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Personal Safety and Security during Travel

Personal safety and security during your travels is increasingly important.

The following advice is divided according to the stages involved in a typical trip. These are intended to educate the traveler on the risk as well as preventative measures to take to minimize it.

Mortality in Travelers

The most common cause of death among travelers is cardiovascular events (Heart Attacks and Strokes).The most common cause of preventable death and second most common cause of death is injury:

Motor vehicle traffic accidents are the leading cause of injury-related death followed by drowning.The third most common cause of death was medical illness (Pneumonia-liver disease- cancer)

Death among North American Travelers 1975-1984

  • Cardiovascular 49.0%
  • Injury ( preventable) 22%
  • Medical 13.7%
  • Cancer 5.9%
  • Others: 5.5%
  • Suicide / Homicide 2.9%
  • Infectious Disease: 1%

Planning your Trip: Knowledge is Power

All travelers should frequently consult the travel advisories (Foreign Affairs Services).

This information should be examined prior to departure. It can also be accessed while traveling in case of emergencies through the internet or from a local embassy or diplomatic mission.

  • In case of civil unrest – terrorism – demonstration – the traveler should keep a low profile and stay as far away as possible from the area of unrest.
  • Carefully evaluate your level of preparedness (physical fitness).
  • Underestimating risks or overconfidence can lead to trouble
  • Do not yield the responsibility for your safety to others (tour guides).
  • Having a guide does not eliminate risk. Research Adventure Company very carefully. Get recommendations.
  • Travel health insurance may not cover illness secondary to terrorism.
  • Long term travelers should consider registering directly with local diplomatic mission.
  • Check weather at destination
  • Will you need an International drivers license?

Visit to travel medicine specialist for risk assessment – vaccinations a good 6 weeks prior to departure.

Packing for your trip

suitcase

  • Place all items that could be perceived as threatening ( pocket knives – nail clippers) into your checked luggage.
  • Bring small flashlight.
  • Bring money for emergencies in US funds.
  • Avoid over packing – check size of carry-on suitcases. Avoid oversize suitcases – use suitcases with wheels – Pack lightly – Test weight by pack walking around the block with your luggage. Bring small day pack.
  • Identify them with a distinctive marker- label with your work address not your home address - place extra address label and name of first destination hotel inside suitcase.
  • Pack medical kit + supplies (use original pill containers) in a medical looking bag. Some prescription medications may be illegal (codeine in Greece). Carry a waiver letter from an MD. Some vital drugs such as asthma Inhalers may be confiscated by local authorities (Japan- Germany) because of ecology concerns with inhalers. Restriction lists can be found in the Internet.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions information on Medic-Alert bracelet
  • Brings locks for trip but do not lock suitcases prior to security check.
  • Leave expensive jewelry – cameras, etc… at home.

At the Airport

plane

  • Arrive early
  • Expect increased security- dogs - heavily armed officers in some countries.
  • Expect and prepare for multiple identification checks. Keep documents at hand. Passports- driver’s license – official photo ID
  • Prepare electronics to be demonstrated or swabbed for explosives.
  • Never wrap gifts
  • Review new regulations for airport security: unlocked bags, unattended bags, carry-on regulations (sharps – needles) – Identification papers – Metal detectors (removal of metal containing articles such as belts, shoes).
  • Sharp objects such as knives ski poles- hockey sticks- razors-darts are prohibited. As are guns- handcuffs-power tools
  • Maintain awareness – keep your possessions always at hand.
  • Check luggage receipts
  • Only take officially licensed taxis and shuttles.
  • Make copies of all important documents and information-leave copy at home

Flying to and from your Destination

  • Stay aware – read emergency instructions- know exits. Pay attention to safety briefing.
  • Bring essential medication with you on the plane
  • Always use restraints while seated.
  • Be careful when lifting luggage and opening and closing overhead luggage holders.
  • Avoid excessive use of alcohol.
  • Be courteous to those around you.

At your Destination

  • Avoid traveling alone- Avoid being alone in remote areas (beach – off beaten track). Group tours are best ( but not without risk) for remote areas or high security risk destinations.
  • In remote areas bring extra supplies : food – water –emergency kit
  • Always have an emergency alternate plan.
  • Avoid illegal behavior – drugs – sex trade - etc…Avoid being an inadvertent drug smuggler ( lock bags when traveling outside airports - check your bags at border crossings)
  • Inform friends – family – embassy of your itinerary.
  • Take precautions and stay alert against theft- mugging – scams
  • Carry personal safety devices: smoke and security alarms-door jams-whistles.
  • Never accept food drink from strangers ( they can be drugged)
  • Check out the room and its locks before paying for it.
  • When selecting hotel room: avoid ground floor or room with easy access from outside. Avoid rooms higher than 10 floors up in case of fire. Book a room close to elevators.
  • Never open hotel door to unannounced strangers or hotel staff.
  • Leave hotel keys at reception.
  • Use hotel safes for your valuables
  • Avoid excessive alcohol use.
  • Use money belts – polycotton safety pouches for vital documents-possessions.
  • Use front carrying day bag with heavy straps and good quality fasteners
  • Dress according to local customs – avoid under dressing- avoid being conspicuous. Try to blend in.
  • Be a responsible tourist.
  • Stay in safe – reputable areas
  • Use Bank machines only in visible safe areas – stay alert
  • If mugged give up your wallet and not your life- always have a few extra U.S. funds bills to give to muggers.
  • Report mugging to authorities – seek medical care if needed- keep copies of all reports – charges- . Notify travel Insurance provider and Foreign Service (if serious incident).
  • During marine sports care should be taken of current-riptides-heavy waves- dangerous marine animals –expect low standard from scuba operators.

