travel safety topic

• EN - English
• PT - Portuguese
• ES - Spanish
• How it works
• Become a Host
• Download the app

Top Destinations

• United States
• United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

• Non-Profit School
• Permaculture project
• Eco Village
• Holistic Center
• Guest House
• How Worldpackers works

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

• Using Worldpackers
• Work exchange
• Social impact
• Plan your trip
• Women traveling
• Budget travel
• Solo travel
• Language learning
• Travel tips
• Get inspired
• Digital nomads
• Travel jobs
• Personal development
• Responsible travel
• Connect with nature

Top destinations

• South America
• Central America
• North America
• More destinations
• WP Life WP Life
• Exclusive discounts Discounts

15 simple travel safety tips everyone should know

Learn 15 easy ways to stay safe from scams, theft, and other common safety concerns while traveling. Everyone should know these simple travel safety tips that can be used anywhere.

Apr 03, 2024

From drive-by purse snatchers to identity thieves to much more dangerous criminals like kidnappers and sex traffickers, there's always some story in the news about someone taking advantage of travelers.

So far in my travels, I've never had any serious problems, thank goodness, and the vast majority of travelers will never fall victim to anything more serious than pick-pocketing. Even so, I always keep these safety practices in mind when I travel, and I recommend you do, too.

If you're planning your next trip and wondering how to travel safely , look no further than these 15 simple and straightforward travel safety tips  for your ultimate  safe travel guide .

Also, check out which are the safest places to travel right now  and this  trip preparation guide.

1. Don't wear flashy jewelry

Wearing expensive, flashy jewelry is one sure way to make yourself an obvious target for robbery. Leave it at home, friends, especially if you plan to travel to crowded areas!

2. Drink responsibly

This has to be one of the most important safety tips for travelers .

Lots of people enjoy exploring the local nightlife while traveling, and there's nothing wrong with that. But keep in mind that it's even more important than ever to drink responsibly when you're traveling .

When you're away from home you’re more likely to get lost or end up in a dangerous neighborhood, and being obviously drunk makes you an easy target for scams, robbery, or worse. 

Oh, and ladies, never forget the golden rule of safe drinking in public: keep an eye on your drink at all times!

3. Be smart about your money

Any solid resource of travel safety information will  tell you that it's never  a good idea to carry huge amounts of cash. Instead, open an account with an international bank or credit card company so you can use local ATMs . If you absolutely must withdraw large amounts of cash at once, leave the bulk of it locked up safely in your hotel or hostel and carry only what you'll need for the day.

When using ATMs, try to use only those that are attached to banks as these are less likely to have been tampered with by scammers.

Never keep all of your money in one place . Keep cash and credit cards in two or three different places so that if one of your stashes is stolen you aren't left completely empty-handed.

4. Be aware of popular scams

Research the place you're visiting to see what the local scammers are up to. Scams range from RFID scanners to ploys using children to play on your sympathy. You'll be less likely to fall for these scams if you've heard about them ahead of time.

5. Know the phone number for emergency services

Be sure to look up the emergency services number for your destination , even before you get there. It's also a good idea to look up the number for your country's nearest embassy before you leave. Write them down or save them in your phone so you'll have quick access to them in the event of an emergency.

6. Use the right bag

Cross-body bags are safer than shoulder or hand bags and can prevent people from grabbing your bag as they run or drive by. There are tons of bags made specifically for travelers with features such as slash-proof straps, RFID blockers, and locking zippers. Invest in a good bag that suits your needs and preferences.

7. Bring travel locks and use them

You can save a few bucks by coming prepared with your own lock if you plan to stay in a hostel. Even if you're not staying in a hostel, having a travel lock that can secure your bag to your seat or chair while dining or in transit will help keep your valuables safe from theft.

8. Keep digital copies of important documents

When traveling, your passport may be the most valuable thing you carry. In the event of a stolen passport, having a digital copy will help make the process of getting a replacement easier.

You may also like:  The greatest travel hacking guide you need for a stress-free trip

9. Try to blend in

Tourists tend to carry larger amounts of cash and valuables and are more vulnerable to scams. Try to avoid being an obvious tourist. 

Dress as the locals do , don't stop abruptly in the middle of busy streets to take photos, and even when you're lost try not to make it apparent. If you need to ask for directions or consult a map, step inside a shop or cafe to do so.

10. Use reputable transportation companies

Research which taxi companies are reputable before you arrive in a place, and use only those. If you're ride-sharing using an app like Uber or Lyft, double check your driver's vehicle information and verify their name before you get in the car with them.

11. Check in with friends and family often

Before you leave let someone know your itinerary, and update them to any changes of plans. Make a habit of checking in with a close friend or family member back home at the end of each day. 

I know this can seem like a hassle, but ultimately it's better to be safe than sorry. If something terrible were to happen, you'll get help faster if someone knows where you were supposed to be that day.

12. Ask locals for advice

When you check in at a hotel or hostel, ask for recommendations about which neighborhoods are safe and which are not so safe and mark places to avoid on your map.

13. Use apps for emergency alerts

There are a variety of apps out there aimed to provide safety travel information and help travelers safe.

• Sitata is a great app that alerts users to potential dangers or disruptions to travel in real time. It also includes tips for avoiding the latest scams and helps users locate nearby hospitals.
• Smart Traveler   is the official U.S. State Department app for travelers. There are many useful features, including notifications for travel advisories and alerts and locations of U.S. embassies. I'm sure there are similar apps for citizens of other countries, but I was unable to find any information about them online.  

14. Stay aware of your surroundings

You should always pay attention to what's going on around you , whether you are in a crowded tourist spot or walking down an empty street. 

Would-be offenders often seek out people who are distracted or disengaged from their surroundings to target. This is particularly important for solo travelers, especially solo female travelers .

15. Trust your instincts

If someone or some place is making you uncomfortable, there's mostly likely a reason. Often our subconscious picks up on things that we aren't consciously aware of, and that's where our "gut feelings" come from. Listen to those feelings. They will help you stay safe.

Now that you're armed with these simple safety tips for traveling , it's time to get out and explore the world! 

Happy and safe travels, everyone! 

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Kimberli Brown

I recently quit my day job to chase my dream of traveling full-time.

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Mar 23, 2023

Jun 23, 2023

Traveling is an exhilarating experience, but it's important to prioritize safety. Your travel safety tips post provides valuable insights for globetrotters like myself. From researching destinations and securing travel insurance to staying vigilant and aware of local customs, these tips are indispensable for a worry-free journey. I particularly appreciate your emphasis on maintaining copies of important documents and staying connected with loved ones during travels. For more comprehensive travel safety resources, I highly recommend visiting Their website offers a wealth of information on travel safety measures, emergency contacts, and real-time updates on potential risks. Let's make safety a top priority and enjoy our adventures with peace of mind!

Traveling is an exhilarating experience, but it's important to prioritize safety. Your travel safety tips post provides valuable insights for globetrotters like myself. From researching destinations and securing travel insurance to staying vigilant and aware of local customs, these tips are indispensable for a worry-free journey. I particularly appreciate your emphasis on maintaining copies of important documents and staying connected with loved ones during travels. For more comprehensive travel safety resources, I highly recommend visiting foundme.com Travel safety tips. Their website offers a wealth of information on travel safety measures, emergency contacts, and real-time updates on potential risks. Let's make safety a top priority and enjoy our adventures with peace of mind!

Fantastic!!! twohillsseptic.ca

More about this topic

How to choose the best travel backpack

A beginner's guide on how to plan your travel budget

How to choose the best sim card for international travel.

Worldpackers

How do worldpackers trips work.

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

• Work With Us
• Blogging Bootcamp

• Van Conversion Academy
• Campervan Shop
• Campervan Rentals
• Plan a Trip
• Itineraries
• Destinations
• Responsible Travel
• Family Travel
• Budget Travel
• Scuba Diving
• Travel Credit Cards
• Digital Nomad
• Teach English Abroad
• Blogging Resources
• Income Reports
• Travel Shop
• Meet Katie & Ben
• About Two Wandering Soles
• Personal Stuff
• Portfolio & Press

26 Essential Travel Safety Tips You Need To Know

Home » Blog » Travel Tips » 26 Essential Travel Safety Tips You Need To Know

One of the things you likely wish someone before a trip is to have “safe travels”.

It’s such a common thing to say that you likely don’t really take it to heart and think about the things that will help you travel safely. Amiright?!

In this article we’ll share some of our top tips to make sure you know how to avoid scams, pickpockets and dangerous situations. Plus, we’re sharing what you can do to be prepared in case anything does happen. 

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or are going on a solo trip for the first time, these tips will make sure you travel safe, no matter where in the world you may be headed.

An Important Note on Travel Safety

Let us start by saying that the media blows a lot of things out of proportion when it comes to travel safety. We’ve been traveling around the world for nearly 5 years, to some places that are called “unsafe” by the media, and truthfully we’ve only had a few times in all our travels that made us question our safety.

Bad things can happen anywhere in the world, even in your own home. So there’s no reason to be scared of travel. That said, you should always be prepared. 

This article isn’t written with the intention of scaring anyone, but instead to arm you with information and tips that will make sure you are prepared, confident and less likely to be a target.

1. Don’t travel with flashy jewelry 

When traveling in certain countries, it’s not a good idea to wear flashy jewelry. In impoverished areas it can be a symbol of how you’re different from locals, and can negatively impact your interactions.

