Travel Security Tips

Remember to pack tickets, passports and insurance documents in your luggage. And remember the fear of bombs being planted by terrorists on aircraft means airlines prefer you keep electrical goods such as tape recorders and cameras in your hand luggage. They will, however, insist you keep any type of sharp object (even a razor) in your suitcase.

Consider carefully whether it's wise to take with you expensive looking 'designer label' luggage and jewellery - you could attract unwanted attention.

Avoid writing your home telephone number on luggage labels. You could unwittingly provide a criminal with information to the effect that your home is unattended. Use business details where possible.

Keep your baggage and ticket stubs. If your luggage gets lost, you'll need them in order to confirm you checked the luggage in. If you do run into problems with lost luggage, report it as soon as possible before continuing your journey to your final destination.

If you carry a credit card or travellers cheques, be sure to check you're still in possession of them every day or so. In the case of travellers cheques, thieves are known to rip out the bills from the last cheque so that you don't discover your loss immediately. Keep any unused cheques under lock and key.

In your hotel, avoid using the 'Make Up My Room' sign on your door when you leave - it tells everyone you're not around.

When you're out and about, avoid standing in the street gazing at a map - it tells everyone you're a stranger.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and the Foreign Office tend to keep up to date with conditions around the world and can advise on specific precautions for specific countries.

Compare Travel Insurance now .

Last Updated: May 2007 © Moneyextra.com

MoneyExtra.com recommends you should consider taking independent financial advice before acting on any article. Please contact us for help with your individual circumstances if any assistance is required.