The excitement of planning a trip is palatable. Thinking about what will take place, perhaps even seeing an area you’ve always dreamed of visiting, makes all the work ahead of time truly worth it. But in all the excitement, don’t forget to plan for personal safety.
Consider this advice for avoiding emergencies and crises while traveling to another country.
Research your location thoroughly
Know the relevant rules and laws at each stop on your journey. This can include customs and religious restrictions on attire that might draw attention to you.
Don’t rely solely on GPS for directions
Sure, your phone’s GPS is helpful for navigating from Point A to Point B… until it’s not. “Dead zones” and lack of cellular signal can happen anywhere, and so can dead phone batteries. Don’t get lost in a place you’re not familiar with. Research and plan your routes in advance and bring printed maps as a back-up plan.
Know where to go for help
Research the address and phone number of local police, fire, and medical facilities in advance, and be sure you know where your home country’s embassy and consulate are located in the event of an emergency. Save that information to an easily accessible place on your phone and label it “Emergency.” Carry a printed version with you as well in case you can’t access your phone for any reason.
Talk to trusted local sources
The people you interact with during a trip — hotel workers, restaurant employees, friends you trust in the places you are going — can give you some great advice. Pay special attention to what they say about areas of town that might be more dangerous than others and avoid those places for your safety.
Be aware and be confident
Walk with purpose, stay alert, and make eye contact as much as you’re comfortable. The idea is to not look lost, worried, or afraid, even if that’s how you feel in the moment. By exuding confidence, you are more likely to be avoided by scammers, criminals, and others who could create an emergency.
Protect your health, well-being, and investment in your travels
Before you leave for your trip, consider purchasing travel medical insurance and rest easy knowing you’re covered if you get sick or injured on your trip. For added peace of mind, enroll in trip insurance as well for coverage in the event your trip is cancelled or interrupted, or if you lose your baggage. View your options and purchase coverage through Lewerglobal.
