If your gonna go somewhere foreign here's some reminders. Have a good amount of cash handy. This one's pretty self explanatory but the thing is other contries might have different value of products that what you're used to. Always be gracious. Remember your the guest in their home. Respect their customs, tradition, and unique tastes. If you find something offensive, don't say anything about it and simply avoid it. Speak good English. English is probably one of the few things you'll have in common with natives of a foreign country. A majority of the world is now teaching English as a requisite in school and business so that should solve a few language barriers for you. If language is still a problem, bring a phrasebook. Make sure you can understand it though. Keep a good eye on your valuables and avoid isolating yourself in a bad neighborhood. Tourist are favorite targets for pickpockets. Reserve a hotel in advance. Make sure you have a place to stay. Pretty much self explanatory since if you go to a foreign land with no place to stay in, you're screwed. You can just get a room when you get there but it would be better to check in advance since vacancies tend to disappear on you during the vacation seasons.

No matter what make sure you have had your Hep A vaccination. You do not want to contract Hep A. It is a drag.

Stay in a good area. Lock your doors and don't let anyone in that you weren't expecting. If someone knocks on your door and says they are from maintenance or housekeeping or whatever, call down to the front desk to check them out. Be careful in areas you are not familiar with. Don't wander around late at night, don't go anywhere alone. Carry traveler's checks instead of cash. Put your money/traveler's checks in several places and have both of you carry some, so if someone is robbed there will still be some money. If you are a woman travelling alone, try to stay in hotels with indoor corridors. They are usually more secure because usually you must have a key to gain access. When in Mexico, and other countries, do not drink drinks that are not from a can or bottle that only you open. It is fairly commonplace for you to receive drugs or something else in mixed drinks.

Never leave your luggage unattended at the airport, always have someone to guard your valuables. If you are going to a poor island and bring your money along. Make sure you don't bring too much money. It's very dangerous in some of the islands. Avoid going downtown in poorer islands because a lot of the crime happens there. Travel in a group or on a tour to keep safe from the locals. Always keep your valuables in your cabin or your hotel. There are many ways to lose your valuables. Your camera would be okay to bring but make sure you keep an eye on it. Some of the locals can be pushy or begging for money. Just walk right by. Many islands allow you to bargain with the locals. If you bargain for $3 then don't take out a $20 bill because they will try to sell you more. Try to take small bills on the islands. Lots of $1, $5, and $10.

Before leaving your home, make sure you have someone look after your animals & home, that you can rely on & trust. Also you may want to keep some lights on as well as a TV so that it looks like your still home, tell only your close family & friends you are leaving. You don't want your home to get broken into while your gone. Traveler checks or prepaid credit cards are good to take with you, so that no one gets access to your personal accounts.

If you are going to Atlanta, Georgia just realize there are more crooks and thieves there than anywhere else in the world.

Keep all your money and valuables in your hand luggage. Never leave your luggage unattended. Do not go into areas that are lonely or not brightly lit alone. Make sure you have all your jabs for the area you are visiting. If you have a car , pay a parking attendant to park it then you will not have to enter carparks.They will fetch the car to the door for you. Always dress appropriately to the country you are visiting. When sightseeing keep your bag always opening side into your body , better a waist belt.Remember that a strap around your neck can easily be cut . Some muggers are expert even from scooters In a hotel get a safety deposit box for your papers and spare money Always be polite and show respect to the native people , remember we expect them to behave nicely when they are in our country I am sure there are many more things. Just keep your wits about you SMILE at people, and enjoy yourself Show an interest in everything about you, people love enthusiasm and are much more willing to help

Yes, be careful and read all these great answers. The biggest tip I can give you is to honor your gut. If it doesn't feel right to you, don't do it.

Carry most of your money and papers in something you can wear arround your nech conceiled under your shirt and carry another wallet with very little money in case you get robbed. And practice the safety advise above mentioned by other ABers...

Well old adage goes, when in Rome do a the romans do.