All the guidebooks say to keep your passport on your person unless you have to surrender it to your hotel. I'll be staying in an apartment with a friend. Should I leave my passport there where it won't be in danger of thieves or should I take it with me (along with my driver's license) for identification.
Julie,
I have heard many pro's and con's on this subject. Some say if you make a copy of your passport this is all you will need to carry with you, others say you need to carry your actual passport. I have been asked more than once to see my passport especially at banks. I would contact the national passport agency and have them respond to your question.
Greg
That would depend on how secure your friend's apartment is. My kids have had more things stolen at friends' apartments during parties or when other kids are drifting in and out (though I realize that passports aren't the kind of thing another kid would steal). If it's just the two of you it might be safer at the apartment during the day. When I travel, though, I always carry mine rather than leaving it in a hotel.
Julie,
I normally keep my Passport with me at all times. That's one thing I DON'T want to lose while travelling, as that would be a major "headache". If I have to provide this to a Hotel or whatever, I normally arrange to have it returned as soon as they've completed their paperwork.
It's also a really good idea to keep your Driver's license with you while out touring in the day. I usually use this for the "security deposit" when renting Audioguides at Museums (rather than using my Passport). That would be much less of a hassle to replace, and at least I could get home without a D.L.
Happy travels!