Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned jetsetter, chances are you could use some tips on traveling safely. Nothing should put you off from taking the vacation you’ve always dreamed of, but it’s always wise to be aware of the potential problems you might experience. Theft, loss of possessions, illness or injury can easily ruin your vacation, so it’s important to find out before you go how you can minimize the risk of these problems occurring.

The first step to ensuring safe travel is learning about the country you’re visiting. You will be bound by the local customs and laws of the country you visit, so these are important things to research before you go. Finding out about the culture and customs of the country you’re vacationing in will not only help you stay safe, it will also enrich your travel experiences.

While you’re still at the stage of planning your vacation, you should also consider where you’re going to stay. Larger hotels may be more expensive, but they’ll usually have tighter security and you and your possessions will stay safe. Try to book a hotel room that is on floors two through seven—this is high enough to prevent easy access for intruders, and low enough that you are within safe ground in the event of a fire or other hazard.

To find out specifics about crime rates, medical facilities and other important points, visit the web site for the U.S. Department of State. At this site you can read a Consular Information Sheet that gives detailed information about safety and security issues you may experience in the country you are visiting, as well as contact phone numbers you can call for more information. While you’re there, you can also register your trip with the State Department. Doing so means that if there is an emergency at home or in the country you’re visiting that could affect your safety, the nearest embassy or consulate can contact you to provide assistance.

Another important point to consider before you go is what you’re going to take with you. If you dress expensively while on vacation you are much more likely to become a target, so it’s best to leave jewelry and other expensive personal possessions at home. Remeber as a tourist you are one of the "haves" most any place you go. When it comes to valuable items, take only the bare essentials. In fact, traveling light overall will help ensure a safe trip too. You can’t lose what you haven’t brought with you, and the fewer bags you have to carry around, the easier it will be to keep track of everything.

You can protect yourself from most potential problems before you even leave home by investing in travel insurance. This type of insurance can cover everything from loss of luggage to medical expenses incurred if you become ill or are injured, and will also reimburse you if your trip is cancelled for any reason. If you decide to get travel insurance, make sure you review your existing homeowner’s and medical insurance policies to make sure there is no overlap with the travel insurance you buy.

No matter where you decide to go on vacation, it’s important to keep a close eye on your luggage and personal possessions. While you’re in transit, make sure everything is clearly labeled with your name and a contact phone number (it may be wise to leave your address off the labels). Never leave your possessions unattended or with a stranger, even if they seem friendly.

Once you get to your hotel, any valuable or important possessions such as your passport, credit cards or traveler’s checks should be stored in the hotel safe. Take only what you need each time you leave the hotel, and make sure that what you do take out with you is carried securely. Anything small such as cash, credit cards or traveler’s checks should be stored in an inside jacket pocket—never in an outside pocket or in a bag. Larger and less valuable items can be stored in a shoulder bag, which should be worn with the strap across your chest and your hand over the opening of the bag.

Stay safe while you’re out seeing the sights by taking some common sense precautions. Stay alert at all times, especially in crowded areas, and avoid traveling alone after dark. If you do go out at night, let someone at your hotel know when they should expect you back. Avoid poorly lit areas, and try to stay away from narrow alleys or shortcuts—it’s much safer to stay within the confines of the more populated areas of a city. Try to seem as if you know where you’re going at all times, even if you think you might be lost. If you decide to ask for directions, ask someone in authority, rather than a stranger. Lastly, make sure you are able to speak a few key phrases in the local language if you travel to a foreign country—it’s very important that you are able to ask for help when you need it.