April 24, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

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.
in Life
Banner
Related Posts

Where to see Fireworks

July 3, 2019

July 3, 2019

Area residents have numerous chances to see fireworks this weekend. This post is sponsored by Island Travel Group and Events....

10 things you don’t know about me… Jeff Damler

May 27, 2022

May 27, 2022

Jeff Damler, is the Senior Vice President, Loan Officer, Branch Manager at Longview Bank in St. Joseph. Here are 10...

Kids Say…

July 1, 2019

July 1, 2019

Every week we ask five area kids a question about farming. This week it is second graders from PVO South....

‘It has been an honor to care for you and your families’

December 21, 2022

December 21, 2022

Patients of Dr. Jeanelle Murphy got some not so jolly news at the beginning of December. Their doctor is leaving...

Benefit to be held for Fisher family

March 18, 2019

March 18, 2019

Next Saturday the St. Joseph IGA and Wagner Signs and Graphics are coming together for a good cause. From 7...

10 things you don’t know about me… Susan McKinney

May 28, 2019

May 28, 2019

We asked one of our favorite librarian to tell us 10 things we didn’t know about her. This post is...

Sign ‘em up: Wagners to change locations in downtown St. Joseph

October 4, 2019

October 4, 2019

Jim and Jen Wagner want to invest in St. Joseph because the community has invested in them. “Community support is...

Get to know senior SJO Marching Band member Jo Schmitz

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

My favorite thing about marching band is the community. I made my best friends through the program. My favorite memory...

Daily Exercise Recommendations

April 16, 2021

April 16, 2021

By: Christie Clinic Department of Family Medicine We all know physical activity is good for our overall health, but many...

How do I help my kids try new foods?

October 19, 2021

October 19, 2021

By: Dr. Jeanelle Murphy, DO Thanks to Christie Clinic for sponsoring this content. Encouraging young kids to try new foods...

‘There is no one more deserving of this honor’

June 26, 2020

June 26, 2020

Glenn Fisher loves St. Joseph-Ogden High School. For decades, Fisher’s main concern was that the facilities and sports fields at...

10 things about me….. Dana Rowland

April 3, 2019

April 3, 2019

You may know Dana Rowland as the co-chair of the SJO Post Prom Cash Bash but now you can get...

Bracelets honoring Booker bring attention to Scott’s Law

April 5, 2022

April 5, 2022

Vickie Reese is hoping a bracelet will help people remember to move over when they see flashing lights. Reese, the...

St. Joseph man peacefully protests against police brutality: ‘We need to listen’

June 4, 2020

June 4, 2020

Jon Arteaga isn’t looking for any praise by protesting at the corner of Main Street and Route 150 in St....

Kids Say….

March 8, 2019

March 8, 2019

Every week we will have five students from an area school answer a question for us. This week it’s five...

Comments
Leave a Reply