Mode of Transportation

  • Fatal accidents are the most common cause of preventable death among travelers.
  • Avoid poorly maintained vehicles. Rent the best form of transport you can afford.
  • Consider renting a cell phone for emergencies
  • Do not pick up hitchhikers
  • In Africa do not stop for anybody.
  • Avoid traveling at night or bad weather
  • Avoid driving yourself in foreign countries –
  • Avoid speeding – alcohol – breaking laws of the road
  • Avoid light vehicles such a scooters- motorbikes- bikes- tuktuks-pushbikes tuktukTuk tuk
  • Use helmets if using bikes ( not always required by local law)
  • Use seat belts ( if available)
  • Check your directions before departure.
  • Keep doors locked especially at traffic lights
  • On trains or buses secure luggage with a chain if you plan to leave it unattended or while you are sleeping.
  • When going out after sundown arrange for a taxi to take you out and back.
  • Avoid areas of armed conflict
  • Expect road checks – police corruption – you may need some money (U.S. funds) for bribes.
  • Travel in caravans if armed bandits expected.
  • Check safety of the area with local consulate.

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Local culture and customs need to be researched.
  • Be aware of local sensitivity such as dress, behavior when eating, greeting, eye contact, etiquette. Prepare for different attitudes. A faux pas could have serious implications. Information for women's travel clothing.
  • Read up cultural etiquette for destination country (guide books, Internet, meeting with intercultural groups).

Traveling with Children

child

  • Children now need their own passport
  • Bring along child safety carrier or infant car seat- book sky crib and bulk head seat.
  • Minimal movement inside aircraft without restraints- avoid sleeping on the floor.
  • Ask airline for special seat restraints that may be available.
  • Hold child securely in parent’s arms for take off –landing- turbulence
  • Check emergency measures checklist on take off – check exits.
  • Keep some form of identification in child’s pocket in case of accidental separation. Bring a recent picture of your child for emergency identification.
  • For children under 16 carry a custody waiver signed by the non traveling parent.

Woman Travelers

woman

  • Increased security risk warrants extra vigilance. Consider self-defense course.
  • Security half-slips are available to hide documents - money.
  • Travel with a partner to reduce chance of harassment or being mistaken for a sex worker.
  • Eye contact with men may be unacceptable in some cultures ( wear sunglasses)
  • Never hitchhike or accept ride from strangers.
  • Use reputable taxis (always best to double up with another traveler).
  • Dress appropriately – error on the side of modesty - avoids shorts. Check out Journeywoman website for worldwide dress codes.
  • After sundown go out with an escort or in a group, and stay close to hotel. Going out alone may not be “respectable” in some countries.
  • Maintain connection with at least one person at home – notify them of location and next destination.
  • Carry a business card from your hotel in case you get lost.

Business Traveler

  • Always meet your business contacts in the lobby of your hotel. Avoid giving your room number.
  • Carefully study acceptable behavior – dress- cultural does and don’t- especially for businesswoman working abroad.
  • Gracefully decline any offer extracurricular sexual pleasures - excessive alcohol.

Travel Insurance

  • A must for all travelers
  • Medical and Dental assistance insurance
  • Evacuation insurance
  • Lost luggage and documents
  • Cancellation Insurance
  • Legal cost
  • Additional cost for travel – accommodations incurred do to illness.
  • Transportation of body in case of death during travel

Emergency Care in Foreign Countries

  • Patients with chronic or unstable disease should travel with adequate medical supplies and full documentation of their illness (Recent ECG – medical record summary). Consider placing your medical record on line or using a service that does. Use Medic Alert services.
  • Do not assume that the health care system is similar to the one left at home.
  • Seek out units that have a reputation of caring for foreigners.
  • Contact embassy – consulate- hotels for referral to a good medical facility.
  • Carry a IAMAT booklet and membership.
  • Clarify payment issues from the start
  • Make Doctor/Nurses comfortable and willing to help you. Smile a lot !!!!
  • Avoid dictating your needs on foreign providers.
  • In some cultures asking questions may be perceived as challenges to the authority of the doctors.
  • Have an exit strategy that will allow you to bow out gracefully from the care if you are dissatisfied.
  • Have plenty of good travel insurance.
  • Expect to pay cash before being treated.
  • Make sure to have all your receipts before you are discharged.