Safety Tips for Traveling

You must consider safety when you are preparing for your trip, whether you travel frequently or only once in a lifetime. These tips will help you plan a comfortable and safe trip. They may also reduce your risk of committing many types of crimes, including sexual assault.

Before you go

• Share travel information. Share the itinerary with someone who you trust before you depart. Include your accommodation address, phone number, and any transportation information you have, such as flight numbers.
• Do some research on ground transportation. Find out which taxis and ridesharing services are available in your area and that have a good reputation. Does the company accept credit cards, or do they only take cash? Can you call them if you’re not happy with the service? Look for a mobile application that provides real-time information about the public transportation system in your destination if you are planning to use it. You can avoid having to wait for a bus at an isolated location.
• Get to know the destination. Use Google Maps or other tools to explore the surrounding area. Are there any hospitals or police stations near your accommodation? If you’re staying in a shopping mall, check to see if a local bus stop is nearby. Plan your return trip if you are planning to go out at night.
• Plan your safety when traveling abroad. Consult the State Department resources for international travel. Find the closest U.S. Identify the nearest U.S. Consular officers who provide emergency assistance 24 hours a day. Registering your international trip is free of charge with the Smart Traveler Enrollment program. Before you embark on a cruise, make sure you read all the safety information that the cruise line provides and educate yourself about cruise safety.

Once you arrive

• Beware “Vacation Brain.” It’s great to relax and set your worries on pause, but that doesn’t mean you can let down your guard. Vacation destinations can give you a false feeling of security. It’s possible to make friends quickly with people you meet. But give them some time to earn your respect.
• Track what you drink. Choose your drink wisely. You don’t know what an ingredient is? Use your smartphone to look it up. Be aware of the danger signs and keep track of your drinking. You should always seek safety if something does not seem right. For example, if your feelings are out of control or if you’re uncomfortable in a certain situation, you need to get away from it as quickly as possible. If you’re planning to drink, learn more about how to stay safe.
• Plan B is always a good idea. You may not be able to plan for every scenario, but if you think through these scenarios, it could save you from a sticky situation.
  • Do you know your surroundings? You can feel more at home if you take note of local landmarks like restaurants or drugstores. You’ll be able to get help if something goes wrong.
  • Do you know the language of the locals to help you if you are lost?
  • Is there a place that they will go to find you if you get separated from your group?
  • Do you have a backup phone charger in case your phone breaks down? Also, can you recall a few numbers if it does? Have you activated the international service if you are traveling outside of the U.S.?
  • Do you have a map in case your GPS stops working?
  • Are you familiar with the location of your nearest hospital and police station?

Emergency abroad

Contact the U.S. Department of State if you are in an emergency abroad. You can get connected to a wide range of resources no matter where you are.

• From Canada & the U.S.: 1.888.407.4747
• The toll-free number for overseas: +1.202.501.4444
• Contact the nearest U.S. You can also contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Consular officers provide emergency assistance 24 hours a day.
• You can get the help of an American consular officer if you’re a victim. The consular officer cannot provide legal advice or investigate crimes but can guide you through the criminal justice system of the country that you are visiting. When you report or contact local law enforcement agencies, make sure to ask for a copy of the police report.