Thanksgiving week is supposed to be one of the busiest travel weeks of the entire year. AAA said that it expects 46.3 million Americans to travel more then 500 miles for the holiday!! As wonderful as it is to see family and enjoy turkey and football, we’re sure that while you’re standing in the security line with all of your winter clothes, you’re dreaming of a trip to much more glamorous places. Perhaps a week on the beach in Thailand? Or maybe a wine tour through Italy? We hope your dreams come true (well, first that you have a smooth Thanksgiving trip!) and have some great tips for safety when traveling internationally. Thinking positively leads and being prepared leads to positive outcomes, right?
1. STEP Up to the Plate
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STEP, otherwise known as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, is a US Department of State program that aims to keep American travelers safer and better-informed abroad. When you sign up online for STEP and give the consulate detailed itinerary information you’ll be automatically entered in the system. From there you’ll receive instant warnings about natural disasters or political coups and better access to U.S. Embassies across the globe. The program also makes it easier to contact you if there’s an emergency back home you should know about.
2. Scan and Send Your Stuff
Before you go, scan all pertinent documents into digital format and send the copies to someone trusted. This includes your passports, IDs, health insurance cards, and even your airline tickets; that way, if you lose your wallet you’ll be able to access your documents online. Additionally, if something serious happens a trusted friend or family member will have the information needed to contact the embassy and/or the police on your behalf.
3. Use Trusted Sources to Book
When in doubt, if a website or travel company feels sketchy, it probably is. It’s easy to get used to the protection the BBB and consumer protection laws in the U.S., but many other countries don’t offer the same guarantees. It’s always best to spend a little more and lose a little flexibility to book with brands and sources you know. Sites like Orbitz and Travelocity can offer some security, and research companies like Lonely Planet and Fodor’s can give you a lot of good advice on which local businesses to trust. Smart international travel requires homework!
4. Fact-Check Your Accommodations
The most important safety consideration before your international trip is where you’re going to stay. There are plenty of good options that offer beyond-the-hotel experience: AirBnB and Booking.com can set you up with an apartment stay, message boards can point you toward a quality home stay, and it’s even possible to work with a local tourism board to find a room for rent. But before you hunker down, do you research. Run the proprietor’s name or email address through a people search engine like Spokeo to see if the results match up with what they claim, and ask to see the accommodation before you pay. It’s always better to be scrambling to find somewhere to stay at 10pm than to be stuck in an unsafe place.
5. Separate Your Money
Back home you probably keep all your money in one place. Not a good idea when you’re traveling. Particularly if you’re carrying several different currencies and large bills straight from the ATM, it’s always best to split your money up. Keep some on your person, some in your luggage, and some hidden somewhere (in your shoe?) in case trouble strikes. That way, if you do get robbed or lose your bags you won’t be out hundreds or even thousands in cash.
International travel is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. You’ll learn more about yourself and about other cultures in a week abroad than you would in a year back in the States, and that’s a good thing! Don’t be scared of the unknown; prepare for your trip and text extra steps to ensure your information and your belongings are safe. And always trust your gut: if something feels too good to be true, it probably is.