It can set you up for vendors to charge you more and even worse, could potentially make you a target of robbery.

The only nice jewelry we own is our wedding rings, so on some trips we leave them behind. 

We still like the idea of wearing rings, but feel more comfortable traveling with one that wouldn’t be devastating to lose.

There are many brands out there, but we like our Enso Rings because the silicone material is comfortable to wear no matter if we’re scuba diving, rock climbing or backcountry camping. Plus, the design is classy and looks nice, but isn’t flashy.

Unless you’re traveling to Monaco or Hollywood, leave your nice jewelry at home!

2. Keep your valuables together

Being that we work on this blog during our travels, we have to carry quite a few valuable items with us . We travel with 2 MacBook Pro laptops, a high-end DSLR camera and a drone, just to name a few.

For anyone who doesn’t work online, we recommend leaving your laptops at home so you have less valuables to worry about. 

But even if you leave your big items behind, just about every traveler has belongings they want to keep safe, like an iPhone, Kindle or a GoPro. Oh, and don’t forget your passport — that may just be the most valuable item you travel with!

To keep these items secure, we typically pack them all in one small bag (especially one with secret pockets) and all our other belongings, like clothing and toiletries in our larger bag. We always, always have our small bag with us.

When traveling by bus, we only store our large bag in he compartment below. We never put it in the trunk of a taxi or check it on an airplane. We always know where our valuables are.

3. Choose a super safe bag

So what do we carry our valuables in, you ask?

We specifically bought a bag with anti-theft features, like this one from Pacsafe , to carry all our valuables. Features like lockable zippers and RFID technology make it nearly impossible for someone to get to your belongings. Plus, it has a layer of metal mesh beneath the fabric so it can’t be slashed.

This bag even has a special cable you can use to lock it to a non-moveable piece of furniture. This means you can leave the bag alone without worrying it will be taken.

4. Know the emergency number

We both grew up in the United States, and kind of just assumed 911 was the emergency number everywhere in the world. WRONG.

Each country has its own emergency code, and a quick Google search or Wiki search will tell you what it is. Write it down and keep it in your wallet. Just in case.

5. Research popular scams

While most scammers don’t necessarily put your safety in danger, it’s a good idea to try to avoid them so you don’t get ripped off. 

A quick Google search before visiting a new city or country can acquaint you with common scams travelers encounter .

Some scams are dangerous, while others might mean you lose a few dollars. Read about our time in Istanbul, Turkey and find out what scam we encountered (at the bottom of the article). It actually makes a pretty good story!

Simply type “common scams in [insert country]” and see what comes up.

A word of warning: don’t let this scare you or make you paranoid. We typically do this before traveling anywhere and we’ve only encountered one scam we read about beforehand. It’s just good to be prepared. 

6. Know how to ask for help

Another helpful thing to know is how to say “help me” in the local language. This can be used in many situations. You can use the phrase if you are lost and need directions (translating “excuse me” also works for this) or you can shout if someone is bothering you and you want to alert passersby. You might also need it if you get hurt and you need someone to assist you.

You can certainly write it down, but you might not have time to grab your wallet in an emergency situation, so it is a good idea to memorize it. And if all else fails, shouting any word – in the local language, in English or in your mother tongue – will get peoples’ attention and can serve the same purpose.

7. Carry a decoy wallet 

We’ve been carrying a decoy wallet in our bag for a few years now, and even though we’ve (thankfully!) never had to use it, I feel better knowing I could give this wallet up if we ever got into a bad situation. 

Inside, I have a couple expired credit cards and a small amount of cash, and I keep it easily accessible on the outer pocket of my daypack. 

If we were ever to get in a sticky situation, I could pull that out and give it up without being too upset.

8. Be prepared on transportation 

One of the most common places travelers have their belongings stolen is on transportation. Be cautious and pay attention to your surroundings. And like we mentioned earlier, always keep your valuables with you instead of in storage.

If you plan on sleeping on a crowded train, try using a travel lock with a wire to secure your bag to the luggage storage. That way, you can close your eyes without worrying.

Insider Tip: Between transportation is also a time people commonly get ripped off. So do a little research in advance and know how much a taxi should cost from the bus station to your hotel. That way, you can walk past all the people trying to flag you down as soon as you get off the bus and find the one with the most fair price.

9. Wear your backpack in front in crowded places

A small backpack is the perfect thing to carry around while exploring a city.

But in crowded places like markets, rallies and subways, wear your pack in front. Yes, you’ll look like a nerd, but you will avoid having your backpack rifled through while you are oblivious. Some thieves are so good you won’t notice until you’re out of the crowd. In some places you’ll even notice the locals doing it too.

10. Hold onto your purse

While we’re talking about bags, let’s talk purses. Ladies, if you carry a purse, be mindful. Hold onto it in crowded areas and if possible, wear it slung across your body so it can’t simply be pulled off. 

Also be cautious when walking near the street. All over the world, there are accounts of people on motorbikes driving past sidewalks and grabbing a loosely held bag or phone. Don’t let this happen to you.

11. Keep your wallet in your front pocket 

For those of you who are used to keeping your wallet in your back pocket, change this habit now!

Ben started carrying his in the front when we started traveling 5 years ago and hasn’t gone back since. This makes it harder for pickpockets to target you and is a good habit whether your traveling or at home. 

Plus, it’s bad for you spine to keep a lumpy wallet under you butt all day. If you carry your wallet in the front pocket, your back pain might go away. 

Another idea is to buy pickpocket-proof clothes with hidden pockets before your trip. This gear makes is nearly impossible for a thief to steal your stuff, and it looks good too!

12. Know where you’re going (or at least fake it!)

We love wandering around a city and getting lost, but there are certain places in the world that it’s smart to have a bearing on your surroundings.

Standing on a street corner and obliviously looking around is going to make you an easy target. This is a good time for pickpockets to walk past you because you’re distracted. Plus, you’ll attract scammers or other vendors to approach you and rip you off.

In busy places, try to have a plan of where to go ahead of time. And even if you don’t know where the heck you’re headed, act confident and fake it. Most likely, this will deter anyone from hassling you.

And if you really need to look at a map, your phone is more discreet than a paper one. But know how to feel the vibe of the area you’re in. If you don’t feel comfortable stopping and taking out your phone, it might be a good idea to walk into the nearest café. You can get a pick-me-up and have some time to sit and look at a map. Plus, it’s a safe environment to ask for directions.

13. Memorize your taxi number

When getting into a taxi (especially if you’re on your own), it’s a good idea to take note of the taxi’s unique number. You can even snap a picture on your phone, record it in a note or text it to a friend (we met someone who does this each time they enter a taxi).

This isn’t just a good habit for your safety, but if you accidentally leave a belonging in the vehicle, you’ll know how to locate it.

14. Double-check your Uber 

This is a good tip no matter if you are at home or traveling. If you order a ride from Uber or Lyft, be sure to double-check the license plate. Fake Uber drivers have been caught outside of night clubs and taken passengers away. 

Also, ask the driver who they are there to pick up instead of offering your name right away. There have been cases of kidnappings all over the world where drivers target people looking for their rides. When you walk up the window and say, “Hi, I’m Katie; are you my driver?” they will of course say yes, and off you’ll go.

This is rare, and nothing to be afraid of if you take the proper (and common sense) precautions.

15. Lock it up 

We always carry a few travel locks with us so we can store our bags in lockers when necessary. You can also lock the bag itself so nobody can go through it.

If you must leave your bags somewhere, like in an unsecured storage room in a hotel, you could lock it to a shelf or to your travel companion’s bag. It would be much more difficult to steal two bags locked together than just one. 

We like these wire locks because they’re flexible and allow you more options than traditional travel locks.

16. Think before you withdraw

If possible, try to take money out from ATMs attached to banks, as they will have less chance of being tampered with.

Using the search function on Maps.me or Google Maps will let you see the nearest ATMs and whether they are near a bank.

And obviously, like anywhere in the world, make sure you cover up your pin and try to make withdrawals in the daylight and in safe neighborhoods.

17. Carry smaller sums of money

If possible, carry smaller amounts of money on your travels. Those pesky ATM fees make it tempting to withdraw as much as possible and walk around with a stuffed wallet. But this leads to a not-so-great situation if you get pickpocketed or lose your wallet.

There is a solution to this: Get a card that reimburses your ATM fees.

We have a debit card with Charles Schwab that reimburses all our ATM fees. Yes, it’s true! That means we don’t feel bad taking out small amounts at a time, and we can feel more comfortable knowing we have less cash on us.

18. Separate your cash & cards

If you’re going to a busy area or will be trying to barter in a market, it is a good idea to put a smaller amount of cash in your wallet, and put the rest somewhere safe, like in an inside pocket of your daypack. This means when you open your wallet, you won’t be flashing tons of money, but you still have easy access to more cash should you need it.

This goes for credit cards too. Keep some in your wallet, and the others in your “valuables bag”. That way if one gets lost or stolen, you don’t loose them all.

Our thoughts on money belts

Money belts were designed with travel safety in mind, but truthfully, we don’t use them.

Way back in the day, I bought a money belt before studying abroad in Italy . It was my first time overseas and I thought it was what everyone did.

