Five safety tips for the worldly traveler

[The Patriot]

Five safety tips for the worldly traveler

01-20-2012 06:19 AM

Published:
Fri, 2012-01-20 14:12


Five safety tips for the worldly traveler


Heather Joy


feature_story_photo:
Heather Joy






Five safety tips for the worldly traveler

You're excited to plan your next travel adventure, and your research probably includes all the places you want to visit, things you want to eat and experiences you want to have. Traveling is a wonderful part of life, but all the good things that come with visiting other parts of the world are also accompanied by some risks and concerns.
No matter where you visit, it's smart to prepare and educate yourself before you leave so your trip is fun and memorable without hitting any snags. These tips can help you stay healthy and safe whenever you travel:
Tip 1: Make research a priority
First, learn about the destination before you leave. There is a big difference between traveling around a developed country like the United Kingdom and visiting a more exotic locale like Indonesia, but anywhere outside the country can have health concerns travelers need to be aware of. Start by checking the travel notices at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website to see if there are any health warnings for your destination. Plan a visit to your doctor prior to your trip to ensure you are in good health and have all recommended vaccinations.
Tip 2: Learn the road rules
More than a million people are killed in road accidents every year, according to the U.S. Department of State. When traveling, road safety is a concern not only when you're driving, but also when you're walking or biking. No one wants a day out to turn into a visit to the hospital or worse. Be sure to understand the rules of the road for each destination you are visiting. If you plan to drive, research if the country recognizes your U.S. driver's license or if you need to get alternative authorization, such as an International Driving Permit.
Tip 3: Drink water safely
Living in America we sometimes are blind to the fact that safe, uncontaminated water is not amply available to all in the world. So when you're traveling to an area where drinking water may not be as safe as at home, be sure to use caution so you don't become very ill. The easiest solution is to avoid tap water and only use sealed, bottled water. Don't forget that water used to make ice or to wash food you eat can still make you sick if it hasn't been sanitized. If you're visiting a country where bottled water is not readily available, boiling water is a good alternative.
Tip 4: Get travel assistance
Although no one wants to think about having a medical emergency while traveling, it can happen, and if it does, it's best to be prepared. That's why many travelers get a membership from a medical and travel assistance company like On Call International before they leave. Membership includes unlimited coverage for emergency medical evacuations to the hospital of your choice, expert medical monitoring, worldwide medical referrals and family travel costs related to the injury/sickness. You'll also get access to a variety of security services to assist you in the case of natural disasters or political events. It's an important peace of mind purchase, just in case.
Tip 5: Protect your ID
In 2010, 7 percent of households in the United States, or about 8.6 million households, had at least one member age 12 or older who experienced one or more types of identity theft victimization, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Of those households, 64 percent experienced the misuse or attempted misuse of an existing credit card account. When traveling, pick-pocketing and ID theft are big concerns so it's smart to take a few steps to protect yourself. Go through your wallet and only travel with what you need - leave unneeded credit cards and personal info, like your Social Security card, at home. Be wary of foreign ATMs that look generic or have been tampered with - some of them are set up to skim your info. Check your accounts during your trip to make sure there isn't any suspicious activity.
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