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swiggity-swexual-i-am-asexual · 5 years ago

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I'm beginning to think I might have celiac. Do you have any tips?

Well, first of all, go to your doctor with your concerns. Yes, even if it’s the USA, because celiac is a... kinda complex illness at times?? And will need a doctor’s verification, which you can only get while still on a gluten diet. You’ll get a blood test (and there’s also a panel thing you can do, because false negatives are a thing, but the names of all of them get me confused, so I suggest googling them for the names in case the doctor doesn’t know), and if it’s a positive test, they’ll want you to get an endoscopy (a super simple procedure where they put a tube with a camera down your throat to check your upper intenstine—it literally took me maybe a couple hours from check in to check out).

But like, most importantly??

Don’t freak out. If it’s celiacs, it’s gonna be fine. If it’s not, it’s still gonna be fine.

It may seem that you’re by yourself until you find more people with celiac, but there’s so many of us!! So even if you don’t interact much with the community, maybe follow the tags (if only to see everyone groaning and moaning about labeling... I am one of those people, haha).

But as for quick tips and tricks for the (potential) celiac

-first of all, until diagnosed, you have to stay on a gluten diet. So, I mean. Not to sound like a doomsday preper but if any time is the time to just eat every damn thing you’ve ever loved that has gluten in it, now is the time to eat it. (I personally gained like 5 pounds in two months I waited for the diagnosis tests to be done, I regret nothing. And if weight is a concern... well, first of all that’s about to get weird because celiac is weird, but I also _lost_ that weight quickly after.)

-Always know what gluten is. And don’t be afraid of that word. Just because everyone else doesn’t have to be concerned about a certain protein in wheat, barley, and rye (also watch out for oats, they are not your friend), doesn’t mean they get to be mean about it. This is literally your health—if there’s anytime you can snipe at someone, it’s regarding that.

-start looking at the things you already eat to see if they have gluten free (gf) labels. Gushers, for example-gluten free!!

-start saving for new cookwear. Yes, you’ll probably need new ones. Do NOT cross contaminate them, aka, use your new gf cooking supplies to make something with gluten. ESPECIALLY IF ITS WOODEN.

-people will forget, constantly. Be firm but polite until it’s ridiculous and it’s obvious they aren’t making an effort to learn. Then you may destroy them.

-also get a gf cook book.

-and check all the stores near you for different gf sections. I used to just do my groceries at a Walmart, now I also (and in fact usually/have mostly switched to) Kroger’s and Food Lion. If you have those stores, I suggest either. They’re usually (usually) good with labels.

-food is now even more expensive, but apparently if you track _your_ food costs versus _non gf foods_, you can get a tax break by claiming the extra cost is essentially your medicine. Don’t... quote me on that I know fuck all about taxes.

-most gf frozen pizzas suck. You’re gonna try them anyways but let me just go ahead and tell you. Freschetta is the best, I will fight someone on this, and Kroger brand is actually pretty good (add on garlic, oregano, parsley, and basil along with extra cheese for Even Better Pizza, to every pizza ever). Sadly, say goodbye to rising crust.

-you will have cravings for the most random things. Including foods you DONT LIKE. Because you can’t have them. But gradually your palette will expand for your new... selective diet.

-you will both hate gf fad people and love them. Mostly hate though.

-people ARE looking for a cure, but be patient, it may be a while. But it’s good to be hopeful—just be realistic about how it might not be up to how you want it.

-no, there is no pill you can take. Surprisingly, this will irritate the people around you more than it will you.

-if you can’t cook—yeah maybe learn. If you don’t make, say, mozzarella sticks using gf panko and rice flour, no one will. No, seriously. No one. (Unless you live in a gf haven, in which case—share your location I just waNNA KNOW-)

-you will be fine. In fact, you’ll feel better!!

-rice is your friend. Just go ahead and get a rice cooker.

-if it’s not labeled gf, you’re at your own risk.

-even if it is tbh because labeling laws are Awful.

-did I mention labeling annoyances because—

-people will call it a gluten allergy. It is not a gluten allergy. You will still need to list it under allergies in every paperwork thing you do for the rest of forever. Including the DOCTOR’S OFFICE.

