Travel Tips from various sources:
Credit Card Advice
Before traveling in a foreign country call your credit card's toll free number and advise them of the location(s) that you'll be using the card and the dates. People have had their card stop working while in Central America because the credit card company thought they were fraudulent uses. This happens most often when you have a spouse in the US using their copy of the same card. Calling in advance should prevent this from happening.
Check the Windows
Most people automatically see to the security of the hotel room door. For some reason they assume the windows are locked. Perhaps because they just arrived and never opened them personally. It's amazing how many hotel rooms you will find with unlocked windows or those that can't be secured properly. Its easy to make a quick check of the windows each time you return to the room.
Phone Home.
When you travel to foreign countries and want to make some local calls, just go directly to the local grocery stores in the area and buy a phone card. The rates will be much cheaper than those in the hotels in most cases.
Backup plastic money
When traveling with your spouse, carry different credit cards. If your wallet is stolen during the first few days of a vacation, and you have to cancel credit and ATM cards you can use your spouses cards for the rest of the trip.
The Electronic Age
A great idea is to store on the Web a jpeg of the first page of your passport, the one with your info and photograph. Make sure you are the only one who knows where it is and it's password-protected, so it's only readily accessible to you. If your passport is lost or stolen, you can make a copy of that page from any computer with Internet access and get a new passport issued at the nearest US Embassy or consulate with no hassles.
Language Advice
Always try to communicate in your host country's language even if you are butchering it, it shows you are trying and it shows respect to the people living there, they will be much more likely to help you and speak English to you if you try, at least learn how to say "Do you speak English" in their language as well as common words, like yes, no, thank you, and please, this will also go a long way in locals eyes.
Where is my Hotel?
The first thing to do when you get to your hotel is get their card! This is useful when recommending (or otherwise) to friends but more importantly if you become a little "geographically embarrassed" you can hop in a taxi or some such and be driven home.
Hidden Pouches should be Hidden
People have been observed digging out their security pouch to pay for souvenirs or lunch, telling the world right where it is and what is in it. Keep all of your important papers (passport, credit cards, copies of tickets, driver's license, traveler's cheques, extra cash, etc) in your security pouch under your clothes, but DON'T keep your daily spending cash there too. Velcro your pockets shut and keep your daily spending money there. If you need more, go to the bathroom or other inconspicuous place.
Travel Angel
When traveling in Central or South America it seems to keep your luggage more secure by attaching a plastic angel to your suitcases. Possibly it makes a thief stop to consider the ramifications of their actions.
