Have your travel documents, including your tickets, boarding passes, picture IDs, etc., out and ready for inspection. Carry-on items, including laptop computers, should be ready for inspection prior to reaching the security checkpoints.

Some important things to note are to have your coats and jackets off. Checkpoint protocols require all passengers to remove outer coats and jackets for X-ray before proceeding through the metal detectors. And yes, I would like to remind you to leave your guns at home or at least make sure that all firearms and ammunition are declared to airline ticket agents and properly stored in checked baggage. In 2002, screeners have intercepted over 3,000 firearms.

If you’re travelling with kids, make sure you have a serious talk with your children about airport security and things that may happen at checkpoints. Younger kids will need to temporarily part with blankets and stuffed animals and older kids need to know that any comment suggesting a threat to a plane or its passengers is taken seriously by security officials.

And here are some good travel ideas and security tips when you travel by air anytime. To minimize the risk of damage or loss, don’t pack fragile or valuable items in checked baggage. Take them with you in a carry-on or just ship them to your destination. Remember to put identification tags in and on all baggage including laptops.

Any traveller, even frequent fliers, should always double check the contents of their pockets and bags, especially carry-on luggage, to ensure that no prohibited items were inadvertently packed. And speaking of packing, don’t over pack your bags. If security officers have to open them, closing overstuffed bags can be difficult and may result in that checked bag being delayed until a later flight. Also, do not put locks on your bags. If security officers need to open a locked bag for inspection, they may have to break the lock. If you want to have a lock on your bag though, there is an airport security-approved lock that has a locking system that enables security officers to open and relock the bag.

Once you are through all of that and are just waiting for your flight to be called, another security tip when you travel by air is to always have your belongings in sight. Keep them on your lap, on your arm or between your feet at all times. Also, never leave your kids free to roam around. An airport is a big place and there are many ways in which a child can get lost.

If you can get a handle on these security tips when you travel by air, I’m sure your flight will be a smooth and safe ride.

Checking your e-mail involves two basic steps and they are connecting to the internet and actually checking your e-mail. Connecting to the internet actually depends on where you are and what computer you are using. Almost all laptops have a modem built-in and you may also have an Ethernet card. Connecting via Ethernet card is preferred as this gives a faster connection. If you have all the necessary cables and jacks, all you need is to configure your network settings. You can obtain these by consulting with the customer service of your hotel. If you don’t have Ethernet and will be connecting via a modem, you will need to obtain a telephone number that can be dialled and the appropriate software to go with it. I highly suggest testing this before leaving home since there are many possibilities for error.

Apart from using the Ethernet card and the modem in your laptop, most laptops are also equipped with WiFi capability. This makes it easier to connect to the internet even in public areas that offer the service. But be wary of these public connections especially if you are checking e-mails that contain personal information.

If you don’t have your own laptop, you are sadly constrained to using what computer is locally available. In some cases you may be able to use a public computer in your hotel lobby, a computer at an internet café or at a public library. Remember to clear the history and cache of the web browser before leaving so no one can get access to any information you may have entered.

Once you’re connected to the internet, you can now proceed to checking your e-mail. Famous e-mail hosts like Yahoo are fairly easy to have to check. Once you’re connected to the internet, just type in the web address of your e-mail host, log in with your information and check your e-mails.

If you have a POP e-mail client like Eudora, Thunderbird or Outlook Express, checking your e-mail is a simple matter of re-configuring the settings. Do note that the “allow authentication” box must be checked in the mail client settings in order to be able to send mail even when you’re not on your own computer. After the settings are changed, you can both read and send e-mail as you normally would.

It’s fairly easy to do this. You really just have to know the processes it takes on how to check your e-mail when you travel.

When you are reserving your room, avoid staying in a room located on the first floor of a hotel. These rooms often have sliding doors or windows that are accessible from the ground level and prove to be a greater security risk than rooms on higher floors. Second to fifth floor rooms are usually the best choice in the event of a fire as they are more easily accessible for rescue purpose than rooms on higher levels. Before you get settled in your room, check that there is reasonably quick access to a fire escape route by window or stairway.

Access to your room by strangers and protection of your belongings are the basic issues of hotel security. Everyone knows that cleaning staff will enter your room when you are not present and the door will be left open for a period of time each day. Here are some security tips when you are in hotels to ensure that you and your belongings are safe.

