It seems that every time you watch the news, all you see is another wave of terrorist attacks and crises or natural disasters. With everything going on, it is normal for people to become unsure whether they should go ahead with trips they have planned. Disasters, both natural and man-made, can happen anywhere at any time. It is impossible to know the risk of one destination over another. The best advice I can give, which is also stated by the U.S. State Department, is to continue your travel plans and use these travel tips to help minimize the risks during your journey.
1. Enroll in STEP
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a government initiative to keep Americans safe abroad. This free service allows you to register with STEP to get travel alerts and warnings for a particular country, and will help the government assist you better in an emergency.
2. Scan Your Passport (And Other Important Items)
If something happens to your documents or other documents while you are out of the country, it could take up to 6 weeks for a new one to arrive. Although you might already know to make a copy of your passport, consider downloading a scanning app to keep your important documents safe in the cloud.
3. Use Social Media to Stay Updated
Twitter gives you breaking news and can provide a potentially life-saving information in an emergency. You can follow the U.S embassy feed in the country you are visiting and the U.S. State Department's feed, @travelgov. The @RedCross feed and Google's Crisis Response Team, @GoogleCR are also worth following.
I like to have client's emergency contacts, if there is an issue and my clients are more than welcome to give my contact information to that person also. No need to call and check every day, but post updates to social media sites or send quick e-mails so that everyone knows you are safe and happy.
4. Get Travel Insurance
Accidents can happen anywhere--and your insurance from back home may not cover you abroad. Many low cost options to cover the unforeseen while you are abroad are available and well worth the cost. Read more here on why it's a good choice.
5. Clear All Credit Card Hurdles
Before your trip, call your credit card and explain where you are going and for how long in order to avoid a freeze on your account. In addition, find out exactly how much credit is left on your card so you don't exceed your limit.
6. Focus On The Most Likely Risks
Wherever you are--including at home--you are far more likely to be a victim of ordinary street crime than terrorism. So avoid flashy jewelry and other signs of wealth. Even if you are starting to feel comfortable in a new city, DO NOT try and find a shortcut to lesson your travel time. Download a travel guide to keep you on the straight and narrow.
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