Safe Travel Tips

 

Passports – McCombs Travel suggests carrying a Passport Book for any and all international travel.  Even though exceptions exist, we feel that the only way to leave the country is with Passport in hand.  You can find all necessary Passport application information HERE.

Mobile Phones – The days of calling cards are all but gone!  Mobile phones can now be used almost anywhere in the world.  Most mobile carriers offer phones for rent or for purchase that will function in most of the developed world.  Note that mobile devices operate on one of two network types, GSM or CDMA.  Some devices are considered global phones and will operate on both networks.  Others will only operate on one network or the other.  If you’re traveling to a country whose network will not support your phone, you will be able to rent a phone at your nearest mobile carrier location.  Also, note that most carriers require callers to have “international roaming” enabled before your device will function abroad.

Department of State – The Department of State travel website is a great resource for researching visa and passport requirements, travel warnings, US Embassy locations, and all sorts of other useful information when planning travel abroad.  We suggest always checking the Department of State website for information on the countries that you’ll be visiting.  Click HERE to visit the website.

U.S. Embassies – If you’re traveling abroad, and emergency arises, your best bet may be to find the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consular Office.  The U.S. Embassy website will give you information regarding location and contact numbers for offices throughout the world.  We suggest printing a list of local offices in the areas that you’ll be traveling, in the unlikely event that an emergency arises.  Click HERE to view the U.S. Embassy website.

Centers for Disease Control – Another useful resource to research prior to departing for travel abroad is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.  This resource provides useful information on any recommended or required immunization, health warnings, outbreaks, etc. for countries all over the world.   Click HERE to view the CDC website.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program – The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), is a program offered by the Department of State.  This program lets you declare your international travel to the Department of State, list emergency contacts, lodging information, etc.  This information can be very useful in the event of an emergency.  This provides a means by which your friends or loved ones can contact you and vice versa. The STEP website can be found by clicking HERE.

TSA Carry-On Restrictions – By now, most of us are familiar with the various restrictions that the TSA now has in place with regard to what we can and can’t bring onto an airplane.  This site spells out all of the various restricted items, as well as information on the 3-1-1 rules related to liquids in your carry-on bag.  Click HERE to view the website.

Airplane Seat Reviews – Have trouble picking that perfect seat on your next flight?  Check out Seat Guru to find which seats are the ones to have on that trip across the pond.

Travel Itinerary Organization – One of my favorite free tools in keeping my travel organized is Tripit.  This site allows you to keep track of all of your flights, lodging, cruises, events, reservations, etc. of your upcoming vacation(s).  You can set your account to automatically scan your email for new travel bookings, or upload your plans manually.  They have a great mobile app too to keep track of your itinerary on the go.

Time Zone Conversion – We always suggest setting your watches to the time of your destination upon takeoff.  Additionally, we suggest visiting www.jetlagrooster.com to design a personalized plan to help you reduce the effects of jet lag.  Click HERE for a simple time zone converter.

Currency Conversion – It’s very important to know the conversion rate from USD to the country that you’re visiting.  We also always suggest that you choose to pay in local currency when using a credit or debit card abroad.  This will result in a more favorable conversion rate.  Be sure to download and update a currency conversion app on your mobile device throughout your trip to be sure that you’re always getting fair conversions.  Click HERE for currency conversion. 

Getting Cash – Chances are, you’ll need cash at some point when traveling abroad.  Many countries readily accept U.S. Dollars, but many don’t, especially in Europe.  We typically suggest using your Debit Card at a foreign ATM to get the best conversion rates.  We suggest requesting cash in the local currency, rather than converted to U.S. dollars.  Be sure to check with your banks and credit card companies prior to departure.  You’ll need to add travel notices and look into foreign ATM and transaction fees to make sure that your cards won’t be blocked and that you won’t incur astronomical fees for using your cards outside of the country.

Weather – It’s a good idea to know the weather and general climate of the areas that you’re visiting.  Click HERE to check the weather report for your destination.

Power Conversion – Be sure to check out the electrical configuration in the countries that you’ll be visiting.  Different countries operate on different voltages and/or plug configurations than the U.S.  You’ll need power adapters and possibly a power converter to power your electronic devices safely abroad. 

General Tips for Safer Travel:

• Divide up your cash, credit cards, and debit cards, and keep them in separate places.  In the event that you are mugged, lose something, etc., it’s best to have a backup stash to get you through the rest of the trip.  We also suggest carrying a travel wallet that is worn under your pants.  Just another way to diversify where your valuables are kept.  It’s also wise to carry copies of your passport and keep the original in your hotel or cruise ship safe.
• Leave jewelry, expensive handbags, and other valuables at home.  If you make yourself a target, you’re more likely to become one.
• Stay in groups and near other people.  No matter where you are, ending up in a dark alley, alone, is asking for trouble.
• Drink responsibly, and never drink alone.  Overindulging is a good way to get lost and/or put yourself in a precarious situation.  If you choose to partake, be sure someone in your group is responsible for staying sober and getting your group back to the ship or resort safely.
• Have a plan.  Try to have a rough idea of how to get around the area that you’re visiting before leaving the ship or resort.  This will increase your chances of navigating an area without getting lost or ending up in the wrong neighborhood.