A friend of mine who works for the US State Department gives me tons of great travel advice, especially when it comes to personal safety. Having spent significant amounts of time in all parts of Latin America, Europe, and the Indian subcontinent, she has—to put it mildly—seen some shit. But perhaps the best advice she has given me to date …
The Top Cruise Ship Risks (they’re not what you think!)
I almost can’t believe it. I’ve booked a cruise! And being in the business of travel safety, I am understandably quite keen to know everything possible about how to stay safe onboard a big-a$$ ship! I’ve done ridiculous amounts of research on cruise safety statistics and accident reports over the past week, and my findings have been both reassuring and …
How to Stay Safe at Concerts and Other Large Events
In light of the recent attacks on the public at concerts and sporting events, you MUST read this before your next arena outing! The fact that you’re even here means you like to be prepared for the unexpected. I’ve put together a list of 10 other calamities you’re likely to encounter while traveling the world, available to you for free, in …
Don’t Sleep Naked! …and Other Hotel Safety Tips
I loves me a snazzy hotel. Fluffy bathrobes, fancy bath products, decadent room service…. I tell ya, some hotels are so luxurious, I never want to leave my room! BUT in addition to all the other crazy travel snafus that can trash your trip (like THESE 10 things)…even the ritziest accommodations are subject to safety and security risks. So what’s …
Taxi Smarts: 6 Things You Should Look for Before Crawling into a Stranger’s Car
Uber is awesome, isn’t it? No matter what area of the world you’re in, you can open the Uber app on your phone and find someone to give you a ride. Usually within minutes! Except…when there is no Uber!!! I know, I know: it’s hard to believe. But it’s true! I arrived at the Austin airport a few weeks ago, …
Be Victim-Proof: Seven Tips for Staying Safe in Parking Areas
Ah, your friendly neighborhood mall parking lot. Who among us hasn’t experienced the joys of circling for endless minutes looking for an empty space? How long has it been since you managed to avoid acquiring new dents in your doors? When was the last time you were cut off by a clueless fellow driver? Yes, parking lots can be huge …
Everyday “SA” – Situational Awareness for Aspiring Jane Bournes
“I can tell you the license plate numbers of all six cars outside. I can tell you that our waitress is left-handed, and the guy sitting up at the counter weighs 215 pounds and knows how to handle himself. I know the best place to look for a gun is the cab of the gray truck outside….” –Jason Bourne, The Bourne Identity Wouldn’t …
Five Unusual Tips to Protect Your Credit Card from the Bad Guys
It’s my least favorite annual ritual. Every year—at LEAST once—I receive notice from my bank that my credit card number is showing “suspicious activity.” Usually, this notice comes in the form of me attempting to purchase something at a store, and the store (embarrassingly, especially for someone who is absolutely OCD about never carrying a balance) declining my card. And …