Is It Safe to Travel Internationally?

Is It Safe to Travel Internationally? Nowadays, you can’t turn on the news without hearing about unrest in cities and countries all over the world. It is easy to put off international travel because it’s considered “too dangerous.” But in all honesty, lots of people travel overseas on a daily basis. Granted, there are parts of the world that are considered dangerous right now because of civil unrest or war however that doesn’t mean all international travel should be put off. With a lot of knowledge, being street smart, paying attention to your surroundings, and heeding warnings these are all important factors in making an informed decision when it comes to international travel.

Is It Safe to Travel Internationally?

• The US State Department regularly issues updates and travel warnings for every country in the world, so make sure you learn about your destination. This is very important to consider when planning a vacation. However, it’s also important to do your research about the destination from a reputable local source. It’s difficult to determine the safety of an entire country. Specific cities or regions may not be safe but others perfectly fine. This is why taking the time to investigate your exact destination is of utmost importance.
• If you are a United States citizen, register your trip online through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This allows the State Department to better assist you in case of an emergency while you are abroad.
• You should always carry at least a copy of your travel documents in addition to the original, but make sure you keep them separately just in case one of them gets lost or stolen. If you’re technologically advance, you can scan all your travel documents and save them on a secure cloud for easy access just in case anything happens.
• Make sure a designated family member has a copy of your travel itinerary, with information on how to reach you. If your plans changes on ground keep that person abreast.
• Make sure you have the contact information for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you are going, that way if you need anything you know where to go.
• In addition, notify your credit card company of your travels plans to avoid interruption while aboard

I know the above list seems redundant, but when traveling overseas, you can never be too careful. Better save than sorry, I say. International travel is a wonderful experience and is just as safe as domestic travel, if planned accordingly. So, keep these friendly tips in mind and you’ll be well on your way to having an amazing experience no matter where in the world your travels take you.