-you may loose weight. You may gain weight. You might do both. So long as it’s not a severe or dramatic drop/gain, do not be too alarmed

-you will find random things about your body that you didn’t know was off due to celiac that will suddenly present itself. For example, my _feet shrunk half a size_ because of water retention.

-your search history will be weird.

-vitamins. If nothing else, vitamin b12 just TRUST ME ON THIS.

-find restaurants near you with gf things. Ask hard questions. Don’t be afraid to err on the side of caution and not eat there.

-some celiacs report having a higher sense of smell. This is... a thing.

-you will, at some point, go through the bread aisle and feel kinda disgusted, maybe nauseous. Surprise, airborne flour.

-love how your body is getting better and healing, even when it’s... really weird about it.

-pack your own food. Constantly.

-gf soy sauce. It is also your new friend.

-no but seriously, rice rice RICE. I didn’t even like rice until a year before diagnosis but liKE.

-everyone will have questions every time you tell someone. You do not have to be their personal search engine on this illness. We have smartphones. We have public libraries with computer internet access. You are not responsible for the education of someone else regarding your body.

-... people will ask what DO you eat. You can be honest, or you can just say you eat nosey people. People forget that that’s not... a normal question, for the most part, and that it’s actually not their business. (That said, people will ask kindly sometimes!! Or they’re trying to make sure they don’t gluten you by accident—and yes, gluten as a verb, this is more of an experience than something explainable. So don’t be mean just to be mean—but you also don’t HAVE to deal with Quincy Question getting up in your business.)

-people will say they could NEVER do it. They would. I did. You mighty have to. _They Would._ it sounds like a compliment at first. It quickly stops being one.

Essentially.... there’s a million and one inconveniences, I’m not gonna lie. But do NOT go back on yourself, no matter what food you miss, it is not worth it.

Most importantly though—breathe. Celiacs sucks but I’m honestly glad to found out. I mean I’d drop it in a heartbeat if there was like, a cure or a medication, but I was very sick—didn’t even know how much until later—it’s much better that I know. And if it is celiac, you’ll begin to feel better soon.

Also im not kidding, go join some gf and celiac tags and communities. It makes all the little annoyances better.

And celebrate the little things!! Gf cake is a THING THAT EXISTS.

#im... not sure if this. helped or not #but i hope it did!!!#best of luck friend #celiac #celiac disease #ask me anything #blessed be ❤️❤️

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edinfurs · 8 years ago

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Edinburgh Fursuiting Meet - 11th February 2017

So some of you might be wondering: when are we going to get another fursuiting meet? It has been nearly 3 months now! Well, here's your answer. The fursuiting meet had to be postponed just a little later than normal due to personal circumstances, hence why it's now in February instead of January.

The Edinburgh fursuiting crew will be going bowling once again, and all of you(*) are invited to join us! Fursuiters and non-fursuiters alike are welcome to join in a day's celebration of throwing-a-5-to-20-pound-ball-at-some-pins-and-trying-to-smash-them-up-so-good-none-of-them-are-left-standing! So, without further ado, here's our venue!

Our Venue...

Tenpin Bowling - Fountain Park, Fountain Bridge, Dundee Street, Edinburgh EH11 1AW

The facility includes;

Bowling, FREE FOR SUITER! For everyone else at 6,05 a head I have managed to secure us a pretty decent discount off of the normal adult prices.

Pool Tables, for holding mini fursuit & non-fursuiter pool tournaments.

Arcade, for those who don't like bowling as much and/or for those who want to waste some money after the bowling playing video games!

I have booked 3 lanes for us, for an estimated 15 people. This does not mean that we don't accept any more! Anyone(*) is welcome to attend the event to come and watch, play on the pool tables, enjoy the arcade etc. If we do have more than 15 bowlers, all it means is that I'll have to extend the bowling reservation! A task easily accomplished (hopefully).

As this is a public venue, we would like to remind you that its pretty much common sense to respect other patrons who will be also bowling there that day. As a change to the norm I got the three bowling alleys closest to the door for us this time, for that little bit of extra fresh airtm.

