passwords), and quotes Authentic8’s Co-founder and CEO Scott Petry with this advice:

“Just don’t use a hotel business center.”

If you absolutely must use a public or shared computer, in the hotel’s business center or the frequent flyer club, use the browser’s “Settings” menu to delete any cookies, browsing history and cache items before and after your session.

On a shared or public computer, like in a hotel lounge or in an AirBnB pad, make sure to log off from each site yourself by clicking the “Logout” button.

Here’s why: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn will do everything to keep you “engaged”. Per design, that includes keeping the computer logged in, even after you thought you finished the session. The next person at the computer may use the opportunity to change your login and then send scam emails to all your Facebook friends or co-workers back home.

Follow this advice from the Air Ambulance Card blog: “If you are a business person and must log in, consider a service like Authentic8.”

We couldn’t have said it better, except for adding that Authentic8’s Silo, the most secure browser available, will protect you even when skipping one or more of items 1 through 7 on this short list.

Regular browsers fetch and process content (including malicious code) from the web onto your computer or mobile device. This opens the door for ransomware or spyware that secretly logs your passwords.

With Silo, the virtual browser, no code from the web – good or bad – ever touches your computer. Silo launches in the cloud, where it processes all web content in a secure container.

Web pages are transmitted back to your computer as display information – pixels – only, via a fast encrypted connection. When you’re done, your “disposable browser” in the cloud simply self-destructs, leaving no trace of the web session behind.

Try Silo here for free:

If you found this post useful, don’t miss our National Cyber Security Awareness Month tips:

How to creating and manage strong passwords: 8 Easy Tips for Better, More Secure Password
The results of our 2016 National Cyber Security Awarenesss Month survey: Face Your Worst Cyber Security Fears

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Traveling will require some work from you before you can finally relax. Luckily, you will find that it is much easier to go on a trip and travel if you know what to expect and you have an idea of where to begin. You will find many tips in this article that will help you to plan your next trip.

If you mci airport transportation are traveling with children be sure to bring a color photo with you and keep it on you at all times in case they become missing. It can be a very scary thing to lose your child. Children can sometimes become lost when traveling due to the crowds or the unfamiliar location. Having a photo of your child handy in case they get lost in a crowd could end up making a huge difference.

To assist in minimizing your travel budget, purchase arrangements far in advance. Most often, you can find travel deals by booking early, but last minute deals may appeal to those with less stringent needs. When you budget your expendable cash wisely and make your souvenir purchases early on, you will have more available funds later on in your journey if some issue were to arise.

Try to be as flexible as possible about where you go. Though you may have established favorites, it is always fun to mix things up with some new spots. You can save some money by picking an alternate destination.

When you are going to some type of attraction, print online tickets in advance. There is generally a fee associated with an online ticket purchase. However, it is a small one, and the trade off for skipping long ticket lines is a big advantage. Not only that, you may be able to skip the lines for entry as well.

Work off your flying anxiety with a jog before you head to the airport. Long flights are found to be hard to sit through. Your muscles can easily cramp from maintaining the same position for extended periods. Stretching or working out before taking a flight can help reduce soreness.

These save very little space to begin with, and most nice hotels provide their guests with basic toiletries like shampoo and soap. Instead, try different space folding techniques for efficiently packing clothes. These tips and tricks can help you to create more space in your bag as you pack.

They can provide you with some amazing vistas and a level of plant life most people have never experienced. Everyone should visit a desert to view its majesty at least once in their life.

Plan for service stops when going on a road trip. When you’re traveling on the road, you can run across long stretches in which there are not many stops or any stops for helping you to maintain or service your vehicle. Try to map out these stops ahead of time. Also, you will want to have the numbers of these stations if you are stranded.

In conclusion, the trip planning process can be a difficult one that can be intimidating. With the right information, however, and proper preparation, planning a trip really isn’t that hard. Using the ideas in the article will help you airport shuttle kc make excellent travel plans the next time you plan a trip.

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or occasional vacationer, chances are you’ll need to use your credit card when traveling.

It is crucial for you to help protect yourself from credit card fraud, whether traveling for business or pleasure. These simple tips will help you keep your information secure, no matter where you are.


Enjoy your travels without safety concerns by preparing.

Let Your Card Issuer Know Where You Will Be

When it comes to both your bank account and credit card, you’ll want to set a travel alert to let the issuer know where you will be and for how long. This will stop them from flagging your account for suspicious activity — like repeated purchases outside of your home state or country.

Keep It Minimal

You may have a selection of credit cards, but don’t travel with them all. The more you have and the more accounts you use, the greater the chance that a fraudulent charge will escape your notice. It’s best to pick one card to use for the majority of your purchases, as well as a backup if you have it.

Know Who To Contact

Your credit card issuer will have multiple layers of protection in place in the case that your cards are stolen, but you’ll need to know how to contact them and have the correct account information to verify who you are. Write down or make copies of the front and back of your cards, which will typically also include necessary contact information. Store this information in a safe place that is separate from the cards themselves.