Well, after one day of wearing it and awkwardly trying to get money out when ordering a cappuccino and adjusting the strap underneath my clothing (what about when you wear a dress?!), I decided it would go deep into the depths of my backpack where I never touched it again.

I don’t think money belts really fool anybody, and they are so difficult to access in public that it isn’t a practical alternative to a wallet for me. That said, every person is different. Maybe for you, carrying big chunks of money in a money belt and smaller sums in your wallet makes you feel more comfortable. Great, go for it! But it just isn’t for me.

I do think this money-hiding scarf is a cute alternative to a money belt.

19. Share your route with a friend

It’s good practice to share your plans with someone at home. If you think your family members will worry too much, give your plans to a trusted friend.

Most likely they’ll never need to use it to try to locate you, but in case something goes wrong, you’ll be happy someone out there can track you down.

And if you don’t have a solid travel plan and are just winging it (good for you!), try to check in regularly with someone at home so if they don’t hear from you for a while they will know something is up.

20. Turn on your GPS

Before your trip, download the Find iPhone app and turn on your GPS. This way you will have a better chance of tracking it down if you leave it behind in a taxi or it gets stolen.

21. Store all your important documents on the cloud

If you do one thing before your trip, make it this. (Well, actually buy travel insurance first and then do this.)

Take photos or scan all your important documents and upload them to the cloud or email it to yourself. They should be easily accessible online.

This includes:

your passport

all credit cards you are bringing

travel insurance policy

vaccination record

receipts for any valuables you are traveling with (you will need to submit this to your insurance if they get lost or stolen)

Hopefully you won’t need to access this information, but if the situation arises, your life will be so much easier if you have records of all these documents. We use Amazon Drive to back up all our travel photos and important documents, because it is unlimited photo storage for Prime Members. 

22. Stay in control

While you might go out and overindulge on a weekly basis at home, be extra careful when you drink on your travels.

You’ll definitely want to let loose with a local beer or a cocktail on the beach, but staying in control is important when you’re in new surroundings.

This applies more to certain situations, but let’s just say it’s not a great idea to get hammered before going clubbing on your first day in Rio.

Use common sense, handle your own drinks, and know how to get back to your hotel. (Memorize the name, carry the business card, and have it starred on your phone.)

23. Trust people, but be wise

If you stay in hostels on your travels, you will surely make new friends fast. It’s so much fun to be in a social atmosphere and be surrounded by likeminded people.

And while we think it’s healthy to open up and trust, don’t let your guard down completely. At least not right away. Keep your valuables in a locker and trust your gut.

We’ve made really good friends while traveling have never had any problems, but we have heard many stories about belongings mysteriously disappearing from dorm rooms or new “friends” taking advantage of a trusting person.

24. Know your limits

Travel safety isn’t only about looking out for pickpocket and scammers. It is also making sure you’re not putting yourself into situations where you could potentially get hurt.

Everyone is cliff jumping but it makes your stomach queasy? Don’t feel comfortable hopping on a motorbike? It’s okay to pass.

People often make it seem like traveling is the time to go crazy and face your fears. While getting out of your comfort zone is healthy (and fun!) be aware of your limits.

Some of the “innocent” things like cliff jumping and motorbiking can lead to accidents, so if you’re uncomfortable take a moment to think it over.

25. Wear a helmet (and a seatbelt)

When traveling in places like Southeast Asia, it’s popular for many people to rent motorbikes, especially in Vietnam . It’s a great way to get around and see the country, and it’s an adrenaline rush. We love motorbiking, but we ALWAYS wear a helmet.

In our travels of Southeast Asia, we’ve heard enough horror stories and seen enough accidents and injuries firsthand that we would never ride a bike without a helmet. And we don’t understand why people leave them off.

One of the most common causes of death in many Southeast Asian countries is motorbike accidents. And even if you’re the best, most experienced driver in the world, the other people on the road might not be.

Do not take this lightly. Drive carefully and wear a helmet. Oh, and please don’t ever drink and drive.

And while we’re on the topic, wearing a seatbelt is always good practice. We’ve been in many cars around the world that just don’t have them (what is this about?!), but when possible, buckle up. You never know the state of your driver or the others on the road.

26. Get travel insurance

No matter how closely you follow all of these tips, there is a chance something bad could happen. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel. Your house could explode from a gas leak tomorrow, so staying at home isn’t guaranteed to be safe either.

But just like you have insurance at home, you absolutely should get insurance before you travel.

Travel insurance isn’t as expensive as you’d expect, and you can get a policy in a matter of minutes.

Just fill in your information below to get a quick quote:

It can be a little bit overwhelming knowing where to start when looking for travel insurance, so we’ve put together an article that walks you through choosing the best policy for your situation . We even share which company we use.

Need help planning the perfect trip?

Be sure to check out our Travel Planning homepage for resources on everything you need to know from how to get started to packing, budgeting and more! Or you can read some of our favorite articles about planning your next trip below. 

Plan Your Next Trip in 10 Simple Steps

How We Afford to Travel & You Can Too!

How to Find Cheap Flights: 17 Expert Tips

How to Travel on a Budget

We want to hear from you!

What travel safety tips are you going to use? Did we miss any? We’d love to hear from you in the comment below.

Save this article on Pinterest for later!

Comments (5) on “ 26 Essential Travel Safety Tips You Need To Know ”

Hey Katie & Ben! Thanks a lot for this list! Even as a seasoned traveller, there are still things to think about so thanks for the list!

Heya. Research some hotels carefully online. Then make notes. Find cheap good quality restaurants to eat at as well. Pack your own stuff accordingly too. Follow all oral instructions as much as possible too. Be aware and alert. Stay safe at all times. Never flash your money in public either. Buy a money belt, or a cash box or see if the hotel has a safe for cash. Alternatively have your own credit or debit cards. Take enough money in order to cover the travel costs. Pay very close and careful attention to the total number of reviews that are left on sites like TripAdvisor on the hotel in question. Good luck. Keep a tab on your health.

Thanks for all the wonderful tips my next holiday will be with my daughter of 23 and i am 56 were going to vietnam for month.Hope a lot hotels and hostels do twin bed rooms.

That’s really wonderful post. Fixing for and appreciating your tour is significant. Your Africa travel tips will confidently goanna helps a lot of people, who want to discover Africa. Thanks for the post.

This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work ( http://guesthousebobovdol.com/ ) uk visiters

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Safety Tips for Traveling

Whether you travel often or you’re getting ready for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, it’s important to think about safety as part of your travel preparations. The following tips can help travelers plan for a safe and comfortable trip and may reduce the risk of many different types of crimes, including sexual violence.

Before you go

• Share your travel information. Before you leave, share your itinerary with someone you trust. Include the address and phone number of your accommodations and transportation information, like flight numbers.
• Research ground transportation. Research taxi and ridesharing companies that are available and reputable in the area. Do they take credit cards or only cash? Is there a number you can call if you have a bad experience? If you plan on taking public transportation, look for a mobile app that has real-time updates for the transportation system at your destination. This can help you avoid waiting for a bus in an isolated area.
• Familiarize yourself with the destination. Use tools like Google Maps to scout out the area around your destination. Is there a hospital or police station located near where you’re staying? Check to see if there are local bus stops in the area or a shopping center where you can easily find a cab. If you plan on going out in the evenings, plan your return trip in advance.
• Plan for safety abroad. Check out the State Department’s resources for international travelers . Identify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and store their contact information. Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24/7. You can also register your international trip for free with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . If you are planning to travel on a cruise ship, read the safety information provided by the cruise line and learn more about cruise ship safety before you board.

When you get there

• Beware of “Vacation Brain.” It’s nice to relax and put your worries on pause, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Many vacation destinations can create a false sense of security. You may become fast friends with the people you meet, but give them time to earn your trust.
• Keep track of what you drink . Be smart about what drink. Not familiar with an ingredient? Look it up on your smartphone. Keep track of how much you’ve had to drink, and be aware of danger signs. If something doesn’t seem right—for example, if you feel more intoxicated than you should—or if a situation is making you uncomfortable, get to a safe place as soon as you can. Learn more about steps you can take to stay safe if you want to drink .
• Are you familiar with your surroundings? Take note of local landmarks, like drugstores or restaurants, that can help you feel more oriented. If something happens, you’ll know where to turn for help.
• If you get lost, do you have the address of your lodging written down or memorized in the local language?
• If you are separated from the group, is there a designated place where they would go to look for you?
• If your phone dies, do you have a portable backup charger and a few phone numbers memorized? If you’re traveling out of the US, have you activated international service?
• If you’re planning on driving, do you have access to a map if your GPS doesn’t work?
• Do you know where the nearest hospital or police station is and how to contact them?

In an emergency abroad

If you find yourself in an emergency situation abroad, contact the U.S. Department of State. They can connect you with a variety of resource to help, wherever you are.

• From the U.S. & Canada: 1.888.407.4747
• From Overseas: +1.202.501.4444
• You can also contact the nearest  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you’re visiting. Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24/7.
• If you are a victim of a crime, you can have the support of a U.S. consular officer to help navigate the process. This person cannot investigate crimes or provide legal services, but they can help you navigate the criminal justice system in the country you’re visiting. If you contact or report to local law enforcement, be sure to request a copy police report.

If you experience a crime like sexual assault while traveling, remember that it is not your fault. Help is available. To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at  online.rainn.org .

Related Content

Airport security for survivors.