Cost of Bowling

Just to make this very clear, yes this event does cost money! It's not a lot though compared to what it would cost the average joe. I have talked with the manager and he was happy to reduce our cost for bowling from the normal 7.55 a pop for adults to the child fee of 6.05 a head. Please try and make sure you have enough cash change at hand as I will be having to pay the people by card on the day and people will be paying me their share of the cost in cash and I don't usually have a lot of change at hand. I will love you forever if you give me a 5 pound note instead of 5 pound coins, it weighs down my bundle very much.

As an added extra, the manager said that suiters can go free! This is unfortunately not something he can actually promise so far ahead, so fingers crossed!

Times and Places

Edinburgh Fursuit Meet Schedule - 11th February 2017

TIME LOCATION DETAILS

11:30 - 12:15 - Haymarket Train Station Will be waiting around the area in the middle of the station

12:15 - 14:00 - Lunch There's plenty of food places at Haymarket and the Fountain Park, Pizza hut, Indian all-you-can-eat, other stuff

14:00 - 15:00 - Suit up! Lock 'n load! Lets get ready to RUMBLEEEE!!!!

15:00 - 16:00 - Fursuit Bowling I've reserved the lanes for 3pm, we should be there at LEAST 15 minutes beforehand, probably earlier

16:00 - Onw.. - Cooldown Get your heads off and cool down a bit with a cool drink? I haven't organised it yet, but if people are interested I can book a table somewhere?

Traveling Here

If travelling by train or bus, always good to check for any delays and works. If you come by train, I would suggest going for Haymarket train station, as it is the closest. From there, it's about 10 minutes walk to Fountain Park.

If travelling by car, Fountain Park has its own parking garage, free of charge if you're making use of the venues, for up to 4 hours. So either, you leave after 4 hours, or you take your car for a very short spin through the gates and back in. Cheating a little bit, but I don't blame you.

If travelling by bus, Fountain Park is on the lines for many busses coming from the city center. Bus lines 1, 34, 35, 47 stop right in front of it, and 22 and 30 stop right at its back.

Fursuit Walk Previous Pictures

Can be found in the links below!

Foski's pictures of the June 2015 fursuiting meet

My pictures from 15 August 2015

Diamond's October 2015 Fursuiting meet pictures

The Rules

Rules courtesy of Reever.

Don't be a jerk, creepy or overly affectionate to people you don't know. You can TOTALLY hug people (I like them personally) but always ask first.

Respect the places we are! This means no bringing in your own food and drink (especially if you've not bought anything from the place) and treating it like your own place. Don't walk on furniture, spit chewing gum on the floor or anything that will get us kicked out. It will just get you unwelcome to the next meets.

BRING ID! Even if you are not planning to drink... if you look like you are under 25 (or ARE under 25) please PLEASE bring suitable ID. We've been barred entry from pubs before when even one of us doesn't have it. Also, (and this should go without saying) If there is someone under 18 there... don't buy them alcohol. That would just be plain stupid!

Have a good time. This one is mandatory! ;P

Additional rules for those fursuiting (Foski)

Don't be ashamed to ruin 'the magic'. As suiters, we get alot of pressure not to reveal our human heads in public. Ideally you should know your limits but, if at any point, when in suit, you feel nautious, dizzy or close to fainting or is having difficulty breathing, just take off the head or notify someone that you'll be taking your head off, does not neccessarily need to be a secluded area, take a moment to cool down before commencing, someone will be on stand by to supply everyone with fresh, cool water throughout the event. You know, the kids have to grow up some time.. all the kids, apart from us!

Fill your tummy with food! It would not be recommended to go out, in suit, on an empty stomach, make sure you have had plenty of food and drink before commencing on the fursuit walk and I guarentee you'll feel better for it!

Few points on Health and Safety

Do NOT be afraid to take off your head. Just can't stress this one enough, your health is more important than some kid's ruined childhood memories. We do encourage people take off their heads for a few minutes just to cool down a bit after about an hour or suiting, though it is up to you to decide if and when you reach your limit.

First Aid and Hydration. Just like last time, I'll be bringing a first aid kit and hydration pack with me to serve everyone in suit with the much-needed water without the need to take off your head. Yes, it has a HUGE (as in long) straw you can suck on to get a drink, and it's perfectly okay to do that in public. I am also an Emergency first-aider, so if there's anything that might be important in case anything happens, allergies or other medical things, let me know and I'll make a note. I'll always be present during the event.

Getting in contact on the day

We all know how it feels to go to places you've never been before but if you're ever lost, your train is delayed or you need our assistance finding us at any time please feel free to message me on the forums (we'll make sure to check every now and again), send me a text at 0 7 - 5 4 9 4 8 6 9 0 7 or message me on Telegram @diamonddragon. You should quite easily be able to recognise me, I'm 6'2", and I will be carrying a large blue backpack with a large hose coming out the top and down the front.

For watching/arcade/photography (just post a message that you're wanting to attend, but don't want to bowl. It's so I can inform the staff of how many people to expect on the day; Fire emergency protocols)

(*) Unfortunately, it has to be said that this excludes people previously informed that they are not welcome at the event. None shall be named, you should know who you are.

For more information go to UKFur Forums: (Reg required)

https://forum.ukfur.org/topic/50765-edinburgh-fursuiting-meet-11th-february-2017/

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christophervanhorn · 6 years ago

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Anti-theft hacks while traveling abroad

People always ask me, “But is it safe traveling abroad.”

Of course, it’s a valid question, whether you’re traveling to Mexico for a resort vacation, to Costa Rica with the family, or undertaking your first adventure all the way across the world in Thailand.

And, no matter where you are in the world – your hometown or far off in a foreign destination – you need to exercise common sense and basic awareness of your surroundings and situation.

So, how do I answer these nonstop inquiries about personal safety abroad?

First off, I flip that sh*t by asking them if it’s safe in THEIR country. Often, that means the U.S.A., which is met with a. curious response where they go to answer, pause, start thinking about school shootings, random muggings, and skyrocketing theft and violent crime, and they stutter as their whole worldview crumble right in front of my eyes.

I then comfort them by offering my humble opinion – that there’s generally two types of crime or harm that could come upon someone: random street crime or political/religious crime or terrorism.

Looking at the latter first, we always want to avoid countries, regions, and situations where you’re a target because of someone’s political, religious, or military ideology. This includes religious extremists, kidnappers, narco-traffickers etc. For instance, driving through Mexico as a couple of U.S. dudes is NOT smart – and certainly not adventurous. It’s just asking for trouble. Or, in the Philippines where I live, I know that in the far south, they love kidnapping white Americans and holding them hostage for ransom and then cutting their heads off anyways. So, I simply avoid those areas. I also wouldn’t go to North Korea on a vacation and start passing out bibles or stealing mementos. Get it?

However, no matter where you go in the world, you’ll face the possibility of being a target of street crime. Pickpocketing, car break-ins, mugging, scams, bag thefts, druggings, gang problems, shakedowns, and just about every other kind of grift known to man can and will go down at any time.

While there are areas of the world and certain countries that are more dangerous than others, it usually holds true that the bigger the city and the more impoverished the area, the more crime you’ll encounter. Also (unfortunately), the more tourists that are in an area, the higher the crime rate usually spikes because there are people who come specifically to target those foreigners and visitors.

For instance, when I first moved to San Juan del Sur, Nicagarua in 2012, it was still a sleepy, close-knit local community where just about everyone knew each other, and therefore people were more or less held accountable. Of course, Nicaragua is dirt poor and has a violent past, but, once I got the lay of the land and met the locals and showed love and respect, it was all good. The same can be said of Cambodia, an insanely poor Southeast Asian nation that went through one of the worst genocides in history in the 1970s. Living there from 2013-2016 or so, I found that although people are desperately poor, it’s still a relatively safe place IF you exercise common sense and caution.

Of course, this is all just a generalization, and you never know when a random mugger or dude on drugs or hungry hotel thief or angry ex-boyfriend or any other calamity will cross your path.

So, I’ve come to follow these basic tips or hacks as I travel and live abroad, no matter where I am in the world. I genuinely believe they have helped keep me safe – and, I hope, will continue to do so! (Knock on wood.)

View this post on Instagram

The Manjuyod Sandbar, also called the Maldives of the Philippines, is only an hour away from – and one if its best-kept secrets!

