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10 Red Cross Safety Tips for Traveling Outside of the Country

Thursday, August 15, 2019

A trip to a foreign destination is a thrilling prospect, but there are several safety precautions that should be taken when traveling beyond U.S. borders. Follow these steps recommended by the American Red Cross to ensure your globe-trotting adventure doesn’t turn into an unexpected emergency.

- Keep a printed copy of critical information, such as your passport, travel documents and important phone numbers. If you rely on your mobile phone to store this info, you’re out of luck should you lose it.

- Come up with a plan ahead of time for where and when to meet up with family members should you become separated. 

- Find out in advance what natural disasters your destination may be prone to - such as hurricanes, floods or volcanoes - then learn the basic safety protocol about what to do during such events.

- Consider registering your trip with the State Department’s free online Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which will facilitate assistance in the event of an emergency while you are abroad. You’ll also find information about safety conditions in the country you’re traveling to.

- Also read ‘What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis’ to have an understanding of just how the U.S. government can help. 

- Always know where the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate is.

- Know the emergency numbers - in other words, the 911 of your destination country.

- Make sure your passport is current. Some countries will deny you entry if your passport expires in less than six months. 

- Contact your credit card company and let them know which country you’ll be visiting and when, so they won’t think your card has been stolen and deny charges.

- Request your International Certificate of Vaccination from your physician or local health department and pack it with your important documents. 

- Finally, if you’re traveling somewhere at risk for mosquito-borne illnesses, be sure to bring bug repellant and/or clothing that provides appropriate coverage. 

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