The Americas Post - Uncle Sam says more of Mexico should be off your itinerary

For the second time in less than a year, the U.S. State Department has responded to increasing violent crime in Mexico by expanding the list of places that Americans should avoid for their own safety.

An updated travel advisory released this week warned U.S. citizens to avoid non-essential travel to 14 states in northern and central Mexico, warning that U.S. citizens are subject to drug-cartel action “including homicide, gunbattles, kidnapping, carjacking and highway robbery.”

The last warning, in April 2011, covered only 10 Mexican States. The new advisory includes parts of Aguascalientes, Guerrero and Nayarit in central Mexico, and says non-essential travel to Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas and Michoacan is no longer a good idea. The April warning against non-essential travel to parts of Sonora and central Jalisco, where violence is widespread, still stands.

“Gunbattles have occurred in broad daylight on streets and in other public venues, such as restaurants and clubs. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area,” the travel advisory said.

“The location and timing of future armed engagements is unpredictable. We recommend that you defer travel to the areas indicated in this travel warning and to exercise extreme caution when traveling throughout the northern border region,” it added.

Over 47,500 people have been killed in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon unleashed Mexican armed forces against well-armed drug cartels in December of 2006.
The State Department advisory reports that 130 Americans were murdered in Mexico last year, up from 111 in 2010 and 35 in 2007.

Recent attacks include a fire in a Monterrey casino that killed 52, mostly women. A U.S. missionary couple from Colorado was also killed at their home near Monterrey earlier this month. The advisory urged travelers to the city to use “extreme caution.”

You might not see the falcon, but he can see you

Mexico’s General Prosecutor’s Office for Morelos is warning against criminal groups specializing in robbery and “express kidnapping”, operating both inside and outside of Cuernavaca nightclubs.

Ministerial Police coordinator Jose Robles Quintana said that bands are most active on weekends on Playa de Ayala and Teopanzolco Avenues, targeting youngsters, tourists and people with luxury vehicles.

“Early in the morning when they leave to go home, they are waiting for them.  They steal their trucks for a while, they call the family, they empty their wallets and credit cards.”

Express kidnapping is a Mexican specialty in which victims are not held for ransom, but rather taken to ATM’s and forced to withdraw money and cash advances as quickly as possible.  In this case however, Quintana said that ransoms are also sometimes being collected.

“The family pays 20 or 30 thousand pesos (US$1,500 to $2,200) and they are released.  The only other thing they take is the pickup, which practically makes it an express kidnapping”, Quintana stated.  ”Usually they’re kidnapping people who drive Nissan X-Trails or other luxury pickups.”

Quintana said that the groups operate with “falcons” (spotters) inside who select and point out their targets, who are then followed home or stopped and robbed on the way.  He said there are no reliable figures on frequency, because some cases are not reported or simply reported as a stolen vehicle.  At times however, there have been six to eight cases reported in a single week.

The official urged nightclub visitors to exercise caution and avoid drinking to excess, which is a risk factor.

All hotel rooms abroad are bugged for audio and visual surveillance. This statement, of course, is NOT TRUE, but that is the premise under which you must operate to maintain an adequate level of security awareness while conducting business abroad. Many hotel rooms overseas are under surveillance. In those countries where the intelligence services are very active, if you are a business person working for a western/american company of interest to the government or government sponsored competitor, everything that you do in that hotel room may be recorded and analyzed for possible vulnerabilities or for any useful information that can be derived from your conversation.

With the basic premise established above, here are some security tips that will minimize the potential risks.

Hotel Room Key

Keep it with you at all times. The two most common ways that thieves and others use to determine if a person is in their hotel room is to look at the hotel room mail slot or key board or call the room on the house phone. If you do not answer the phone that is one thing, but, if your room key is there, you are obviously out and the coast is clear for a thief or anyone else who is interested in searching your room and luggage.

Upon Arrival

Invest in a good map of the city. Mark significant points on a map such as your hotel, embassies and police stations. Study the map and make a mental note of alternative routes to your hotel or local office should your map become lost or stolen.

· Be aware of your surroundings. Look up and down the street before exiting a building.
· Learn how to place a telephone call and how to use the coin telephones. Make sure you always have extra coins for the telephone.
· Avoid jogging or walking in cities you are not familiar with. If you must jog, be aware of the traffic patterns when crossing public streets. (Joggers have been seriously injured by failing to understand local traffic conditions.)

