• First and foremost...Be careful and use good judgement. If you do that, chances are you will have the vacation experience you have dreamed of. Most vacation spots go out of their way to make visitors feel safe and welcome. 
  That does not mean it is safe to walk the streets alone at 3:00 AM.

• Watch you credits cards! When traveling to foreign lands especially! If you are going to the little shop 3 blocks off the main road and then 6 doors down the alley, it may not be a good idea to use your credit card. Again, use common sense. If you are staying at the Holiday Inn in Aruba, your card should be fine. When you are eating at Jorge's fish stand, it may not.

• Use Traveler's Checks! (Make sure it is a company that will refund them if lost, American Express does.) Most hotels and cruise ships will cash these for you. This does not mean not to take any cash; take some. Never carry a large amount of cash on you when you are going out. Take what you need plus a little extra in case you see something you can't live without. Also, don't carry all your credit cards at one; take one. Then if you lose your wallet, you're not out everything. When using traveler's checks have one person carry the receipts and one carry the traveler's checks. If someone loses a wallet, you still have all the info.

• Before leaving make a list of your credit card numbers, with contact phone numbers. Leave it at home with someone you trust. If your card is lost or stolen, you can call home and get it cancelled quickly. Make use of the safe in your room or the safety deposit box offered by the hotel. I have found room safes to be quite safe and a more convenient way to easily obtain your valuables.

• Plan your time. When you get to your hotel or ship, plan what you want to do for the week. It does not have to be written in stone, but it does give you an idea of what things are the most important to you.

• Xerox a  copy of your passport in case yours is lost

• Plane tickets

• Room and/or car rental confirmation numbers

• Driver's license if you are renting a car, as well as discount coupons or corporate ID numbers.

• Phone number of US Consulate (International Travel)

• Medications, insurance card, and any special medical instructions.

• If you must self-inject, you need a note from your doctor and a copy of your prescription.

• Important phone numbers and e-mail addresses including credit card cancellation numbers.

• Personal items and toiletries

• Luggage tags and locks (combination locks are harder to break vs. key locks)

• Travel immunization records for international destinations

• A good attitude about the new security measures

• Insect Repellant

• Aspirin or Tylenol, antacids

• Film. It may be expensive at your destination.

• Extra batteries for camera, walkman, etc.

• Travel alarm clock

• First aid items

• Hand sanitizer or wet wipes

• Travel size tissues

• Notepad for name of new found friends and recording purchases for customs declarations.

• Stopped newspapers and mail, or made arrangements for someone to take them inside? Other deliveries?

• Turn off water from outside

• Left your itinerary and hotel numbers with someone?

• Made arrangements for children/pet care?

• Made sure there are no objectionable items in you carry-on luggage? Knives, metal nail files, tweezers, needles, aerosol hair spray, screw drivers, scissors, etc?

• Made copies of passports, credit cards and photo ID to leave at home.

Have a wonderful time on your vacation. You deserve it!! Be sure to call me when you return. Customer recommendations are the best recommendations!