How to Protect Yourself in Paradise

Paradise isn't always the safest place.

The recent death of an American tourist has brought to the surface new concerns for travelers outside of the U.S.

American Tourist Murdered in Antigua

So how can you protect yourself when you're traveling abroad?

CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg said first, travelers should not go out alone at night -- and that's not gender-specific.
Greenberg said murder is not that common, but assaults and rapes are the issue.

If you're going out, Greenberg said you should also be as knowledgeable as possible, asking not only the general manager for information, but the bell hops and maids, as well.

Greenberg also suggested keeping your passport in the hotel safe, and carry a copy on your person at all times.

"You don't want to lose that under any circumstances," he said.

As for carrying other items, Greenberg said, you shouldn't carry large purses with straps or handles.

"Less is more," he said. "You don't have to pack everything."

So where do you carry your money?

"Basically, if you have those fanny packs, they get ripped off, too. Just an ATM card, a minimal amount of cash. And if you want, they sell those little money belts, but let's not get too crazy, it's just common sense."

Another tip is to ask for a uniformed hotel staffer to escort you to your room.

"These are the push-in crimes that are really scary," Greenberg explained. "Someone follows you, they wait for you to fumble to get your card key as and you put your key inside that slot, they push you and the key and the door in. Next thing, you know you're alone in your room and who are you going to call? That's where the problem happens."

He added you should also make sure that the door in your hotel has a peephole so you can look out.

Greenberg's Tips:
• Don't travel alone after dark.
• Put your passport in the hotel safe, but carry a photocopy of the photo page with you at all times.
• Never carry large amounts of cash.
• Always carry with you photocopies of the generic names of all your prescription drugs.
• For women -- no large purses with equally large straps or handles. You become easy prey for street criminals to run by (or bicycle by) and yank your purse away from you in a split second. Instead wear a small money belt into which you can put your cash/credit cards and other photocopied documents.
• When checking into a hotel, ask that a uniformed member of the staff escort you to your door. One of the most prevalent travel crimes happens at hotels and is known as a push in robbery or rape...or worse. The criminal follows you into the elevator and then down the hall to your room. When you take out your card key and insert it into the lock, he waits for you to start to open the door, then rushes down the hall and pushes you -- and the door, and then you find yourself alone inside your own hotel room with a criminal.
• Even the safest cities have high-crime areas. Don't just ask the hotel concierge or general manager where to go -- ask the bellhops, doormen and maids at your hotel where they wouldn't go.