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Luvtatravel |
Safety We were only taken advantage of once in over 20 years of traveling. We struck up a conversation with a gentleman who we thought owned a little bistro we stopped in. He sold us some tickets to a catamaran cruise the next day and I foolishly paid cash. The next day, we found out he was a shyster who sold timeshares, not the owner he reputed himself to be and our $120 was gone for good. Other than that, I think we stay safe because of precautions we take. We don’t wear jewelry, not even costume jewelry. After all, what might look fake to me might look like 18k gold to a would–be thief. When you leave your room, leave the TV on so your room seems occupied. Put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door. Make sure all of the doors and windows are locked. It’s also a good idea to put your work’s address on your luggage so potential thieves won’t get your address at the airport and you arrive home to find you’ve been burgled. If you are accosted, don’t look them in the eyes, volunteer to get your stuff out for them. Contact the American Embassy if you are robbed. We also don’t dress fancy. Khaki pants, jeans, white t-shirts etc. are pretty much welcomed anywhere and that way we don’t stand out. We also don’t venture out at night except in groups and even then, we usually ask for advice from the hotel about safe areas. We’ve been to several Reggae concerts in Jamaica and, even though we’re obviously middle-aged hicks for the most part, everyone has always gone out of their way to make us feel welcome. I won’t even begin to tell you about the toilet facilities. Just close your eyes, do what you gotta and then get out! Many places have antiquated toilet facilities. The waste paper basket next to the toilet that looks like it’s full of toilet paper is just that. Wipe and then put the toilet paper into the waste basket. Don’t flush it., it clogs up the sewers. Time Shares Time shares are properties that offer their rooms on a by-the-week basis. Each time share owner “buys” a room at the hotel that they can use once per year at a set time. These hotels also sell their rooms to vacation travelers. Time share salesmen hold sales meetings for these vacationers, offering free tours, meals, etc. as inducements. These sales meetings may last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours and may be either “hard” or “soft” sells. Make sure that the freebie is worth your time and effort to attend the sales meeting. Beware of time share salesmen posing as legitimate tour reps when you exit the airport. All Apple reps will have an Apple Vacations sign board. |