Sally's answer: You should carry a few dollars in your wallet at all times. If you're going shopping, put your credit card and most of your money in your front pocket. Split your money up. I know this sounds paranoid but when I lived in New York City, there was a lot of purse snatching, where the robber would cut the straps right off the victim shoulder. I started carrying my id and money like that, just in case. I never wanted to be without some form of ID or money.
How should I prepare to travel overseas and what documents do I need?
Sally's answer: Get a current passport-make sure you give yourself plenty of time to have it processed. Go to travel.state.gov/passport to get info on passport office locations. You will also need a credit card and debit card in your name (with money and credit available). Research the area that you'll be traveling to for emergency information such as U.S. embassy, local police, banking information and local hospitals. Research for lodging, restaurants, site-seeing and shopping. The more research you do ahead of time, the less time you'll waste when you get there. Vacation is valuable time, make the most of it. Here' some other great websites to look at.
I'm going on a beach vacation, do you have any tips for sun safety?
Sally's answer: Bring plenty of sunscreen. Start with a 30 for higher and work your way down to 15 if you want to get a tan. You'll still get very tan with a 15 lotion and you won't be all dried out. Wear a hat and drink plenty of water. There's nothing worse than a sunburn on vacation when you're trying to have fun.
I'm traveling overseas, what are some things that I should be aware of?
Sally's answer: If you're concerned about terrorist attacks, then you should avoid large public areas at times when they are the most crowded (train stations, airport, arenas). Get away from any packages or strange backpacks left around and report them to law enforcement. The latest failed attack at Times Square in New York City is a horrible reminder of the constant care we must take even in our our country. While traveling abroad, just remember that not everyone loves Americans. I hate that we even have to think this way but it is a reality of life. Be polite and try to blend in! Take a look at the websites listed for tips on traveling abroad.
Is it a good idea to have your cell phone with you at all times?
Sally's answer: Yes!!! That's why your parents bought it for you in the first place. We're really not concerned for your social life, just your safety. Keep your phone charged and put emergency contact numbers in your address book. If your phone comes with a GPS-activate. Usually this can be activated by calling 911. Always have your cell phone on in your car, not to car while driving but in case you get into an accident. If you're walking home alone, keep your cell phone in your pocket your finger on 911 button in address book or 91 already dialed waiting for the other 1.
Sally's answer: No, it's really not safe to drink alcohol on the beach. You could get drunk, fall asleep and get sunburned. There's a chance you might think you're a better swimmer than you are and drown. However, with all this pre-caution, if you're lying on the lounge chairs and a waiter is offering pina colada go ahead and have one. Just remember to drink responsibly, have plenty of water, don't drive, don't fall asleep in the sun and don't swim after drinking.
Is it safe to talk to a stranger that has a baby with them?
Sally's answer:
I hate to be such a paranoid person but I actually had a bad experience with this when my daughter was a toddler. Some guy started walking and talking beside me while pushing a carriage with a little girl. I thought it was weird and could feel the little hairs on the back of my neck go up. He wouldn't leave me alone and plopped down beside me at the beach and proceeded put his hand down his pants. I grabbed my daughter and ran the whole way home and called the police. Turns out he was a habitual hands down the pants guy! What I should have done was go directly to the police station. This was also before cell phones-now you'd get away and call 9-1-1.
My parent's car was blocking the driveway and I decided to move and re park it, but i took it out for a spin and it ended up in a small accident, we have it back in the home, but every one but my parents wants it reported, what is the legal precautions?
Cindy's answer:
Here are a couple of links that discuss your situation. There are pros and cons to reporting an accident. The first thing is to be grateful that this accident you describe doesn't involve anybody getting hurt. Whatever you decide, either you or the insurance company are responsible for the damages. You can pay out of pocket or file a claim. These links should help you make the right choice as each case has it's own implications. thttp://www.autoinsurancerates.com/when-to-report-an-accident.html
There are a few other questions that I have. I. how many other cars were in the accident? 2. Do you parents have insurance on the car 3. Do you have a drivers license? 4. Was there damage done to the other cars?I really need more information to give a proper anser. Honestly is the best policy. If there was damage done, the insurance company won't pay unless there is a a police report. If you don't have a license, this will also be probabimatic. When in doubt, also go for honesty. Can you image waking up in the morning and your car was side swiped? Too many people, take the easy way in life and lie.
What are some things to keep in a medical emergency kit?
Sally's answer: Different sizes of band-aids and sterile gauze bandage, gauze tape, adhesive tape, cotton swabs, thermometer, tweezers, pain and fever medication (tylenol), antihistamine, antibacterial cream, hydrocortisone cream. Joanna's answer: Bandaids, an antibacterial ointment such as neosporin, or bacitracin to prevent infection of cuts and scrapes. Sterile gauze pads and a roll of gauze. Adhesive first aid tape for taping to the skin and taping the gauze together. A type that is easy on the skin is a good choice. Paper tape possibly, yet it sometimes comes off too easily. Ace type bandages. for wrapping strained or sprained wrists, ankles, knees. Instant cold and instant hot packs. (I used to carry these in the car when my skateboarding son was young, along with an ace bandage and the gauze and neosporin). Tylenol or advil...even aspirin. Of course, if you travel in the desert a lot, I would say a snake bite kit would be important .
What should I beware of in public areas (airports, train stations) while traveling?
Sally's answer: Be aware of any abandoned package or backpack and report any sightings to the police. Minimize your time in airports, train and bus stations. Avoid areas where there are a lot of people sight seeing, choose off times when it is less crowded. A Don't be an ugly America, just be kind and polite. Check out the US government website for tips on International travel. The site also gives you information on different troubles in regions throughout the world. But remember, have fun, that's why you're traveling!