Valuables

Valuables should normally be left at home. The rule of thumb is, if you neither want nor can afford to lose them, DO NOT TAKE THEM! However, if you must carry valuables, the best way to protect them is to secure them in your local offices. If that is not possible, the next best course of action is to seal any valuables by double enveloping, initialing across seams and taping all edges and seams before depositing them in the hotel’s safe deposit box or safe.

Luggage

Keep it locked whenever you are out of the room. It will not stop the professional thief or intelligence agent but it will keep the curious maid honest.
Passport

Keep your passport with you at all times. The only time that you should relinquish it is:

· To the hotel if required by law when registering.
· If you are required to identify yourself to local authorities for any reason.

At night, lock your passport and your other valuables in your luggage. This eliminates their mysterious disappearance while you are asleep or in the shower.

Utilize a portable or improvised burglar alarm while asleep. Two ash trays and a water glass are quite effective as an alarm when placed on the floor in front of the entry door into your room. Place a water glass in one ashtray and put the second ashtray on top of the glass. If a straight chair is available, place it next to the door and put the ash tray/water glass alarm on the edge of the chair where it will fall with enough racket to wake you.

Guest Room as a “Safe Haven”

Hotels are required to provide reasonable care to ensure that guests have a safe and secure stay. Hotels are not required to guarantee guest security. You are responsible for your personal security and property.

· While in the room, keep the door closed and engage the dead bolt and privacy latch or chain. A limited number of hotel emergency keys can override the dead bolt locks. To ensure privacy use the latch or chain!
· Hoteliers provide guest room “safes” for the convenience of guests. However, these containers are not as durable as bank safes and can be breached. Furthermore, the Housekeepers Liability Laws provide that if guest property is not in the “care, custody and control of the hotel,” the hotel is not liable. Guests should always place money or valuables in the safe deposit box at the front desk of the hotel.
· When leaving the guest room, ensure that the door properly closes and is secured. Make a mental note of how your property was left; avoid leaving valuables in plain view or in an
unorganized manner. A number of hotel employees enter the room each day to clean, repair and restock the room. Although most hotel employees are honest and hardworking, a few succumb to the temptation of cash or jewelry left unprotected.
· If you determine that an item is missing, conduct a thorough search prior to reporting the incident to hotel security. Do not expect to receive a copy of the security report, as it is an internal document. The incident should be reported to the local police, the Regional Security and Consular Officers at your Embassy, and your insurance carrier. Hotel security can provide a letter verifying that you reported property missing.
· Prior to traveling, it is recommended that you copy all credit cards, passport, air tickets and other documents to facilitate reporting loss and replacing them. While traveling abroad, secure these documents in the room safe deposit box and carry copies of your passport and visa.
· Request housekeeping make up your room while you are at breakfast, rather than leave a “Please Service This Room” sign on the door knob. This sign is a signal to criminals that the room is unoccupied.
· If you are required to use parking stickers in your auto, be sure that it does not indicate your name or room number.

Around The Hotel

Most first class international hotels have spent a considerable sum to ensure your safety and security. Fire safety equipment, CCTVs, and security patrols are often part of the hotel’s security plan. Regardless of the level of security provided by the hotel, you need to become familiar with certain aspects of the security profile of the hotel. This will take on increased significance when you may be forced to stay at the only hotel at a particular location.

· Vary the time and route by which you leave and return to the hotel. Be alert for persons watching your movements.
· Note if hotel security locks certain access points after dark. Plan to use the main entrance upon return to the property.
· Speak with the bellman, concierge and front desk regarding safe areas around the city in which to jog, dine or sightsee. Ask about local customs and which taxi companies to use or avoid.
· Do not take valuables to the spa or work out room. Note if there are house phones available in the event of a confrontation or emergency.
· Be cautious when entering rest rooms in the hotel. On occasion, unauthorized persons use these facilities to deal drugs or engage in prostitution or theft. Female travelers should be alert to placing purses on hangers on the inside of the lavatory doors, or on the floor in stalls – two frequent locations for grab and run thefts.
· Areas around public telephones are often used by criminals to stage pickpocket activity or theft. Keep briefcases and purses in view or “in touch” while using phones. Caution is urged in safeguarding telephone credit card numbers. Criminals wait for callers to announce credit card numbers on public phones and then sell the numbers for unauthorized use.
· Purse snatchers and briefcase thieves are known to work hotel bars and restaurants waiting for unknowing guests to drape these items on chairs or under tables only to discover them missing as they are departing. Keep items in view or “in touch”. Be alert to scams involving an unknown person spilling a drink or food on your clothing. An accomplice may be preparing to steal your wallet, briefcase or purse.
· The pool or beach area is a fertile area for thieves to take advantage of guests enjoying recreation. Leave valuables in the hotel. Safeguard your room key and camera. Sign for food and beverages on your room bill rather than carry cash.
· Prostitutes take advantage of travelers around the world through various ploys, use of “knock out” drugs, and theft from the victim’s room. Avoid engaging persons who you do not know and refrain from inviting them to your guest room.

