Safety Tips To Help Minimize The Risk Of Theft When Traveling
If you are planning on traveling in the near future, and you are wary about being on your own in an area you are unfamiliar with, you will want to take safety precautions to keep yourself from becoming a victim of theft. When you need transportation, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of a safe ride. Here are some tips to use to keep safe when traveling in an unfamiliar area on your own.
Call For Pickup Service Instead Of Hailing A Cab To Get To Your Destination
It is risky to try to hail a cab in an area you are unfamiliar with. There may be scams in process where someone drives around looking for people with expensive looking pocketbooks, laptop bags, or briefcases. They will then alert a partner in a vehicle painted like a cab to come by to see if the person wants a ride. The person may then be robbed after leaving the area. Instead of taking this risk, call for service and ask for the number of the cab or tour vehicle being sent so you are sure you are getting a viable ride.
Check For Credentials And Equipment Before Getting Inside The Vehicle
When your vehicle arrives, take a peek inside before you get in to sit down. Make sure the vehicle is equipped with a dispatching radio and meter on the dashboard. There should also be an identification card placed in a visible location. Take a look at the photograph to match it with the person claiming to be your driver. If any of these items are not visible in the vehicle, politely tell the driver you forgot something and will no longer be needing a ride. Call the service to confirm your cancellation and to see if they did indeed send a driver. If not, call local authorities to alert them of the impostor.
Sit In The Back Seat And Hide Items From Sight
When you get into a cab, do not sit in the front. This will put you more at risk for a potential robbery. Instead, sit in the middle of the backseat. This way you are not at risk for someone opening the door and stealing from you if you are distracted. It is best to keep your cell phone in your pocket, out of view. If you are carrying a laptop or another expensive item, keep it under your jacket or between your feet as you ride so it is out of view.
Consider Using A Touring Service
A tour service is a great alternative to taking a cab when you are traveling in a new area for pleasure. Book service with a reputable tour company in the area and they will send a vehicle to you to bring you to attractions in the area without fear. This will take away the uncertainty about your security when traveling, plus you will get excellent first-hand information about the location from a reliable source.