Tag Archives: travel safe

No passport? No problem! Places you can travel to without a passport include the tropical locations of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. If you are starting your travel from a US location and want to visit a tropical destination that is a US territory you can travel without a passport.

Places You Can Travel to Without a Passport

Consider the below tropical locations for your next getaway destination.

Guam
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
America Samoa
Swains Island
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands

According to the State Department, any territory that belongs to the US and U.S. citizens or nationals who travel directly between parts of the United States, which includes Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, without touching at a foreign port or place, are not required to present a valid passport.

Our neighbors Mexico and Canada can also be visited without a passport however the requirements are a bit different.

Travel to Canada Without a Passport

In order to pass the Canadian border by land, whether it is a drive or a hike, all U.S. citizens are required to carry an identification document, which carries proof of citizenship. Apart from a passport, U.S. citizens can also use a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate, or a NEXUS card. With any of these documents, you can cross the Canadian border. However, if you wish to fly to Canada, a valid U.S. passport will be necessary.

Travel to Mexico Without a Passport

Travel to Mexico does not require a passport, However, thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, when passing the Mexican border by land, a passport is not the only form of allowed documentation. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can also use a passport card, a NEXUS card or the Enhanced Driver’s License. If flying into Mexico you will need a passport.

If you choose to travel without a passport to tropical locations an additional benefit of visiting any of these locations is that the currency in use is the US dollar and English is spoken there. Additionally, your flight options are good as many US carriers have flights there.

Besides not needing a passport which can be expensive to get ($165 minimum per traveler).

Details on Acceptable Travel IDs

U.S. Territory Travel Document Requirements for passengers traveling from the US, and not a foreign location. Passengers 18 years of age or older are required to have a valid, current U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains your name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature for travel to or from a U.S. Territory (Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands). Expired documents are not accepted. The following IDs are accepted:

U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS “Trusted Traveler” cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Military ID
Permanent Resident Card
Border Crossing Card
DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
Drivers’ licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meets REAL ID benchmarks (All states are currently in compliance.)
A Native American Tribal Photo ID
An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
A Registered Traveler Card (that contains your name, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature)
A foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

Non-US/Canadian citizens are not required to carry their passports if they have documents issued by the U.S. government such as Permanent Resident Cards. Those who do not should be carrying their passports while visiting the U.S. If you do not have an acceptable ID you may be subject to additional screening.

Anti-theft backpacks have locking zippers to keep thieving hands

Anti theft waist wallets for travel without a passport

Anti-theft waist wallets fit most and keep valuables close and out of sight

Children under the age of 18 traveling with an adult are not required to show ID at the time of check-in.

Children ages 15-17 traveling alone need one of the following:

Driver’s license
Passport
Credit card
School ID
Company ID
Library card
Birth certificate
Social Security card
Organization ID (such as athletic club, etc.)
Proof of auto insurance in passenger’s name

Children ages 5-14 traveling alone are not required to show ID at the time of check-in, however, they are encouraged to carry some form of ID during travel.

Forgot Your ID?

In the event, you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete a form to include your name and current address and may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be confirmed, you chose to not provide proper identification, contact the TSA to learn more.

You can travel without a passport, but be sure to check on all ID requirements before you go.
Bonus tip: Keep photos of all your IDs on your phone in case of loss, at least you’ll have a starting point with border officials.

Sexual Assaults on Airlines are on the Rise

Being sexually assaulted in-flight on an airplane is the last thing any traveler would think about. Yet sexual assaults in flight is a crime on the rise. The reporting of sexual assault in the sky has seen an increase in reporting over the last several years. The FBI has recently reported that sexual assaults on airlines have increased by 45% in 2016, over the prior year. Many of these sexual assaults on airlines have occurred on international flights which have caused some air carriers to take action.

Women are the majority of victims in these unique, in-flight crimes. However, children and young teens traveling alone, both girls and boys, have also been targets. Airlines are responding in various ways from training flight personnel to implementing special seating options for women. In January 2017, Air India rolled out “female-only” seating rows on certain flights.

Several major news publications have been alerting the public about these types of crimes. In October 2016, the New York Times wrote about the subject in their article “Recent Incidents Put a New Focus on Sexual Assaults on Airplanes.” Here’s another link to an article in the Huffington Post “Here’s How Airlines Really Handle Sexual Assault.” The media continues to cover the crime of sexual assaults on airplanes to heighten awareness of the crime and major airlines are now providing training to flight attendants on how to handle in-flight assaults.

Here’s What You Can Do to Stop In-Flight Assaults

Book an aisle seat if possible. You’re more visible to flight attendants and fellow passengers on the aisle, making it more difficult for a sexual predator to target you without being seen.

React loudly if you are groped. This typically stops the predator by attracting the attention of nearby passengers. Be sure to say something like, “Stop, touching me is not OK.” That is better than just a scream and putting the predator on the defense.

As a passenger, you are in a controlled environment, and you can influence what happens around you. No matter how friendly the passenger next to you is be mindful about what you share of your personal life. A detail such as a recent break-up or that you’re on a solo trip is information that someone may interpret as an invitation to be “friendly.” It’s best not to engage in too much personal talk.

If you want to politely end a conversation with someone sitting next to you say you’re tired and close your eyes and then when you “wake-up” catch up on work or reading by taking out a laptop or book. It’s OK to change your normal behavior to avoid any type of sexual assault while on an airline.

You could also put in earbuds which signal you are not interested in talking. Do this even if you’re not listening to anything. It signals you’re not available to talk. Noise-canceling headphones have the same effect plus offer the benefit of reducing the ambient noise in the aircraft cabin.

Be Verbally Forceful to Thwart Advances

Many women are hesitant to verbalize a request to stop unwanted behavior. You should practice saying a couple of statements as suggested to become confident and comfortable saying them.

