You are traveling hundreds or thousand miles away from home. It is very imperative you take the necessary precautions. I heard stories of people going to the hospital overseas or stateside and I myself had to go (thankfully it was in the states and I have health insurance). We cannot control what may occur, but taking necessary steps can put your mind at ease. Below is the list of steps I take either traveling with someone or solo.
- Travel Advisories/Travel.State.gov. This describes the risks and recommended precautions for U.S. Citizens when traveling overseas (Sidenote, take it as a grain of salt, but you will have an idea of what to look out for).
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This will notify the embassy or consulate that you are traveling to that country. You will receive email updates on emergencies such as weather, health advisory, security for your destination, and safety. I used this for all of my trips and some of the destinations I have receive updated alerts for that country.
- Traveling with other individuals? You can use solo option and as you go through the document, there is a spot where you can put the people’s name you are traveling with.
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This will notify the embassy or consulate that you are traveling to that country. You will receive email updates on emergencies such as weather, health advisory, security for your destination, and safety. I used this for all of my trips and some of the destinations I have receive updated alerts for that country.
- Travel insurance. Get it in advance, especially you planned your trip several months ahead or even a year ahead. Why? Because you may have to cancel plans right before departure. I came across several people who were taking family vacations and someone got sick and was in the hospital day before departure. Another reason to have travel insurance is because a person may become sick or you get hurt from an accident. If it is not life threatening, some hospitals will demand payment, or you may not be treated. If it is life threatening, they will care for you until stable and then demand payment. Some places may send you a bill. However, if you do not pay bill, this can affect you traveling again. If you need to be evacuated due to emergency, travel insurance can help with that as well. One more thing! I KNOW some people have a hard time discussing but we need to talk about it. DEATH. It has happened, more than some of us know. I feel inclined to mention it, since we are talking about travel insurance. Travel insurance can also pay to ship a person body back home.
- Credit Card. As mentioned before, some hospitals demand payment. You can use this to cover the cost up front and get reimbursed from traveling insurance. Unforeseen circumstances where you need to book a flight back home or hotel stay. Sometimes flights get cancelled and need a place to stay.
- Door Stop Alarm. This great while you are sleeping. Making sure no one sneaks in while you are sleep or in the shower. This is great for your home as well, especially if you live alone.
- She’s Birdie. This is great for women and solo travels. It makes a loud noise to distract the tacker. This is allowed in other countries. Make sure the device is easily accessible when out. I had purchased mines are amazon.
- Camera. Some people may get this for their hotel or Airbnb stay.
- Small Travel Safe. This is good if you do not trust the safe that’s already in the room. I have seen people purchase their own for extra protection. This is a good idea as I do not like to travel with my passport once I reach my destination because of pickpocket or potentially losing it. I have learned this from a travel group.
Itinerary
As a solo travel or traveling with a group of people, it is a great ideal to write out an Itinerary and give it to someone who is your emergency contact or someone who is not traveling with you. A person who you can trust that can handle anything that may occur while you are aboard. My sister can be very protecting and like to know all of my information. If her and I are not traveling together, I usually send her my itinerary.
For little as five dollars you can purchase an itinerary here.
I know this may be a lot but taking some of these steps are very important. Things have happened and we see it all over the news and social media. I want you to have your mind at ease and able to enjoy your trip comfortably and know you are covered. If anything from this list, PLEASE enroll in STEP and have a high limit credit card (keep it in your safe).