Monitor Your Account (If Possible)

If you can keep an eye on your account activity when traveling, that is a great way to catch any suspicious activity quickly. However, you have to be safe, and accessing your financial data over public wireless or through public computers is not recommended. These methods can be prone to prying eyes and hackers, so you are better off waiting until you have access to a secure network.


Keeping an eye on account activity is useful, but you should never check financial information in a public place.

Set Alerts And Budgets

Most card issuers will allow you to set up alerts — via email or text — that let you know when you’ve reached a certain budget threshold on your spending. This is helpful both in the case that someone is able to access your card information and attempt a big purchase, but also to help you stick with a travel budget. Alerts can be especially helpful if you are traveling abroad or somewhere where you can’t safely monitor your account information.

Know How Payment Works

In the United States, credit card payments were traditionally swiped through a reader near a register, which meant that a server at a restaurant would take your card away from the table. In Europe, credit cards have chips that allow for servers to bring card readers directly to you at the table, meaning your credit card never has to be out of your sight. The US is finally catching up to this practice, although nowhere near the scale of Europe. In fact, you’ll want to confirm that you will even be able to use your card if traveling abroad, especially if your card is older, as many businesses will only accept cards with chips.

Traveling safely is best achieved by actively preparing, so make sure your bank and credit card issuers have you covered in the case of emergency. Contact us today to learn about our personal banking solutions.

Hodophobia is such a lonely word. How can something so amusing, like traveling, send shivers down someone’s spine? However, we cannot judge hodophobics for being scared of leaving the comforts of their homes. The world has its shady aspects and traumatic traveling experiences, like getting mugged, harassed, and injured, do happen even in the “safest” places.

But just because there are bad guys out there doesn’t mean you’ll give up traveling. You can relish giving in to your wanderlust while keeping yourself safe. You just have to prepare for worst case scenarios and amp up your defense against these mishaps with these traveling tips.

1. Stop dressing and looking like a tourist. Silly souvenir shirts, shorts, flip flops, ugly fanny pack, expensive smartphones, and a DSLR camera dangling on the chest – all these things scream, “Hey, I’m a tourist” without having to say anything. These little details call perpetrators’ attention and you know how they love to target tourists, right? Tourists (1) possess money, (2) aren’t familiar with the foreign territory, and (3) tend to get distracted easily, which makes them vulnerable to theft and harassment.

It’s safer to blend in than stand out when you’re in a foreign land. Select comfortable and modest clothing preferred by locals. Apart from not looking so “touristy”, avoid displaying flashy things, like pieces of jewelry in public to prevent enticing fraudsters.

2. Hide currency in several places. Don’t stock all your bills inside one wallet or purse. Have small envelopes filled with some money and discreetly put them in your shoes, inside a money belt, and even in places where the sun doesn’t shine (a.k.a underwear). In this way, you’ll have additional funds in case some pickpocket experts steal from you.

3. Use a dummy wallet for fake-outs. Trick the trickster by putting outdated credit cards, fake Ids, and perhaps a few small bills inside a dummy wallet. You can hand the wallet to thieves and use it as an opportunity to escape.

4. Refrain from displaying money and valuables in public. Gadgets and money are better off hidden. If you have to count your dollars after withdrawing from the ATM, try to do it inside a bank, where you can be protected by armed security personnel. And try to use cheap, less conspicuous bag so nobody, including criminals, would bat an eye. Nobody will ever think you’re storing money and some precious items in them.

5. Carry self-defense weapons. No, we’re not referring to guns and knives – unless you want to face jail time abroad. We’re talking about personal, non-lethal products like pepper sprays, stun guns, whistles, and personal alarms which give you the opportunity to escape when criminal activities arise. However, you should do your research first before using them. When not used properly, the perpetrators may snatch your weapons and use them against you.

6. Hold copies of your passport. Before traveling, make sure you have photocopies or electronic backups of your passport and other necessary documents. These help in case a natural disaster hits your hotel or someone steals your luggage. Also, ask contacts in your home city to hold extra copies should you lose all of yours.

7. Remain vigilant in crowded places. Lurking in crowded places, like marketplaces, sidewalks, and tourist sites are pick pocketers and bag slashers hunting for their victims. They know how people, especially tourists, get easily distracted with interesting things like unique market finds and talented entertainers in the sidewalk. Bad guys use the tourists’ weakness to their advantage and attack when their target isn’t attentive enough to watch over their belongings.

Don’t be a victim and double your alertness, even while inside hotel premises. If you have the tendency to zone out, try to angle your bag in front so you can see and feel it.

8. Travel with a group. Embarking on an adventure alone is self-gratifying – until you finally need someone’s help. If you’re traveling to farther places and you feel defenseless when criminal activity arises, it’s better to travel with a group. And besides, this is often more fun than going solo.

