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Distractions and the Unusual events
Thieves and pickpockets in particular, work in small teams. They use
distractions and events to draw your attention, so another team member can
move in and strike. Don’t be distracted by people bumping into you, or spilling
drinks and making a scene.

Keep your hotel room secure, and do not allow access to people, even if they
seem like they work in the hotel. If you’re unsure, or something seems wrong,
call down and check with hotel reception that the visit is genuine.

Tours and Taxis
When using taxis, especially from airports and public transport hubs, do not
use local non-licenced cars. Generally, they will cost less, but you do not know
who you’re getting in the car with or their motives. There is also no way to
track or account for the journey should you lose anything on route.

Only use recognised tour operators, do not accept a ‘local’ guide who is un-
licenced, you never know their training, experience or motives to take you
somewhere.

Hotel, Apartment or Villa
Always lock doors, windows, and safes before leaving your accommodation,
regardless of where you’re staying. Thieves operate in every environment no
matter the clientele.

Know your exits, in an emergency, know the quickest and most efficient way
to exit the building should you need to.

Terrorism and Emergency Events
With today’s international threat of terrorism, it is useful to keep an awareness
of some key points whilst travelling.

Know the emergency phone number of the country you’re in. Most of Europe
this number will be 112 instead of the 999 back home and in the United
States of America it is 911.

Know your medical emergency locations, just a quick look at a map for your
closest hospital can save time in an emergency and afford you lifesaving time.

Hotel evacuation / or stay put policies. Some hotels in the event of a terrorist
attack will either evacuate or lock down. Most locations now will tell you to
lock down in the event of a terrorist attack. To which, you must stay in your
room and barricade the hotel door with as much as possible. Stay away from
the door and stay low below the windows. Until you receive the all clear from
the hotel, stay put and don’t leave your room.

Prior to any travel or booking your dream getaway,
it is advised to check the government travel website
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, which
outlines country specific information for your help
and safety.

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