Ad copy ad copy ad copy. Ad copy ad copy. Kerala is probably the greenest place you will ever see.The coconut palms, the red tilted houses, the innumerable lakes and beaches will remain long lasting impressions to any visitor. The colorful festivals like ONAM & VISHU, various types dances like Kathakali, Kaikottikali, Mohiniyattom and Koodiyattam, martial arts like Kalaripayattu and wildlife sanctuaries are the other attractions. Ayurveda the 3000-year-old system of medicine (recognized by World Health Organization as a system of alternative medicine), is becoming very popular all over the world. Kerala is a very attractive tourist place in Asia.
You have worked so hard and it is time you took a break and relax. You have saved enough and you think it is time for a holiday break. Unfortunately, tourists are targets for criminals. This is a tendency that is developing worldwide.
Take the following few basic precautions and ensure that your visit is as pleasant and as safe as possible-
Tourists Safety Tips
· Plan your visits in advance. Get advice from your hotel or nearest local tourist information office.
· Where possible, use registered, qualified and recognized tourist guides.
At the Airport
· Stay especially alert and watch your bags and laptop at all times. Do not let anyone but uniformed airline personnel handle or watch your bags.
· Watch out for staged mishaps, like someone bumping into you or spilling a drink, as it is often a ploy to divert your attention and steal your bag or passport.
· Carry your purse close to your body, or your wallet in an inside front pocket.
· Better yet, wear a money pouch under your clothes.
· Keep a separate record of the content of checked luggage. And keep anything of value in a bag that stays with you at all times.
· Avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewellery and luggage that might draw attention. Your aim should be to blend in with the crowd.
At the hotel (Accommodation)
· Do not leave your luggage unattended unless it is locked way in your room.
· Store valuables in the safe deposit box.
· Keep your room locked at all times.
· Hand the key in at the desk when you leave the hotel.
· If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.
· Make sure that luggage is only given to the hotel=s bell staff and a receipt is issued for stored luggage.
In the street
· Plan your route beforehand.
· Don't stop people to ask for directions or check your map on the street.
· Try not to look like a tourist by making obvious that it is your first time in the area.
· It is better to explore in groups and stick to well-lit busy streets.
· If you find yourself alone, try to make reference to yourself as part of the group.
· Avoid drawing attention to you by wearing lots of jewellery and showy displays of cameras and other valuables.
· It is definitely not advisable to carry large sums of money around. Carry just as much money as you require for the day.
· Keep your handbag and cellular phone with you and do not leave them unattended.
· Always keep an eye on what's going on around you.
· Never allow young children to wander off from parents.
· If you think someone is following you, take out your cell phone and pretend to make a call. Say the word police with enough volume for the person following you to hear.
· Don't confront them. You may, alternatively, just get yourself to the nearest public place as quickly as possible.
· Avoid going out unnecessarily after hours.
· If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism info office can recommend a reliable service.
· A policeman or a traffic officer will be glad to direct you if you get lost.
On the Road
· Practice the same prevention skills you do in parking lots or garages at home.
· Become familiar with your route before you start the trip. Get a map of the route and study it.
· Make sure your rental car is in a good working order. Learn how all the windows, door locks and other equipment work before you leave the lot. Keep your maps and rental agreement concealed, not lying on the seat or the dashboard where others can see them.
· Keep car doors locked while you are driving.
· Store luggage in the car's boot (trunk) where it is out of sight.
· If your car is bumped by another car, think before you get out. If you are in doubt or feel uncomfortable, signal to the other driver to follow you to a nearby police station or a busy, well-lighted area where it is safe to get out.
In the car
· Plan your route in advance
· Keep the doors locked at all times and wind the windows up.
· Do not leave your cellular phone or other devices where it is visible from outside the car.
· Lock your valuables inside the boot (trunk) before your departure.
· Do not ask strangers to take you a group picture no matter how friendly they seem.
· At night, park in well-lit areas.
· Do not hitchhike.
· If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice.
How to avoid mugging?
Mugging is unfortunately one of the common crimes that unaware people fall victims to in the streets and shopping malls everyday. The following are just some of the simple measures that you can take to so that you don't get robbed.
· Look around you and be aware of your surroundings. Remember, an area is not safe just because you are familiar with it.
· Walk actively and confidently. You must always try to make eye contact with the people around you.
· Carry your bag around your neck and diagonally across your body. Do not carry it hanging over one shoulder. You may as well clutch your bag and hold it to the front.
· Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket not a back pocket.
· Walk in well-lit busy streets and walk in a group if possible.
· If you know or suspect that a pedestrian is following you, go to the nearest well-lit or busy area and call the police.