Hotel Fire Safety for the Traveler

Fire safety at home and abroad is a matter of thinking ahead, knowing what to do, and keeping your fear under control. Panic and smoke are the most dangerous threats in the case of a fire. To minimize the risk of a fire, the traveler should remember the precautions listed below and where feasible:

· Stay only at hotels which have smoke detectors and/or sprinklers installed in all rooms and provide information about fire/safety procedures.
· Request a room between the second and seventh floor. Most fire departments do not have the capability to rescue people above the seventh floor level with external rescue equipment (i.e., ladders).
· Inquire as to how guests are notified if there is an emergency.

Your Hotel Room

· Note the location of the fire exits (stairs) on your floor. Count the number of doors between your room and the exit. If there is a fire, you may have to crawl there in the dark.
· Check exit doors to be sure that they are unlocked and that stairwells are clear of obstructions.
· Note the location of fire alarms, extinguishers and hoses and read any fire safety information available in your room.
· Check outside your room window to ascertain if there is a possible escape route that would be feasible in an extreme emergency.

In Case of a Fire

· KEEP CALM – DO NOT PANIC.
· Call the front desk and notify them of the location of the fire.
· Check your door by placing your palm on the door and then on the door knob. If either feels hot, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR.
· If it is safe to exit from your room, head for the stairs. TAKE YOUR ROOM KEY WITH YOU, YOU MAY HAVE TO RETURN TO YOUR ROOM.
· If the corridor is full of smoke, crawl to the exit and again check the door before opening it to see if it is hot. The fire could be in the stairwell.
· DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR!
· If you can not leave your room or the stairwells are unsafe and you must return to your room:
· Notify the front desk that you are in your room awaiting rescue.

· Open a window for fresh air. Do not break the window as you may need to close it again if smoke starts to enter from the outside.
· Fill the tub and sink with water. Soak towels and blankets as necessary to block vents and openings around doors to keep the smoke and fumes out.
· Attempt to keep the walls, doors and towels covering vents and cracks cool and wet.
· A wet towel swung around the room will help clear the room of smoke.
· Cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth.
· Stay low, but alert to any signs of rescue from the street or the halls. Let the firemen know where you are by waving a towel or sheet out the window

Obtain an International Drivers Permit (IDP).  This can be purchased through your AAA Club (or similar).  Have your passport photos and a completed application.  There will be a fee involved.  Carry both your IDP and your local/state driver’s license with you at all times.

• Some countries have a minimum and maximum driving age.  Check the laws before you drive in any country.
• Always “buckle up”.  Some countries have penalties for people who violate this law.
• If you rent a car, always purchase the liability insurance.  If you do not, this could lead to financial disaster.
• As many countries have different driving rules, obtain a copy of them before you begin driving in that country.
• If the drivers in the country you are visiting drive on the opposite side of the road than in the U.S., practice driving in a less populated area before attempting to drive during the heavy traffic part of the day.
• Be aware of the countryside you will be driving in.  Many countries require you to honk your horn before going around a sharp corner or to flash your lights before passing.
• Find out before you start your journey that has the right of way in a traffic circle.
• Always know the route you will be traveling.  Have a copy of a good road map, and chart your course before beginning.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers.
• When entering your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
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• If you are in a public area at the time of abduction, make as much commotion as possible to draw attention to the situation.
• If the abduction takes place at your hotel room, make noise, attempt to arouse the suspicion or concern of hotel employees or of those in neighboring rooms – minimally, the fact that an abduction has taken place will be brought to the attention of authorities and the process of notification and search can begin.  Otherwise, it could be hours or days before your absence is reported.
• Once you have been forced into a vehicle, you may be blindfolded, physically attacked (to cause unconsciousness), drugged, or forced to lie face down on the floor of the vehicle.  In some instances, hostages have been forced into trunks or specially built compartments for transporting contraband.
• Do not struggle in your confined state; calm yourself mentally, concentrate on surviving.
• Employ your mind by attempting to visualize the route being taken, take note of turns, street noise, smells, etc.  Try to keep track of the amount of time spent between points.
• Once you have arrived at your destination, you may be placed in a temporary holding area before being moved again to a more permanent detention site.  If you are interrogated:
• Retain a sense of pride but be cooperative.
• Divulge only information that cannot be used against you.
• Do not antagonize your interrogator with obstinate behavior.
• Concentrate on surviving; if you are to be used as a bargaining tool or to obtain ransom, you will be kept alive.

