I want your info!

One of the biggest problems facing the modern traveler is identity theft.  This is a term which means someone else has gotten enough personal information about you to profit by pretending to be you.  It can be anything from buying an RV in your name to sending inappropriate emails to your family or coworkers.

There are a few crucial pieces of information you should protect at all costs.  These are: Social Security Number, Birth Certificate. Passport, Drivers License

With one or more of these items it becomes much easier to go shopping and stick you with the bill.  Don’t make it easy for the crooks!

Other important things to protect include your checkbook (with your bank information on it), keys, USB drive or other computer storage with private information, family information, and passwords.  Let’s look at these one at a time:

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Vacations are supposed to be all fun but if you are like me you can’t stand to be apart from your computers.

I enjoy my computers and gadgets so much that I feel out of sorts without them.  This can be a real challenge when traveling!  Here’s some things to keep in mind when preparing for your next trip.

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“We’re planning on visiting Washington DC and want to park our car close to the Smithsonian museums.  Do you have any suggestions?”

Parking a car in downtown Washington DC can be quite a challenge.  The Smithsonian museums are located on the National Mall where, if you are extremely patient or lucky,  you can find metered parking.  Your best bet is to head directly to Union Station located at 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE where there are over 2000 parking spaces as well as fun shopping and a extensive food court. The cost for parking is $5.00 for up to 1 hour,  $8.00 for 1 – 2 hours,  $10.00 for 2 – 4 hours,  $12.00 for 4 – 5 hours,  $14.00 for 5 – 12 hours and $16.00 for 12 – 24 hours.  Payment may be made with cash, Visa, Master Card or American Express.

Keep in mind that Washington DC has one of the best public transportations systems in the country – the Metro.   After a day downtown with your car you may want to review this option!

Union Station

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