A fantastic travel experience can quickly head south if you’re robbed, lose something or are taken advantage of by someone on the road. Staying safe and securing your belongings are two important components for a successful trip. With a little bit of common sense and the ability to hone in on your surroundings and circumstances, chances are you’ll encounter few problems when you travel.

Tips

• Know the lay of the land before going out to explore. If you need to pull out a map, do it discreetly and out of crowded areas.
• Negotiate the price of a taxi ride before getting in the vehicle. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, keep a door to the vehicle open while you gather your belongings from the trunk so the driver can’t leave. Check the back seat one last time before closing the door.