After reaching what you may presume to be your permanent detention site (you may be moved several more times), quickly settle into the situation:

• Be observant – Notice the details of the room, the sounds of activity in the building and determine the layout of the building by studying what is visible to you.  Listen for sounds through walls, windows or out in the streets, and try to distinguish between smells.
• Stay mentally active by memorizing the aforementioned details.  Exercise your memory and practice retention.
• Keep track of time.  Devise a way to track the day, date and the time, and use it to devise a daily schedule of activities for yourself.
• Know your captors.  Memorize their schedule, look for patterns of behavior to be used to your advantage, and identify weaknesses or vulnerabilities.
• Use all of the above information to seek opportunities to escape.
• Remain cooperative.  Attempt to establish rapport with your captors or guards.  Once a level of communication is achieved, try asking for items that will increase your personal comfort.  Make them aware of your needs.
• Stay physically active even if your movement is extremely limited.  Use isometric and flexing exercises to keep your muscles toned.
• If you detect the presence of other hostages in the same building, devise ways to communicate.
• DO NOT be uncooperative, antagonistic, or hostile towards your captors.  It is a fact that hostages who display this type of behavior are kept captive longer or are singled out for torture or punishment.
• Watch for signs of Stockholm Syndrome, which occurs when the captive, due to the close proximity and the constant pressures involved, begins to relate to, and empathize with, the captors.  In some cases, this relationship has resulted in the hostage become empathetic to the point that he/she actively participates in the activities of the group.  You should attempt to establish a friendly rapport with your captors, but maintain your personal dignity and do not compromise your integrity.
• If you are able to escape, attempt to get first to your nearest Embassy or Consulate to seek protection.  If you cannot reach either, go to a host government or friendly government entity.

Any traveler could become a hostage.  The odds of that happening are extremely low when the number of travelers is compared to the number of people that have actually become a hostage.  However, there is always that slim chance that a traveler could end up being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  With this in mind, the traveler should make sure that his/her affairs are in order before they travel abroad.  Items of particular importance to an individual in a hostage situation are the currentness of an up-to-date will, insurance policy and a power of attorney for the spouse.  If these items have been taken care of before departure, the employee will not have to worry about the family’s welfare and the hostage can focus all of his/her efforts on the one thing of paramount importance and that is SURVIVAL!!

To survive, travelers should realize that there are certain dynamics involved in a hijacking or a kidnapping, and, to increase their ability to survive, they must understand how these interacting forces affect the end result.  Each individual involved in an incident of this type will have an impact on the eventual outcome.  One wrong move by either a victim or a perpetrator could easily result in a disaster rather than a peaceful conclusion to the incident.

The first thing that a traveler should remember is that he or she is not the only one that is scared and nervous.  Everyone involved is in the same emotional state, including the perpetrators.  Fear can trigger a disaster, and it does not take much for some individuals to set off a defensive spate of violence.  Whether it is a demonstration of violence to reinforce a demand or to incite fear in the minds of the hostages, the violence will be motivated by fanaticism and/or fear and that violence will be directed at the person(s) who are perceived to be a threat or a nuisance to the hijackers.

To minimize the possibility of being selected for special attention by the perpetrators and to maximize your ability to survive a hostage situation, here are some guidelines to remember:

Hijacking Survival Guidelines

The physical takeover of the aircraft by the hijackers may be characterized by noise, commotion, and possibly shooting and yelling, or it may be quiet and methodical with little more than an announcement by a crew member.  These first few minutes of the hijacking are crucial:

• Stay calm, and encourage others around you to do the same.
• Remember that the hijackers are extremely nervous and are possibly scared.
• Comply with your captor(s) directions.
• If shooting occurs, keep your head down or drop to the floor.
• Remain alert.

