Travel Safety

When planning independent trips during your time abroad, be sure to keep basic health and safety provisions in mind. We recommend that you:

• Avoid walking alone at night, even if you are familiar with the area.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Investigate what emergency medical services are available in the region or country where you will be traveling.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Don’t drink and swim.
• Pack a basic First Aid Kit.
• Use helmets, seat belts, life jackets, and other relevant safety devices.
• Choose safe, reliable transportation.
• Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
• Carry money, tickets, and passport in body pouches; do not leave them in your hotel room or luggage.
• Carry photocopies of passport, credit cards, and airline tickets.
• Make sure luggage has identification inside and out.
• Keep luggage locked and securely stored.
• Always keep your door locked in any facility where you are staying.

You should also inform yourself of any unique situations in specific countries that might necessitate taking additional special precautions. The U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT posts on their website current travel warnings, public announcements, and consular information sheets for any country.

In addition, Travel Health Online, is a good resource for learning about the particular health conditions in other countries. For example, it is always advisable to know whether your travel destinations will require you to drink bottled water or obtain certain vaccination shots before you go.