International travel is an exciting opportunity for new experiences whether you travel for business or pleasure. Changing political climates and the reality of terrorism, however, can turn anyone into a target. Taking precautionary measures before you leave, while en route, and once you arrive at your destination will keep your trip pleasant and safe.
Before Leaving
Before you leave, there are several tasks to accomplish. Keep the following preparations in mind to simplify your travel abroad and ensure your safety:
- Register with the nearest consulate or U.S. embassy. Should an emergency arise at home, this makes it easier to contact you.
- Review travel warnings and consular information sheets issued by the State Department. Political climates, crime rates, and terrorist activity are realities you must consider. Knowing the atmosphere of your host country is your first line of defense.
- Become familiar with foreign currency before you need it. Fumbling with money marks you as a foreigner and an easy target.
- Become familiar with local laws and customs. Determine what documentation you will need to enter the country, custody papers if you travel alone with your children, for example. If you are doing business, learn the laws that affect financial transactions.
- Find the location and how to contact the local U.S. embassy. Have this information readily available during your stay.
- Learn how to ask for help in the native language of the country you visit.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends or relatives at home.
Safety While Traveling
While en route, remain aware of your surroundings and where you need to go. Move quickly through crowded areas and do not loiter at security checkpoints. Dress in street clothes unless you have to wear more formal clothing for work or business. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry or expensive suits, since these identify you as a target for theft or worse. Use your business, not home, address on luggage tags. This way, if your luggage is lost or stolen, the safety of your home is not compromised. Store business cards and corporate identification in your luggage while traveling. Overall, traveling with awareness of your environment and without drawing attention will reduce your chance of a hazardous encounter.
Keeping Safe Once You Arrive
Once you arrive, carry yourself with confidence and remain aware of your surroundings, as you would in any unfamiliar location. Observe local customs and etiquette. This both reduces possible friction with locals and the likelihood that you will stand out to a thief or possible terrorist. Carry some local currency, but do not travel with large amounts of cash or more credit cards than you actually need. If you must travel with valuables, lock them in the hotel safe when you're not using them. Carry your passport at all times, but keep one copy in your luggage or locked at your hotel. Leave another copy with friends or relatives at home as a backup. Should your passport become lost or stolen, copies of your identifying information make it easier to replace. For that matter, be sure to include emergency information in your passport.
With the proper preparation, traveling abroad can be both adventurous and safe. By taking steps before, during travel, and throughout your stay, chances of attracting attention from the dangerous or being stranded in an unsafe situation are greatly reduced. The current global climate can make international travel a complicated choice, but adequate preparation certainly makes it a safer one.