The season is over for many Florida citizens and now school is out, so all thoughts turn to summer and vacation. Many people will want to travel north, where it may be a little cooler, or even less humid, than here in sunny Florida.
When planning your trip, excitement outweighs thoughts of something going wrong. But unfortunately, accidents happen and it's always a good idea to have plans in place to compensate for any problems that might arise. Being sick, injured, or even experiencing a natural disaster may be out of your control, but you can take matters into your own hands by preparing for life's unfortunate events.
One tip to help you be better prepared is to bring a travel companion. There are many ways to find one that suits you, such as on travel websites where there will be others with similar interests. If you like to travel alone, familiarize yourself with the destination before the trip. Make sure you understand the currency, dress codes, transportation and local customs. Stay in touch with loved ones often and consider sharing your location via smartphone.
When you need to take medications, make sure you have them all on hand. If there are health concerns and you need a doctor's note or medical documentation, add it to your package. If your destination requires a lot of physical activity, make sure you get the necessary rest and stay hydrated.
The possibility of a natural disaster may be another thing to consider. Some of them can be monitored in advance. Weather reports and conditions at your destination should be checked before traveling. Global politics must also be taken into account as they can change. There are advisories to check on the U.S. Department of State's travel advisory list. There is also a program called STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) that sends alerts for different countries you might visit and also provides links to US embassies.
A medical emergency backup plan is suggested to protect you in the United States or abroad. You also want to protect your family and your wallet against unexpected costs. For more information, you can call the VFW Member Benefits Department at 1-800-821-2606. Don't be shy, they are here to help and if you call you won't be disappointed!