· If a vehicle follows you, never try to outrun it. Turn and walk in the opposite direction. React by yelling or shouting if possible.
· Carry money or phone cards for emergency phone calls.
· Hide your cell phone and do not walk around talking on a cell phone as it will distract you.
· Avoid going out unnecessarily after hours.
· Avoid taking short cuts through deserted areas such as parks, empty areas and passages.
Sightseeing
· When possible, travel with another person when sightseeing or shopping, particularly at night.
· Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Do not feel embarrassed to leave an uncomfortable situation.
· Walk with purpose and project an assertive and business-like image. Criminals will be discouraged if you do not appear vulnerable or easily intimidated.
· Select sightseeing companies and guides carefully. Make sure they are legitimate. Check with your hotel staff for recommendations.
· When asking for directions, first look for a police officer or another public employee (i.e., bus driver), or go into a nearby business.
· Do not carry large amounts of cash. Use traveler's checks and debit/atm cards. Keep a record of traveler's check numbers; credit card numbers, photocopy of passport and other valuable documents separate from originals.
· If you must carry a large amount of cash, separate it from your purse or wallet and carry it inside clothing (i.e., in a hidden pocket or a money belt).
· Be careful and alert when cashing traveler's checks, or using a cash machine. Never let someone see how much money you have in your wallet, or where you keep your money.
· Don't wear expensive jewelry and watches when out sightseeing. If you must wear it, wear it inside your clothing.
· Pickpockets are often attracted to crowded places. They often work in teams of two or three; one may create a distraction while the other one lifts your wallet. Be aware of someone who bumps, shoves or gets too close.
· Don't tempt a thief by leaving your purse or wallet unattended. It only takes a second to grab it.
· Learn to carry your purse or wallet safely. Purses should be closed, held in front of your body, with your arm across it. Wallets should be carried a front pants pocket or in an interior jacket pocket.
· Aggressive panhandling is illegal in Seattle. If someone obstructs or intimidates you, and aggressively begs for money, you do not have to give them money, and you can report this offense to the police department. Please do not encourage or reward panhandling.
Driving
· If driving, plan your route carefully, travel on main roads, and use maps. Have your car serviced and tires checked before leaving.
· When driving in stop and go congested traffic, leave your windows up and doors locked.
· If your car breaks down, turn on your flashers and raise the hood or tie a white cloth to the antenna. If you must abandon your car, keep all passengers together.
· Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, flares, a fire extinguisher, and first aid kit in your personal vehicle at all times.
· Avoid traveling during the late night hours, especially if in unfamiliar locations.
· If you stop overnight, remove bags and other valuables from the car and take them inside. · Try to park in well-lit, populated areas. When returning to your vehicle, check spaces between cars and check around your vehicle before approaching. Have your keys ready to unlock the door, and check the back seat before entering.
· Even if you are only leaving for a minute, lock all doors, trucks, windows and sunroofs.
· Never leave attractive packages or any valuable items in view. Remove them from the car when possible. If you must leave them, lock them in the trunk before you arrive at the parking location. A thief may be watching.
· Purses, wallets, checkbooks and other credential items should never be left in an unattended vehicle under any circumstances.
· When parking in an attended lot, leave only the ignition key with the attendant.
Hotels-Motels
- · Book hotel reservations using only first, middle initial and last name, particularly women traveling alone.
· Leave an itinerary and expected return date with friends or family.
· Do not carry large amounts of cash. Use traveler's checks. Keep a record of traveler's check numbers; credit card numbers, photocopy of passport and other valuable documents separate from originals.
· Keep room numbers private. Don't sign bar or restaurant checks with your room number. Keep track of room keys. If a key is lost, ask for a different room, or ask for the locks to be changed.
· Use all locks on hotel door, particularly the double lock. Consider bringing with you a motel/hotel portable lock. Always lock the door when leaving.
· When returning to your room, make sure that you have your room key out and ready.
· Never automatically open your door when a knock is heard. Know your visitor's identity prior to admittance. Use your peephole, if available, or talk through the locked door. If someone claims they are from maintenance, security or a hotel employee, phone the front desk to make sure the visitor is legitimate.
· Valuables should not be left in the room, you or the people who service your room may occasionally forget to lock it. Put valuables in a signed and sealed envelope and leave it in the room safe or the front desk safe deposit box.
· Be alert for suspicious persons in the hotel hallways. Report them to the manager.
· Do not advertise how long you will be away from your room. Leave a light on or a TV or radio playing to give the impression that the room is occupied.
· Locate fire exits, elevators and the nearest phone. Plan the best way to get out of the building in an emergency.
· Label all pieces of luggage with your name, address, and phone number, both inside and outside. For the outside label be sure to use a tag that closes, so the information can't be read by a passerby.
