Traveling Overseas
Traveling to foreign nations is a great way to see the world’s most historical and beautiful sights, meet new people and experience all that other cultures have to offer. But traveling abroad can also expose Americans to many hazards and dangers, and safety should be the first concern of every vacationing tourist or business traveler. To ensure that your next trip overseas is as danger-free as it can be, follow a few tips from a travel expert.
Ted Wright is an international hotelier and a deluxe travel specialist who has lived in nine different countries and has managed some of the greatest hotels in the world. A traveler for the past three decades, Ted was knighted by the Queen of England in 1999 for service to tourism, the arts and the community. Here he offers his advice for staying safe while out of the country: - Insurance. Wright advises all international travelers to take out extra insurance from a travel agent or other provider. Some insurance agencies also offer evacuation or emergency medical services and can even help in the case of a kidnapping.
- Important numbers. Numbers to have on hand at all times include your passport number, your social security number and the phone numbers of U.S. embassies and consulates in every area you will be staying in and traveling through. Wright recommends keeping these and other important numbers stored in three different locations.
- Be wary of invites. Making new friends is one of the many benefits of travel, but be wary of invitations to private homes unless you really know the person. Use your common sense and politely turn down invitations that seem strange or make you uncomfortable. If you do accept an invitation, let your hotel know where you are going.
- Stay in touch. Keep in contact with friends or relatives back home and keep them apprised of your itinerary. If you make changes in your plans, call or send an e-mail so they will know where you are, and when they can expect to hear from you again.
- Keep your guard up. And finally, Wright suggests that you always be on guard when traveling abroad. The world is changing constantly and can be just as dangerous as it is exciting and beautiful. Keep your eyes and ears open, use your best judgment, and never do anything that could place you in a potentially dangerous situation.
For more information on safe travel and travel tips, check out the following organizations and websites:
American Society of Travel Agents: Traveling Safely
www.astanet.com/travel/travelsafe.asp
U.S. Department of State: A Safe Trip Abroad
travel.state.gov/asafetripabroad.html
U.S. Department of State: The Bureau of Consular Affairs
travel.state.gov
Safe Within: Travel Safety
www.safewithin.com/travelsafe/
Corporate Travel Safety: Travel Safety Tips
www.corporatetravelsafety.com/TRAVEL%20SAFETY%20TIPS.htm
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