Whether you like to travel locally around your state, to the far corners of your country, or abroad to experience the charm of other cultures, being a safe traveler is key to your traveling success. Check out these quick tips that will enhance the safety of your trip.
Identification
Always have your ID on you or in a safe place, regardless of where you are traveling. Keep your ID in a safe place so that pick pockets can’t get it. Be sure to keep photocopies of these documents both at home with a friend or family member and in your luggage. You should also keep a copy on your cell phone.
Insurance
Make sure you’re covered wherever you’re traveling. If you are buying travel or “trip insurance,” be sure you know what is covered before you leave home. If you are renting a car, make sure that your auto insurance will cover you or purchase additional insurance from the rental agency. Most auto insurance policies will NOT cover you in Mexico. Before you leave home, check with your health insurer to find out what you need to do if you need medical treatment while you are gone from home. Be sure to check with your credit card companies and associations you belong to like AAA and AARP to see if they give you extra insurance type travel benefits. Some of them provide benefits like lost luggage reimbursement, medical care, auto insurance for rental cars, etc.
Emergency
Familiarize yourself with the local emergency number if traveling abroad. For instance, did you know that the number in England is 999, instead of 911? Or that A&E is the equivalent of our ER? These are often not considered until it’s too late, so do yourself a favor, look up this information, and store it in your wallet. Additionally, make sure you are traveling with plenty of your medications. Things can happen and flights can get delayed. Just like you would pack an extra shirt or two in case of a spill, do the same with your medications.
Banking
Call your bank and let them know you will be out of your normal region, even if you plan on just using cash. In case of emergency, you’ll want to be able to use credit without getting your card blocked.
Luggage
Travel is not a perfect system. It can be wonderful but at times, flawed. Luggage can be lost or picked up by another traveler. Try to buy bags that stand out from the hoards of black ones. Add a bright luggage tag with your accurate contact information. Even tying colorful yarn around the handles can set it apart. Take a picture of your bags just before you go – that way if lost, you can provide something better than a vague description to the airline. Always be sure to pack valuables and medications in your carry on bags. Bonus tip – if you are traveling to a marathon, be sure to pack your running shoes in your carry on luggage so you can still run the race, even if the airlines lose your luggage!