· Lock all pieces of luggage.
· Never leave your baggage unattended. If it's a problem, check it or put it in a locker.
· Hands carry medication, currency and important documents or keep them in a money belt.
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
Avoid wearing visible jewellery orcarrying cameras and bags over your
shoulder.
• Keep cell phones and wallets tucked away where no one can see them.
• Do not leave purses on chairs, undertables, on the backs of chairs or on
restroom hooks.
• Do not count your money in the open.
• Keep track of your keys. (You may consider returning your hotel room
key to the front desk while away from your room.)
• When using valet parking, only give the attendant your car key and do not
leave valuables in your vehicle.
• Be wary of sex workers and strangers in the street who could be linked to
drug peddling or mugging.
• Pay attention to your surroundings and report any suspicious situations
or people to a security officer or a staff person.
• Should you lose your passport, report the loss as soon as possible to your
country's embassy or consulate, and to the SAPS.
• Carry travellers cheques instead of large amounts of cash.
• Do not carry all of your cash and/traveller’s checks with you; instead
place them in your room safe or the hotel safe.
• Keep photocopies of valuable documents in a safe place.
• Write down your credit card numbers as well as the customer service
number for the issuing bank(s), put
them in a sealed envelope and ask
the hotel front desk if it can be held
for you.
• Separate your cash and credit cards.
• Only use ATMs in areas that are
well lit.
• Always lock your hotel room door,even if just going for ice. Check
sliding glass doors, windows and connecting room doors.
• Do not leave room keys lying around the swimming pool.
• Do not leave your luggage unattended when checking into your hotel.
• Do not countersign all your traveler’s cheques
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.
• Do not leave your keys in an unattended car, even while running a
quick errand or filling up with petrol.
• Remain alert at all times, especially in crowded and noisy areas.
• If you get lost, go to an open business and ask for help.
Money/Credit Cards/ Access Cards
Use travelers checks whenever possible. Carry a minimum amount of cash and only the cred cards
you will need. Consider carrying some cash and credit cards in a place other than your fanny-pack
or purse. If possible, do not display cash.
Carry your wallet in the inside front pocket of your pants or your jacket
If your credit cards have been lost or stolen, always notify the police and your credit card company immediately. If credit cards are not reported missing, they can be used.
Be careful when using any access card (ATM card, debit card, bank card) or telephone calling card with PIN numbers. When you enter account and PIN numbers, shield the keypad from view by standing as close to it as possible.
To keep account information confidential, take receipts/transaction records with you.
When using ATM, be aware of your surroundings. If you observe or sense suspicious activities or circumstances do not use the ATM; if you are in the middle of the transaction, cancel it. Avoid counting or displaying money you receive from the ATM. Put your money in you pocket immediately.
Personal Safety
• Consult an Airport map.
• Locate a Police Officer.
• Approach any Airport personnel who are in uniform or who have a visible photo I.D.
• Go to the information boots located on the upper and lower levels of the terminal buildings.
• Use a Courtesy Phone to call paging and information personnel.
• Remember that alcohol consumption diminishes awareness.
• Avoid discussing your travel plans with strangers.
• Be alert in crowded situations such as airline security screening points, boarding areas and luggage claim areas.
• When using an elevator, always observe its interior before entering. If you are uncertain or if someone makes you feel uncomfortable, exit the elevator before the door closes. If you feel threatened in an elevator, press all floor buttons immediately.
• Be cautious of people who try to distract your attention. For example, someone may try to divert your attentionby asking if you dropped some cash.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION TIPS
Car Rental
If you are renting a car, keep maps, travel brochures and valuables out of sight in the glove compartment or trunk. Never leave wallets, credit cards, checkbooks, purses, or car rental contracts in the vehicle. When parking the vehicle for the night, remove all luggage and other valuables.
Always lock your vehicle and take the keys with you. Never hide a key on your vehicle.
Check the interior of your vehicle before entering.
Park in well-lighted, busy areas.
Looking lost may make you appear vulnerable. When checking your map, remain especially aware of your surroundings. Plan your route in advance. Consult maps indoors before leaving.
Never leave your car running while unattended.
Ask rental agency about the “unsafe” areas to park your vehicle.
Drive with windows up and doors locked.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Other Public Transportation
Do not accept transportation services from people who approach you offering to take your to your destination.
If anyone attempts to solicit you for transportation while at the Airport, please contact the SFPD Airport Bureau from any courtesy telephone. SFO and most other airports provide authorized transportation services for your use. Directions to authorized SFO ground transportation providers can be obtained from the Information
Desks on upper and lower levels or from Airport/airline employees or Police Officers.
When taking a taxi, shuttle van, or bus, remember to note the company’s name and the vehicle number and Color.