Handy things to take: Extra keys

When I loaded the groceries into the trunk of my car, I unknowingly dropped the car keys in the trunk and did not notice it until I saw them as I closed the trunk lid. What a sinking feeling!! I did not know what to do. Fortunately, my purse was still in the shopping cart, so at least I had my cell phone with me.

I was in an unfamiliar city and I did not know where to get help. I went to the security guard at the store and asked for advice. He remarked it was too bad I did not have an extra set of keys. Luckily, I did have an extra set of keys back at my hotel. With the assistance of some very kind Los Angeles Metro drivers, I was able to take the correct buses to retrieve the extra key.

Now to be on the safe side I keep an extra set of keys with me when I travel. While on the road, I sometimes put one key on a lanyard that I can wear around my neck. Other times I just have an extra key in my jacket pocket. Always take at least one extra set of keys.

At the time of this incident, I did not have an insurance app available for my phone. If I had, I would have had access to locksmith information.

(Photo taken in 2012)