Santa Cruz County CA - Travel Safety Tips

To help make sure your next vacation is safe & enjoyable, remember the following:

When Packing, Don't Forget To:

Bring recent photos of all the children you're traveling with; if you get separated from a child, authorities will need to see his or her photo.
Mark luggage with your name and the address of your workplace.
Clean out your wallet or purse before you go, and take only essential credit cards.
Photocopy all documents, including passport, credit cards and tickets before leaving home and store copies in the hotel safe.
Use traveler's checks and credit cards. Keep a record of their serial numbers in a separate and safe place in case they are lost or stolen.
Carry only the cash you need in small denominations and never discuss your plans or the amount of money you are carrying.

In Your Hotel, Make Sure:

Your door has peepholes and deadbolt locks and use them to identify anyone requesting entry.
Open the door only if you are certain the person has a legitimate reason to enter your room. If in doubt, call the front desk.
To watch your luggage when checking in and out.
You familiarize yourself with the most direct route to and from your room to the fire escapes, elevators and nearest telephone.
That when you leave your room, you have your key!
To deposit your valuables in the hotel safe; never leave cash or other valuables in your room.
Report to the management any suspicious activities in the corridors or rooms.

If Traveling By Car:

Have a mechanic check and tune it before you leave.
Never leave wallets, credit cards, checkbooks, or purses in your vehicle.
Always try to park in well-lighted, busy areas.
Check the interior of your vehicle before getting in.
Always lock your car when it's parked, even if the stop is brief.
When parking for the night, bring all luggage and other valuables into your room.
Know Curb Colors! Parking requirements vary in different areas- always check signs for guidelines.
Respect and obey the traffic signs. Don't drink and drive, and always use your seat belt.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Place maps, travel brochures and valuables in the glove compartment or trunk before you get to your destination.

Kids Safety:

When visiting local attractions, dress kids in bright clothing and designate a meeting site for lost family members. For small children, write down their names and where they're staying and put it in their pockets.
Instruct kids not to open hotel room doors to people they don't know.
Make sure kids are familiar with hotel/motel escape routes. Discuss which adult is responsible for which child/children in an emergency.
In California, when in a car, children under the age of 6 and weighing less than 60 pounds MUST use a child safety seat, a booster seat or other safety restraint system.
Kids must not be left alone in a car.

If Traveling With Pets:

Be aware of ordinances regarding leash laws at beaches, parks and other public areas.
Find "pet-friendly" lodging on the www.santacruz.org web site under lodging search.

The Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council wishes you a happy and safe trip!