Top Safety Tips for Travel

While traveling abroad is a fun, rewarding life experience, there always come the fear of danger and safety issues. All travelers from any country should learn the dangers in foreign countries and how to protect themselves in the event of an emergency. There is always the possibility that something can go wrong, so it is better to be safe than sorry!

Here are some safety tips to remember when traveling:

1) Always have a travel buddy- It is very crucial to stick with a buddy while traveling abroad. This is a person that you can rely on and make sure will stick by your side for the trip. 

2) Keep a close eye of  belongings- In foreign countries, stealing and pick-pocketing are fairly common occurences. Always keep track of your luggage, wallet, purses and all of your belongings. 

3) Make sure cash and cards are separated- Make sure that you keep your cash and credit cards are in different locations. This is so that in the event you lose your wallet, you are not completely lost and out of any form of currency. Keep some cash in your wallet and some in a zipped up bag in your luggage. 

4) Enroll in the STEP program: The Student Traveler Enrollment Program is a government initiative to keep Americans safe while traveling abroad.  This is a free service provided by the United States government. The program allows travelers to enter their trip information so the Department of State can assist in the event of an emergency. It will provide travelers with information on US embassies while abroad.

5) Invest in a communication plan- Before traveling abroad, make sure you have a way of communication so that you can keep in touch with family and friends. This is a huge safety precaution because if you or your fellow travelers get lost, you can get a hold of eachother. Call your cell phone provider and find out more information about a global plan. 

6) Make sure to have all travel documents: Do not travel to a foreign country without the necessary travel documents such as, your passport, flight tickets, and other important papers. It is a good idea to scan all of the important travel documents you bring abroad. Having multiple copies of your passport, tickets, and other papers is very important if you happen to lose them. 

Traveler's Reality Check

After the travel bug hits, the first instinct is to go everywhere. When going to Europe, the urge to experience every town, city and crevice possible is strong … how are you going to choose just one place?

Look into an itinerary and a reality check. First, make a list of places of all the places you want to go. Just brainstorm. Then come back and see what draws you and categorizes as a “must see”.

If you are venturing to Europe the amount of places to go is overwhelming. You. Can’t. Do. Everything. Recognizing your inability to do everything is the first step. According to the Journal of Education for Business, in 2011,  in the article “Using Typologies to Interpret Study Abroad Preferences in American Business Students”, college students want the full cultural experience. We want high interaction with the locals and culture: To look, see, smell and be, where we are. You can’t smell the roses if you are rushing to the next airport or train station.

The last, almost refreshing, reality check is that this is not the last time you will go to Europe. Our long life will provide other opportunities to return. If not, then fully be where you travel and take in every minute of it. Opportunities to travel are fleeting but embracing where your interests have drawn you without distraction will bring the adventures that exceed expectation.