How to Travel Securely While Abroad

Overseas travel can be exhilarating but sometimes a trip to an unfamiliar place requires a moxie that even the savviest travelers can’t muster. That’s why, whether it’s a language translation, physician referral or a much-needed up-to-the minute alert on a local epidemic or security threat, a Travel Guard plan with 24/7 emergency travel assistance services can go to work on your behalf, wherever your vacation takes you.

Combine a travel insurance plan with these overseas travel tips from the U.S. Department of Justice to help your trip go smoothly.

• Obtain Country Risk Assessment for the countries you will visit from the State Department, and/or the FBI. Certain countries may have issues you need to be aware of to ensure your safety.
• Save Money: If your travels include driving, save money by packing a cooler with food and drinks. Avoid ATM fees by taking out cash with a debit card purchase at a grocery store or gas station. Also, save money on the vacation itself by bundling hotel airfare and activities.
• Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs. While overseas, remember you are expected to obey the laws in the country you are visiting. This may call for adherence to dress standards, photography restrictions, telecommunication restrictions, curfews and more. Also, don’t speak derogatorily of the government and its leaders as this is against the law in many countries.
• Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. If you need help, the State Department can better assist you in an emergency if you advise what your travel plans are ahead of time. Signing up will help the State Department contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis in the country to which you are traveling.
• Protect your passport. Theft of American tourist passports is on the rise. Prevent this theft by carrying your passport in a front pants pocket or in a pouch hidden in your clothes. Sometimes hotels will want to hold your passport during your stay – make sure you get a receipt for this transaction if this is the case.
• Use only authorized taxis. Passengers have been robbed or kidnapped when using unauthorized taxis. Verify the taxi service used by the area you are visiting.
• No private conversations? While we enjoy freedom in the United States, most other countries do not have legal restrictions against technical surveillance. Foreign security services have been known to screen incoming visitors to identify persons of potential intelligence interest.
• Get travel assistance with a travel insurance plan that can assist you with medical advisories, travel warnings/advisories, legal referrals, emergency cash transfer assistance, language interpretation assistance and much more.

Make sure your overseas travel plans stay on track. Cover yourself and remember to pack a travel insurance plan today. Simply ask your travel agent, call 1.800.826.1300 or click here to get a quote