Travel: Prepare for proper packing, travel safety

Airlines have started to limit the number of bags passengers can take at no additional charge and limit the bags passengers can carry on board. For the most part, passengers can check one or two suitcases at no additional charge, and carry on no more than two bags. Check with the specific airline for its baggage rules.

For passengers on seven-night cruises or longer, baggage restrictions may mean you'll need to pack lighter than usual.

When packing, be sure to put your essentials like medication, toothbrush, glasses, etc., in your carry-on bag, along with one change of clothes. In the unlikely event your luggage should get misrouted, you'll have what you need until your luggage catches up with you at the next port.

Travel safety

Travelers can sometimes be easy targets for criminals. However, you can go a long way in ensuring your trip is trouble-free by being aware of when you are vulnerable.

Stay particularly alert upon arrival and departure. Most travelers are cautious on the road but let their guard down as soon as they walk into a hotel lobby. Criminals sometimes target arriving and departing guests who generally have cash and valuables with them.

Always call to verify the identity of anyone knocking at your door. Most assaults occur in hotels because guests don't double check. One common scam is to pick up the breakfast request menus hanging outside guest room doors. The criminal then knocks at the door at the time the guest requested breakfast.

Upon initial entry, also check door and window locks, in-room safe locks, doors connecting to adjacent guest rooms and sliding glass door locks to make sure they work.

your jewelry at home. Pearls, gold chains and expensive watches are invitations to thieves. They are what the smart thieves are looking for. Necklaces can be snatched from around your neck; watches can be removed in a split second. Why not eliminate the risk, and leave these things at home? Take a $20 digital watch with you to make sure you're in the right place at the right time.

Don't pack valuables in luggage you plan to check. Your luggage will be handled by dozens of people, many of whom do not work for the airline.

out for criminals in parking lots. Even if a hotel seems safe, it may border a deserted or questionable neighborhood. Request an escort, or use valet parking if you feel unsafe.

should beware of purse-snatchers and pickpockets. If you carry a purse, make sure it has a sturdy strap and you wear it crosswise over your body. Carry your wallet in a small belt-pack or under your clothing.

protective about calling card numbers. It's better to have the number memorized than to refer to it from a card. If a thief gets your calling card number, it will be sold and used by others. You'll never know anyone has it until the next bill arrives.

(Marvin McDaniel, CTC, is president of Carlson Wagonlit Travel/Carlson Travel Network.)