Artisans in Oaxaca Mexico: Vacation Travel

On Vacation in Chicago? Key Things to Remember

I spent several years as a retail store manager on Michigan Avenue. It always use to amaze me how I would see some unsuspecting tourist walk into my store and be completely oblivious to the guy wear the long, beat up overcoat in sunny 90 degree weather trailing close behind them. It was like watching a bad reality show take place right in front of me.

As a store manager, I would frequently walk around the seating area and notice women with their purses hanging open with there item clearly visible. First of all, it's not smart. Second of all, I don't need to know that your monthly women issues have returned. Way to much information! Being safe in Chicago is easy, but you just have to ensure that you keep a few key things in mind.

1. Watch your stuff. You're not in Iowa anymore (forgive me Iowa folks). If you're downtown shopping, even on the Magnificent Mile, you need to keep tabs on your purse, wallet, bags, laptop, etc&. I can't tell you how many times I would walk around my store and see a laptop sitting on the table with no one around. I would wait a few moments just to hear the bathroom door opening and someone jogging back to the table. I guess the jog made them feel like their stuff was safe.

If you leave your stuff open and left alone, there is a good possibility that you might not have it at the end of the day. You don't have to grab you purse and bags if some offers to open the door for you (weirdo), but just be aware of your things at all times. It sound simple but people sometime forget while in the comfort of the high-end shopping world of Michigan Avenue or when they're with a group walking down State street talking about how much fun they just had at Navy Pier.

2. Conversations with the homeless and strangers. Look, the homeless exist. It's a fact. If a homeless person is asking you for money the chance is that they actual want it! (Ha! You didn't know that!) If you choose to give them cash, that's okay. However, don't pull out your purse or wallet on the street in order to dig out that cash or change. Have some in your pocket. Drop your change in their cup. Keep it moving.

If they want to stop and have conversation, say "no thank you". Some homeless people sense weakness and will keep following you if you let them. Sorry. I've seen it happen. If they think they're going to follow you, turn to them and tell them, "I said, no-thank you (like you mean it)" and keep going. If you just ignore them, they may keep following you.

Also, if some non-homeless "looking" stranger walks up to you and starts telling you some sob story&watch out! They're trying to get into your pockets. Let me just say. Conversation with people on the street you don't know, asking for money seems&well, strange (hence the word strange-er). Keep you and yours safe. Just tell these people "no thank-you" and keep it moving. There are places for people with sob stories to get help. The city has lots of services. Ironically, the sob stories usual stops when they see a cop walking down the street. Nice.

3. Increase your awareness at night. It is true. The thieves come out "more" at night. You don't have to go back to your hotel room and get your piece when the sun goes down. However, you do need to look around more and see the happenings going on around you. Chicago is not a dangerous city for tourist, but things sometimes happen and being aware of your surroundings will help keep you safe. At night, you may have the same number of strange-ers around, but less of the friendly faces like yours.

4. Know your public transportation. Know where you are going. Make sure of the route if it's a bus. To be honest, there are some train stops you don't want to get off on by mistake. If you miss your stop a Wrigleyville to see a Cubs game, you can easily end up at a stop you don't want to be at. Have you ever been at Argyle at night. Hell, have you ever been at Argyle at day. Know where you are going. Don't trail your family around in a bad/wrong neighborhood and stopping strange-ers asking where's Harry Caray's restaurant (By the way. It' at 33 W Kinzie Street). You might find a helping hand or you might not.

5. Remember to have fun. How does this make you safe? Chicago is a fun city. If you not comfortable, you don't think clearly and may not make the best decisions. If you're so focused on getting robbed or getting taken for a ride, you'll miss the reason why you came to Chi-town. Chicago is hardly one of the most dangerous cities in the country. We are not a mugging capital. However, don't have your fun ruined by not remembering the four rules I've given you above&and please, don't be that person standing in a store on Michigan Avenue talking to the manager about how you think someone stole your money. You'll probably get a police report filled out (a good souvenir), but don't count on getting it back&I'm just saying. So stay safe and have fun.

Bathony has lived in Chicago for 20 years. Hes an avid shopper and lifelong tourist of the city. Traveling to Chicago? Lets talks about how to be safe while having fun.

