safety of travel

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

9 Ways To Travel More Safely

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Whether you're traveling within the U.S. or to a foreign country, you should take extra precautions to stay safe. Distractions born of travel — such as taking in the sights, eating delectable food and exploring new cities — can increase your risk.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

These international and domestic travel safety tips will help you reduce your risk so you can enjoy your vacation and avoid trouble as much as feasible. Here's how to travel safely — ranging from actions that can be implemented on the fly and ones that require a bit more preparation.

1. Digitize important documents

Your wallet or purse is filled with important documents that criminals can exploit. Leave unnecessary items at home (like your Social Security card) and make copies of everything else you would need in an emergency, like prescriptions, a backup credit card (so you can at least make a digital purchase in a pinch) and your passport.

Take a picture and upload them to a secure folder on the web. This way, if anything is stolen, you can easily take steps to reduce the damage that criminals can cause. You can easily call the bank to cancel debit and credit cards and request a new ID from the embassy. You can also use a secure digital vault system like 1Password or LastPass to store these documents.

2. Minimize how much cash you carry

It is important to have a little cash when traveling, but most retailers accept credit cards, even abroad. Not having cash minimizes your wallet's value to a thief, and you can dispute unknown charges from a card. Just make sure to carry a card that has no foreign transaction fees when traveling internationally.

3. Look less like a tourist

The more you dress and act like a local, the less risk there is from criminals targeting you as a tourist. Adapting your style to that of the locals, walking with confidence and keeping maps hidden can help you blend in. When using directions on your phone, only look at it briefly while walking.

Further, familiarize yourself with the city and your route before leaving the hotel. If you do need to look up directions for an extended period of time, consider stepping into a store or cafe to do so, rather than staying outside.

4. Share your itinerary with someone you trust

Whether you're traveling alone or with others, share your itinerary with someone you trust back home. Check in once a day to let them know that you've made it to your next destination or back to your hotel. These small steps increase your safety during travel.

It's also wise to create and share a safe word so that family or friends would know if you're in trouble, even if the conversation seems normal to someone else who may be listening. You can take this a step further and consider sharing your live location with a trusted friend or family member via your smartphone.

5. Research travel advisories for destinations

According to the U.S. Department of State, "conditions can change rapidly in a country at any time." Its website keeps a continuous list of travel advisories in destinations around the world. While these advisories don't always mean that you shouldn't travel, they do help make you aware of the potential conditions you'll find when you arrive, or areas to avoid.

Check the State Department website before making travel plans, and again before you depart. Somewhere that may have been safe when you booked your trip may have deteriorated since then.

6. Sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , or STEP, is a free service from the State Department that allows citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates. The information that you provide also makes it easier for the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

7. Notify credit card companies of your travel plans

Because you may be traveling to cities outside your normal spending patterns, let your bank know your dates and destinations of travel. Many banks allow you to notify them via your online banking portal.

This will minimize the potential of the bank locking your account due to perceived fraudulent transactions, which could leave you stranded.

Additionally, consider bringing a backup credit card.

8. Be careful with public Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi can open your devices and sensitive information to hackers. Using a VPN service is one of the best ways we know of to stay safe in an airport, when exploring your destination or at your hotel. VPN services create a secure connection to protect your personal information when browsing the internet or using web-connected apps on an open connection.

Security.org , a security product review site, conducted a study in June 2020 and found that just 31% of U.S. internet users use a VPN service for public Wi-Fi connections. That means almost 70% of public Wi-Fi users are at risk of being hacked.

9. Get travel insurance

To improve both your physical and financial safety, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy ahead of your trip. This safety net is helpful in avoiding out-of-pocket expenses for emergency medical treatment, trip delays, cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage or evacuations.

Most policies will reimburse travelers for unused accommodations, transit or activities that were nonrefundable but had to be canceled for a covered reason. Similarly, if your luggage is lost by an airline or train company, you’ll likely get reimbursed through the baggage protection on your policy. Plus, if your policy has emergency medical coverage, you won’t be hit with a huge bill for medical attention overseas (where your U.S.-based health insurance is likely not useful).

Some credit cards come with built-in protections, whereas others don’t — in the case of the latter, you will need to purchase a stand-alone policy .

If finding ways to travel safely is your goal …

Now that we've shared some tips on how to travel safely, you can travel with more confidence and less risk. Though implementing most of these tips has little or no cost, they may take time to set up. Investing the time to increase your travel safety will be well worth it if you can avoid dangerous situations that can interrupt or ruin your next trip.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

Routine Vaccines

It’s important to be up to date on recommended routine vaccines prior to travel, including Flu, RSV and COVID-19.

Find a Clinic

Advice for Travelers

Personalized Health Information Tool for Global Travel

Disease Directory

Frequently Asked Questions

CDC Yellow Book

Pre-travel Rapid Evaluation Portal for Patients

Clinician Resources

Research and Surveillance                                                     

• Medical Tourism
• Cholera Information for Health Care Professionals
• COVID-19 Travel Information
• Travel Industry Resources

Learn about CDC’s Traveler Genomic Surveillance Program that detects new COVID-19 variants entering the country.  

Sign up to get travel notices, clinical updates, & healthy travel tips.

See the full list of  Travel Health Notices , including:

Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions

• New   Chikungunya in Maldives May 28, 2024
• Global Polio May 23, 2024
• Diphtheria in Guinea April 23, 2024

Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles May 28, 2024
• New   Meningococcal Disease in Saudi Arabia - Vaccine Requirements for Travel During the Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages May 20, 2024
• Dengue in Asia and the Pacific Islands May 16, 2024

There are no Warning , Alert, Watch, COVID-19 Very High, COVID-19 High, COVID-19 Moderate, COVID-19 Low, COVID-19 Unknown, Level 4, or Level 3 notices currently in effect.

