7 Key Safety Reminders While Traveling Abroad

After 25 years in the travel business, I have advised, consulted, given tips and recommendations to numerous travelers. However, the number one question I get with considerable consistency is “Is it safe to travel?”  We live in a world where, most of the time, we receive more news than we care to handle 24/7. Regardless of what the news or headlines tell you, traveling abroad does not mean you are throwing yourself in a danger zone. With common sense and preparation, traveling anywhere, whether abroad or in your home state, is safer than you think. While common sense is necessary and useful, even when staying close to your own home, there are a few important things to remember while traveling.

 

 

1. Sign up for the Smart Travel Enrollment Program run by the U.S. Department of State. This is a free service that enrolls U.S. citizens and sends you travel notifications and warnings about the areas you are visiting. This includes political or civil unrest, natural disasters or other dangerous situations. It’s good to be registered and know that you can access the help of a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. You will then receive notifications by text or email and you can make better travel decisions. http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/step.html

 

2. Before you travel, check with the U.S. travel warning website. You will find some general warnings as well as some specific up to the minute warnings: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. Read everything but be prepared to understand that just about every destination (including your hometown) will have some type of warning. You need to learn to use common sense at all times while balancing your thirst for adventure.

 

3. Scan and keep a copy of all your important documents.This includes your passport, driver’s license, a copy of your travel itinerary, credit cards, insurance card and any other important papers that you need quick access to if lost or stolen. You should also keep handy and scanned a copy of your emergency contacts in case you need it. Send all this to a secure email address for immediate and easy access. Leave copies of your passport and itineraries at home with your family. If there is an emergency, they will have all the information needed.

4. Verify that you are covered by a major medical insurance. It’s never fun to be sick while away from your comfort zone but it’s even worse if you don’t have insurance to cover you! There are many choices for travel insurance out there so it pays to shop around. Before you leave, get a copy of your insurance coverage and read it before you need it. Be aware of any deductibles you will have to pay up front or any other disclaimers. Follow up, complete all forms needed and keep all receipts. If you are traveling on your own, visit the U.S. consulate website in the vicinity of your destination, they will have a list of local English-speaking doctors you can see.

 

5. Tell your family and friends where you are traveling. This is no time to play hide and seek. You need to have a network of people who care about you and who know where you are in case of need. Keep in touch through text, free apps, Skype or phone calls to let family and loved ones know your whereabouts. If your travel plans change, let people know about it.

6. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. You don’t have to be paranoid, just aware. If something or someone does not seem right, speak up. Suitcases that are left alone at an airport, a suspicious person that does not seem to fit the situation, a feeling that something is not right should not be dismissed. Just as you learn to look for the nearest exit when checking into a hotel in case of fire, you should learn to be aware of where you are and who is around you. Learn the balance between being aware and being an alarmist.

7. Stay connected with travel apps. I am the first to tell travelers to stop depending so much on phones or social media when traveling and explore the local places without electronics. In case of an emergency, this advice is null and void! Carry your phone with you and keep apps that will help you in case you get lost. Most savvy travelers download off-line maps or subway plans that will make your life easier. You might not want to use your phone data while abroad but it’s wise to check with you phone provider to see if they offer an affordable international plan. Let your Facebook friends know that you are OK (safety feature will pop up where you are: https://www.facebook.com/about/safetycheck/) and all those who worry about you will be relieved. Posting photos of where you are traveling will also let others at home know that you are o.k. and safe. Learn the local emergency numbers before you need to use them! However, do not post so much information on social media, letting others know that you are away and that your home is vacant!

Remember to stay away from any political demonstration, large groups of people, events that attract a lot of attention. Keep from flashing money when you go to the ATM machines, keep all valuables locked in a safe place but don’t keep fear from doing what you want to do, which is discover the world! Millions of people travel abroad every year and almost never encounter dangerous situations. Retain your awareness and be alert but let go of fear.

 

Finally, remember that you are traveling abroad because you want to learn about other people, places, and cultures and that not every place in the world brings danger to your doorstep. You will find friendly people that want to help you and proudly show you their countries, and in turn, you can become an ambassador of your own country abroad!