Passport - Keep a color copy at home and one with you in a different place

Local Currency - US banks and money exchange. If in a hurry, you can use the money exchange places at the airport. They charge less fees than local hotels. Never exchange money with locals on the street, no matter how good of a deal they offer.

Personal Bag - Preferably, get a messenger bag that has a zipper underneath the flap. You will have more control holding it in front of you as you would have with a backpack.

Wallets - Have two separate wallets. Keep on with you and one in the safe deposit box in the hotel room. Do not take unusable credit cards, such as department store, gas, etc. Only one visa (and an American Express) in each. Have an equal amount of cash in both local currency and dollars, but keep the dollars from being visible. Also, keep your driver’s license from being visible.

Prescription Medication - Prescription medication should go with you in the carryon bag. Make sure you have an extra 2 week supply with you, just in case. Most insurance companies offer “travel advances” and allow you to get an extra month supply.

Other Medication - Ask your doctor for “traveler’s diarrhea” antibiotic. Malaria pills should be taken a week before you leave, during your stay, and a week after you come back. Other medication: pain killers, cough medication, Sudafed-type medication for colds, upset stomach medication, band-aids, vitamins (one a day type save room).

Baby and Facial Wipes - Keep a small, travel size package in your carryon.

Purrel - Keep small bottle with you at all times.

Camera - Take a small camera and keep it in a pocket that does not have other valuables and it will not force you in opening the entire bag.

Watch/Jewelry - Buy an inexpensive watch. Don’t take your most valuable jewelry with you and definitely don’t take many.

Clothing - Wear layered comfortable clothing. Keep your eye on your bag if you have to put on/take off a garment and you have to lay the bag down.

US Embassy - Find out the address and the phone number of the closest US embassy or consulate. If your cell phone works in that country, program the embassy’s number. Just make sure you use all the necessary city codes to dial the number. If you’ve been attacked or rubbed, call the embassy right away. They are obligated to provide assistance to US tourists.

Attitude - Smile, be polite, but not paranoid. Most people are nice and genuine. But, do keep an eye on what is going on around you. Use common sense and you will be fine.

Public Transportation - Unless you are with a local you trust, don’t use it. Hire a car from the hotel. Better pay more and be safe, than trying to save money and be sorry. Never use locals on the street who are offering “cheap rides”.

Laptop - When you are not using it, keep it in the safe deposit box at the hotel.

Power Adapters - Check the local voltage. You will need both the voltage converter and the plug adaptor. Computers have a built-in voltage converter. Hair dryers, curling irons, and flat irons don’t.

Water - Drink only bottled water and don’t use any ice or drinks that have ice. Drink wine instead of cocktails.

And most import: HAVE FUN!