Regardless of whether you are a seasoned, worldwide traveler or a newcomer to the travel scene, safety is a must. Here are 4 travel tips to help you protect yourself while globetrotting!
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
This is really helpful when you’ve lost your passport or an emergency happens. The US Embassy or Consulate will know you are in the country and be able to assist you more quickly. The State Department also lists a few benefits of enrolling in its program.
You’ll receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country.
It will help you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
It will help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency and help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
Nifty program! It is a great idea. Want to sign up? Sign up here https://step.state.gov
I’ve repurposed this photo and tip from my “Travel Tip Tuesday” on the RLX Travel Group Facebook page. When traipsing around town, take a paper map or map on a smart phone (that is accessible without WIFI). Be aware of your surroundings. Know where your hotel is located. Request a business card from the front desk attendant and slip it into your pocket. Now, should you become lost while touring or need assistance, you’ll be able to contact the hotel easily.
Cell phones are useful and provide tons of information where WIFI is available, but let’s not kid ourselves. We’ve all sacrificed personal safety by being “glued” to our cell phones at one time or another. Have you ever been texting and walking at the same time? I bet you passed more than a few people and would never be able to identify them. Perhaps you were texting while riding in the taxi, made it to the hotel and never realized the route the taxi drove. Ever been texting while crossing the street? Cell phones distract us. Don’t be a victim of an accident or crime simply because you were distracted.
Always make copies of travel documents – passport, visas, itineraries, airline information with booking reference number, car transfers, tickets for events, etc. Give a copy to a trusted friend or relative then send a copy to your professional travel consultant. If an emergency happens, your consultant can email a copy of your passport to the embassy on your behalf or contact the appropriate party for you.
Need some more hints, tips or tricks for preparing for a safe journey in the future? Contact us today to book your next travel adventure and let us help you become a smart traveler equipped with effective safety tips.
