By Megan Hazel
When you're going on vacation to get away from it all, you
don't want to leave safety behind. Whether you are traveling
abroad or driving cross country, there are some things you can
do to help ensure a safe and happy trip.
1. Prevention and preparation are worth their weight in gold.
Plan ahead in order to minimize problems that might crop up
while you're away from home. Some of the steps you can take to
be ready for emergencies include:
- Putting together a "medical envelope" for each member of your
family. It should include a brief medical history, notes on any
allergies, copy of your insurance card and proof of other
medical insurance, as well as copies of prescriptions for
regular medications and an extra prescription for eyeglasses
just in case.
- Make copies of your passport, a list of the credit cards you
are carrying and the phone number and instructions for notifying
your credit card company if your cards are lost or stolen.
- Bring along a first aid/emergency kit that's geared for your
trip. Depending on your plans, it may be as lightweight as your
favorite pain reliever and some adhesive bandages for a trip to
a metropolitan city, to a full-fledged first aid kit for car
travel.
2. Keep your money safe - and discourage thieves.
Pickpockets often target ports and other tourist areas. You can
keep your money safe with some common sense precautions.
- Only carry what you'll need on your person. Leave the rest
back in the hotel or in the cruise ship safe.
- Wear your money next to your body - under shirts and jackets.
- If you carry a fanny pack, thread the belt through your belt
loops.
- Tuck your purse or bag under your arm, next to your body.
- Carry as little cash as possible - and don't flash it around.
3. Be prepared for auto travel.
If you are traveling by automobile, whether your own car or a
rental, there are precautions you can take to be sure that you
travel safely.
- Get your car thoroughly checked before you set out - fluid
levels, tire pressure - the works.
- Carry drinkable water with you in the car.
- Pack an emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, a
flashlight, a blanket and other emergency necessities.
- Opt for roadside assistance insurance, whether in your own
car or in a rental.
- Stop at least every two hours to get out, walk around and
stretch your legs. It will keep you alert.
- Bring entertainment for the kids if you're traveling with the
children. Entertained children are far less likely to be a
distraction while you're driving.
4. Keep abreast of travel and health alerts.
There are many events and conditions that can compromise your
safety while you're traveling, a lot of them outside your
control. Political happenings, outbreaks of disease and
unexpected severe weather can create unsafe conditions for
travelers. The U.S. Department of State issues regular travel
advisories for destinations around the world on their government
web site. In addition, you can sign up for travel advisories and
alerts on a web site that tracks alerts issued by many different
governments, along with weather advisories and health alerts.
Knowing political, weather and health conditions at your
destination and at stops along the way can let you make plans to
either avoid them or be prepared for them.
5. Be knowledgeable when traveling abroad.
Knowing the customs of the country you are visiting can keep
you from making dangerous mistakes. One of the best sources for
information when you're traveling abroad is the U.S. Department
of State. The State Department issues regularly updated Consular
Information Sheets for each country in the world. In them,
you'll find entry requirements, currency regulations,
information about the security and safety situation, unusual
health conditions, areas of instability, the political situation
- even road and driving conditions.
In particularly dangerous situations, the State Department may
issue a Travel Warning, suggesting that Americans defer travel
to a specific country of area. It may also post Public
Announcements where transitory dangerous situations exist. Among
the situations where the State Department has made Public
Announcements are political coups, anniversaries of terrorist
events and pre-election disturbances.
Travel advisories and Consular Information Sheets are available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week online at www.travel.state.gov. In
addition, you can get the latest information by calling
1-888-407-4747 during the hours of 8 am to 8 pm Eastern U.S.
time, or in person at any regional passport agency or U.S.
Embassy. Finally, you can write for the information sheets on
the countries you plan to visit at Office of American Citizens
Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State,
Washington, DC 20520.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment