In the United States, security measures have been increased significantly. Major cities such as New York and Washington, D.C. have added hundreds of police officers to their departments, as well as placing counter-terrorist officers in these cities. K9 sweeps of subway systems are now very common. France and other European countries such as Spain, Belgium, and Germany. Currently, it is not recommended to travel between France and countries in Europe due to the risk of another attack. However, there has been an increase in security screening on European flights and trains to prevent another attack.
There are plenty of things to be aware of in order to stay safe while you are traveling, regardless of which country or city you are in. When you first arrive in any new location, make sure you have all of the phone numbers you would need for an emergency. This includes the country’s emergency number (like 911 in the United States, or 999 in the United Kingdom), and also important numbers such as the landline of the hotel you are staying at, or the cell phone numbers of your hosts. It also will be beneficial to have the number of a local cab service in case you get stranded anywhere and need a ride home.
It is also very crucial to stay safe when you are flying and at the airport, especially during the holidays when it is consistently very crowded. Always give yourself ample amounts of time to get to the airport, check your bags, and go through security, and know the status of your flight (on time or delayed) before you leave your house. By giving yourself enough time, you reduce the risk of something going wrong, such as a bag getting lost or stolen. It is also important to be aware of baggage regulations when you travel, such as how many bags you are allowed, the size and weight allowances for baggage on your airline, and what items are prohibited or subject to additional screening. The last thing you want is for your bag to be confiscated because you did not pack correctly.
With security at airports very tight right now because of the recent attacks and threats in Paris and around the world, it is important to be prepared before going through security. You will be required to show a government-issued photo identification card with your ticket. You should keep all your baggage and other personal belongings with you at all times, and never let them out of your sight. Electronics such as laptops and smartphones will likely be subject to additional screening, as well as carry-on liquid items in many countries. Never accept any packages of any kind from strangers, no matter how friendly they may seem - this strategy has been used by terrorists before to frame other people for their crimes. Finally, never make a joke about a bomb or other kind of violent attack, as security officials take everything seriously and this will likely subject you to extensive screening and interrogation by the authorities.
Once you are on the ground in your destination, it is very important to keep your wits about you and be aware of any potential threats. While this may seem a bit extreme, it is very important in order to ensure that you enjoy your trip without having to deal with the stress of being a victim of theft, mugging, or other criminal activity. The most important thing is to be aware of the culture of the place that you are visiting. What may be considered appropriate attire in your country might be considered offensive in another part of the world. Research what you should wear in order to sufficiently blend in and be respectful. You should also familiarize yourself with a map of the area that you will be traveling to and look up which areas are potentially dangerous, especially at night, so that you can avoid them. Ideally, you should always be with someone else when walking around at night, but if you have to be by yourself, stick to streets and areas that are well lit and known to be safe, especially for tourists. If you aren’t sure of where you are going, call a cab instead of trying to navigate by yourself.
Make sure to keep all valuables secure. You should keep your credit cards and identification on your person at all times. Be sure to keep your bag closed at all times, and be aware of pickpocketers. If you can, keep the zipper of your bag in your sight while walking around outside. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or flashy jewelry - store them in a hotel safe when you go out. Also, be aware of anything that may have your personal information on it, such as receipts that have your credit card number or other identifying information. This is to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. If you will be out of town for a long time, it may be helpful to call your bank before leaving and inform them of your travel plans. Some cards now have security measures to prevent identity theft, and they may be denied or require additional authorization when used in a different location than where you live.
During this busy time of year, it is extremely important to stay safe, no matter where life takes you. For all of your travel needs, call Exclusive Taxi and Car Service at 732-350-8294, or visit us on the web at www.exclusivetaxiandcarservice.com