Once the takeover of the aircraft has occurred, you may be separated by citizenship, sex, race, etc.  Your passport may be confiscated and your carry-on luggage ransacked.  The aircraft may be diverted to another country.  The hijackers may enter into a negotiation phase, which could last indefinitely, and/or the crew may be forced to fly the aircraft to yet another destination.  During this phase passengers may be used as a bargaining tool in negotiations, lives may be threatened, or a number of passengers may be released in exchange for fuel, landing/departure rights, food, etc.  This will be the longest phase of the hijacking:

• If you are told to keep your head down or maintain another body position, talk yourself into relaxing into the position; you may need to stay that way for some time.
• Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for a long ordeal.
• Do not attempt to hide your passport or belongings.
• If addressed by the hijackers, respond in a regulated tone of voice.
• Use your time wisely by observing the characteristics and behavior of the hijackers, mentally attach nicknames to each one and notice their dress, facial features and temperaments.
• If you or a nearby passenger are in need of assistance due to illness or discomfort, solicit the assistance of a crew member first – do not attempt to approach a hijacker unless similar assistance has been rendered by them for other passengers.
• If the hijackers single you out, be responsive but do not volunteer information.

The last phase of the hijacking is resolution, be it by use of a hostage rescue team or resolution through negotiation.  In the latter instance, the hijackers may simply surrender to authorities or abandon the aircraft, crew and passengers.  In the case of a hostage rescue operation to resolve the hijacking:

• The characteristics of a hostage rescue force introduction into the aircraft will be similar to the hijacker’s takeover – noise, chaos, possibly shooting – the rescue force is re-taking control of the aircraft.
• If you hear shots fired inside or outside the aircraft, immediately take a protective position – put your head down or drop to the floor.
• If instructed by a rescue force to move, do so quickly, putting your hands up in the air or behind your head; make no sudden movements.
• If fire or smoke appears, attempt to get emergency exits open, and use the inflatable slides or exit onto the wing.
• Once you are on the tarmac, follow the instructions of the rescue force or local authorities; if neither are there to guide you, move as quickly as possible away from the aircraft and eventually move towards the terminal or control tower area.
• Expect to be treated as a hijacker or co-conspirator by the rescue force; initially you will be treated roughly until it is determined by the rescue force that you are not part of the hijacking team.
• Cooperate with local authorities and members of your Embassy, Consulate or other agencies in relating information about the hijacking.
• Onward travel and contact with family members will be arranged by the authorities of your embassy as soon as possible.

The real terrorist threat to a traveler is that of being at the wrong place at the wrong time and becoming an inadvertent victim of a terrorist act.

Surveillance is an assessment of vulnerabilities in an attempt to determine any information available, from any source, about you or your activities, such as lifestyle or behavior that can be used against you.  If the intended target recognizes the fact that he or she is under surveillance, preventive measures can be taken that will hopefully deter further interest.  As an example, if the surveillant(s) realizes that he or she has been spotted, then the assumption must be that the operation has been compromised and that the police have been notified or other preventive measures have been taken.  On the other hand, if a traveler is being scrutinized by a foreign intelligence or security agency, the surveillance may well continue.

Surveillance takes many forms, from static, such as an observer physically or electronically watching or monitoring your activities in your hotel room or office, to mobile surveillance where the individual being watched is actually followed either on foot or by vehicle.

How do you recognize surveillance?  There is only one way:  be ALERT to your surroundings.  As a traveler, you probably will not be at any one location long enough to know what the norm is in your surroundings, and this puts you at a disadvantage.  You will not realize that the person sitting in the car across the street is a stranger and should not be there, whereas a resident would immediately become suspicious.

Be observant and pay attention to your sixth sense.  If you get the funny feeling that something is not right or that you are being watched, PAY ATTENTION!  That sixth sense is trying to tell you something, and more often than not it will be right.

In any event, report your suspicions or any information to the general manager of the local affiliate or your embassy or consulate just in case something does occur.  If there is any question about what actions should be taken, and guidance is not available from the affiliate, contact your embassy or consulate and they will advise you as to what you should do and whether or not the information should be reported to the local authorities.  But, the most important thing you should do is making sure that your demeanor is professional and everything you do is above board and not subject to compromise. 

