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Top Five Travel Tips for Safe Travel

When you're going on vacation to get away from it all, you don't want to leave safety behind. Whether you are traveling abroad or driving cross country, there are some things you can do to help ensure a safe and happy trip.

1. Prevention and preparation are worth their weight in gold. Plan ahead in order to minimize problems that might crop up while you're away from home. Some of the steps you can take to be ready for emergencies include:

- Putting together a "medical envelope" for each member of your family. It should include a brief medical history, notes on any allergies, copy of your insurance card and proof of other medical insurance, as well as copies of prescriptions for regular medications and an extra prescription for eyeglasses just in case.

- Make copies of your passport, a list of the credit cards you are carrying and the phone number and instructions for notifying your credit card company if your cards are lost or stolen.

- Bring along a first aid/emergency kit that's geared for your trip. Depending on your plans, it may be as lightweight as your favorite pain reliever and some adhesive bandages for a trip to a metropolitan city, to a full-fledged first aid kit for car travel.

2. Keep your money safe - and discourage thieves. Pickpockets often target ports and other tourist areas. You can keep your money safe with some common sense precautions.

- Only carry what you'll need on your person. Leave the rest back in the hotel or in the cruise ship safe.

- Wear your money next to your body - under shirts and jackets.

- If you carry a fanny pack, thread the belt through your belt loops.

- Tuck your purse or bag under your arm, next to your body.

- Carry as little cash as possible - and don't flash it around.

3. Be prepared for auto travel. If you are traveling by automobile, whether your own car or a rental, there are precautions you can take to be sure that you travel safely.

- Get your car thoroughly checked before you set out - fluid levels, tire pressure - the works.

- Carry drinkable water with you in the car.

- Pack an emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, a flashlight, a blanket and other emergency necessities.

- Opt for roadside assistance insurance, whether in your own car or in a rental.

- Stop at least every two hours to get out, walk around and stretch your legs. It will keep you alert.

- Bring entertainment for the kids if you're traveling with the children. Entertained children are far less likely to be a distraction while you're driving.

4. Keep abreast of travel and health alerts. There are many events and conditions that can compromise your safety while you're traveling, a lot of them outside your control. Political happenings, outbreaks of disease and unexpected severe weather can create unsafe conditions for travelers. The U.S. Department of State issues regular travel advisories for destinations around the world on their government web site. In addition, you can sign up for travel advisories and alerts on a web site that tracks alerts issued by many different governments, along with weather advisories and health alerts. Knowing political, weather and health conditions at your destination and at stops along the way can let you make plans to either avoid them or be prepared for them.

5. Be knowledgeable when traveling abroad. Knowing the customs of the country you are visiting can keep you from making dangerous mistakes. One of the best sources for information when you're traveling abroad is the U.S. Department of State. The State Department issues regularly updated Consular Information Sheets for each country in the world. In them, you'll find entry requirements, currency regulations, information about the security and safety situation, unusual health conditions, areas of instability, the political situation - even road and driving conditions.

In particularly dangerous situations, the State Department may issue a Travel Warning, suggesting that Americans defer travel to a specific country of area. It may also post Public Announcements where transitory dangerous situations exist. Among the situations where the State Department has made Public Announcements are political coups, anniversaries of terrorist events and pre-election disturbances.

Travel advisories and Consular Information Sheets are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online at www.travel.state.gov. In addition, you can get the latest information by calling 1-888-407-4747 during the hours of 8 am to 8 pm Eastern U.S. time, or in person at any regional passport agency or U.S. Embassy. Finally, you can write for the information sheets on the countries you plan to visit at Office of American Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520.

Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning travel and vacation planning including http://www.flightcentre.ca/Discount Travel | Air Travel

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