How to Travel Safely and Confidently

While planning your luxury travels to exotic locations in the U.S. or abroad can be thrilling and exciting, it's important to recognize that you may face certain risks during your trip. This may include safety concerns due to language barriers, cultural differences, weather, or political challenges, as well as limitations to medical care at your destination(s) if you’re not prepared.

That’s why we’ve compiled the following travel tips and advice to help you travel safely and confidently wherever you go.

Before you leave
(to consider as soon as possible)

Depending on your destination(s), you should research and educate yourself about the risks you could encounter there. These handy tips can help protect your health and safety ahead of time:

• Find out what the potential health risks and vaccination requirements are for your destination. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide recommendations for vaccinations and other travel health precautions for most places around the world.
• Sign up for the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Once you provide your travel plans, the State Department can help you in an emergency and contact you if there is a crisis in the country to which you are traveling.
• Make sure you understand the most recent travel requirements and documents you may need for your destination. There are many web-based resources that can help you get organized. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs, as well as with your destination's conditions that could impact your health, such as high altitude, pollution, and types of medical facilities available.
• Make copies of important documents,  including your passport, driver’s license, visa, and travel itinerary, and leave with a trusted friend or family member prior to departing. If something happens to your documents while you’re traveling, you’ll be able to get copies with a quick phone call.
• Contact your bank and credit card companies to make sure they know where you are traveling to and when. Credit card companies can also expand coverage and services to minimize foreign service fees. Make sure your credit card is accepted at your travel destination.
• Confirm whether your auto and liability insurance will cover you where you are traveling if you plan to rent a car. Talk to your auto insurance advisor about how your personal insurance will respond if you are in an accident, or if you need to purchase extra coverage through any rental agencies.
• Create a list of emergency phone numbers in a separate place from your credit cards. Include information for these contacts:
  • U.S. embassy or consulate in every country you will be visiting in case you lose your passport.
  • Emergency numbers for reaching your bank and credit card issuer from wherever you will be. Note that U.S. toll-free numbers may not work from abroad.
• Review your current health insurance plan to determine how and if it provides coverage while you’re traveling. Also review your destination country’s medical care and policies.
• Provide a detailed travel itinerary to a family member or friend. In case you lose mobile phone service and/or are unable to communicate with loved ones, someone will know approximately where you may be to track your whereabouts.
• Consider investing in a travel insurance plan that includes medical care coverage, especially if your current health plan limits coverage out of state or country.

While at your destination

You’ve done your homework on your destination(s), have kept up to date on all the latest news, and have fulfilled vaccine and other requirements. Once you reach your destination, it’s important to be mindful of the following: 

Be cautious about private conversations. Some foreign security services may screen incoming visitors. Also, refrain from speaking negatively about a country’s government and its leaders as this is against the law in many countries.

Try to blend in with the local culture by choosing similar clothing and jewelry. This can help divert unnecessary attention away from you, your family, and your wealth.

Refrain from posting or geo-tagging pictures or comments on social media while you're away. This helps reduce the risk of theft while you’re away.

Protect your passport. Carry it in an inside, front pocket, preferably in a pouch hidden in your clothes or with a zipper close.

Always keep at least one form of payment and identification on you in a hidden pocket inside your clothing.

Consider carrying an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) wallet, which prevents a thief from scanning the data contained in your wallet. It can keep your credit cards and identity safe.

Activate your “in case of emergency” feature on your mobile phone. Add a list of emergency contacts and medical information, such as allergies to certain medications. This will help emergency responders if something happens to you and you are unable to communicate.

On the road

Whether you’re navigating from airports, hotels, or attractions, keep in mind the potential risks you could face while on the road outside of the country. Consider taking the following actions to decrease your risks:

• Familiarize yourself with the local rules of the road in the country you are visiting. Road maintenance, speed, and other traffic signs may vary. The U.S. Department of State can be a valuable resource for driving and road safety abroad.
• Only use authorized taxi services to avoid potential risks, such as robbery and kidnapping.
• Only rent a car if you’re familiar with the area. Navigating a foreign country can be challenging, especially when driving.
• If you are stopped for a traffic violation, ask to call the local consulate or embassy. Sometimes these stops are scams. If the authority insists on a payment immediately, make sure you get a proper receipt.
• When renting a vehicle, make it is in good working order with a spare tire. Ensure you have the contact number for emergency services in the event of an accident.
• Avoid driving too closely to other vehicles. In some countries, criminals create intentional accidents to commit additional crimes, including robberies and kidnapping.
• Be aware that many countries do not have roadside assistance services, so having a spare tire and other parts on hand could be valuable if you’re in an accident or experience mechanical issues.
• If you’ll be spending a considerable amount of time driving throughout and touring countries, you may consider purchasing a portable dashcam, which could record any suspected intentional accident or theft.
• Always try to park your car near well-lit areas and/or entrances.

At your hotel, resort, or other accommodations (including cruise ship)

• Make sure the desk clerk doesn’t say your room or cabin number aloud. If they do, consider asking for an alternative room as a precaution.
• If traveling alone, always ask for two room keys to give the impression you are not alone.
• When you get to your room, check to make sure all the windows and door locks are functioning.
• Know where emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and alarms (and if on a cruise, life preservers) are located.
• Place valuables in your room safe.
• Always use the deadbolts and locks on your doors. Double-check how windows open and lock.
• Consider traveling with a lightweight, TSA-approved door stopper or portable travel door lock to prevent potential break-ins.

Protect your travel lifestyle with travel insurance

Travel insurance is a type of insurance coverage that provides financial protection and assistance in case of unexpected events, mishaps, or emergencies that may occur. It provides peace of mind if you become seriously ill, are involved in an accident, need emergency evacuation due to safety concerns, or lose your passport, luggage, or other important valuables.

When looking for a travel insurance policy, there are many benefits and other factors to compare and consider, including:

Medical coverage. Find a travel insurance plan that includes coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, medical evacuation for both sickness and injuries, and offers higher benefit amounts to cover your medical expenses, which can become costly in many countries. In addition, if you have pre-existing medical conditions, make sure the policy covers them. Some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, while others may offer coverage with certain conditions or additional premiums.

Evacuation assistance services. What if you found yourself in the middle of political or civil unrest or a natural disaster happened, and your safety was compromised? Make sure the travel insurance policy includes coverage for air and ground transportation for medical, weather-related, and safety concerns.

Trip cancellation, interruption, and delays. This coverage reimburses you for non-refundable expenses, including airline and cruise fees, if you must cancel or cut your trip short due to covered reasons such as illness, injury, or unforeseen events like natural disasters.

Lost luggage and other personal items coverage. This coverage protects your personal belongings in case they are lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. It typically includes coverage for luggage, electronics, and other valuable items.

Emergency assistance services. Make sure your coverage includes access to 24/7/365 travel assistance helpline that can offer critical help for medical and security emergencies, offer travel advice, and assist with lost documents or other travel issues

Coverage for unique adventures and activities. If your travels will include hiking, skiing, scuba diving, or other adventure excursions, ensure that your policy covers these activities. Some insurance policies may exclude or limit certain high-risk activities.

Per-trip or annual policy. Depending on your travel plans—whether you plan to take multiple trips a year or just one big trip—you should consider a provider that offers the flexibility to choose which type of policy would work best for your needs.

By taking these precautions and investing in a good travel insurance policy, you can plan for an exciting trip spent making memories and exploring new places with peace of mind.