With summer underway and vacations quickly approaching, it’s time to sit down and make some solid plans for a getaway. But before you leave, there are some steps you should take to ensure that you stay as safe as possible. Here are some of the things that you can do to stay safe while traveling:
CHOOSE WISELY
Before selecting your vacation destination spot, do some research to make sure it’s not dangerous. The State Department’s website is continually being updated with travel precautions around the world. This includes what countries are safe to travel to, what vaccinations are required, and what documents and visas you may need.
COPY YOUR PASSPORT
Your passport is one of your most valuable items while traveling. If your physical passport is lost or stolen, a paper copy will make it easier to replace. In the event that your passport does go missing, bring your copied documents to the embassy or consulate during their business hours. You may need a member of your traveling party or someone back home, if you're traveling alone, to verify that it's you. If you don't want to keep your passport in your room, purchase a passport carrier that you can wear around your neck so it won't fall out of a bag or get stolen by pickpockets. It may also be a good idea to make copies of any visas that you need in the event that they are stolen or lost.
STAY IN TOUCH
While you may want to use your vacation to unplug from the world, it’s not a great idea to do it at the expense of your safety. Leave behind contact information and a travel itinerary with a friend or family member before you leave. Then, while on your trip, contact this person at least once a day. This can be as simple as a quick text or an email just to let them you’re okay. This way, if something happens while you are traveling, someone will know where your last whereabouts were.
BE PREPARED
If you’re traveling by car, there are still some precautions you can take. Leave your route with a friend or family member before you leave and a basic outline of your travel schedule. It may also be a good idea to pack an emergency car kit in your trunk just in case you run into the trouble. It’s better to be prepared and not need the kit than have an issue and wish you had it.