A post shared by AllWorld.com (@allworldonline) on Nov 12, 2018 at 9:02am PST

1. The first safety tip may catch you unaware, and that’s because I’m urging you to batten down the hatches back home before you go travel. Whether you’re in a house or an apartment, being away on vacation or traveling for extended periods is the perfect time for opportunistic thieves (who are usually watching and casing you ahead of time) to rob your abode. We’ll cover more on this in another review, but make sure to go through all the necessary safety precautions, so you don’t come back to a house that’s been ransacked and emptied of valuables. 2. The vast majority of crimes perpetrated against you while traveling abroad are meant to part you from your possessions, not against your person, and usually entailing subterfuge and speed, not physical violence. Therefore, once you properly secure your things and shift your mindset to ALWAYS paying attention, you’ll be as safe as can be.

3. Start with luggage locks. Get the combination kind so you don’t have to worry about keys, and make sure they are TSA approved. Put these luggage locks on your big checked bag(s) of course, but also on your backpack compartment that holds anything valuable like a computer, passports, etc.

Pickpocketing and purse/backpack snatching are no joke when you’re abroad, and they operate with lightning speed and precision. But, if there’s a lock on it, you’ll deter nine out of every 10 would-be thieves.

4. I also put the things that are REALLY valuable like my wallet, passport etc. in a smaller, tucked away, or hidden pocket within my backpack, that has a zipper or Velcro hopefully. That way, if someone gets a quick reach into your bag or even slits it with a razor so they can reach inside, it will be way harder to get the stuff that really matters. You can even purchase a little zippered pouch and sew it to the inside of your backpack.

5. That being said, I also tie a brightly colored handkerchief, string, or whatever around my bags and my backpack to easily designate it as mine. Not only will you be able to see it easily on the luggage conveyor belt, but it will be more noticeable and draw a little more attention, which is also a psychological deterrent to thieves.

6. That being said, the moment you get to your hotel, put your wallet, credit cards, passport, computer if possible, and whatever else in the hotel safe. Why wouldn’t you?

7. But if you don’t have a safe, where should you hide stuff? You have to see it through the eyes of a hotel room thief who is probably sneaking in and scanning the room quickly for valuables before bolting before they get discovered. Therefore, I’ll put my laptop or valuables inside a pillowcase, high up on the top of the dresser or wardrobe above eye level, or the like. In a pinch, I’ll put my things inside the trash can, with the trash bag covering them. What thief would check the trash AND take the bag out?

8. You can wear one of those money belts if you want, but there’s an easier and more comfortable place to stash money or cards. I throw them in a Ziploc (in case I step in a puddle) and put them under the sole of my shoe.

9. Don’t tempt fate by wearing expensive jewelry, watches, while you’re abroad or carry designer purses, etc. You’re just asking for something to be snatched.

10. But, usually, I don’t feel I need that, although I do like having shorts or pants with zippered or button pockets, which really deters pickpockets.

11. If you rent a car, park someplace where there’s an attendant and tip them when you arrive – not when you leave. Make sure NOTHING is inside the car when you leave it, including the trunk to be safe.

12. Make copies of your passports, credit cards, passwords, travel documents, etc. and email them to yourself as a backup. Or, you can have a flash drive that you keep in the safe but make sure it’s password protected because those are so easy to lose.

13. Even better, have an encrypted storage app like KeepSafe, which allows you to house documents, passwords, photos, etc. on your phone but only accessible with a password login.

14. That being said, you should also turn on your FindMyPhone or Hidden or other device location apps when abroad.

15. Don’t go to the bank machine at night. Use ATMs inside hotel lobbies or malls, not out on the street.

16. If you’re ever in a taxi and find yourself in a position where you have to trust them, like if you’re running into a place to use the bathroom etc. while he waits, simply snap a photo of his (or her) taxi ID, and then the license plate outside. But take your backpack or handbag with your laptop, passports, cash, and cars, etc. with you at all times.

17. Speaking of that, get a good backpack with double zippers and attach those small TSA-approved luggage locks. Don’t put valuables in the front pocket where someone could access if they razor-bladed your bag.

18. Women need to be especially careful. Never accept drinks from men at bars. Don’t ever go alone or split up, and don’t go out on the beach at night in most places – that’s where a lot of bad things happen. Ask locals and staff if it’s safe. Actually, this applies to men, too.

