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Be Prepared for Emergencies

Being well prepared in case of an emergency can make all the difference in outcomes when traveling. Although it is unlikely that an emergency will occur, it is best to be ready. Like my dad says: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here’s my emergency preparedness checklist when traveling:

• • Register with Embassy – The Smart Traveler program makes it easy to do online. It is very helpful for the Embassy to be able to provide you services in the case of crime, social unrest, or natural disasters.

• • Emergency contact info If you sustain an injury you’ll want to have your emergency information easily accessible. I print a piece of paper with all of my emergency medical info (including my travelers insurance and emergency medical evacuation insurance) as well as emergency contact info (thanks mom and dad!) I laminate the card with packing tape and keep it in my wallet, so it’s easy for anyone to find if I am hurt.
  • Share detailed your itinerary – I keep all of my travel plans (flights, hotels, home-stays) in a shareable spreadsheet with my family back home so that at any time they can find me if they they need to reach me or know my whereabouts.

Protect Your Property

The most common mishaps that I hear about from travelers are not personal injury but rather lost or stolen property. It’s not just inconvenience – not having you phone or other essential gear can compromise your personal safety, so it is absolutely worth it to be vigilant about your stuff!

• • Suitcase lock – I make sure my suitcase has a sturdy lock, and I keep my passport and extra cash stashed in there at all times.

• • Luggage tags – Your suitcase is just as likely to be lost or misplaced as it is to be stolen, so make sure your bags have luggage tags with your phone number, email, and any other contact information.

• • Passport Copy – I always carry a copy of my passport separate from the original.

  • Phone and Wallet – If I had a dollar for every pick-pocketing story I’ve heard then I’d be rich! I find that a fanny pack worn in front is the surest way to protect my phone and wallet, because I can easily put your hand over it when in crowded places. And it doesn’t have to be a sartorial strain – this cute one is my favorite!

Protect your assets

ATMS are the easiest way to reliably get cash in most parts of the world, and they allow you to not have to carry cash. However, in a number of countries that lack safe banking infrastructure there is the risk of ATM fraud. I had found one way to protect my assets is to get a bank account with a limited amount of funds in it that I just use for travel. On my computer (with a safe VPN) I transfer funds from my primary bank account to my travel account whenever I need to go to the ATM for cash.

For me, staying safe while I travel abroad means that I can feel comfortable volunteering in across the globe. If you want to volunteer when you travel – even for just one day – click the button below to learn about Give A Day Global’s volunteer opportunities around the world!