SEATTLE -- Identity theft can happen anytime and anywhere. But you're especially vulnerable when you go on vacation. Why? It’s because more people have more access to your personal information.

So how do you protect yourself?

"The critical thing is be aware," said Adam Levin, who runs the web site Identity Theft 911.

"Be aware of information you give to people," he says. "Be aware of who you're giving the information to. Be aware of what you're carrying in your purse or your wallet."

These days most of us carry around a lot of personal information on our portable electronic devices -- cell phones, PDAs, and laptops. Don't leave the in the hotel room when you go out. Put them in the safe. I've found that many room safes are now big enough to handle a laptop.

“Remember, a hotel room isn't a castle; lock down everything before you leave," Levin said. "There are an awful lot of people with access to a lot of those rooms."

Levin says it's also a good idea to use an encryption program to keep someone from snooping on your laptop.

"Sometimes security is a more important thing than convenience."

More Information:

Avoiding Identity Theft