|
A safe journey is what your loved ones wish for every time you leave town and following some simple travel safety tips goes a long way in ensuring that you return home unharmed. While terrorism is emerging as a growing concern for American travelers, especially those venturing onto foreign soil, one is generally more vulnerable to petty crime like theft or to health risks.
Preparation and caution can reduce a traveler’s risks to a large extent. Arm yourself with all the information you can gather about your destination, especially if you are traveling overseas. Knowing what conditions to expect help acclimatize faster. Consular information is available on every foreign destination and additional resources are libraries and the Internet. The Department of State brings out travel warnings about destinations where it perceives a threat to American lives and it is worth spending a little time finding out if the place you are headed for is on that list.
Make two photocopies each of your passport’s ID page, your traveler’s checks, driver’s license and airline tickets. Leave a copy with a relative, friend or coworker at home and carry the other one with you, but pack it separately from the originals. This protects you in case of theft. If you lose your passport, the photocopy will help expedite the issue of a temporary one. Also leave a copy of your itinerary at home so your family and colleagues know where to contact you in case there is an emergency.
Another important safety tip is to travel light and with as few valuables as possible. Do not carry a lot of cash around. Try to use traveler’s checks and credit cards wherever you can. Carry travel safety products like waist packs, neck pouches and devices that secure your luggage and camera. If you must carry some valuables, it is worth investing in a travel safe. It is also important to keep your body language positive. Be courteous to the locals and try to look confident at all times, even if you aren’t feeling that way. The danger of being a target of pickpockets is greatest in crowded areas, so be careful when visiting such places. Dress appropriately for the culture of the host country so you do not attract too much attention.
It is also essential that you protect your health. Before leaving for your trip, find out from the Centers of Disease Control if there is any health risk at your destination so you know if you need to be vaccinated. Be careful about what you eat and drink. Eat only food that is completely cooked and avoid food that has been sitting for a while, for instance a cold salad at a buffet. Drink bottled water after making sure that the seal hasn’t been tampered with. Keep your hands clean, taking special care to wash them thoroughly before each meal. Protect yourself from insect bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Don’t leave home without travel insurance. Even if you do not want to buy comprehensive travel insurance, make sure you have a health insurance policy that covers you for hospitalization and evacuation back home in case of a medical emergency. If you take medication, check with a consular official to see if the drugs are legal at your destination. Carry your prescription along with the generic names of the medicines you take.
Use these travel safety tips to ensure your security. If you need the assistance of a travel management firm in organizing your corporate or leisure trip, visit www.thetravelteam.com or contact us for more information.
| 