Airport security can be stressful for any traveler, but for some survivors of sexual assault the security screening process is a little more sensitive.

Reporting to Law Enforcement

Understanding how to report and learning more about the experience can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.

Practicing Active Bystander Intervention

When you see something that doesn’t seem right, there are simple ways to step in and help a friend.

What are the warning signs for child sexual abuse?

Every 68 seconds, another american is sexually assaulted., 91¢ of every $1 goes to helping survivors and preventing sexual violence..

10 ways to stay safe no matter where you’re traveling

Mar 31, 2023 • 4 min read

Safety and adventure aren’t mutually exclusive. These 10 tips can help you avoid almost any setback © AnemStyle / Shutterstock

Sponsored by

Travel always involves a bit of uncertainty. And there will always be location-specific warnings to observe depending on where you’re going. The good news is there are several proven precautions you can take ahead of time and while traveling to stay safe and navigate any unexpected catastrophes when away from home.

Here are 10 tried-and-true methods to dodge danger and maximize your enjoyment of practically any destination. Remember, safety and adventure aren’t mutually exclusive. And feeling anxious is totally natural. Either way, you got this!

Before you leave

• Check local advisories. Traveling to Iowa comes with a different set of risks than, say, traveling to Africa. The same is true when traveling to Europe, Latin America, Asia, or to any specific country within every continent, let alone specific regions that demand their own precautions. For the latest information, if you’re traveling from the US check the State Dept website , as well as local news reports, and travel guides to your specific destination.
• Get your shots (where needed). Not every location demands special immunizations before visiting. But many of them do, especially less developed countries and continents. What’s more, the pandemic made things a lot more complicated, as certain countries drop or maintain proof of vaccination before entering. Either way, if you’re in the US check with the CDC for any destination-specific shots you might need before boarding your flight.
• Share your plans with emergency contacts. Doing so can be a simple but life-saving act, especially when traveling off-grid, on high adventure trips, or in more dangerous destinations. Tell your friends and loved ones when and where you’re going, what you’re doing, where you’re staying, how you’re traveling, and how they can get in touch with you should anything come up.

• Know common scams. In many countries, individuals might feign assistance and incessantly follow you, only to later demand payment for their unsolicited help. Others might wow you with offers that are too good to be true, work in teams to distract you and take your goods, or worse. Many travel advisories will include this information, but some extra online searches can go a long way to expose and help you avoid any harm to your wallet and/or your safety.
• Get travel insurance. If you really want to cover your bases while abroad, you’ll want travel insurance, such as that offered by Seven Corners . Doing so can help recoup your money if you need to cancel a trip (or your flight is delayed) and cover the cost of treating medical emergencies while traveling, including care at foreign hospitals and medical evacuation, lost bags, early returns home, and many other unexpected mishaps.

While traveling

• Know your limits. Feeling nervous before traveling somewhere new is normal. But if you’re feeling downright sick about your plans, you’ve probably bitten off more than you can chew. The best pre-test of an experience is whether you’re still excited about it, even if it’s something you’ve never done before. After you arrive, however, be sure to listen to your mind and body and back out of anything you’re not comfortable with.
• Eat and drink like your life depends on it. This is especially true on high adventure trips. Dehydration is easily preventable but amazingly one of the leading causes of illness while traveling abroad. So, drink more water than you think, plan for regular bathroom breaks, and stay away from street vendors unless you’re certain they’re free from food poison.

• Secure your valuables. It’s always important to protect your personal property, be it in parked rental cars, beach bags, or wallets and phones in your usually secure pockets. Again, travel advisories will often alert you to higher areas of petty theft but be on the extra lookout when traveling someplace new.
• Avoid getting too close to wildlife (or the edge of a cliff). Many years ago, an American college student was sadly (but unsurprisingly) eaten by a lion after sticking her head out of a car window while at Lion Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. Others become seriously sick after licking psychedelic toads in Sonora. And far too many tourists have fallen to their deaths while snapping selfies at the ends of a cliff. Don’t do it. No photo is worth your life or good health.
• Stay alert. Be on the lookout. If you’re not sure about something, step inside a public building, follow the crowd, and trust your gut, especially if you find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings or cultures. Although you may be tempted to “travel like a local,” don’t do it. You’re probably not as experienced as they are and that’s okay. Instead, travel like a respectful tourist and accept that you don’t know everything. Doing so will keep you safe.

Despite what the news will sometimes have you believe, the world is a safer than it has ever been. Yes, there are risks. But when traveling, these 10 tips can help you avoid almost any setback. Bon voyage!

Sponsored by Seven Corners

As a travel entertainment and inspirational media outlet, we sometimes incorporate brand sponsors into our efforts. This activity is clearly labeled across our platforms.

This story was crafted collaboratively between Seven Corners and Lonely Planet. Both parties provided research and curated content to produce this story. We disclose when information isn’t ours.

With sponsored content, both Lonely Planet and our brand partners have specific responsibilities:

Brand partner

Determines the concept, provides briefing, research material, and may provide feedback.

Lonely Planet

We provide expertise, firsthand insights, and verify with third-party sources when needed.

Explore related stories

Health & Safety

Oct 3, 2023 • 4 min read

A powerful earthquake devastated parts of Morocco in September 2023. Is it a good idea to travel to the country just after it?

Apr 11, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 10, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 10, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 10, 2024 • 10 min read

Apr 9, 2024 • 5 min read

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

9 Ways To Travel More Safely

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Whether you're traveling within the U.S. or to a foreign country, you should take extra precautions to stay safe. Distractions born of travel — such as taking in the sights, eating delectable food and exploring new cities — can increase your risk.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

These international and domestic travel safety tips will help you reduce your risk so you can enjoy your vacation and avoid trouble as much as feasible. Here's how to travel safely — ranging from actions that can be implemented on the fly and ones that require a bit more preparation.

1. Digitize important documents

Your wallet or purse is filled with important documents that criminals can exploit. Leave unnecessary items at home (like your Social Security card) and make copies of everything else you would need in an emergency, like prescriptions, a backup credit card (so you can at least make a digital purchase in a pinch) and your passport.

Take a picture and upload them to a secure folder on the web. This way, if anything is stolen, you can easily take steps to reduce the damage that criminals can cause. You can easily call the bank to cancel debit and credit cards and request a new ID from the embassy. You can also use a secure digital vault system like 1Password or LastPass to store these documents.

2. Minimize how much cash you carry

It is important to have a little cash when traveling, but most retailers accept credit cards, even abroad. Not having cash minimizes your wallet's value to a thief, and you can dispute unknown charges from a card. Just make sure to carry a card that has no foreign transaction fees when traveling internationally.

3. Look less like a tourist

The more you dress and act like a local, the less risk there is from criminals targeting you as a tourist. Adapting your style to that of the locals, walking with confidence and keeping maps hidden can help you blend in. When using directions on your phone, only look at it briefly while walking.

Further, familiarize yourself with the city and your route before leaving the hotel. If you do need to look up directions for an extended period of time, consider stepping into a store or cafe to do so, rather than staying outside.

4. Share your itinerary with someone you trust

Whether you're traveling alone or with others, share your itinerary with someone you trust back home. Check in once a day to let them know that you've made it to your next destination or back to your hotel. These small steps increase your safety during travel.

It's also wise to create and share a safe word so that family or friends would know if you're in trouble, even if the conversation seems normal to someone else who may be listening. You can take this a step further and consider sharing your live location with a trusted friend or family member via your smartphone.

5. Research travel advisories for destinations

According to the U.S. Department of State, "conditions can change rapidly in a country at any time." Its website keeps a continuous list of travel advisories in destinations around the world. While these advisories don't always mean that you shouldn't travel, they do help make you aware of the potential conditions you'll find when you arrive, or areas to avoid.

Check the State Department website before making travel plans, and again before you depart. Somewhere that may have been safe when you booked your trip may have deteriorated since then.

6. Sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , or STEP, is a free service from the State Department that allows citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates. The information that you provide also makes it easier for the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

7. Notify credit card companies of your travel plans

Because you may be traveling to cities outside your normal spending patterns, let your bank know your dates and destinations of travel. Many banks allow you to notify them via your online banking portal.

This will minimize the potential of the bank locking your account due to perceived fraudulent transactions, which could leave you stranded.

Additionally, consider bringing a backup credit card.

8. Be careful with public Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi can open your devices and sensitive information to hackers. Using a VPN service is one of the best ways we know of to stay safe in an airport, when exploring your destination or at your hotel. VPN services create a secure connection to protect your personal information when browsing the internet or using web-connected apps on an open connection.

Security.org , a security product review site, conducted a study in June 2020 and found that just 31% of U.S. internet users use a VPN service for public Wi-Fi connections. That means almost 70% of public Wi-Fi users are at risk of being hacked.

9. Get travel insurance

To improve both your physical and financial safety, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy ahead of your trip. This safety net is helpful in avoiding out-of-pocket expenses for emergency medical treatment, trip delays, cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage or evacuations.

Most policies will reimburse travelers for unused accommodations, transit or activities that were nonrefundable but had to be canceled for a covered reason. Similarly, if your luggage is lost by an airline or train company, you’ll likely get reimbursed through the baggage protection on your policy. Plus, if your policy has emergency medical coverage, you won’t be hit with a huge bill for medical attention overseas (where your U.S.-based health insurance is likely not useful).

