Travel Safety Tips

"A safe journey is what your loved ones wish for every time youleave town and following some simple travel safety tips goes along way in ensuring that you return home unharmed. Whileterrorism is emerging as a growing concern for Americantravelers, especially those venturing onto foreign soil, one isgenerally more vulnerable to petty crime like theft or to healthrisks. Preparation and caution can reduce a traveler's risks to a largeextent. Arm yourself with all the information you can gatherabout your destination, especially if you are travelingoverseas. Knowing what conditions to expect help acclimatizefaster. Consular information is available on every foreigndestination and additional resources are libraries and theInternet. The Department of State brings out travel warningsabout destinations where it perceives a threat to American livesand it is worth spending a little time finding out if the placeyou are headed for is on that list. Make two photocopies each of your passport's ID page, yourtraveler's checks, driver's license and airline tickets. Leave acopy with a relative, friend or coworker at home and carry theother one with you, but pack it separately from the originals.This protects you in case of theft. If you lose your passport,the photocopy will help expedite the issue of a temporary one.Also leave a copy of your itinerary at home so your family andcolleagues know where to contact you in case there is anemergency. Another important safety tip is to travel light and with as fewvaluables as possible. Do not carry a lot of cash around. Try touse traveler's checks and credit cards wherever you can. Carrytravel safety products like waist packs, neck pouches anddevices that secure your luggage and camera. If you must carrysome valuables, it is worth investing in a travel safe. It isalso important to keep your body language positive. Be courteousto the locals and try to look confident at all times, even ifyou aren't feeling that way. The danger of being a target ofpickpockets is greatest in crowded areas, so be careful whenvisiting such places. Dress appropriately for the culture of thehost country so you do not attract too much attention. It is also essential that you protect your health. Beforeleaving for your trip, find out from the Centers of DiseaseControl if there is any health risk at your destination so youknow if you need to be vaccinated. Be careful about what you eatand drink. Eat only food that is completely cooked and avoidfood that has been sitting for a while, for instance a coldsalad at a buffet. Drink bottled water after making sure thatthe seal hasn't been tampered with. Keep your hands clean,taking special care to wash them thoroughly before each meal.Protect yourself from insect bites by wearing long-sleevedshirts and long pants. Don't leave home without travel insurance. Even if you do notwant to buy comprehensive travel insurance, make sure you have ahealth insurance policy that covers you for hospitalization andevacuation back home in case of a medical emergency. If you takemedication, check with a consular official to see if the drugsare legal at your destination. Carry your prescription alongwith the generic names of the medicines you take. Use these travel safety tips to ensure your security. If youneed the assistance of a travel management firm in organizingyour corporate or leisure trip, visit www.thetravelteam.com orcontact us at 716-862-7600. "