Stay Safe When Traveling Abroad

The holidays are coming, and many will travel abroad either officially or on leave. Traveling to a foreign country can be an enjoyable and satisfying experience for Airmen and their families.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a novice, you should know what to do before making a trip, measures that can protect you and give you peace of mind.

As part of your research on the country you are visiting, visit the U.S. Department of State website, which includes profiles of foreign countries and important information such as travel advisories. The site also has information on embassies and consulates; entry requirements; currency regulations; health conditions; local laws and matters of crime and security; driving conditions; unstable areas; and health and medical facilities. Also consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before leaving—you will receive information from the embassy and be contacted in case of a natural disaster, civil disorder, or family emergency. Enrollment can also help others reach you in an emergency. Information about travel and consular services can be found at http://travel.state.gov.

In addition to completing required briefings, debriefings, and trainings and adhering to the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide, the following are some beneficial foreign travel safety tips.

WHAT TO BRING

• Write down or save in your cell phone the numbers for the police, the fire department, your hotel, and the U.S. embassy or consulate, and familiarize yourself with your destination before you arrive. Have a practical emergency response plan. The emergency phone number for all of Europe is 112.
• Try not to attract attention to yourself. Do not dress in a way that makes you appear to be a wealthy tourist (e.g., expensive-looking watches or accessories).
• Travel light so you always have a free hand and do not have to put down your luggage.
• Be extremely cautious where you place your passport, cash, and credit cards. Some opt to keep them locked in the hotel safe; otherwise, put them in an inside pocket or a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap across your chest.
• In a carry-on bag, pack an extra pair of eyeglasses and any medications you need in their original container with the prescriptions.
• Bring photocopies of your identification and credit card information.
• Label your luggage with your name, address, and telephone number inside and out, using covered luggage tags.
• Get a telephone calling card and find access numbers to U.S. operators.

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME

• Do not bring large amounts of cash; instead use travelers checks and one or two major credit cards.
• Do not take valuables or items of sentimental value in case of lost luggage.
• Do not take your Social Security card, extra credit cards, your birth certificate, or marriage certificate (unless your name is different from what is on your passport).
• Give someone at home a list of the places you are going, and when you plan to leave, get there, and come back, and any relevant contact information.
• Leave photocopies of your identification documents, credit cards, airline tickets, and your travelers checks’ serial numbers with someone.

SAFETY IN PUBLIC PLACES

• Always be mindful of your surroundings and do not use narrow alleys or dark streets.
• Stay alert and avoid conflicts in places like bars, night clubs, and other meeting spaces.
• Behave professionally and respect the host nation’s laws, customs, and etiquette.
• Stay away from impromptu crowds and protests.
• If you encounter a protest, stay calm and remove yourself from the situation. Do not talk loudly or be conspicuous; avoid other probable locations for protests or disorder.
• Always travel with others—especially at night—and use different routes.
• Avoid dangerous locations and places with a lot of criminal activity.
• In case of an emergency where you are going or at any place you plan to go, let your chain of command know about your situation as quickly as possible.
• Keep an eye on local television, radio stations, news, and government and social media websites for current conditions.
• Do not tell people you do not know about your travel plans or personal information.
• Be careful when anyone offers to be your tour guide or tries to sell you something.
• Be on the lookout for pickpockets, who frequently work in pairs, with one creating a diversion of some sort.
• If you are lost, do not be obvious about it and only ask a person in a position of authority for directions.
• Familiarize yourself with how to use a pay telephone and have the required change, card, or token available.
• Memorize or write down a few phrases in the local language so that you can communicate with police or medical personnel.
• If you are robbed, do not fight back: give them what they want.

HOTEL SAFETY

• Always lock your door and meet any visitors in the lobby.
• If alone, do not get in the elevator with a suspicious-looking person.
• Familiarize yourself with the nearest fire exits in case you have to inch your way through a smoky hallway.

USING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

• Use only clearly marked taxis and ride-share services that include GPS tracking.
• On trains or buses, do not let strangers give you food or drinks, which could be drugged.
• On trains, if possible, lock your compartment, and if it cannot be locked, sleep in shifts with your fellow travelers.

DRIVING SAFETY

• Make sure your vehicle is functioning properly and that the gas tank is full. If possible, do not allow your tank to be less than one-half full.
• Always use local maps or navigation apps, if available.
• Consider getting an auto safety club membership in case of a vehicle mishap or car crash.
• If using a rental car, ask that any markings that identify it as a rental car be removed. If possible, select a car with universal door locks and power windows, which allows the driver more control of access. An air conditioner, when possible, can also enhance safety, letting you drive with windows closed so that thieves cannot snatch purses through open windows.
• Always lock vehicle doors.
• Use safety belts.
• Try not to drive at night.
• If you have to carry valuables, keep them in the trunk and carry them with you if you get out of the car.
• If a parking garage or other secure area is not available, only park on a well-lighted street.
• Never give a ride to a hitchhiker.
• Do not get out of your car if you see suspicious-looking people.
• Watch for possibly criminal pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders, who may try to flag you down, offer help for supposed car problems, smash windows, or try to run you off the road or rear-end you.