From drive-by purse snatchers to identity thieves to much more dangerous criminals like kidnappers and sex traffickers, there's always some story in the news about someone taking advantage of travellers.

So far in my travels, I've never had any serious problems, thank goodness, and the vast majority of travellers will never fall victim to anything more serious than pick-pocketing. Even so, I always keep these safety practices in mind when I travel, and I recommend you do, too.

While most trips will be enjoyable and uneventful, it is a good idea to do some research and be prepared before you leave home. One good place to start your research is with government agencies that report safety, security, and health issues related to travel in a foreign country. 

• Be aware of the risks of where you are traveling by using the Government travel warnings. Take training and /or adjust travel plans according to the most current risk level.

• Register your trip with Government of travel data base.

• Ask people who have been to that country for information about their experience with safety, customs, and the culture.

• Ask a travel agent or research about the customs and culture of the area(s) where you will be travelling.

• Bring the appropriate identification (e.g., a passport). Check the expiry date on your passport. Make sure your passport does not expire until after you return home (often 6 months after you return is required). Expiry date requirements may vary depending on the country you are visiting - check with your local passport office.

• Find out if you need special or additional documentation to travel to that country such as a visa.

• Find out where to contact Canadian government offices abroad (e.g., check the Embassies and consulates directory). Keep this information with you, and keep a copy at home and/or work.

• Prepare an itinerary which lists where you will be each day and night. Include as much detail as possible (e.g., hotel addresses and phone numbers). Give a copy of the itinerary to your emergency contact at home, and/or work if you are on business travel.

• If you are away on business, record the contact information for the client's workplace.

• Make photocopies of your passport and visa and keep separate from your passport and other travel documents. Also keep a record of credit or bank card numbers along with contact telephone numbers if lost or stolen. Leave copies of these documents and numbers at home or work as well carrying a copy with you.

• Bring a small amount of local currency (if permissible) to cover expenses for the first couple of days. In most countries, you can then withdraw more cash using debit cards.

• Call your bank and credit card companies to determine if they require notification that you intend to use your credit and debit cards while you are away.

• Store your passport (if you do not need to carry it on your person while in that country), airline tickets, extra money and other documents in the hotel safe.

• Use a money belt when you need to carry your passport, travel documents, money, credit cards, etc. Divide your money and cards between different locations and pockets in case your wallet is lost or stolen.

• Depending on your destination, check with a travel medicine specialist or a travel health clinic to see if any vaccinations, immunizations or other requirements are necessary. Also find out how far in advance you should get your immunization shots or when you should start taking medications (e.g., anti-malaria drugs) before you depart.

• Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medications to last the trip with you (e.g., in your carry-on luggage if permissible). Take some extra medication with you in case your return flight is delayed.

• Keep the medication in its original packaging when travelling through customs. You should also have proof that you need the medication (a prescription with the name and address of the dispensing pharmacy, drug name and dosage, D.I.N. (Drug Identification Number) and perhaps a note of explanation from your doctor).

• Consider purchasing travel health care insurance. Carry this documentation with you while you travel.

• If flying, be aware of what items you can and cannot bring in your carry-on baggage.

• If permissible, bring your most valuable items with you in your carry-on baggage.

• Pack your luggage yourself.

• Do not put anything in your carry-on luggage that could be used as a weapon (e.g., nail clippers/scissors).

• Do not leave your luggage unattended or in the care of a stranger.

• Use a unique tag, sticker or ribbon to help identify your baggage. Place your address on the inside of your baggage to protect yourself and in case the tag is removed.

• Be honest when going through customs and declare all items as required.

• Never carry parcels or packages for strangers.

• It is against the law to even joke about hijackings or bombings when going through customs or pre-boarding screening.

1. Do your research. Get to know your destination in depth before you arrive.  
2. Don't draw attention.  
3. Make copies of important documents.  
4. Keep your friends and family updated.  
5. Be wary of public Wi-Fi. 
6. Safeguard your hotel room.  
7. Be aware of your surroundings.

Lock all the doors and windows before you leave, including doors to the yard or attached garage. Make sure your windows to the garage are covered so people can’t peek in and see that your car is gone or discover what treasures you have stored in there. If you’re going away for an extended period of time and have an automatic garage door opener, disable it. Doing so will help keep thieves with a universal opener from getting in.

If you have a security system, make sure it is set every time you leave the house. Inform your alarm company about the days you will be gone during long stretches of time. If you don’t have a security system, it might be time to consider getting one.

A home security system can do more than alert you to attempted intrusions — it can also allow you to remotely check in on the house while you’re away and, with smart locks, you could even let a neighbour in to water plants or check on pets.

You also need to lock down social media during your trips. Vacation pics are just the confirmation the bad guys need to confirm that your home is empty and ripe for picking. Save your photos and share an album or slideshow with everyone once you return.