Some credit cards come with built-in protections, whereas others don’t — in the case of the latter, you will need to purchase a stand-alone policy .

If finding ways to travel safely is your goal …

Now that we've shared some tips on how to travel safely, you can travel with more confidence and less risk. Though implementing most of these tips has little or no cost, they may take time to set up. Investing the time to increase your travel safety will be well worth it if you can avoid dangerous situations that can interrupt or ruin your next trip.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

We may earn money when you buy through our links.

Home | Personal Safety | 9 Holiday Travel Safety Tips for Your Next Getaway

9 Holiday Travel Safety Tips for Your Next Getaway

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review . 

1. Prepare your home for optimum safety while you’re away.

• Affordable monitoring
• No contracts
• Built-in free cellular connection

If you have a security system installed in your home, ensure that it's working properly—including all alarms, motion detectors, cameras, and other monitoring equipment. 

Some DIY home security systems offer optional monitoring. If you usually keep tabs on your system in an app, consider adding 24/7 pro monitoring to your security system for the month in which you'll be traveling.

On top of stepping up security with your alarm system, cancel mail and any regular deliveries. Have a friend or neighbor check on your home while you're away, especially if you'll be gone for a long time. If you live in a snowy climate, make arrangements to have snow cleared while you're away.

2. Have your car inspected or serviced before you leave, and keep an emergency kit in it.

Image: Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels

Car trouble is a common issue for travelers  during the holidays. You don't want to end up stuck on the side of the road in cold weather instead of tucked in around the table with a piece of  Grandma's homemade pie.

Be proactive to avoid hazards like a blown tire.  Take your car in for an inspection and any necessary maintenance, particularly on your tires— make sure they're winter-ready and properly inflated for the long drive.

Prepare a car emergency kit with necessities like a safety cone, carjack, flashlight, and jumper cables. Include first aid essentials and extras like a blanket to stay warm if you break down in the cold. 

3. Know how to drive safely on icy roads.

Image: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi, Pexels

Study up to ensure you know how to safely navigate icy, wet, or slushy roads. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid driving until roads have been plowed and sanded.
• Give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you don't rush in suboptimal conditions.
• Decrease your speed as needed.
• Leave yourself plenty of room behind other vehicles so you can stop safely on slick roads.

4. Plan the drive ahead of time, and know alternate routes.

• Voice control
• Live traffic and weather alerts
• Large screen

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer .

Proper planning ensures that you're prepared for whatever might happen during your trip. If you’re driving down a highway and hit construction, a road closure, or severe traffic, it can feel impossible to figure out an alternate route on the fly. 

When you plot your course, note alternate routes in advance. Tools like a vehicle navigation system or an app like Waze can alert you to potential snags and reroute you safely. These can be a huge help when it comes to staying on track, avoiding road closures, or finding your way back to the main road if you get lost.

Also, if you want to avoid traffic, time your travel to put you on busy roads before or after peak traffic times. 

5. Make frequent rest stops.

Winter driving challenges can tire you out much more than driving in the summer. Make frequent stops to rest or just stretch your legs. It's important to keep your energy level high enough to stay alert on the road. Stopping for even a few minutes every couple hours can do wonders for keeping your energy high. 

6. Carry a cell phone and charger.

• Works with iPhone and Android phones
• Has compact design
• Ensures safe charging for devices

You never know when or where car troubles may rear their ugly head. A mobile phone lets you call for help, get a tow, or arrange alternative transportation if you run into trouble. 

But it won't do you any good if the battery dies. Make sure you grab your phone charger before you leave the house. A wall charger is good when you’re making a stop, but a car charger is better when you're on the road.

If you have a smartphone, you can also download apps to help you in your time of need. If your car insurer has an app, download it before your trip for easy access to roadside assistance. It's also a good idea to download or take a picture of your insurance card.  

7. Stay hydrated.

Image: Yaroslav Shuraev, Pexels

Dehydration may not be on the top of your list of  holiday travel safety hazards, but not having enough water during a long drive could mean fatigue or decreased alertness—and that's dangerous on the road. Keep a few bottles of water handy, and sip often to keep yourself hydrated throughout the trip.

8. Wash your hands frequently with soap or antibacterial hand sanitizer.

Image: CDC, Pexels

Proper hand washing isn't just for pandemic times. The holidays are also smack dab in the middle of flu season. Keeping your hands sanitized is especially important if you're flying or riding a train or bus. Everything you touch has been touched by someone else, including armrests and door handles. 

Clean your hands frequently with either soap and water or antibacterial gel or wipes—and for the love of Aunt Betty's homemade stuffing, keep those hands away from your face!

9. Give someone close to you a copy of your trip itinerary and photocopies of important documents.

Image: Cottonbro, Pexels

Before you leave, give a copy of your itinerary and all necessary contact information to a relative or friend. This way it will be easy to reach you in case of an emergency, whether you're on your way out or heading back home. 

Also, leave photocopies of your passports, credit cards, and any other types of identification with this person in case something happens to the originals and you need a photocopy. It's also smart to keep a separate set of photocopies in your luggage.

The holidays don’t have to be a dangerous time to travel. Use these holiday travel safety tips to be proactive about travel safety. That way you'll spend time focused on the fun, not stressed about something going wrong.

Related pages

• The Safest Ways to Travel Long-Distance
• Travel Safety Basics
• How to Travel Safely With Your Kids on Vacation
• How to Find Pet Care While You're On Vacation
• Tips for Traveling Safely With Your Pet
• 5 Tips for Securing Your Vacation Home
• 10 Safety Tips from Schitt's Creek

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Recent Articles

About Contact Press News Deals

Home Security Internet Security Home Safety Family Safety Senior Safety

Car Safety Smart Home Emergency Prep Pet Safety Personal Safety

Subscribe to SafeWise for updates on safety news, product releases, and deals!

Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | How We Rank and Review |

*SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products. This is not a guarantee. Each individual’s unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.

©2024 SafeWise. All rights reserved.

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

Holiday Travel Tips

Holiday travel often includes visiting loved ones or taking a vacation. Whether you’re seeking a winter wonderland or escaping subzero temperatures, follow these travel tips for a healthy and safe holiday travel season.

Before Travel Tips

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

Get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and get a seasonal flu vaccine. In the United States, CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine before the end of October

Prepare a  travel health kit  with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Depending on your destination you may also want to pack a mask ,  insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.

During Your Trip

Choose safe transportation. Always wear a seat belt, and children should ride in car seats. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among healthy travelers. Be alert when crossing the street, especially in countries where people drive on the left side of the road. Find out other steps you can take to stay safe on the roads.

Protect yourself from the sun. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when traveling. Protecting yourself from the sun isn’t just for tropical beaches—you can get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy or cold. You are at the highest risk for UV exposure when you are traveling during summer months, near the equator, at high altitudes, or between 10 am to 4 pm.

When traveling in cold weather or climates, wear warm clothing in several loose layers.

Consideration for Warm Weather Travel

If you are traveling in hot weather or in a hot climate, wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Your chances of getting heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or other heat-related illness during travel depend on your destination, activities, level of hydration, and age. Travelers who relax on a beach or by a pool are unlikely to get heat-related illness. Learn how to prevent heat-related illness .

Avoid bug bites. Use insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bug bites. Bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. These bugs are typically more active during warm weather.

After Travel

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about your travel. 

If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel .

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents, before you go.

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Crisis and Disaster Abroad: Be Ready

What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis

Information for U.S. Citizens about a U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuation

Traveler's Checklist

Safety and Security Messaging

Best Practices for Traveler Safety

Staying Connected

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Traveler Information

LGBTQI+ Travelers

Adventure Travel

High-Risk Area Travelers

Travelers with Dual Nationality

Journalist Travelers

Faith-Based Travelers

Pilgrimage Travelers (Hajj and Umrah)

U.S. Students Abroad

Cruise Ship Passengers

Women Travelers

Travelers with Disabilities

Older Travelers

U.S. Volunteers Abroad

Travelers with Pets

Travelers With Firearms

Travel Agents

Travel Safety - Race and Ethnicity

U.S. Travelers in Europe's Schengen Area

Your Health Abroad

Insurance Coverage Overseas

Driving and Road Safety Abroad

Customs and Import Restrictions

Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia

Lodging Safety

Research Your Destination

Customs and norms in other countries can be very different from those in the United States. Check out our Country Information pages to find specific information for every country in the world. You'll get info on visa requirements, safety and security conditions, crime, health and medical considerations, local laws, areas to avoid, and more. Enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get information about health and safety in your destination country. Enrolling in STEP also allows the U.S. embassy and/or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

Be Aware of Local Customs and Norms

Some countries have rules or norms that differ from the United States. For example, in some countries, tight-fitting clothes, sleeveless shirts, and shorts are not acceptable. Pack essential items that will help you blend in with the local culture. Review our Country Information pages to learn about norms and customs in your destination.

Freedom of Speech

Some countries have laws protecting free speech and peaceful assembly, including protesting, in a way that is similar to the United States. But other countries have more restrictive laws. In some countries, talking openly or posting on social media about sensitive subjects can lead to fines or arrest. For more information, check out the State Department's Human Rights reports for specific country information.

Prohibited Items

Review our Customs and Import Restrictions page to find out what items may not be allowed into or out of your destination country. These restrictions may include items such as over-the-counter medications, drugs, alcohol, contraceptives, religious items, and literature. Items allowed in the United States might not be permitted in other countries.

