GENERAL SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER

The following general safety tips are beneficial to remember before leaving on your trip. Preparation and information is the key to having a safe, successful and, more importantly, FUN trip!

• Learn as much as you can about the places you will be visiting before your trip. Once you enter a country, you are subject to the laws of that country. The Travel Resources of OfficialTravelDocuments.com provides a link to the U.S. government’s travel site for travel warnings, U.S. embassy contact information, and up-to-date information about travel requirements and tips. Another great resource is the Department of State’s Consular Information Sheet for further information about travel warnings, entry requirements, currency and customs regulations, and health issues.



• Make sure your travel documents are all up-to-date and keep your travel itinerary with you at all times. Some countries require that your passport be valid for up to 6 months after the completion of your trip. If you are going on a cruise or to the Caribbean, you might be required to present your birth certificate. Make sure you know what documents will be needed beforehand – check out our Country List for details.



• Make two copies of your travel itinerary, passport, travelers’ checks’ serial numbers, airline tickets, credit cards and driver’s license. Give one copy to a family member/close friend and keep the other copy with you in a secure place.



• Larger hotels generally have better security. Ask the hotel manager or personnel for recommendations of popular site-seeing excursions. Most reputable hotels will have brochures and special tour packages to offer their guests.



• Don’t pack unnecessary items (such as expensive jewelry or unneeded credit cards/Social Security card). Have a secure place for the personal items you do bring along with you. If your hotel has a safe, use it to store your credit cards and passport when you do not need to carry them.



• Always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t take unnecessary short-cuts and stay away from areas that seem to be unsafe. If possible, only ask directions from persons in authority.



• If your passport is stolen, contact the local police immediately. Take the police report and what identification you have to the nearest US Embassy or consulate to get a replacement as soon as possible. If your credit cards or travelers’ checks are stolen, contact the issuing company immediately to get them cancelled.