9. Avoid the dark alleys. If you happen to go out at night, always find a way to trek bright and busy streets, and briskly walk in the middle, not in the corners. If you suspect being followed, look for the nearest well-lit and crowded places like cafe, gas station, hotel, and other public places.

10. Stay sober, for crying out loud. This is a no-brainer. Regardless of age and gender, getting drunk in an unfamiliar territory with people you don’t know is like asking for trouble. You might get robbed, harassed, or even get killed when you’re under the influence of alcohol. If you decide to drink all the way, you might as well bring your trusted companions and loved ones with you.

11. Don’t get swayed by wolves dressed in sheep’s’ skin. Looks can be deceiving. If someone approaches you, like an innocent-looking old lady for instance, and tells you to take her to a particular address for whatever reason, never ever say yes. Instead, call out cops or some security personnel nearby and let them help her. There’s a big chance she’s trying to take you to a dangerous place.

Same goes when strangers suddenly are “too good to be true.” In times where various criminal activities are occurring, we cannot blame some people for having trust issues.

Author Bio: Mina Natividad is one of the writers for Holiday Inn Parramatta Accommodation, a modern hotel in Western Sydney known for their exceptional accommodation, service, and location, which appeals to travelers in Australia. She has always been passionate about giving in to her wanderlust and collecting mementos from different places.

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With the recent frenzy of warnings from the US Department of Health about potential measles exposure in airports across the US, you might be wondering if it’s time to check up on your immunizations.

Last week, it was Los Angeles International (LAX), and three weeks ago it was Chicago Midway (MDW). Early this week, Newark Liberty (EWR) saw its second alert in four months. In 2019 alone, there have been about 270 cases of measles reported in 15 states but might not be as scary as they seem.

As it turns out, it’s not uncommon for infectious diseases to pop up in airports. They are the ultimate travel hubs. But it’s the appearance of measles — an infectious disease that was once considered “eliminated” in the US — that has disturbing implications.

Dr. Manisha Patel, team leader for measles epidemiology at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirmed in an interview with TPG that more measles cases were reported in 2018 and 2019 than in years past. The most recent large outbreak occurred in Disneyland in 2014. In fact, about two-thirds of the recent cases in the US come from unvaccinated travelers who contract the disease when they travel abroad and bring it back home.

“I think what people should be concerned about is that there is a disease that’s been eliminated in the US, [but] it’s not eliminated in most other countries,” Patel said. And it’s not just a minor bug. “There are deaths associated with measles, there are complications associated with measles,” Patel explained.

“Measles is everywhere — it’s in Europe, it’s in South America,” Patel said. “You can get measles anywhere. Measles in airports certainly is always a concern because you can contract measles within two hours of an infected person leaving that area. That virus is still circulating in that vicinity — so if an unvaccinated person walks through a terminal an hour and a half after someone with measles was just there, they can get it,” she added.

While measles is considered to be the most contagious infectious disease worldwide, it’s also one of the most preventable.

“Measles vaccine, with one dose, is 93% effective — so that means if you have 100 people in a room and they’re all vaccinated, 93 of them won’t get measles. And with two doses, it’s 97%,” Patel explained.

The MMR vaccine also offers a lifetime of immunity to mumps and rubella, in addition to the measles. Children should get the MMR vaccine between 6 and 12 months old, and everyone else should get the vaccine before they travel. Two doses (97% effective immunization) is recommended.

MMR vaccine holding in hand with injection syringe at the background (via Getty Images)

“The US does not have a vaccine supply issue for MMR. It’s readily available in many clinics and travel clinics. It’s not expensive. There should be no barrier to getting MMR in the US, which is why we encourage travelers or anybody traveling abroad to get vaccinated before they go,” Patel said.

A majority of people born in the US since 1995 have been vaccinated for measles, according to annual studies conducted by the CDC. So, as long as you’ve been vaccinated, your chances of contracting the illness are pretty slim — even if you’re in an airport.

“When [measles] lands in an area — what I mean by landing in an area is that you take a person with measles and drop them in a geographic location where you have good vaccine coverage — it stays … limited,” Patel said. “You don’t have a lot of spread. But, if you allow that same case to drop in an area where coverage is lower, and that could be for various reasons, not just philosophical, you will get spread,” she added.

The MMR vaccine is safe and “highly effective,” Patel said. As a preventative measure, Patel recommends getting the MMR vaccine even after exposure.

Patel also suggests that if you plan on traveling, and you only “think” you have been vaccinated, it’s best to dig a little deeper. “Try and locate your immunization record as confirmation of vaccination, instead of trying to recall from memory,” Patel suggested. “If you cannot find proof of immunity, or were born after 1957, you should consider getting MMR vaccine before traveling in accordance with CDC Yellow Book recommendations,” he said.

The CDC Yellow Book is a great resource for travelers who plan to travel outside of the country. Concerned travelers can pick their destination and view which vaccines and medications they need prior to their trip. A recommendation that travelers vaccinate against measles, mumps and rubella recently was added to the Yellow Book.

Featured image by Media for Medical/UIG via Getty Images.