Protect Yourself During Your Vacation
Are you taking a well-deserved vacation this summer? If so, be sure to plan ahead to assure that your vacation is safe and enjoyable. A few preventative measures can make all the difference.
Do your homework and confirm all travel details. To avoid unpleasant surprises, book your vacation with a reputable company or one that was referred by family or friends. Be a smart traveler and charge your vacation to your PSECU's Visa®. That way, you may be able to dispute the charges and limit your liability, if your vacation is not what you contracted for or you were scammed. Whether booked through an agency or not, be sure to confirm all travel plans (flight, hotel, rental car and shuttles) one last time prior to leaving.
Safeguard your cash and credit cards. As part of your pre-trip routine, remove all unnecessary cards from your wallet and store them in a safe place. Make an extra copy of the cards you do plan to take and store those copies in a separate suitcase. If your cards are lost or stolen, you'll have the information you need at your fingertips. (The number to report a lost or stolen PSECU credit or debit card is 800.556.5678 or internationally at 402.222.3600.) Prior to leaving for your trip, you'll want to notify your credit card company that you will be traveling to avoid a possible freeze being placed on your account due to extra activity that might look suspicious. You can notify PSECU at 717.234.8484 in Harrisburg or 800.237.7328 nationwide.
Traveler's checks are a good alternative to carrying large amounts of cash on your vacation. If they are lost or stolen, they can be replaced in as little as 24 hours after you notify the vendor who provided the checks. You can purchase your traveler's checks through PSECU.
Be alert for possible pickpockets. Professional pickpockets often work in pairs or larger groups. If you've had your pocket picked, you may not even know it until you reach for your wallet. Then you remember being shoved at the train station. Maybe that wasn't an accident, after all. An easy way to deter this type of thievery is to use a pouch or money belt under your clothing. Don't keep your wallet in an outside back pocket or leave a handbag unattended.
Most pickpockets tend to strike in areas frequented by tourists, particularly museums or bus and train stations. No matter where you are, avoid looking like a tourist. Before going out, ask your hotel's concierge about any known dangerous areas and mark them on your pocket-sized guidebook. Study your map before you leave. Once on the street, stay on well-trafficked streets where there are restaurants and shops. Look for parking lots that are well lit and secure. Avoid wearing jewelry - even a fake gold chain can attract unwanted attention.
Keep you and your vehicle safe. While driving, always be wary of pulling over, especially if it is dark or if you're in unfamiliar territory. Never exit your car until you are sure that the situation is safe. Keep all luggage in the trunk. Items such as maps and guidebooks should be kept out of sight, too. You don't want to draw attention that you're a tourist and may have valuables in your car. Also, stay on main roads and stick to your planned route.
Easily identified rental cars are popular targets for theft or hijacking. To cut down on that risk, most rental companies have stopped labeling their rental vehicles with their corporate logo. If a logo is present, you can ask to have it removed before leaving with the car.
Make copies of your passport. If you're traveling outside the U.S., be sure to make several copies of your passport. Keep a copy with a trusted friend or family member at home in addition to taking along a few copies for yourself. This will ensure that if anything happens to your passport, it can more easily be replaced. If your passport would become lost or stolen, go to the nearest American embassy for help.
Whether you're exploring the U.S. or going abroad, be sure to check out travel.state.gov before you leave for your adventure.
According to health experts, taking a vacation is the best way to relieve the stress that comes along with our battles and struggles of everyday life. Follow the tips above for the restful, rejuvenating vacation you deserve!