Top 10 Travel Safety Tips
As your mother probably told you, “Don’t talk to strangers” and “Always listen to good advice”….this is especially important when your personal safety could be at risk.
- Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Your passport should be valid six months past when you return. www.travel.state.gov/passport
- Fill in the emergency contact information page of your passport.
- Make two copies of your passport identification page.
- Keep one copy with you along with an extra photo. This will be a help should your passport be lost or stolen.
- Report any lost or stolen passports.
2. Leave a copy of passport and itinerary with family or friends. Some travel agents will also retain a copy for you.
3. If traveling outside the US, read the Consular Information sheets – there is one for every country in the world. Included are a country fact sheet, currency information, embassy contact, and health conditions.
4. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries you’re visiting. You are subject to their laws.
- Deal with only authorized agents when exchanging money or purchasing antiques or art.
- For example, photographing certain sites may be illegal, so it’s in your best interest to know this.
5. There are both Travel Warnings issued by the State Department and Public Announcements which advise on terrorist threats and other short-term conditions.
6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas or accept packages from strangers. Don’t go anywhere alone with strangers.
7. What you wear and carry should be a big consideration. Some countries have more pick pockets than others. Certain clothing is unacceptable.
- Avoid the appearance of affluence; don’t wear expensive jewelry or conspicuous clothing.
- Avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards. Remember to alert your credit card company that you will be traveling outside the US. Also carry a copy of your credit card number and contact information should your card be lost or stolen. Also leave a copy with family or friend at home.
- When out of your hotel cruise room, keep you passport, cash, credit cards, and other valuables locked in a safe.
- Avoid purses, fanny packs, and backpacks or putting money in an outside pocket.
- If you must carry a small purse, make sure the strap goes across your chest. Use inside pockets or a money belt.
- Most important … travel light!
8. Heed any health advisories for the regions you are traveling to. Travel Medicine Physicians can advise you of appropriate vaccinations or other concerns. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also issue warning and guidelines. Your travel agent should also provide this information.
- You may need a letter from your physician if you have any hardware in your body or have had certain radiology procedures in the past month that could cause problems with airport security.
- Controlled drug prescriptions should be kept in their original container.
- Keep a copy of your eyeglass prescription with you.
- Take a medical history card with pertinent health and contact information. Keeping it in your passport would be helpful in an emergency.
- Travel protection insurance is always recommended. Your current policy will not cover you in a medical emergency. Some countries require proof of medical insurance when entering. Travel policies also cover lost baggage, car rental, legal assistance, lost passport assistance, and more.
9. When traveling with a minor without both custodial parents, get a notarized permission form. This should also include an authorization for emergency medical care.
10. If you plan to stay out of the US for more than two weeks, register with the US embassy in the country you’re visiting. Upon arrival, you may need to notify them.
Most important, if you have any problems or trouble while abroad, contact the US Embassy, as they are there to assist you. Travel IS safe when following these basic tips.
Air Travel
Know the 3-1-1 rules for carry-on liquids and the new battery rules.
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