You are planning to travel to a destination for a business or personal trip. This can be national or international. If you're like me, you usually don't think about the travel safety tips you need to keep in mind. You focus on maximizing your time – booking a favorable flight departure time, knowing your optimal ground transportation options, choosing a conveniently located place to stay, making restaurant and activity reservations, etc. .
But unexpected travel emergencies arise – before you leave or while you're away. I missed flights and arrived hours later than expected due to weather (track your airline flights to avoid delays). My luggage was lost by an airline, so I had nothing to wear to a convention.
I encountered many streets in various cities that were closed for various reasons. It slows you down. My own attention span wandered off plan while traveling for so long that I missed a few meetings. I've gotten sick on several trips, from various viruses to food poisoning. And I was faced with a bed bug scenario.
I once canceled an overseas business trip due to political conditions. Another time, a trip was canceled in advance by my host for political reasons.
I've been spared from other travel safety situations, like a family emergency. I have not lost or had my credit cards, ID card or passport stolen (keep a copy in your wallet). But these and other things can happen. Local crises can be caused by crime, threats, a natural disaster or even a local strike.
The fact is that an infinite number of situations can impact travel plans at one point or another. Here are some travel safety tips:
Write a detailed travel itinerary
Keep a list that details the timeline of your entire schedule, from the time you leave the house until you return. This should include all ground transportation, airline, hotel reservations, booked reservations, hired services and scheduled meetings. You should also have a list of medications you take, allergies, and health conditions (keep this list in your wallet or purse with your medical records). insurance information). And speaking of your wallet, don't forget to make sure your driver's license and auto insurance are up to date. I have a friend who traveled and she didn't).
Stay calm
Do your best to go with the flow when things change during your trip. If you miss a flight or something disrupts your plans, it's easy to get upset. If a more serious crisis occurs, it is even more important to remain calm and follow emergency procedures in place for your safety.
Pack well
Prepare to keep your travel items light, but ready to go if you stay longer than expected. When it comes to your luggage, pack wisely. I've been guilty of overpacking for unexpected travel activities and generally haven't used any. I've learned to keep clothing options simple: one set of colors that all interchange (shades of black, white, and gray can be great!) and just one extra set of shoes. In your carry-on bag, remember to include enough medications to cover several additional days of travel, desired basic toiletries, a change of underwear, disinfectant wipes/hand sanitizer, and toiletries. 'cash money!
Take advantage of your mobile device
Use maps or another app to help you navigate locations. Share text messages with family, friends and colleagues to share quick updates on Turn on your location services feature if you haven't already – this can help your friends and family have updates details of your location if you do not have time to notify them. directly. And download all the apps associated with your travel reservation. Local towns usually have an emergency services app that they use to transmit emergency updates and you should download it before you leave. If you are traveling outside the country, it is very wise to have the contact details of the local consulate (the US State Department offers safety tips before you go and suggests you download the Smart Traveler app for Americans).
Keep a travel contact list for your activities
Know the phone numbers for your travel agency and all services listed in your travel itinerary. Each will have their own policies, will often have 24/7 traveler assistance for emergency situations and many will attempt to extend some level of flexibility. (Their apps probably also have an option for emergency situations.) Don't forget to add the names of personal and/or business contacts you'll be visiting to your list. If you have personal travel insurance for your trip or booked through your company, know this number and the levels of support available to you.
Of course, most of the time you won't have anything else to worry about other than making the most of your free time. But it is important to keep in mind some travel safety tips in case of flight problems, ground transportation conditions, unexpected health scenarios, family emergencies, natural disasters, political crises, crime or just good old forgetting.
Have you experienced an unusual travel situation? Share your travel safety tips with me.