Do not leave your valuables in your room when you are absent. Most hotels have a safe in the rooms. But I advise that you use the hotel safe instead and get a receipt for what you leave there.

When you are in your room, lock the door, use the chain lock, and always use your door peephole to identify people who knock at your door. When you are traveling overseas, some accommodations don’t have chain locks or peepholes so I suggest carrying a good quality traveler’s door lock, a doorstop alarm or a motion detector.

Do not open the door for unexpected visitors. Some criminals pose as repairmen from the hotel so always be careful. Always call the front desk to verify that someone claiming to be making a service call is from the hotel.

Some accommodations that do not have their own dining facilities allow food to be delivered to your room from outside the hotel. It is best to have these deliveries made to the lobby. Delivery to your room allows an outsider to meet you, know your room number and find out whether you are alone. This is especially dangerous for women travelling alone. Also, be careful about the leftovers you leave on a tray outside your door. A single plate could alert a stranger to the fact that you are alone in the room.

When you are sleeping, make sure that your deadbolt and chain locks are in place and that no window or sliding door is open. When you are not in your room and you want strangers to believe that it is occupied, you can put the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your door and leave the TV or radio on at an audible level.

Also, keep your room key with you at all times in and out of the hotel so that no one can see by checking the front desk that you are not in our room. If you decide to use the hotel gym or pool, it’s best to leave your key at the front desk instead of with your belongings.

These are just some security tips when you are in hotels to ensure an enjoyable vacation.

While some may be on the adventurous side and want to discover a city on your own. It’s sensible advice to travel in a group while visiting Naples as a lone tourist is an easy target.

If you want to avoid walking, I say it’s your life. They say that if you can drive in Naples, you can drive anywhere as the rules of the road are completely ignored. It isn’t necessary to drive your own car or scooter in Naples, so for the security of your own life, I say just rely on the excellent public transport network. There are also guided tours in double-decked coaches that tour you around the city in complete safety.

Just like any big city, it’s common knowledge that you shouldn’t put your wallet in your back pocket while traveling. Another security tip is to travel with a money belt. It’s a good idea to avoid obvious displays of wealth like jewelery and cameras. The government in Naples actually placed security guards in plain clothes on buses to try to prevent pick pocketing.

If you find yourself in Piazza Garibaldi, it’s best to leave quickly. As soon as you get off the train, you will probably get hounded by offers of taxis. These are illegal vehicles without permits or meters. Do not converse with them, don’t even smile. Just walk straight out of the station and take a licensed taxi from the line. Authorized taxi drivers never go by the trains to offer services.

My last security tip for visiting Naples would be to not buy anything unless it’s from a proper shop. There are many people that many think they got themselves a real bargain after buying a cheap camera or a mobile phone. It’s only later on that they find that the box just contains half a brick. You obviously can’t take that to any sort of complaints department.

I’m not meaning to steer you clear of Naples. These are just some security tips to make sure that your visit is a safe and pleasant one. if you take these into consideration and get to enjoy Naples, you will see that it is a city which values culture with a deep desire for change. The violence is often exaggerated anyway.

Some travellers sometimes opt to rent a car or even bring their own car when they travel. Usually, they do this because they’re already familiar with where they are going or because they don’t want to take the beaten path that’s taken by most tourists. However, travellers by car need to know that carjacking is on the increase. With that said, here are some safety and security tips when you travel by car.

One good security tip when you travel by car is to not drive yourself in a city or country with which you are unfamiliar. You may think you are a pro at reading the map but you can never be too familiar with which areas of a certain place are considered to be shady and dangerous. You’ll never know when you’re going to turn into a dark deserted street where you can’t ask anyone for help.

If you’re going to rent a car, select a rental car with a lockable trunk. Also, choose a car which is an inconspicuous as possible. Ostentatious cars generally attract carjackers because they scream “rich”. Also, if you’re car stands out in a country, it would also say that you’re a tourist because it’s your car that separates you from the locals. And that makes you a target as well.

Also when renting, don’t forget to ask the rental agent about driving laws and customs, road signs, and maps. Laws can be different in some countries. For example, Naples pretty much foregoes having any driving laws at all. And when asking for maps, ask your agent what the best routes are and which areas to avoid even. Before going on your expedition, carefully check your travel route on the map in advance. It would help immensely if you’re not travelling alone as someone could direct you to where you’re going instead of having to slow down and stop every so often to check the map.

