You might think that your common sense is powerful enough to keep you safe while traveling abroad, and although it will certainly help you in many ways, there are certain situations you might find yourself in that you were not expecting and are unable to control.
Below are 7 essential preparation steps for safe and smart travel abroad (even for the traveler who has keen common sense!):
1. Enroll in STEP: It’s free, quick, and easy to join and may save you some unnecessary stress or even your life! It’s the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and it’s a service provided by the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs for US citizens and nationals who are traveling internationally. The program allows you to “Enroll a Trip” you are taking, providing the Bureau with your trip details and emergency contact information. Once you register your trip you will begin receiving any travel warnings / alerts / updates pertaining to the destination(s) you are traveling to. You can also sign up for alerts to various destinations without enrolling a trip.
2. Don’t become a Locked Up Abroad celebrity: Have you ever seen that show on National Geographic Channel called Locked Up Abroad? If so, I’m sure you would never, ever want to be one of the featured stories on it. Although you are not a criminal in the United States, many countries around the world have, what we would consider to be, bizarre laws and regulations that can get you, well, locked up abroad! And that is the very last thing you want. Therefore, do your research on the various destinations you will be visiting and understand what that country’s local culture is like, as well as their common laws and regulations. And, of course, use common sense while traveling.
It’s also important to discuss your destination with your travel agent to see if there are any taboo things to keep in mind while traveling (for example, perhaps it is considered wildly inappropriate or even illegal to show your legs in a certain country. You need to know this before you pack a pair of shorts or a skirt!).
3. Purchase travel insurance: No one plans on having things go wrong on their trip, but sometimes, things just happen that are completely outside of our control. What is within our control is how we react to it and how we are prepared for it. Travel insurance is what can give you this control and provide you with piece of mind.
Travel insurance can assist in finding lost or stolen luggage, assist in medical evacuation and payment for evacuation, and much more. Insurance also allows you to cancel a trip last minute and receive reimbursement (depending on the plan you purchase, you may receive 100% reimbursement for last minute cancellations).
4. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date: Even if you’re traveling to Italy where there are no necessary vaccinations required, it’s always smart to make sure your vaccinations (such as tetanus) are up to date. And then, of course, there are several areas within the world that require certain vaccinations. For example, you are required to receive a Yellow Fever vaccination for travel to Zimbabwe and must show proof of this vaccination. Therefore, it’s always important to contact your family physician or a local Passport Health to see if there are any necessary or recommended vaccinations pertaining to the destination you are traveling to.
5. Beware of unmarked personnel and transportation: If a vehicle is not properly marked as a taxi do not get inside. Same goes for any type of unmarked personnel (someone in regular clothing—not a professional uniform) who is persuading you to take part in an activity or tour. Fraud is a common occurrence in foreign countries, so it is important to use common sense and do your research before you travel. Make sure to book activities and tours with reputable companies that your travel agent recommends.
6. Leave the expensive jewelry, bags, and clothing home: Traveling with expensive jewelry, bags, and flashy clothing can draw unwanted attention to you and put you in a situation where you are a victim of theft or worse. Therefore, keep the expensive jewelry, bags, and flashy clothing behind—it’s not worth it.
7. Tell close relatives / friends where you are going, but do not make it public knowledge: We all like to post updates on Facebook and Twitter about vacation plans, but you don’t want everyone and their mother knowing that you’re out of town. This type of information can get into the wrong hands and make your home the perfect target for theft. Therefore, in my personal opinion, don’t post anything to social media until you have returned home.
Also, prior to leaving, tell a neighbor, close friend, or relative that you are leaving and for how long you will be out of town for. Also provide them with contact information, as well as a copy of your passport and driver’s license whilst you are abroad.