Public Transport

The safety of public transportation varies from country to country. In many places, informal taxis or minibuses can be dangerous. This may especially affect those traveling alone. Find out what is and is not safe from reliable sources, such as local authorities or tourism officials.

Consider these transport tips:

• Arrange transport to and from the airport before you arrive, from a licensed and reputable company.
• Do not hitchhike.
• Research taxi and other ride share companies before you go. Make sure they are licensed and reputable.
• Consider using app-based transportation companies, which offer a record of your ride. This is unlike hailing a ride on the street. Some companies also allow a rider to share their real-time ride record to another phone. This record is useful to identify the vehicle and driver later.
• Avoid traveling in busy sections of train cars or on crowded buses. Public transportation can make pickpocketing easier.

Travel Accommodations

Review our Lodging Safety page and do the following:

• Research accommodations carefully and read their reviews for safety concerns. Additionally, have backup accommodations.
• Arrange your accommodation before you travel. You are more likely to be vulnerable when you first land in a country with unfamiliar surroundings.
• Don't tell strangers where you are staying.
• Secure room keys, IDs, and other personal items.
• Lock windows and doors when inside your room.
• Bring a door wedge or portable door jammer to use at night.

Be Aware of Risks

• To prevent theft, avoid carrying or wearing anything expensive.
• Use your best judgement to avoid unsafe situations. Think ahead and come up with a safety plan to deal with unsafe situations, in the event you end up in one. Consider bringing personal safety whistles/alarms and taking self-defense courses before you travel.
• Find out where emergency services like police stations and hospitals are located nearby in case of an emergency.
• Don't share detailed travel information on social media until you return.
• Make sure your phone and other personal devices have a "find my phone" or similar GPS tracker for emergencies. Consider sharing your location with a trusted contact back home in case of an emergency.
• Download map applications that work with GPS instead of data to ensure you have access to local maps and routes. Keep your mobile device charged.
• Tell someone you trust back home about your travel plans. Include where you'll stay, any far-away destinations from your accommodation, and an emergency contact.

Watch Your Drink

U.S. citizens can be targeted by criminals who seek to drug them in order to sexually assault or steal from them. Typically, the drugs are added to the victim's drink without their knowledge. Victims usually cannot tell that their drink has been drugged, and substances like Rohypnol, ketamine, and scopolamine can make a person unconscious and defenseless. Always watch your drink, and physically cover it with your hand if you can.

• If meeting with a stranger, you should strongly consider meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur.
• Do not accept drinks from strangers.
• Be aware of how much alcohol you are drinking. Notice any unusual physical symptoms outside of intoxication.
• If you start to feel strange or sick, tell a trusted friend if you can, and call emergency authorities right away. You can call the local police or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate . If you are assaulted, get medical care and resources from the nearest hospital or medical center. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for information on getting help and medical care in the country you are in.

Other Useful inks

• SaferTravel.org provides travel safety tips and information for travelers to over 350 destinations.

If you have safety and security concerns, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Reach out to the American Citizens Services unit.

You can also reach out to the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444. Officers are available to help you in an emergency.

This site is managed by the U.S. Department of State. External links to other Internet sites and listings of private entities on this page are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as the U.S. Department of State or U.S. government endorsement of the entity, its views, the products, or services it provides, or the accuracy of information contained therein. The order in which names appear has no significance, and the listings or links may be removed at any time at the discretion of the Department.

Enroll in STEP

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Tips
• Travel Warnings

11 Safety Tips to Memorize Before Your Next Flight

Could you survive an airline emergency?

You'll probably never have to. The airline industry has reached historic levels of safety.

During 2015, the International Air Transport Association reported jet hull loss rate for its members of 0.22--which is the equivalent one accident for every 4.5 million flights.

But there are things you can do to be better prepared which will also make every flight more pleasant, while improving your odds in the highly unlikely event of an emergency.

1. Dress sensibly.

The best clothing to wear on a plane is made of breathable cotton, or wool blends. Wool has the advantage of being naturally flame retardant, that's why it's the preferred material blend for fabric-covered airline seats around the world.

Dress in comfortable clothes which help you move quickly, if you ever need to, but which also protect your skin from exposure to friction or flame.

Women should avoid skirts and stockings. Jeans and slacks are a far better choice.

You can run in heels all you want, but not from a plane. When those heels come off during an evacuation you'll be barefoot on hot tarmac. Loafers (or loafer-style tennis shoes) are your new air travel best friends. They versatile to dress up or down, make it easy to remove your shoes at security, and you can keep them on during an escape. Flip-flops are a no-go. You can't trust them to stay 'flip' when you're running.

Avoid wearing shorts when flying. Escape slide burn doesn't look good on anyone's thighs.

2. Prepare a run kit.

A run kit should only hold things which are a terrible hassle for you to replace if you lose them during an emergency: your wallet, passport, cash and credit cards, any medication, a printed list of emergency contact numbers, and perhaps a mobile phone.

The ideal run kit is a travel wallet in your jacket pocket, a small cross-body wallet bag , or a fanny pack . Make a habit of wearing your run kit throughout the flight. Never take it off. Because it is small and worn on your body—and it must be small—flight attendants are unlikely to ever ask you to remove it. (If they do, it's probably too big and interfering with the function of your seat-belt.)

Since your run kit already holds vital items, you can leave everything else behind during an evacuation. Seriously: Leave. It. All. Behind.

When the trained-to-be-polite flight attendants are shouting, it's time to get out. You have 90 seconds to evacuate an aircraft, if you're lucky, so don't waste a second grabbing your luggage. You don't want to be the passenger who kept others from getting out in time, or who broke the slide with their overstuffed roller bag on the way down.

3. Mind your gadgets.

Some of us travel with a lot of electronic devices, and when you're traveling for business it can feel like your laptop is something you cannot part with—but it is.

The best way to prepare is to backup your files and records to a separate hard-drive, or the cloud, or both, before you leave for the airport. You should assume that you'll lose your electronic devices at some point when you travel (no matter what happens on your plane) and be prepared for that.

You should also ensure your electronic devices are in good condition and using batteries and chargers approved by the manufacturer. You don't want your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to cause a fire onboard. Unfortunately, it happens and not just with Samsung phones.

4. Pay attention to the safety video.

Yes, they can be corny, but there's a reason airlines are jumping over themselves and a line of sharks to get you to pay attention to their safety videos. The instructions matter.

Even if you think know the instructions–and have heard them half a million times–each plane comes with new conditions. The location of exits will be different. The seat lay-out will be different. The people on the plane with you will be different.

Equally important is that you 'read' through that picture card in the seat pocket. It will have the most relevant information for the particular plane you’re flying.

And always keep your seat belt buckled (no matter what the light says) because there is a far greater chance that you'll encounter rough turbulence on a flight than a mechanical failure or other emergency.

5. Be aware of your surroundings.

You want to plan your highly unlikely escape in advance, while the flight attendants are giving you instructions. As flight attendants say, “note that the nearest exit may be behind you.”

Know what your exit options are as soon as you sit down, and count the number of seats between you and the nearest two exits. If you have to crawl in the dark, or below smoke, you'll know better how to gauge your distance to the exit door.

6. Ignore your annoying neighbors.

Don't cause an onboard incident by traveling with a short fuse. Your mind needs to be on relaxing and enjoying the flight as much as possible. Put on those headphones, enjoy the in-flight entertainment and block out the nonsense. Or bring your own entertainment, if you like.

The advantage of using the airline's entertainment system is that the captain and crew will interrupt the transmission, if there's something you really need to know. If you are enjoying your own entertainment, pause it whenever crew is speaking, and listen.

Maybe it is just the captain letting you know you have a nice view of the Rockies on the left hand side of the plane, but it might be something more important.

7. With great legroom comes great responsibility.

If you're the lucky passenger with the exit door seat, pay close attention to the exit door instructions and be prepared to carry out your duties. When you booked that roomier seat, you agreed to get everyone around you out of that plane safely. In an emergency, everyone will expect you to do just that.

8. One less drink will do.

Though for many enjoy a drink is part of the air travel experience, it's probably best not to partake when flying, or to drink very little.

Alcohol makes you bloated, dehydrated, possibly incapacitated, and generally not at your best. If you do drink, be sure you still have a clear head. You want to be sharp, if the never-will-happen happens.

9. Respect your flight attendants.

Think of flight attendants as emergency services personnel who serve you meals and drinks during their spare time. Flight attendants are trained to risk their lives to save yours, and they have. Next time a flight attendant says you can't have another snack, or another beer, or anything else you really think you need, just smile and accept that answer. They don't make the airline's catering and onboard services decisions.

10. Put your oxygen mask on yourself first, then help others, and only then take a selfie.

Social media is great—but it's not the best way to manage limited time during an aircraft emergency. Instead of rushing to share that oxygen mask pic, refresh your knowledge of your available exits, ensure you have your run pack securely on you, get your nerves in check, and listen to crew instructions.

Then—when nothing else happens—take that memorable pic and impress your friends.

11. The only thing you can't afford to lose is your life.

This is the only tip you really need. It requires no further explanation.

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova, Republic of; North Korea, Democratic People's Rep; Russia; Israel

This is a test environment. Please proceed to AllianzTravelInsurance.com and remove all bookmarks or references to this site.

Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

10 Surprising Summer Vacation Safety Tips

Sunscreen? Check. Lifejacket? Check. You know the drill. But when it comes to staying safe on your summer vacation, there are other hazards you may not have thought about. These 10 summer vacation safety tips will help keep your family out of danger at the beach, by the pool, in the woods and on the road.

Summer safety tip 1: Drowning is quiet.

Everyone thinks that people who are drowning yell, thrash and splash. They don't. Drowning doesn't look like drowning, as former Coast Guard rescue swimmer Mario Vittone explains . People in serious distress lose their ability to call out for help or wave. Instead, their instinctive drowning response causes them to hover upright at the surface of the water with their head tilted back and mouth open, gasping or hyperventilating.

Summer safety tip 2: Use “touch supervision” with young children around pools.

Home — or vacation home — swimming pools are a particular hazard for very young children (aged 1 to 4). It may be tempting to dive into a magazine or a cocktail while you're sitting poolside, but if young children are around you should stay focused on them. Amid the chaos of a family beach rental, it only takes a moment of inattention to place a child at risk of drowning.

The CDC recommends designating one adult to watch all children swimming or playing in or around water. Supervisors of preschool children should practice “touch supervision,” which means being close enough to reach the child at all times. About half of child drownings take place within 25 yards of an adult. 1

Summer safety tip 3: Know the warning signs of sharks.

Compared to other summer vacation safety threats, shark attacks are extremely unlikely. However, they do happen. Here are a few tips for avoiding sharks:

• Don't swim at dawn or dusk, or after heavy rains.
• Don't swim near fishing piers, where sharks may be attracted by bait.
• If you see small fish schooling and jumping out of the water, a shark may be nearby.
• Sharks are attracted to mouths of rivers, channels, deep drops and areas between sandbars.
• Watch for blue or purple flags, which indicate sharks, jellyfish or other dangerous marine life. 2

Summer safety tip 4: Know your vehicle load limits.

Can't fit the kids, the beach chairs and all the suitcases in your vehicle? A rooftop carrier makes packing for your summer vacation much easier. But don't stuff it to the gills. Read the car's manual first to figure out the dynamic weight limit for the roof rack. It’s probably less than you think; on average, 165 pounds is the max. 3  And remember that adding rooftop cargo raises the center of gravity, which can cause an SUV to sway or become less stable on the road.

Summer safety tip 5: Don’t trust your GPS/phone maps.

A Texas college student was sightseeing near the Grand Canyon when she followed her GPS down a road that wasn’t actually there. 4  She ran out of gas and endured five days in the desert before being located — thanks to the efforts of rescuers and her decision to leave a note in her abandoned car, explaining where she had gone. The story illustrates one of the most important travel safety tips: Always have a backup plan. Paper maps are a good idea to carry, along with emergency water, food, and other supplies.

Summer safety tip 6: Steer clear of wildlife.

Many wild animals are drawn to campgrounds because they can forage in trash or snag snacks from tourists. Every year brings news accounts of people being attacked on their summer vacation by animals like bears and bison. The key thing to remember is that most animal attacks are provoked. Never, never feed or harass wildlife, even if you see other people doing it. And remember that bees, deer, dogs and cows kill a lot more people than alligators and bears.

Summer safety tip 7: Spray your shoes.

Picking off a few ticks used to be a normal rite of summer vacation. Now it's cause for alarm, as scientists have discovered more than 14 diseases spread by ticks, including Lyme disease, babesiosis and powassan virus. 5  Ticks are spreading, and reports of disease have shot up. How can you keep your family safe? Science writer Melinda Wenner Moyer recommends spraying children's and adults' shoes with permethrin and doing daily tick checks.

Summer safety tip 8: Use the teddy-bear system.

No parent ever thinks he or she would leave a child locked in a car. But tragically, children die from heatstroke in hot cars every year, often because a distracted parent simply forgets the child's in the back seat. To prevent this, keep a teddy bear in the child's safety seat. When the child's buckled in, move the teddy to the front seat as a reminder that the back seat is occupied. 6

Summer safety tip 9: Plan ahead to keep pets safe.

Like young children, pets are vulnerable to injury when left in hot cars. Even when the outside temperature is 60 degrees, the sun can raise it to 110. 6 If your dog is coming along on your summer vacation road trip, plan ahead for how you'll keep him cool. Can you pack picnic lunches, or find restaurants that allow dogs on the patio? What will you do if you need to run an emergency errand?

Summer safety tip 10: Make sure you’re protected in case of medical emergencies.

If your summer travel plans take you on a cruise, out of the country, or to more remote areas of the United States, you should have travel insurance with emergency medical benefits and emergency medical transportation benefits. These benefits can cover your medical care and/or emergency transportation if you experience a covered medical emergency while traveling, protecting you from unexpected (and enormous) medical bills. Find a plan today.

Richmond-based travel writer Muriel Barrett has a terrible sense of direction, and has spent many happy hours getting lost in Barcelona, Venice and Jerusalem. Her favorite travel memories all involve wildlife: watching sea turtles nest in Costa Rica, kayaking with seals in Vancouver and meeting a pink tarantula in Martinique.

Related Articles

• 5 Amazing California Kayaking Spots
• Road Trip Guide: Free Festivals
• Travel Insurance 101: How Travel Insurance Works
• Fatherly.com 
• NYDailyNews.com  
• Safercar.gov  

Get a Quote

{{travelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

{{annualTravelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

If your trip involves multiple destinations, please enter the destination where you’ll be spending the most time. It is not required to list all destinations on your policy.

Age of Traveler

Ages: {{quote.travelers_ages}}

If you were referred by a travel agent, enter the ACCAM number provided by your agent.

Travel Dates

{{quote.travel_dates ? quote.travel_dates : "Departure - Return" | formatDates}}

Plan Start Date

{{quote.start_date ? quote.start_date : "Date"}}

Share this Page

• {{errorMsgSendSocialEmail}}

Your browser does not support iframes.

Popular Travel Insurance Plans

• Annual Travel Insurance
• Cruise Insurance
• Domestic Travel Insurance
• International Travel Insurance
• Rental Car Insurance

View all of our travel insurance products

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

Return To Log In

Your session has expired. We are redirecting you to our sign-in page.

Safe Travel Tips

Take the hassle out of travel by labeling your luggage, packing lightly, limiting carry-on baggage, making extra copies of your vital documents and leaving your itinerary with a friend.

Travel smart by labeling your luggage, and make an inventory of luggage contents and carry it with you. Make copies of all of your important documents and carry them with you, and leave an extra copy at home. Be aware of airport security procedures. Wear comfortable, practical clothing for your flight. Arrive early at the airport to allow for the unexpected. Leave your itinerary and contact details with a friend.

Related Safety Meeting Topics

Caught Working Safe

Customize Your Personal Protective Equipment

Step Up and Stop Unsafe Work Practices

Cell Phone Distraction

A Healthy Safety Culture Shifts Safety from a Priority to a Value

Silence Means Consent

Let's Make Workplaces Safer!

Subscribe to the Safeopedia newsletter to stay on top of current industry trends and up-to-date know-how from subject matter authorities. Our comprehensive online resources are dedicated to safety professionals and decision makers like you.

• 3 Steps to an Impactful Heat Stress Prevention Program
• Honeywell Safety Construction Hazards and Solutions
• Personal Safety Solutions
• Why Integrating Technology with ESG Process is Essential to Achieving Your Sustainability Goals
• Cold Weather Dehydration: The Overlooked Safety Hazard
• The ROI of ESG Software
• What it Takes to Become an EHS Leader

Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter

Winter storms and cold temperatures can be dangerous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. Prepare your home and vehicles. Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Check on young children, older adults, and the chronically ill.

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us may not be ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you are more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Prepare Your Home

Staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps [PDF – 344 KB]  to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

• Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
• Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
• Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
• Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
• Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
• Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
• If you do not have working smoke detectors, install one inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year.
• Install a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check or change the battery when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
• Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Get your vehicle ready for cold weather use before winter arrives.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Get your vehicle ready  for cold weather use before winter arrives.

• Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level.
• Check your tires’ tread or, if necessary, replace tires with all-weather or snow tires.
• Keep the gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.
• Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries.
• Items to stay warm, such as extra hats, coats, mittens, blankets, or sleeping bags.
• Food and water.
• Booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction).
• Compass and maps.
• Flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries.
• First-aid kit; and
• Plastic bags (for sanitation).

Prepare for Emergencies

Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages .

• Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water  stored in clean containers.
• Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.

When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.

• Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps.
• Extra batteries.
• First-aid kit and extra medicine.
• Baby items; and
• Cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
• Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement, and garage.
• Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house.
• Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds and call 911.

Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: layers of light, warm clothing; windproof coat; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.

Take Precautions Outdoors

Outdoor activities can expose you to several safety hazards, but you can take these steps to prepare for them:

• Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket; inner layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.
• Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches.
• Work slowly when doing outside chores.
• Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation.
• Carry a cell phone.

Do This When You Plan to Travel

• Avoid non-essential travel when the National Weather Service has issued advisories.
• If you must travel, inform a friend or relative of your proposed route and expected time of arrival.
• Make your vehicle visible to rescuers. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna, raise the hood (if it is not snowing), and turn on the inside overhead lights (when your engine is running).
• Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area. Stay with your vehicle unless safety is no more than 100 yards away.
• Keep your body warm. Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers. Huddle with other people if you can.
• Stay awake and stay moving. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems. As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve circulation and stay warmer.
• Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe—this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Be ready to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill.