Keep your car doors locked at all times and the windows closed. Sometimes, even a mere parking space isn’t a safe place when it comes to carjacking. So always remember to be careful where you park your car. If you’re going to leave your car unattended for any period of time, always lock your car and avoid leaving any valuables in it.

But I think that the most important security tip when you travel by car is to be aware of what it around you at all times. If possible, travel during daylight hours so you don’t have to deal with the disadvantage of dark streets.

Once you’ve taken these security tips when you travel by car into mind, then I’m sure you will have a safe and enjoyable adventure as you weave through the streets of your next destination.

Remember that trains, and even buses, are less crowded during non-rush hours. It’s easier to prevent getting victimized by a pick pocket when you’re not squished in like sardines in a train car. Avoid travelling during those peak hours and you may keep your wallet and other valuables.

When you are standing on the rail station platform, do not stand closer than five feet from the platform edge. Only move closer when the train comes to a complete stop. Apart from preventing a fall onto the tracks, you’re also clear of the way of exiting passengers. And if an object falls onto the tracks, never try to retrieve it. Always ask for assistance from customer service.

When you’re finally on the train, hold on to vertical bars, extension grab or seat backs if you find yourself standing. Don’t lean against doors. Don’t cross from car to car or stand between cars. And keep any large items like strollers, shopping carts and luggage clear of the aisles and doorways.

You can keep your belongings safe by avoiding sitting or standing next to the door. Keep your purse, backpack, shopping bag, packages and other belongings on your lap, on your arm or between your feet. If you wear jewellery, conceal it while you travel. If possible, take them off and put it in your bag before riding the train. Do not carry your wallet in your back pocket.

When you’re on the train, make sure to stay awake and alert. Always observe the behavior of those around you before you relax and enjoy you’re ride. Be wary of noisy passengers who are arguing or causing some sort of commotion. This may just be a distraction for you until someone gets too close to be able to take some of your belongings. Also, don’t fall asleep or become engrossed in a book unless you’re in one of those small private sitting areas in the train where you can lock the door. Sleeping and distracted passengers are easy targets for robbers.

And here’s my top security tip when you travel by train: if you see something, say something. Authorities won’t be able to prevent any crimes from happening if they don’t know what they’re looking for.

If you take all of those security tips when you travel by train into consideration, you’re guaranteed to have an enjoyable ride. Travelling by train is usually cheaper than other modes of travel like planes or renting cars. Also, it’s truly enjoyable as you get to take the scenic route to your next destination.

When a laptop is stolen, you don’t know whether it was taken for the information on the computer or the value of the computer itself. In order to prevent laptop theft, here are some tips on how to secure your laptop when you travel.

The basic rule for securing your laptop when you travel is to treat it like your wallet or purse. Always keep it by your side or in your sights. When you aren’t using your laptop, keep it locked in a drawer or cabinet.

When you’re travelling, disguise your laptop. The distinct size and shape of a laptop computer makes it an easy target. Carry it in a briefcase or some other grungy-looking case. There are actually laptop bags available that are backpacks.

When you’re travelling by plane or by train, don’t ever put your laptop and other valuable in checked baggage. Don’t leave them unattended or in the overhead compartments when you are on your way. Also, never store a computer in an airport or train station locker. If you must leave it in a car, lock it in the trunk or keep it under the seat and out of sight.

Avoid leaving your computer in a hotel room. If you must do so, keep it out of sight by locking it securely in another piece of luggage or placing it in a hotel vault or room safe.

It is also important to never keep passwords or access phone numbers on the machine or in the case. Do not program your computer’s function keys with sign-on sequences, passwords, access number or phone credit card numbers.

Try to keep only software files on your laptop’s hard drive. Store your data files on CDs or flash disks and carry them separately from the computer. I also advise backing up all your files before traveling.

When you are in any public place, such as a plane or a hotel lobby, don’t have any personal information up on your laptop screen that you don’t want the public to know about. A survey of 600 travellers show that over one third admitted to looking at someone else’s laptop while flying. Most are checking just to see what their fellow traveller is doing but there are some who are interested in who you are working for.

If you’re more worried about what’s in your laptop, there are now some technologies and software that have been developed to add even more security for your data. I highly suggest availing of these especially if you have some very vital information.

Secure your laptop when you travel and enjoy a worry-free expedition.