Visit Mypersonalcityshopper ( http://www.mypersonalcityshopper.com ) for the "shopping by map" experience built and designed for only the true Chicago shopper

MORE ARTICLES:

Resort in Mexico's Riviera Maya Offers Luxury, Family Fun, and Culinary Excellence
A recently completed expansion provides all-inclusive getaway at the Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort.

La Casa Que Canta In Zihuatanejo Mexico Pacific Coast
It is difficult to do justice to the La Casa Que Canta in Zihuatanejo , but for a start, you only have to think of no kids. no noises. No distractions...just pure beauty, and total relaxation. A perfect choice for a Mexico romantic honeymoon hotel.

Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Receives AAA Four Diamond Award
Casa Velas Hotel Boutique in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is again joining the ranks of AAA Four Diamond Award winners. Casa Velas is the only adults-only all-inclusive golf resort in Mexico to receive this AAA Four Diamond award.

The Beaches Of Puerto Vallarta
The beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta may be the most diverse in Mexico. Located at the midpoint of Banderas Bay, the area surrounding Puerto Vallarta boasts 34 miles of coastline, 26 of which are sandy beaches. Within the city, the beaches are elegant and pristine, bordered by restaurants and resorts. Beaches to the north of the city tend to be longer and wider, with great opportunities for surfing and swimming. South of Puerto Vallarta, the mountains topple into the sea in places, creating placid coves and intimate sandy pockets.

Win a Luxury All-Inclusive Mexican Vacation for a Family of Four in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Family Scavenger Hunt Leads to 4-Day/3-Night Mexican Vacation at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

Puerto Vallarta Vacation Review
Just returning from a wonderful trip to Puerto Vallarta, I've decided that tropical vacations are good for the "soul". It's important to take the time to get a way from the everyday routine.

A Mexico Vacation Special To The Maroma Resort In The Mayan Riviera
Some very good reasons for booking a Mexico vacation special and choosing the best of luxury hotels the Maroma Resort in the Mayan Riviera

The Southern Pacific Coast has Snatched the Attention of Investors from the Northern Pacific Coast
There are so many wonderful things abouth Costa Rica's Southern Pacific coast. Each city has its own unique attractions that have really sparked interest with investors who see the vision and want to be part of the growth in Costa Rica.

Celebrate Grandparents at Grand Velas Resort in Puerto Vallarta
Dolphin Encounters, Spanish Lessons, Mexican Folkloric Night and More As part of the Grandparents Package Available Until October 1st

Uncovered: A New Resource for Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
fundVallarta announces a full online resource for discovering real estate investment opportunities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. With conditions similar to the property boom in California, Puerto Vallarta is poised to become an international performer with a solid return on investment. Visitors are able to access a significant knowledge-based investment resource center at the fundVallarta.com website.

Livin' La Vida Loca at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico is in itself a paradise with its lot of places that offer nothing but the best comfortable life to anyone. Out of the several coastal resort-type offerings in the region, Puerto Vallarta is possibly the greatest epitome of wonderland.

Discount Last Minute Puerto Vallarta Packages To The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
We managed a discount last minute Puerto Vallarta package to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. In truth the discount was the bonus, because we fully intended to go there anyway, and pay the full price, but thanks to some work online, we got a huge discount. A quick thank you to The Vacation Bargain Finder, details of which can be found at http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/pages/Vacation-Bargain-Finder.html

A Mexico Travel Special To The Mexico Caribbean Coast
A Great Mexico Travel Special should include time spent on the Mexico Caribbean Coast, where you will find so much to do and so many things to enjoy. You can easily organise a Mexico Vacation Package that will allow you to travel around Mexico seeing some of the Country?s amazing sights and then allow you to finish with a relaxing time on the Mexico Caribbean Coast.

Puerto Vallarta: The City of Festivals
After Puerto Vallarta found its way onto the international tourism map following the release of ?The Night of the Iguana,? the city became a meeting place for artists, musicians and anyone seeking a cosmopolitan destination amongst incredible natural beauty As a result, numerous festivals have developed in Puerto Vallarta, celebrating everything from independent film to haute cuisine

More Vacations at Puerto Vallarta MX
Puerto Vallarta MX is definitely one of the places where people can stay and enjoy more vacations Puerto Vallarta MX is in the state of Jalisco and is one of Mexicoýs premier resort cities