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.