Safety Tips To Be Safe Not Sorry

A Huffington Post article by blogger and traveler Stephanie Be has some great tips to keep you safe as you study abroad! It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and getting advice from others who have traveled can help keep you safe as you adventure!

 Here are five great safety tips from Stephanie:

1. Keep the address to your accommodation.

In both English and the native tongue written in both your phone's notes (or snap a photo) and in a little notebook (phone batteries die). Everyone in your group should do this as reality is, you might lose your friends.

2. Get travel insurance and register with S.T.E.P.

If your insurance doesn't already cover you overseas. I know heaps of people (usually British for some reason) who get injured overseas and have to head home or pay medical costs up front. Register with S.T.E.P. (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)

3. If you  think you are being followed as you’re walking somewhere.

Stop to ask security or a public place for help. You can walk into a hotel that's not yours to ask for help. Whatever you do, don't walk to where you're staying.

4. Keep money in more than one location.

You won’t lose everything in case you’re robbed or pickpocketed.

5.  Pay the $20 - $40 to get an international sim card.

You can pop this into your iPhone and have internet everywhere. Google Maps you will generally show you where a cab is taking you and Google Translate can help you ask locals questions.

Here are five more safety tips from us at ClearCause to keep you safe!

6. Always be aware of your surroundings

No matter where you are, be extra cautious and aware as you explore during your study abroad trip. Make sure you always know where you are as you travel. Stay one step ahead of pickpockets and thieves by keeping your stuff secure. Try not to give off a “tourist” vibe - this draws unwanted attention to you. Be cautious in giving personal information away in casual conversation with people you may have just met. Keep local emergency information with you at all times, in case of potential dangerous situations.

7. Stay updated on Travel Alerts and Travel Warnings

The State Department Travel Website regularly posts Travel Warnings to warn you to postpone travel to certain countries due to civil unrest, dangerous conditions, terrorist activity, or sometimes because the U.S. has no diplomatic relations within the country and may not be able to assist you in time of need. Travel Alerts send out information about terrorist threats or other short-term conditions that could be a risk to you and your travel plans. This information is crucial - keep yourself educated!

8. Copy your Travel Documents

Make two copies of your travel documents in case of emergency or if your valuable documents are lost or stolen as you travel! You can leave a copy of your travel documents with a friend or family member at home. Someone should always know exactly where you are staying at all times and how to contact you if need be. You can carry the other copy of your documents with you, but stored separately from your original documents. Prepare for the worst so you aren’t caught off-guard!

9. Get Vaccinated

Did you know some countries require foreign visitors to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (a Yellow Card) or other proof that they have had their necessary inoculations or medical tests required to enter the country? This is something you need to know. Check out the State Department’s website for country specific information. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) can provide you their recommendations for vaccinations and other travel health precautions for your trip abroad.

10. Prepare for Emergency

Before going abroad, you should have the number of the U.S. Embassy in your designated country. Find out where the closest U.S. Embassy may be on the State Department’s website. If your family needs to get ahold of you in case of an emergency back home, they can call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (during business hours) or 202-647-5225 (after hours). The State Department will get the message to the consular officers in the country where you are.  The consular officers will then locate you, pass on any urgent messages, and, if you wish, report back to your family in accordance with the Privacy Act.

Use these tips or pass them onto loved ones who will be traveling soon. We promise it will be worth it.