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These travel safety tips should be practiced daily if you use public transportation to and from work or when traveling in unfamiliar towns and cities when on vacation.

On the Bus
- Use a bus stop you know is usually busy and is well lit.

- Know the departure and arrival times and try and let someone at the end of your route which bus you plan to catch. They should always meet you at your stop.

- Sit close to the driver. If someone starts up a conversation, be pleasant and confident, but never give away personal information like where you live or work.

By Train or Subway

- Wait on a well- lit section of the platform, close to the exit or where there are other people around. Many stations now have security cameras and staff who are trained to deal with emergencies.

- When you get on the train, try to sit in a busy compartment and keep bags and personal possessions right next to you or under your legs.

- If you feel uncomfortable, switch seats or even consider getting off the train and taking the next one. Only do this if the station where you are getting off is manned and busy.

- Know where the emergency button or cord is situated and the help points in a station.

Taking a Taxi

- Carry the phone number of a taxi or shuttle company you know. When you need to book a cab, ask the company for the taxi drivers name and the type of car they will be driving.

- Try and book the taxi you will need to go home with, before you go out on the town. When a driver arrives, make sure they know the name it was booked under. If you have to book your taxi in a public place, do it quietly where people are less likely to overhear your name and address.

- If you can, share a taxi with a friend (always remember, safety in numbers) and have your money and keys ready at the end of your trip so you can enter your home quickly.

- If you ever feel uneasy in a taxi ask the driver to stop in a busy place you know well and get out.

And remember these Diva Defense tips wherever you go

- Never flash money when in public or traveling.

- Ladies…keep your rings turned in with the stones on the inside of your hand. Turn them back around when you get to work, home or your destination. If at all, keep jewelry home when you travel.

- Always…always…always walk with confidence and look like you know where you’re going - even when you’re lost. If a stranger asks to help you, tell them “No thanks, I’m just fine.” If you need directions, go into a convenience store or busy shopping area where you can ask someone there to help you.

Being aware of your travel safety right along with your travel plans gives you piece-of-mind during your trip. Whether you’re en route back home from work or enjoying a relaxing vacation getaway, don’t relax with your personal safety and give a criminal any chance to make you their next target.

Michelle Annese is a 3rd degree black belt with 15+ years experience teaching self defense and safety for women and children. She is the creator of The Realtor Survival Guide, Protection for Women , and The SafeGuard System for Kids. For more information on how to protect yourself and your family check out other articles by Michelle Annese at http://www.michelleannese.com and get her free weekly family safety e-newsletters.

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Millions of Americans enjoy the adventure and experience of traveling abroad each year. But even the best-planned vacation can turn into a nightmare in the face of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, civil unrest, illness, or other emergency situation.

Fortunately, with a little forethought you can prepare for your trip in a way that offers you the most security and peace of mind even while visiting international locations.

1. Have the Right Paperwork.

A valid passport, current and with the emergency page complete, along with any necessary visas, is essential. The U.S. Department of State recommends that you make two copies of the identification page of your passport–one to keep with you (if you lose your passport this will help you get it replaced) and one to leave with your family or friends at home.

2. Do Your Homework.

Take the time to read up on the country you are visiting. Pay attention to local customs and laws. Remember that once you leave the United States, U.S. laws no longer apply. Also, watch out for travel warnings and consider postponing or relocating your trip if danger is present.

3. Tell Your Friends and Family Where You Will Be.

Leave a copy of your itinerary, including flight numbers, hotels and contact information, and any other plans, with your family or friends at home. In the event of an emergency, they’ll have a starting place of where to look.

4. Register With the Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

These agencies help close to 200,000 Americans each year who fall victim to crime, accident or illness or whose family is trying to contact them due to an emergency. In the event of a natural disaster like Hurricane Wilma, which stranded thousands of tourists in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, it’s the embassy or consulates job to locate Americans and help them.

If you register your trip with the agency, it will be much easier for them to locate you. Also be sure to take the addresses and telephone numbers of U.S. embassies and consulates in the countries you will visit with you on your trip.

5. Be Prepared Medically.

Make sure to take your insurance cards with you and determine what medical services are covered while you’re overseas. The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs also recommends that you carry a letter from your physician describing any pre-existing medical conditions and names of medications, along with any medications you take (in their original containers with labels). You may also want to take an extra week’s worth of medication with you in the event of emergency.

6. Make Sure Your Cell Phone Has International Access.

Not every cell phone will work once you travel outside of the United States. Making sure that your cell phone does work when you’re abroad makes it much easier to stay in touch with loved ones at home in the event of an emergency.

This article was provided by the world’s #1 most popular and trusted holistic living e-newsletter — FREE to you right now at http://www.SixWise.com! The old way of thinking: “holistic living” pertains only to personal health. The new way of thinking: “holistic living” means prevention of the negative and adherence to the positive in all SIX practical areas of life: relationships, finances, career, home environment, safety and health. With the SixWise.com e-newsletter, you will get holistic wisdom from the world’s top experts in all six of these areas — completely FREE with a simple sign-up (and a guaranteed no-spam policy!) at http://www.SixWise.com

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