If you have reason to believe that you are under surveillance, here is what you should NOT do:

• DO NOT try to slip away or lose the followers as this will probably alert them and belie the fact that you are just a businessperson or tourist going about your business.
• In your hotel room, assume that the room and telephone are being monitored.  DO NOT try to play investigator and start looking for electronic listening devices.  This again could send the wrong signals to the surveillant.  Just make sure that you do not say or do anything in your hotel room that you would not want to see printed on the front page of the New York Times.

Response To Targeting

If you have any reason to believe that you are targeted by an intelligence or security service, there is really only one course of action to follow.  Report your suspicions to the affiliate or embassy or consulate and follow their guidance.

Any person traveling abroad on business should be aware of the fact that they could be targeted by an intelligence agency, security service or, for that matter, a competitor if they are knowledgeable of, or carrying, sensitive or proprietary information.  In the course of doing business abroad, there are certain indicators that may occur which should be recognized as potential hazards and indicative of unwarranted interest in your activities.  These situations should be closely scrutinized and avoided if at all possible.  A few of the most common scenarios that have been utilized by intelligence/security services and have led to successful targeting and acquisition of information are listed below:

• Repeated contacts with a local or third country national who is not involved in your business interests or the purpose of your visit, but as a result of invitations to social or business functions, appears at each function.  This individual’s demeanor may indicate more than just a passing interest in you and your business activities.
• A close personal social relationship with a foreign national of any government is often unavoidable for business reasons.  In these instances, be cautious and do not allow the relationship to develop any further than the strictly business level.
• Be suspicious of the accidental encounter with an unknown local national who strikes up a conversation and wants to:
• Practice English or other language.
• Talk about your country of origin or your employment.
• Buy you a drink because they have taken a liking to you.
• Talk to you about politics.
• Use a myriad of other excuses to begin a “friendly” relationship.

If any of the above or anything else occurs which just does not ring true, BE SUSPICIOUS!!  It may be innocent but, exercise prudence and good judgment.

Many corporations have hotels abroad that are owned by local businessmen and staffed by local workers but managed by first class U.S. hoteliers.  You usually can expect levels of safety and security that are consistent with western standards.

• Ask the corporate travel agent for a list of recommended hotels.
• Check with  your Embassy for a list of hotels utilized by officials visiting the area.

Making Reservations

Make your own reservations when practical and consistent with company policies.  The fewer people that become involved in your travel and lodging arrangements, the better.

• If traveling abroad, especially in politically sensitive areas, consider making reservations using your employer’s street address, without identifying the company, and using your personal credit card.  Again, the less known about your travel itinerary, and whom you represent, the better.
• If arriving after 6:00 P.M., ensure that reservations are guaranteed.
• Request information about parking arrangements if anticipating renting an automobile.
• Be aware that credit card information has been compromised in the past.  Always audit monthly credit card statements to ensure that unauthorized use has not been made of your account.
• It is advisable to join frequent travelers’ programs available with many lodging companies.  These programs enable upgrades to executive or concierge floors where available.  Be sure to advise the person taking reservations that you are a member and request an upgrade.

Arriving at or Departing From the Hotel

The most vulnerable part of your journey is traveling between the point of debarkation/embarkation and the hotel.  Do not linger or wander unnecessarily in the parking lot, indoor garage or public space around the hotel – be alert for suspicious persons and behavior.  Watch for distractions that are intentionally staged to setup a pickpocket, luggage theft or purse snatch.

• Stay with your luggage until it is brought into the lobby, or placed into the taxi or limo.
• Consider using the bellman.  Luggage in the “care, custody and control” of the hotel causes the hotel to be liable for your property.  Protect claim checks; they are your evidence!
• Keep in mind though that there are limits of liability created by states and countries to protect hoteliers.  Personal travel documents, lap tops, jewelry, and other valuables and sensitive documents in excess of $l,000 in value should be hand carried and personally protected.
• If you arrive by auto, park as close to a hotel access point as possible, and park in a lighted area.  Remove all property from the car interior and place it in the trunk.  Avoid leaving valuables or personal documents in the glove compartment.  Prior to leaving the security of the vehicle, note any suspicious persons or behavior.
• If using valet service, leave only the ignition key, and take trunk, house, or office keys with you.  Often, valets are not employees of the hotel and work for contract firms.
• Parking garages are difficult to secure.  Avoid dimly lit garages that are not patrolled and do not have security telephones or intercoms.
• Female travelers should consider asking for an escort to their vehicles whether parked in the lot or garage.