Ask the person to stop the intrusive behavior: “ I don’t like being touched, please take your hand off of my arm/leg.” If the unwanted behavior persists escalate the force of your request to a statement as, “ I really have to insist you stop touching my arm/leg.”

If the unwanted behavior still persists then calmly call for a flight attendant to intervene. Don’t be shy or embarrassed to stand up for yourself, remember you’ve given the person who is making you uncomfortable 2 chances to change his behavior with a couple of warnings, there is no need to be uncomfortable.

Another option is to repeat your command to stop touching you loudly so that others around you will hear and look at you. At this point, it is good to say “I just told you to keep your hands to yourself, stop touching me.” At this point, you can ask for a flight attendant or another passenger will have already called one. In most cases like this, the flight attendant will try to separate you so that you’re not sitting in the same row.

Keeping Valuables Safe While at the Beach

1. The only way not to lose something to theft is not to bring it in the first place. Well, that is not always possible.

2. The next step is to try to thwart the efforts of would-be thieves by keeping your valuables on your person (in a waterproof gear) while you swim or stroll along the shore.

3. The next option is to secure your gear in bags you can lock down to a stationary item like a lounge chair or umbrella. Be sure to see the videos below that capture how thieves operate and get inspired to protect your valuables too before you pack your sunscreen and towel.

(VIDEOS ARE AT THE BOTTOM KEEP SCROLLING DOWN)

Guarding Your Possessions at the Beach or Pool

The first thing you can do to protect your valuables is never to leave them unattended. Especially when you go into the water or doze off to catch a few winks.
Store small, necessary items like your car key, spare cash and credit cards and even your phone or tablet inside a waterproof pouch you can carry on your person. Yes, you can go into the water with your phone on your person. Make sure your waterproof pouch is secured to your body as closely as possible so that a wave doesn’t pull it off.

Waterproof waist pouches are better than waterproof neck pouches in the ocean as neck pouches are more apt to float off your body especially if you get hit by a wave.
Use a portable locking safe. Certain bags can be secured to a stationary item like a chair or umbrella, or another immovable object. The Pacsafe Travelsafe X15 Anti-Theft Portable Safe secures essentials in many environments including the beach or pool. You just need something to lock it to like a lounge chair or beach umbrella.

Travelsafe 5l , protecting valuables at the beach or pool

Pacsafe Travelsafe GII 5 Liter Portable Safe

Another bag with built-in locking technology is the CoolBag Locking Anti-Theft Travel Tote With Insulated Cooler. It offers anti-theft features plus a built-in cooler. It keeps things secure and cool, again you just need something to lock the bag to.
Locking Anti-Theft Travel Tote With Insulated Cooler Compartment- Check Price

Alternatives To Keeping Gear Safe at the Beach or Pool

Don’t have the right anti-theft gear with you? Here are a few alternative measures to take.
Try to go into the ocean in shifts so someone is always watching the valuables. If you can’t do this, read on for various suggestions to protect unattended valuables.
Set your towel down in front of a lifeguard tower when possible. The hope is that thieves won’t want to operate near someone who might catch them in the act of stealing while you are in the water.
Don’t leave your valuables exposed – if you must leave your valuables, at least, tuck them under a beach towel. If the item is larger, dig down a little in the sand so the towel remains flat when placed over it. If you have electronics place them in a large zip-lock style bag and bury it, then cover with a beach towel. The bag protects the electronics from the sand. If you do this, make sure the bag is completely sealed. We like weather and water-proof cases specially designed for 100% protection against water and sand. These bags are stronger than plastic food storage bags.
Strike up a conversation with a family near you. Make sure the people remember you and don’t be shy about asking them to keep an eye on your stuff for short periods of time. If you’re generous about sharing things like cold drinks, you can generate enough goodwill to ensure your possessions are watched over even when you’re not there. If you ask another beachgoer to watch your property, remember, you don’t know who they are, nor that they would watch your property as much as you would so make sure you think this idea through – but it is an option if you had no other choice and at least you are selected the person. Most people really don’t mind, and they might even ask you to return the favor.
Take or rent a beach chair and use it to attach a portable safe to or place your beach bag directly underneath it, making it more difficult for a thief to grab it and run. The added cost of renting a chair or umbrella is better than having to replace valuables.

Great Packable Security Safes

The following two beach or pool safes lock to a stationary item (like a beach chair or umbrella) and they also lock closed to keep valuables safe while at the beach.
The beach towel with built-in sand resistant and water-resistant pocket is a less secure alternative, but ideal if you don’t have a chair or umbrella to lock a portable safe to.

SafeGo Portable Lock Box

• Durable plus water and sand resistant
• Lock box has 3 digit combo + key access
• Heavy-duty 17″ steel cable wraps around a fixed object
• Rust-resistant, nickel-plated lock
• Lightweight ABS plastic, easy to pack

Flexsafe Portable Safe

• Ultra slash-resistant portable travel safe
• Water-resistant design
• RFID blocking
• Re-programmable 3 digit combination lock
• Light-Weight & easily packable

Travel Towel with Hidden Water/Sand Resistant Pocket

• Towel with built-in water-resistant pocket
• Conceals valuables while you’re sleeping or swimming
• XL size, 60″x 30″ weighs 8oz.
• Made of quick-drying and ultra-soft microfiber
• Light-Weight & easily packable

These Videos Show How Thieves Work at the Beach

You really need to plan ahead and think about how to keep valuables safe while at the beach or pool before you leave on your trip. That way you can invest in a waterproof body pouch or a larger portable lockdown safe. While more expensive than a body pouch the flexibility of a safe is that you’ll be able to use it in a hotel room, car, vacation rental property, camping, etc. for years to come.