Our Christmas cards from friends were filled with notes about journeys taken during the year or trips being planned for this new year.

As always, the tales were fascinating and sometimes amusing or sad.

Two couples we have cruised with on river boats informed us they won't be doing major traveling any longer.

The husband in California is on dialysis and cannot venture too far from home.

The husband in Colorado has early-stage Alzheimer's disease and is most comfortable in familiar surroundings, according to his wife, who advised, "Do all the traveling you can while you have your health."

I agree with her. Travel is great. But after reading of some friends' bizarre adventures and recalling a few of our own, I began to wonder what it is about a vacation that makes so many of us leave our good sense at home.

A friend in New Jersey said she began her Caribbean island vacation in a tiny, primitive hospital.

Dehydrated from the flight, where she drank absolutely no liquids because she dreaded the plane's cramped restroom, the woman passed out in the island's airport upon arrival.

Unfortunately, she also broke her leg when she fainted.

With her leg in a big white cast, she could do little that week except sit on the beach at the resort, where, she remembers, she was quite conspicuous.

To her further dismay, while she sunned herself, an unscrupulous employee stole all my friend's jewelry, which was in the room instead of in the hotel vault.

Although this friend did not give up on travel, she learned two important lessons.

First, she has become more aware of her body's wellbeing. She now knows hydration is critically important to the functioning of our bodies, especially when flying and when visiting hotter climates.

And I doubt she'll ever forget to put her valuables in the hotel safe. Leaving jewelry, cash, cameras and other expensive items lying around the room is foolish and an invitation for trouble.

Hotels, motels and airports, train stations and bus terminals offer plenty of opportunities for crooks to prey on tourists who have let down their guard.

Never allow strangers to carry your baggage until you make sure these folks are indeed employees.

On driving trips, even cars that are parked for a very short time should be locked.

At night, park in a visible, well-lit location.

And make sure all valuables are hidden in the trunk of the vehicle before parking.

Don't advertise your status as a tourist.

Friends who stopped their car along a Florida beach to get a better view of the beautiful palms and take some photos found themselves robbed of all their belongings.

In less than five minutes, as they stood nearby with their backs to the car, they were cleaned out.

Other friends left their valuables in their locked hotel room but were careless with the room key.

At the poolside or beach they left the key lying on a towel. It took only a few minutes for someone to visit their room and relieve them of the burden of packing for the trip home.

Before opening your hotel door to someone claiming to be staff, call the front desk to check.

And always keep all doors securely locked and chained, including the door to an adjoining room.

My husband and I once experienced a drunk guest in the room next door trying to come into our room through the adjoining door, which we did not think to lock.

As the man pushed the door from his side, my husband held it shut on our side, while I called security.

We now, of course, securely lock all doors in hotel rooms, including glass sliding doors that lead to private balconies, even on upper floors.

We once watched a group of partying youths climb from balcony to balcony over low divider walls.

The kids tried to open numerous sliding doors and probably succeeded. And this was on the fourth floor! Many guests probably felt safe leaving those doors open.

Even though vacation is a time to relax and forget our inhibitions, many of us have learned the hard way that awareness and cautiousness are as important to take along as a toothbrush and sunscreen.

We need to exercise the same precautions on vacation that we use at home.

Always stay alert, and pack a good dose of common sense in that travel bag.