Registration

In some countries, your passport may be temporarily held by the hotel for review by the police or other authorities, obtain its return at the earliest possible time.

• Be aware of persons in the hotel lobby who may have unusual interest in your arrival.
• If carrying your luggage, keep it within view or touch.  One recommendation is to position luggage against your leg during registration but place a briefcase or a purse on the desk or counter in front of you.
• Ground floor rooms, which open to a pool area or beach with sliding glass doors and window access, are considered vulnerable. Depending upon the situation, area, and security coverage, exercise a higher level of security if assigned a first floor room.
• It is suggested that female travelers request rooms that are away from the elevator landing and stairwells.  This is to avoid being caught by surprise by persons exiting the elevator with you or hiding in the stairwell.
• Always accept bellman assistance upon check-in.  Allow the bellman to open the room, turn lights on, and check the room to ensure that it is vacant and ready for your stay.  Before dismissing the bellman, always inspect the door lock, locks on sliding glass doors, optical viewer, privacy latch or chain, guest room safes, dead bolt lock on interconnecting suite door, and telephone.  If a discrepancy is found, request a room change.
• Ask where the nearest fire stairwell is located.  Make a mental note which direction you must turn and approximately how many steps there are to the closest fire stairwell.  In the event of a fire, there is frequently dense smoke and no lighting.
• Also observe where the nearest house telephone is located in case of an emergency.  Determine if the telephone is configured in such a manner that anyone can dial a guest room directly, or whether the phone is connected to the switchboard.  Most security-conscious hotels require a caller to identify whom they are attempting to telephone rather than providing a room number.
• Note how hotel staff are uniformed and identified.  Many “pretext” crimes occur by persons misrepresenting themselves as hotel employees on house telephones to gain access to guest rooms.  Avoid permitting a person into the guest room unless you have confirmed that the person is authorized to enter.  This can be verified by using the optical viewer and by calling the front desk.

• In the event of a disturbance of any kind, go in the opposite direction.  DO NOT GET INVOLVED!
• Plan to check in early for your flight to avoid long lines at the ticket counter.
• Go directly to the gate or secure area after checking your luggage.  (Secure Zone – Area between security/immigration and the departure gate.)  Avoid waiting rooms and shopping areas outside the secure areas.
• Stay away from glass wall areas and airport coffee shops which are open to the concourse or public waiting areas.
• From the time you pack your luggage until you check it with the carrier at the airport maintain positive control of all items, both hand carried and checked.
• At many airports security personnel, following FAA protocol, will ask you questions about control of your luggage.  Know what items you are carrying and be able to describe any/all electrical items.
• When going through the pre-board screening process cooperate with security personnel and remember that they are there to help ensure that your travel is safe.
• When arriving at or departing from an airport it is a good idea not to be exchanging items between bags while waiting in line for security screening or immigration/customs processing.  Complete all packing before entering such areas.
• If a conflict should arise while undergoing the screening process, cooperate.  Obtain the names of the screeners involved, and then discuss the matter with a supervisor from the appropriate air carrier.
• Remember that x-ray will not damage film, videos or computer equipment.  Many times such items can be cleared using x-ray which means that they will not have to be handled by the screener.
• Consider being transported to/from the airport by a hotel vehicle.  Generally the cost is not prohibitive, and arrangements can be made in advance by your travel agent.
• Declare all currency and negotiable instruments as required by law.
• NEVER leave your luggage or briefcase unattended, even while checking in or once in the secure zone.  In some countries, the police or security forces assume that an unattended bag is a bomb, and your luggage could be forcefully opened or even destroyed.
• Always be aware of where you are in conjunction with where you are going.  If an incident occurs, you need to know how to avoid it and either get out of the area or to your boarding area.
• Dress casually when traveling, as this will keep any undue attention from you.  Once aboard the flight, remove your shoes for better circulation.   Walk around the flight cabin to keep your blood circulating and swelling down.
• Avoid last minute dashes to the airport.
• Eat moderately, avoid alcoholic beverages and drink plenty of water as this will help to avoid dehydration.
• If possible, before you leave make an effort to adjust your sleep patterns.
• Sleep as much as possible during the flight.
• Carry airsickness medication with you.  Even the best traveler sometimes experiences airsickness.
• Avoid a demanding schedule upon arrival.  Give yourself a chance to adjust to your surroundings.