Pro Tips for Traveling Safely

This week, let’s talk about simple and effective ways to be a safe and wise world travel. Here is a list of things we do for our own travels- I hope it is helpful to you, too.

Before you leave home, take these steps

• Check Advisories: Review U.S. State Department travel advisories and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Once you are signed up with the STEP program, the local embassy can alert you if there is the possibility for any political unrest in the destination or weather issues.

• Health Prep: Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, pack a first-aid kit, and bring necessary medications in labeled bottles.

• Documents: Make digital and paper copies of your passport, visa, and insurance.

• Finances: Notify your bank of travel plans and carry a mix of cash and cards. 

• Itinerary: Give your itinerary to someone at home you trust. Make sure it has cruise and hotel info and dates with contact on it. We provide our clients with itineraries that include all contact numbers.

Safety on the Ground

• Situational Awareness: Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, leave the area.

• Avoid Pickpockets: Use a cross-body bag or money belt, and never keep wallets in back pockets.

• Secure Belongings: Keep luggage in sight, and secure bags to chairs in restaurants.

• Transportation: Use reputable, pre-arranged, or app-based transportation, checking driver details before entering. We hire private car services for our guests who are traveling in areas where taxis and rideshares may be unsafe.

• Night Safety: Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

  

  Airline tags on your luggage: They can contain a lot of personal information that

  today’s scammer are using to steal passenger’s identity. Therefore, when you take those tags off before you fly home after a trip- don’t throw the tags away in your hotel room. Take them off (because the airline will need to put your new tags on for your returning home flight) BUT bring those old tags home with you, shred them and then throw them away at home,

Digital & Physical Security

• Stay Connected: Share your itinerary with family and use "find my phone" tracking.

• Blend In: Avoid wearing flashy, expensive jewelry or clothing that screams "tourist".

• Information Safety: Don't post real-time, detailed travel plans on social media.

• Emergency Knowledge: Know the local

  equivalent of 911 and the location of the nearest embassy or consulate. When you sign up for the STEP program- you will receive information from the local embassies of the destinations you will be visiting.

By being pro-active and planning ahead, you can travel the world like a pro!

Remember, your next adventure awaits!