If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.

No one can stop the onset of winter. However, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready for it when it comes.

Be sure to visit CDC’s Winter Weather  webpage for more winter weather safety tips.

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Based on Zip Code Change

• Shop the Red Cross Store

Summer Safety Tips

• Share via Email
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn

Learn how to have fun and stay safe as you enjoy the great outdoors this summer.

What’s your plan for this summer? Enjoying the water? Going camping? Firing up the grill? Whatever you prefer, we have safety steps to follow. And don’t forget your furry friends. There are steps you can take to help keep them safe too.

Water Safety

Every day, an average of 11 people die in the U.S. from unintentional drowning — and one in five of those are children 14 or younger according to the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC). The Red Cross wants everyone to know critical safety knowledge and skills that could save your life in and around the water. We encourage families to build confidence in the water by learning to be safe, making good choices, learning to swim and how to handle emergencies.

• Preventing unsupervised access to water, providing constant, active adult supervision and knowing how to swim are critical layers of protection to help prevent drowning.
• Classes to learn  how to swim  are available for both children and adults. Check the  map  for Learn-to-Swim providers in your community. Everyone should learn  first aid  and  CPR  too, so they know what to do in an emergency.
• Download the Red Cross  Swim app , sponsored by The ZAC Foundation, for safety tips, kid-friendly videos and activities, and take the free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course in  English  or in  Spanish .
• It’s best to swim in a lifeguarded area. Always designate a “ water watcher ” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
• Drowning behavior is typically fast and silent. Unless rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging. Reach or throw, don't go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble. Don't go in or you could become a victim yourself.  Test your knowledge ! 
• It only takes a moment. A child or weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text, check a fishing line or apply sunscreen. For additional information about staying safe while swimming in larger bodies of water like oceans or lakes, review our beach safety tips below.

Beach Safety

Learn how to reduce the risks so your family can enjoy swimming in open water, such as the ocean and large lakes:

• Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or the rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.
• Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local condition
• As when swimming or relaxing in a pool or hot tub, always designate a “ water watcher ” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over
• Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Protect your neck – don’t dive in headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
• If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then, turn and swim to shore. If you can't swim to shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore. Draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.

Camping Safety

If a camping trip is in your plans, know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you. Plan accordingly.

• Pack a  first aid kit  to handle insect stings, sprains, cuts and bruises and other injuries that could happen to someone in your group. Take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR course and download the  First Aid app  so that you will know what to do in case help is delayed. You’ll learn how to treat severe wounds, broken bones, bites and stings and more.
• Sprains and falls are some of the most common misfortunes travelers may face. Falls are the biggest threat, many due to poor decision-making, lack of skill or not being properly prepared. Dehydration is also a danger. Plan ahead for these dangers.
• Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend.
• Bring nutritious food items and water, light-weight clothing to layer and supplies for any pets.

Picnic Safety

Summer is a great time to get outside for a picnic. Follow these tips to prevent illness and keep everyone safe:

• Wash your hands, utensils and workstation before preparing the food.
• Separate uncooked meats, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods like salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and desserts. Use separate plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.
• Bring hand sanitizer if your picnic site doesn’t have hand-washing facilities.
• If you are going to cook on the grill, bring a food thermometer to be sure grilled foods are cooked enough. For more information about safe grilling, review the additional tips below!

Grilling Safety

Though more than three-quarters of U.S. adults have used a grill — yet, grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year. To avoid this, the Red Cross offers these grilling safety tips:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire. 
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
• Don't leave perishable food out in the sun.

Mosquitoes and Ticks

Don’t let mosquitoes and ticks ruin your carefree summer fun. As we spend more time outdoors for activities like camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking and barbecuing, there is a greater chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes and ticks.  According to the  American Mosquito Control Association  there are 176 known species of mosquito in the U.S.—putting Americans at risk from coast to coast. And while mosquitoes may be the most obvious detractor from summer fun – ticks are silent but dangerous. Most active during warmer months (April to September), it is especially important to be vigilant of blacklegged ticks, more commonly known as deer ticks, especially if you live in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, North-central or Northwest. 

Mosquitoes and ticks are more than just itchy and annoying — if infected, these pests can pose a major health risk to people by possibly transmitting diseases. Follow these tips to prevent mosquito and tick bites this summer:

• Use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) when you are outdoors. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
• Consider staying indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots.
• Use a rubber band or tape to hold pants against socks so that nothing can get under clothing.
• Tuck your shirt into your pants. Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to see tiny insects or ticks.
• When hiking in woods and fields, stay in the middle of trails. Avoid underbrush and tall grass.
• If you are outdoors for a long time, check yourself several times during the day. Especially check in hairy areas of the body like the back of the neck and the scalp line.
• Inspect yourself carefully for insects or ticks after being outdoors or have someone else do it.
• If you have pets that go outdoors, spray with repellent made for their breed/type. Apply the repellent according to the label and check your pet for ticks often.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying sources of standing water outside of the home, such as from flowerpots, buckets and barrels.

Summer and Pets

Summer’s heat can be dangerous for your family pets. Follow these steps to take to help ensure your pet stays safe this summer.

• Don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
• Animals can suffer heat stroke, a common problem for pets in the warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.
• Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are heavy panting, being unable to calm down, even when lying down, brick red gum color, fast pulse rate and being unable to get up.
• If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees
• Bring your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage. Download the Red Cross  Pet First Aid app  for instant access on how to treat heat stroke, other emergencies and general care for cats and dogs and take the  Cat and Dog First Aid Online Training  course.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals, at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks and it's best to leave any area where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps to help keep your community safe:

• Choose a location away from buildings and trees.
• Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Be sure your spectators, including children and pets, stay well back. 
• Keep a supply of water or fire extinguisher at hand. If you live in an area that’s experiencing a drought, consider canceling the show this year – a stray spark that lands on dry grass or leaves can lead to a wildfire.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

Explore Related Safety Topics

Free App to Help Your Family Stay Safe

Find our Emergency App in the  Apple Store » or  Google Play »

Aplicación de Emergencias - ahora disponible en  español » también!

Did you find this content useful? Subscribe to our email list and stay informed on disaster alerts, preparedness tips, and ways to get involved.

Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.

The FAA is investigating new whistleblower warnings about Boeing 787 jets

A new Boeing whistleblower has come forward alleging production quality issues with the 787, the planemaker’s popular carbon fiber widebody jet.

As The New York Times first reported, Sam Salehpour, a Boeing engineer, said the company is using excessive force on its production lines to get parts of the 787 fuselage manufactured by different subcontractors to fit together.

“I literally saw people jumping on the airplanes to get pieces to align,” Salehpour said during a press availability organized by his attorneys. “This can cause damage to the parts … We are talking about airplanes, not pieces of furniture that require home assembly.” 

According to a complaint he filed with the Federal Aviation Administration, the issues could lead to a catastrophic failure of plane components inflight.

“As a veteran engineer at Boeing with more than four decades of experience, Mr. Salehpour observed shortcuts employed by Boeing to reduce bottlenecks during the 787 assembly process that placed excessive stress on major airplane joints, and embedded drilling debris between key joints on more than 1000 planes,” a statement from Katz Banks Kumin, the law firm representing Salehpour, said. “These errors in the manufacturing process significantly reduce the lifespan of the plane and may be difficult to identify.”

Deliveries of the 787 were temporarily slowed and then suspended in 2021 and 2022 while Boeing addressed previous safety concerns raised by the FAA.

“We are fully confident in the 787 Dreamliner. These claims about the structural integrity of the 787 are inaccurate and do not represent the comprehensive work Boeing has done to ensure the quality and long-term safety of the aircraft. The issues raised have been subject to rigorous engineering examination under FAA oversight,” Boeing said in a statement. “This analysis has validated that these issues do not present any safety concerns and the aircraft will maintain its service life over several decades. We continue to monitor these issues under established regulatory protocols and encourage all employees to speak up when issues arise.”

Boeing pointed out in a statement to USA TODAY that the 787’s composite material hull means it is less susceptible to corrosion and fatigue than traditional metal fuselages, but Salehpour’s complaint alleges the material is also less likely to show visible external signs of stress before it reaches a point of failure.

Cruising Altitude: I've covered Boeing's 737 MAX for years. Here's a quick rundown of the issues.

According to Boeing, a years-long fatigue analysis of 787 fuselages was conducted, and it was found that the planes were fit to fly well beyond their designed service life.

“From 2010-2015 Boeing tested a full-scale fuselage and a forward fuselage section simulating up to 165,000 cycles of pressurization – about 3.75 times the jet’s designed lifespan of 44,000 cycles – with no findings of fatigue,” the manufacturer said in a statement.

The FAA acknowledged receipt of Salehpour’s complaint and said it takes all safety-related allegations seriously.

“Voluntary reporting without fear of reprisal is a critical component in aviation safety. We strongly encourage everyone in the aviation industry to share information. We thoroughly investigate all reports,” a statement from the agency said.

Salehpour, who is set to testify before Congress later in April, said he was moved off the 787 program after voicing his concerns and later spoke out about alleged quality control issues in 777 production, which he also documented. 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]