Beth’s 15 Safety Tips for the International Traveler

Considering traveling out of the country? Congratulations! It’s a big, wide world out there and who doesn’t want to explore other countries, cultures and experiences! Well, it seems there’s always a friend or family member who doesn’t share your excitement–but rather their own fears about leaving the U.S. While no one can guarantee your safety, even in your own home, you CAN minimize the risks while traveling abroad. Beth, from Travel by Beth, has 15 safety tips for international travelers to share with you!

1. Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the state department.
   
2. You will receive the latest safety and security information for your destination and the information you provide will allow them to contact you in case of an emergency.
   
3. Check with your health care provider or seek out a travel clinic to advise on vaccinations or medications you may need for travel to your planned destination.
   
4. Leave travel details including copies of your passport book with a trusted person back home. If your passport is lost, stolen or damaged, it is much easier to obtain an emergency passport if you can present a photocopy of the original.
   
5. Purchase Travel Protection Insurance. It covers more than just cancellation if you become sick or experience a death in the family. Issues such as medical evacuation, lost luggage, dental emergencies and trip interruption are frequently covered by a travel policy.
   
6. Have a mobile phone that can make international calls even if your planned accommodations have WiFi. While you’re at it, program in the phone number for the US Embassy at your destination, as well as the number to your hotel.
   
7. Check windows and all doors in your accommodations to make sure they lock securely. If any are not secure, request that they be fixed or switch rooms. Check every time you leave your room.
   
8. Buy a doorstop and use it to secure your door from inside your hotel/resort room. You can also buy a travel alarm for your hotel room door.
   
9. Leave your TV on while away from your hotel/resort room. It needs to be just barely audible from outside the room when you lean in close, so it will sound like someone is in the room.
   
10. If you are traveling to multiple locations/destinations/countries on vacation, keep a business card from your current hotel on you. If you can’t remember the name of your hotel, or the address, a licensed cab driver will know where to take you at a glance.
    
11. Do not walk alone at night and avoid desolate or non-tourist areas. This is true even within your resort. It is easy to have a false sense of security if you are walking within the resort complex, but you should always remain alert and have a buddy if possible. Consider carrying a small personal alarm if you are traveling solo.
    
12. Avoid intoxication. It seems obvious but here, or in a foreign country, you can become a target if you don’t have your wits about you. Don’t leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from someone you do not know.
    
13. When traveling in Europe specifically, be aware of pickpockets. Keep your valuables towards the front of your body in a cross body purse with a sturdy strap or a money belt. Carry your cellphone and wallet in a front pocket and not a back pocket. Carry backpacks toward your front.
    
14. Consider an escorted tour or trip. You can be independent and still have someone around when you want to. (P.S. – Check out our Girls Just Wanna Have Sun escorted trip this November. Three experienced agents will be your guides!)
    
15. Trust your gut and take action to keep yourself safe at home or abroad.