Pre-Trip Safety Preparation
📋 Essential Documentation
- • Scan passport, visa, and tickets - store in cloud and email
- • Leave copies with trusted person at home
- • Register with embassy (STEP program for US citizens)
- • Note emergency contact numbers (embassy, insurance, bank)
- • Take photos of credit cards (front and back)
- • Keep physical copies separate from originals
🏥 Health & Insurance
- • Get comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage
- • Check CDC website for health warnings
- • Pack first aid kit with personal medications
- • Know blood type and allergies in local language
- • Research hospitals at destination
- • Get evacuation insurance for remote areas
Common Travel Scams & How to Avoid Them
Taxi Overcharging
Prevention: Use official taxi stands, agree on price beforehand, or use ride-sharing apps
Fake Police
Prevention: Real police won't demand to see your wallet or ask for bribes on the street
ATM Skimmers
Prevention: Use ATMs inside banks, cover PIN, check for loose parts
Closed Attraction
Prevention: Verify closures yourself, don't follow strangers to "alternatives"
Friendship Bracelet
Prevention: Don't let anyone put anything on you, firmly say no and walk away
Fake Tickets
Prevention: Buy from official sources only, verify tickets before paying
Personal Safety Tips
Day Safety
- • Stay aware of surroundings
- • Avoid displaying wealth
- • Keep bags in front of you
- • Use money belt for valuables
- • Walk confidently with purpose
- • Trust your instincts
Night Safety
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use reputable transportation
- • Stay in well-lit areas
- • Limit alcohol consumption
- • Share location with someone
- • Keep hotel business card
⚠️ Women's Safety
- • Research local dress codes and customs
- • Consider wearing a fake wedding ring
- • Join women's travel groups on Facebook
- • Choose accommodation with good reviews from solo female travelers
- • Have a cover story ready (meeting husband/friends)
Digital & Cyber Security
🔒 Protecting Your Data
- • Use VPN on public WiFi
- • Enable two-factor authentication
- • Avoid online banking on public computers
- • Log out of accounts when done
- • Back up phone data before travel
- • Use password manager
- • Turn off auto-connect to WiFi
Protecting Your Money & Valuables
💳 Cards & Cash
- • Divide money and cards in different places
- • Use RFID blocking wallet
- • Carry small bills for tips/bribes
- • Keep emergency cash hidden
🎒 Belongings
- • Use luggage locks
- • Never leave bags unattended
- • Use hotel safe for valuables
- • Take photos of belongings
What to Do in Emergencies
🚨 Lost Passport
- 1. File police report immediately
- 2. Contact your embassy/consulate
- 3. Apply for emergency travel document
- 4. Contact airline about travel changes
💳 Stolen Cards
- 1. Call bank immediately to freeze cards
- 2. File police report
- 3. Request emergency cash from bank
- 4. Monitor accounts for fraud
🏥 Medical Emergency
- 1. Call local emergency number
- 2. Contact travel insurance immediately
- 3. Keep all receipts and documentation
- 4. Notify embassy if serious
Research Your Destination
Essential Research Points
- ✓ Check government travel advisories
- ✓ Research local laws and customs
- ✓ Know areas to avoid
- ✓ Understand local emergency numbers
- ✓ Learn basic local phrases for help
- ✓ Research common scams specific to destination
- ✓ Know cultural dress codes
- ✓ Understand tipping and bargaining culture
Travel with Confidence
Get personalized itineraries with safety tips specific to your destination.
Plan Safe TravelEmergency Numbers
- USA/Canada: 911
- Europe: 112
- UK: 999
- Australia: 000
- Japan: 110 (police), 119 (fire/medical)
- China: 110 (police), 120 (medical)
Always research local numbers before travel
Safety Checklist
- Travel insurance purchased
- Documents backed up
- Embassy registered
- Emergency contacts saved
- Bank notified
- Itinerary shared