As the holidays approach, many people look forward to spending time with their families and friends. However, it’s important to be mindful of safety while traveling during this busy time of year. You can take several steps to ensure that your holiday travel is safe and enjoyable!
Check the State Department’s Website for Travel Warnings
Before you finalize your travel plans, be sure to check the State Department’s website for any travel warnings or alerts. Certain countries have higher risks of crime, terrorism, or political unrest. By being aware of this information ahead of time, you can better prepare for your trip and avoid dangerous situations. If there is a risk of traveling to your desired destination, the State Department will notify you of the potential danger. Be careful because you wouldn’t want to have to contact a car accident lawyer.
Pack a List of Emergency Contact Information and an Extra Copy of Your Passport
In case of an emergency, while traveling, it’s important to have readily accessible contact information for friends or family members who can help get you out of a bind. Additionally, it’s a good idea to always carry an extra copy of your passport with you if the original gets lost or stolen.
Leave Copies of Your Itinerary with Friends or Family Members in Case You Get Lost
It can be helpful to leave a copy of your itinerary with friends or family members if you get lost when traveling. If you’re visiting a new city, it’s not always easy to find your way around. By having someone else know where you are and when you’re expected to return, you can rest easy knowing that someone will be looking out for you if needed. This way, if you lose track of time and miss an important event, they can help coordinate the rescue efforts to find you!
Be Aware that Some Countries Observe Different Driving Rules
Driving practices vary from country to country. If you plan on renting a car while abroad this holiday season, it’s important to be aware of local driving laws before hitting the road. In some countries, for example, in Spain, motorcyclists are allowed to ride between lanes which may not be acceptable practice in the U.S . Therefore, make sure all drivers know the driving rules in their desired destination.
Consider Buying Traveler’s Insurance to Cover Unexpected Expenses During Your Trip
If you already have a homeowner or renter’s insurance policy, it might be worth looking into getting traveler’s insurance as well. This way, if you get into an accident while abroad or your luggage gets lost by the airline, you’re covered! Additionally, this type of insurance often covers medical emergencies and transportation back home when necessary.
If you hire out a car during your holiday, be sure to have sufficient cover and if you’re travelling in a motorhome, be sure to have the correct motorhome insurance to protect the vehicle and your belongings. Always do plenty of research before you travel to find the best rates and cover.
Keep Track of How Much Money You’re Spending While Abroad
Finally, one last tip is to keep track of how much money you are spending during your trip so that nothing catches you off guard at the end! Make sure to check with your bank before leaving about any international transaction fees, and always be conscious of how much you’re spending so that you can stick to a budget.
You’ve done everything you can to prepare for your holiday trip, but there’s always the chance that something could go wrong. Traveler’s insurance might be a good idea if you’re worried about getting stranded abroad or having other unexpected expenses crop up during your travels. Remember to check out our tips on ensuring safety while traveling this season!