1. Do not leave valuables in a car - ever.
2. Always check for your items before you leave a restaurant or taxi or bus or plane. It is amazing how many items can be left behind. Get in this habit fast.
3. Ask your hotel staff about areas that may be unsafe or for scams that are common in the city.
4. Check PADI before taking a SCUBA diving course from a business.
5. Do not leave your bags unattended ever. If your bag has a strap, put your leg through it while you eat, read, or catch a nap. If someone tries to take the bag, you will feel it.
6. If someone is robbing you, give over your watch or wallet. Just do it and be safe.
7. Do not give money to beggars. Hotel or tourist information staff will be able tell you about local charities that will put your money to good use.
8. Give pencils instead of money to children begging. Pencils can be used in school while money encourages more begging.
9. Check out airport lounges, if flying. Although there is a cost involved, the quiet and complimentary food and drinks may help to make up for the fee.
10. Using your credit card at Internet cafes can be risky. They may have key logger software installed. This software will record your keystrokes and, therefore, your credit card or login details. One way around this is to open three or four browsers at the same time. Fill in part of your credit card and then switch to another browser where you will type some other information. Then return to your credit card detail and enter 4 more numbers. Then go to another browser and enter some useless information there. Repeat until you are done. This will make it more difficult, but not impossible, to determine your credit card or login details.
11. Avoid stray animals. And that includes monkeys, no matter how cute they are.
12. Talk softly when abroad. An accent or being loud can give you away as a foreigner.
13. Always know your way out of restaurants or other buildings.
14. Do not get drunk. That can only lead to problems.
15. Do not flash your cash.
16. Having clothing with lots of zippers. Makes it much harder for pickpockets.
17. Use ATMs inside of a building if possible. It is easier for thieves to get at you outside ATMs.
18. Only keep the currency of your current country in your wallet. Other currencies go in your money belt. It will take less time to pay and your wallet will stay safe in your pocket.
19. If your flight is cancelled, do not wait to get your flight rescheduled. The quicker you can get your flight rescheduled, the better.
20. Metal goes in your carry on (rings, keys, jewelry) keeping them safe from thieves.
21. Never, ever, leave your valuables unattended. It seems like obvious advice but it happens all the time.
22. If renting a car, factor in shuttle times of at least 10 minutes into your schedule.
23. Some cities have more than one airport. Make sure you know the difference.
24. Most airports are huge. Factor in walking time from one terminal to the next when scheduling your flights.
25. Scooters and motorcycles are best left alone. Traffic rules and driving styles vary greatly and are often not the same as your home country.
26. Take a photo of your luggage, just in case your suitcase decides to go to Hawaii while you are heading to Norway.
27. If you walk in to a hotel without reservations, ask to see the room. Are the windows and doors secured? Mosquito net? Clean? Beds clean and comfortable?
28. Tourist offices can help with accommodations, as can other travelers.
29. Learn how to use a squat toilet. There is an art to this.
30. Be aware of where you can and cannot take photos or videos. Photography is not allowed at some sites or buildings, airports included.
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