19. Don’t charge things. Pay cash. While using a debit card or credit card is the norm in the U.S. or Canada, it’s not in many countries abroad, and it’s way too easy for someone to copy your signature, run a double receipt, or just get your card info. Seriously – it happens a lot.

20. Know local emergency numbers and your hotel’s number and program them into your phone. Make sure all family members have phones they can use. Get a cheap local prepaid phone if you don’t want to carry around expensive iPhones. Know where the hospital is located and carry medical information like any allergies, blood type, and insurance info.

You want to have fun while vacationing and traveling, and staying safe is essential for that mission! Keep your head up, stay aware, follow your instinct, and ask trusted locals to help you!

The post Anti-theft hacks while traveling abroad appeared first on AllWorld.com.

source https://www.allworld.com/anti-theft-hacks-while-traveling-abroad/ source https://allworldus.tumblr.com/post/181704241517

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shelleyrobbinsus · 6 years ago

Text

Anti-theft hacks while traveling abroad

People always ask me, âBut is it safe traveling abroad.â

Of course, itâs a valid question, whether youâre traveling to Mexico for a resort vacation, to Costa Rica with the family, or undertaking your first adventure all the way across the world in Thailand.

And, no matter where you are in the world â your hometown or far off in a foreign destination â you need to exercise common sense and basic awareness of your surroundings and situation.

So, how do I answer these nonstop inquiries about personal safety abroad?

First off, I flip that sh*t by asking them if itâs safe in THEIR country. Often, that means the U.S.A., which is met with a. curious response where they go to answer, pause, start thinking about school shootings, random muggings, and skyrocketing theft and violent crime, and they stutter as their whole worldview crumble right in front of my eyes.

I then comfort them by offering my humble opinion â that thereâs generally two types of crime or harm that could come upon someone: random street crime or political/religious crime or terrorism.

Looking at the latter first, we always want to avoid countries, regions, and situations where youâre a target because of someoneâs political, religious, or military ideology. This includes religious extremists, kidnappers, narco-traffickers etc. For instance, driving through Mexico as a couple of U.S. dudes is NOT smart â and certainly not adventurous. Itâs just asking for trouble. Or, in the Philippines where I live, I know that in the far south, they love kidnapping white Americans and holding them hostage for ransom and then cutting their heads off anyways. So, I simply avoid those areas. I also wouldnât go to North Korea on a vacation and start passing out bibles or stealing mementos. Get it?

However, no matter where you go in the world, youâll face the possibility of being a target of street crime. Pickpocketing, car break-ins, mugging, scams, bag thefts, druggings, gang problems, shakedowns, and just about every other kind of grift known to man can and will go down at any time.

While there are areas of the world and certain countries that are more dangerous than others, it usually holds true that the bigger the city and the more impoverished the area, the more crime youâll encounter. Also (unfortunately), the more tourists that are in an area, the higher the crime rate usually spikes because there are people who come specifically to target those foreigners and visitors.

For instance, when I first moved to San Juan del Sur, Nicagarua in 2012, it was still a sleepy, close-knit local community where just about everyone knew each other, and therefore people were more or less held accountable. Of course, Nicaragua is dirt poor and has a violent past, but, once I got the lay of the land and met the locals and showed love and respect, it was all good. The same can be said of Cambodia, an insanely poor Southeast Asian nation that went through one of the worst genocides in history in the 1970s. Living there from 2013-2016 or so, I found that although people are desperately poor, itâs still a relatively safe place IF you exercise common sense and caution.

Of course, this is all just a generalization, and you never know when a random mugger or dude on drugs or hungry hotel thief or angry ex-boyfriend or any other calamity will cross your path.

So, Iâve come to follow these basic tips or hacks as I travel and live abroad, no matter where I am in the world. I genuinely believe they have helped keep me safe â and, I hope, will continue to do so! (Knock on wood.)

View this post on Instagram

The Manjuyod Sandbar, also called the Maldives of the Philippines, is only an hour away from â and one if its best-kept secrets!

