Travel Safety

Travelling today can be a hassle and most people are looking for ways to make the experience less traumatic. We have compiled several segments relating to travel – some address security, some concentrate on personal safety and some just focus on ways to make your travelling life easier. All, we hope, will be helpful.

General Travel Tips

  • Travel with another person whenever possible.
  • Find out if the hotel that you plan to stay in has hair dryers, irons, voltage converters, etc., so that you don’t have to pack these bulky items.
  • Buy traveler’s checks in U. S. denominations and don’t exchange checks for more cash than you’ll need for a short period of time. And, purchase the traveler’s checks from a company that doesn’t charge a commission.
  • Buy travel-size containers for your toiletries and leave them in your toiletry case, so that you’ll be pre-packed for the next trip ahead of time. Refill the containers when you return.
  • If traveling overseas, you might want to pack string bags or plastic bags in your carryall, since many overseas stores don’t provide them.
  • If you are in a country where drinking the water is questionable, be sure that you avoid: beverages containing ice cubes, fresh salads and vegetables, brushing your teeth with water from the spigot, etc.
  • For a variety of reasons (Value Added Taxes, security, better currency exchange rates, etc) it is a good idea to make all large purchases via credit card.
  • Carry packets of pre-moistened wipes for spills, dirty hands, stains, etc.
  • When walking outside in the city of your destination, always avoid walking close to doorways, alleys, bushes, alleys, etc. And, walk facing on-coming traffic!
  • Before your trip make sure that you have an adequate amount of dollar bills and change for tolls, tips and phone calls.
  • Make sure that your credit cards and phone cards haven’t expired. It is also useful to have a list of all such cards safely placed in your bank’s safety deposit box in the event that they are lost or stolen.
  • Always reconfirm your reservations – airline, car, hotel, etc. - before leaving for your destination and get the names of the persons you speak to at each company/location.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Bring a jacket or rain gear in case of sudden weather changes.

Driving Tips

  • Don’t plan on driving more than 350 miles in one day. This distance should be lessened, if you encounter inclement weather, snarled traffic or bad road conditions.
  • Before you leave home check the weather forecast for your destination and check the weather systems along the route you plan to travel. Do not attempt to drive, if severe weather is forecast.
  • Avoid heavy meals when driving, since they may make you drowsy. If you do feel sleepy, open the windows to get some fresh air into the vehicle, turn up the radio, or talk to yourself. If this doesn’t work and you still feel sleepy, pull off into a well-lit, public rest stop. Take a short nap or rest your eyes for a while. Do not continue driving, if you are still drowsy.

Flying Tips

  • Place your carry-on luggage in the overhead storage bin across the aisle from you - and one row forward! This way you can keep an eye on it at all times.
  • Prepare everything you will need to have with you at your seat before the flight begins, so that you don’t have to access your luggage from the overhead storage bin during the flight.
  • Make sure that your luggage is locked, if possible, and/or closed securely with a strap that goes around the entire piece.
  • Each piece of luggage should contain a data list with your name and home phone number; name and phone number of your physician and lawyer; name and phone number of a person to contact in the event of an emergency, your itinerary, etc.
  • Since a lot of luggage looks the same, try to place a brightly colored piece of tape on the handle of each piece of your luggage for easy and rapid identification.
  • For extended trips requiring checked-through luggage always pack vital items in a carry-on case - including one change of clothing, medications, necessary toiletries, etc. in case your luggage gets lost or delayed.
  • Make sure that you drink extra fluids, but not alcoholic beverages.
  • For short plane trips try to pack everything in a carry-on case, so that you don’t have to wait for your luggage after the flight.
  • Make sure that you get up and walk around frequently during long flights. Use Isometric exercises or generally move your head, arms and legs around while seated.
  • To avoid “jet lag” consider contacting the U.S. Department of Energy Lab for their “Anti-Jet Lag Diet.” Also there are other resources which may help to make your travelling more secure and hassle free.

Passport Tips

  • Make sure your passport is up to date.
  • Never give your passport to an unauthorized person!
  • Keep a photocopy of the first page and two extra passport photos packed separately from the passport. Also leave a copy of these at home.
  • If your passport is lost or stolen, report this immediately to the police or to the nearest American Embassy/Consulate. You will then be issued a three month temporary passport.

Resources