While there are some exotic vacation and honeymoon spots with a dangerous rep that are softening to tourism now, some popular and seemingly harmless getaway locales require a little extra vigilance. Here are some tips, straight from the local police, to make sure your next getaway is as romantic and trouble-free as you'd like.
Heading Abroad?
- Barcelona:
Watch out for the kindness of strangers — If someone asks how you like Barcelona or tries to hug you, hold on to your valuables tightly. - Cancun:
Beach jewelry isn't such a bargain. It's almost always made from inferior metal. A police spokeswoman says, "They might get a cheaper price [on the beach], but the jewelry is definitely not of the highest quality." - London:
Take the city-licensed black cabs, and not the amateur "minicabs" that wait outside of tourist spots — in 2006 ten people per month were assaulted by minicab drivers. - Montreal:
Lock your car, and move any valuables to the trunk — leaving your ride unlocked might even earn you a $30 ticket.
Heading for some fun in the sun, or to take in some historical sights? To see tips for more cities, read more.
Fun in the Sun!
- Las Vegas:
The biggie? Time your cab trip. If it takes more than 20 minutes, you've been had. - New Orleans:
Shy away from street hucksters looking to make an easy bet with you — chances are, they're scam artists. - Orlando:
Steer clear of discounted multi-day theme park tickets sold outside the parks. Reselling the passes is a no-no and you'll get turned away if you're caught.
Sightseeing. . .
- Philadelphia:
Don't leave your GPS in the car, especially around prime tourist spots like the Liberty Bell. - Washington DC:
Keep track of personal electronics on the Metro, and car doors locked at gas stations — even if you're just running in to pay.
Want to make sure your honeymoon or vacation is safe for the planet too? An igloo in Switzerland or a treehouse in Africa — part of a growing trend of eco-trips — might just be paradise for you, and the planet.
Dunelm Mill
Buti
Hogan
Good tips! Thanks for sharing!
1Well the gps thing in philly is very true, I know a few people who have had theres stolen here. But isn't that just common sense? (like most of these tips) I never leave my gps in the car no matter where I am.
2Being vigilant is definitely common sense--the police were commenting on specific crimes that are rising trends in their area, but you're right--caution works everywhere.
3The black cabs in London are so expensive! And you're right, the minicabs are kind of dodgy. There's a cab company called Addion Lee in London that's a safe/reliable company that's way cheaper than the black cabs. Look them up and program their number into your phone if you're going there.
4it seems like there's always something to be fearful of no matter where you go. i have to figure out where my fiance and i are going to go for our honeymoon, but hopefully it'll be safe and carefree!
5Here's another safety tip for you. When you go whiteriver rafting, put your sister's camera in two platic bags, even if they have the sealable top. When water ruins your sister's camera, she let's you have it...
6When I studied abroad in Italy, they told us to ask how much a cab trip would cost before we got in. One guy in Rome tried to tell me it was going to be 200,000 lire, because he assumed I didn't understand Italian and would be stuck paying him about $100 at the end of my 10 minute cab ride. He apologized profusely but I found another cab anyway. jerk!
I think asking for a time estimate and cost is a good idea for taking a cab in a touristy city.
7As a general rule, never leave person items visible in a car. City hobos or bored suburban teens, it doesn't matter, cars are very easy to break into.
8Question, If you spend your honeymoon in an igloo will you wake up in one?
9Luxington. I love that you used the term "hobo". I picture one of those guys with stick and a satchel at the end just jauntily perambulatin' down a country road.
On a serious note, I'm going to Hoboville for my honeymoon. We couldn't afford one in Trampsylvania.
10Great tips!
11I love buying my jewelry in Mexico. I am sort of a stone junky, so I love all the unique stones. No the medal work is not always the best, but if you get a nice stone you can always reset it in a nicer piece. I have done that a couple of times.
I can't wait for the honeymoon.
12Another type of stay safe tip, not all countries have a "pedestrians have the right of way" culture...my friend almost got hit in Costa Rica.
And be careful of who can hear you when you are charging anything to your hotel room.
13I think it's a good idea to find the number of a good cab company in any city you're traveling to, (if you know ahead of time). It's not always possible but I always feel a lot more at ease knowing I won't be ripped off and its a safe, respectable cab company. I'm going to look up the london cab number right now in case I go in the fall!
14London - Why go by cab when you can just as easily use the Tube and easily walk to several notable destinations in one go?
Las Vegas - Bleh, the cab drivers are crazy. I would ask them to go slow to save my life.
15Nice tips, thanks!
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