A post shared by AllWorld.com (@allworldonline) on Nov 12, 2018 at 9:02am PST

1. The first safety tip may catch you unaware, and thatâs because Iâm urging you to batten down the hatches back home before you go travel. Whether youâre in a house or an apartment, being away on vacation or traveling for extended periods is the perfect time for opportunistic thieves (who are usually watching and casing you ahead of time) to rob your abode. Weâll cover more on this in another review, but make sure to go through all the necessary safety precautions, so you donât come back to a house thatâs been ransacked and emptied of valuables. 2. The vast majority of crimes perpetrated against you while traveling abroad are meant to part you from your possessions, not against your person, and usually entailing subterfuge and speed, not physical violence. Therefore, once you properly secure your things and shift your mindset to ALWAYS paying attention, youâll be as safe as can be.

3. Start with luggage locks. Get the combination kind so you donât have to worry about keys, and make sure they are TSA approved. Put these luggage locks on your big checked bag(s) of course, but also on your backpack compartment that holds anything valuable like a computer, passports, etc.

Pickpocketing and purse/backpack snatching are no joke when youâre abroad, and they operate with lightning speed and precision. But, if thereâs a lock on it, youâll deter nine out of every 10 would-be thieves.

6. That being said, the moment you get to your hotel, put your wallet, credit cards, passport, computer if possible, and whatever else in the hotel safe. Why wouldnât you?

7. But if you donât have a safe, where should you hide stuff? You have to see it through the eyes of a hotel room thief who is probably sneaking in and scanning the room quickly for valuables before bolting before they get discovered. Therefore, Iâll put my laptop or valuables inside a pillowcase, high up on the top of the dresser or wardrobe above eye level, or the like. In a pinch, Iâll put my things inside the trash can, with the trash bag covering them. What thief would check the trash AND take the bag out?

8. You can wear one of those money belts if you want, but thereâs an easier and more comfortable place to stash money or cards. I throw them in a Ziploc (in case I step in a puddle) and put them under the sole of my shoe.

9. Donât tempt fate by wearing expensive jewelry, watches, while youâre abroad or carry designer purses, etc. Youâre just asking for something to be snatched.

10. But, usually, I donât feel I need that, although I do like having shorts or pants with zippered or button pockets, which really deters pickpockets.

11. If you rent a car, park someplace where thereâs an attendant and tip them when you arrive â not when you leave. Make sure NOTHING is inside the car when you leave it, including the trunk to be safe.

12. Make copies of your passports, credit cards, passwords, travel documents, etc. and email them to yourself as a backup. Or, you can have a flash drive that you keep in the safe but make sure itâs password protected because those are so easy to lose.

13. Even better, have an encrypted storage app like KeepSafe, which allows you to house documents, passwords, photos, etc. on your phone but only accessible with a password login.

14. That being said, you should also turn on your FindMyPhone or Hidden or other device location apps when abroad.

15. Donât go to the bank machine at night. Use ATMs inside hotel lobbies or malls, not out on the street.

16. If youâre ever in a taxi and find yourself in a position where you have to trust them, like if youâre running into a place to use the bathroom etc. while he waits, simply snap a photo of his (or her) taxi ID, and then the license plate outside. But take your backpack or handbag with your laptop, passports, cash, and cars, etc. with you at all times.

17. Speaking of that, get a good backpack with double zippers and attach those small TSA-approved luggage locks. Donât put valuables in the front pocket where someone could access if they razor-bladed your bag.

18. Women need to be especially careful. Never accept drinks from men at bars. Donât ever go alone or split up, and donât go out on the beach at night in most places â thatâs where a lot of bad things happen. Ask locals and staff if itâs safe. Actually, this applies to men, too.

19. Donât charge things. Pay cash. While using a debit card or credit card is the norm in the U.S. or Canada, itâs not in many countries abroad, and itâs way too easy for someone to copy your signature, run a double receipt, or just get your card info. Seriously â it happens a lot.

20. Know local emergency numbers and your hotelâs number and program them into your phone. Make sure all family members have phones they can use. Get a cheap local prepaid phone if you donât want to carry around expensive iPhones. Know where the hospital is located and carry medical information like any allergies, blood type, and insurance info.

You want to have fun while vacationing and traveling, and staying safe is essential for that mission! Keep your head up, stay aware, follow your instinct, and ask trusted locals to help you!

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allworldus · 6 years ago