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

• COVID-19 travel advice

Considering travel during the pandemic? Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19 . But even if you're vaccinated, it's still a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and others while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, you're less likely to become seriously ill or spread COVID-19 . You can then travel more safely within the U.S. and internationally. But international travel can still increase your risk of getting new COVID-19 variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should avoid travel until you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
• Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
• Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
• Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Get vaccinated.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
• Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

• Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
• Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
• Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
• Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
• Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
• Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
• Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
• Vaccine recommendations for staff
• Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
• Contactless payment
• Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
• Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

• Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
• Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

Products and Services

• A Book: Endemic - A Post-Pandemic Playbook
• Begin Exploring Women's Health Solutions at Mayo Clinic Store
• A Book: Future Care
• Antibiotics: Are you misusing them?
• COVID-19 and vitamin D
• Convalescent plasma therapy
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• COVID-19: How can I protect myself?
• Herd immunity and respiratory illness
• COVID-19 and pets
• COVID-19 and your mental health
• COVID-19 antibody testing
• COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu
• Long-term effects of COVID-19
• COVID-19 tests
• COVID-19 drugs: Are there any that work?
• COVID-19 in babies and children
• Coronavirus infection by race
• COVID-19 vaccine: Should I reschedule my mammogram?
• COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know
• COVID-19 vaccines
• COVID-19 variant
• COVID-19 vs. flu: Similarities and differences
• COVID-19: Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms?
• Debunking coronavirus myths
• Different COVID-19 vaccines
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• Fever: First aid
• Fever treatment: Quick guide to treating a fever
• Fight coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission at home
• Honey: An effective cough remedy?
• How do COVID-19 antibody tests differ from diagnostic tests?
• How to measure your respiratory rate
• How to take your pulse
• How to take your temperature
• How well do face masks protect against COVID-19?
• Is hydroxychloroquine a treatment for COVID-19?
• Loss of smell
• Mayo Clinic Minute: You're washing your hands all wrong
• Mayo Clinic Minute: How dirty are common surfaces?
• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pregnancy and COVID-19
• Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Safety tips for attending school during COVID-19
• Sex and COVID-19
• Shortness of breath
• Thermometers: Understand the options
• Treating COVID-19 at home
• Unusual symptoms of coronavirus
• Vaccine guidance from Mayo Clinic
• Watery eyes

U.S. travel resources

• Check CDC recommendations for travel within the U.S.
• Review testing requirements for travel to the U.S.
• Look up restrictions at your destination .
• Review airport security measures .

Related resources

Your gift holds great power – donate today.

Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

TSA's Top Travel Tips

TSA partnered with Stars and Stripes News for special military guide

The special guide for service members and their families includes travel tips, such as how to prepare, pack and declare a firearm, checkpoint dos and don’ts, and an inside look at some of TSA’s programs and employees, with a special military emphasis.

Kids rule the airport!

Traveling with children. Those words can strike fear in the hearts of even seasoned travelers. How does one prepare for the ‘excitement’ of bringing young travelers to the airport? We have the answer to three of the most common issues.

Strollers, car seats, breastmilk, oh my!

It can be stressful traveling with baby gear any time of year. Check out this video for tips on navigating through the security screening process with these items. And don’t forget, if you need assistance – just ask – we’re happy to help!

Refresh your memory on the liquid rules

We all know by now that a turkey sandwich is not a liquid, but it can still be confusing when you’re figuring out how to pack your liquids. Watch this video and it will all be crystal clear.

TSA PreCheck® = game changer

Who doesn’t want to get through security faster? TSA PreCheck® allows you to do just that. It’s quick and easy security screening for travelers we know more about – and have earned the esteemed title of “Trusted Traveler.” Applying is easy and once you’re a member- you’ll never want to go back.

How not to be “That Guy” at the airport checkpoint

If you’re like most travelers, you likely don’t like to hear the sound of tapping feet and heavy sighs as your fellow travelers wait for you to prepare your items for security. Want to get through security as fast as possible, while still being safe? Check out these tips for domestic travel from your friends at TSA.

Can you pack your meds in a pill case and more questions answered

One of the more popular questions we get from travelers is: “Can I travel with my medication?” The answer is yes, with some qualifiers. Here are a few tips that you might find helpful.

How to know you’ve forgotten something at the checkpoint

Ever gotten on a plane and felt like you were missing something? Here’s a list of the most common items left behind at the security checkpoint. Take note, so it doesn’t happen to you!

Taking your human on a plane: what every pet needs to know

Hey, down here! Are we going to the airport again? No big deal… we’re in this together, and that means we both have to go through security screening.

Get Ready for Game Day

Ah, fall! A time for falling leaves, cooling temperatures, and pumpkin spice flavored everything. But for sports fans, fall means the return of football. Players at all levels, from pee wee to the pros, will be taking the field once again. And if you’re traveling to see the Tide roll or the Eagles soar, we have some tips to help you avoid a penalty flag during your airport screening experience.

Travel Tips that Your Mama Will Love

Everyone knows that there’s no sweeter gift for mom than a visit from you! But if you must bring along a gift, we have a few dos and don’ts to make sure your screening experience is a smooth one.

Fashion dos and don’ts while going through the checkpoint!

Avoid a fashion faux pas by forgetting to do this on your next airport visit.

Keep the Change

Pennies, nickels and dimes don’t seem like much… just a jiggling in your pockets, right? Every day, thousands of people leave their loose change at TSA security checkpoints across America. You may think that a few pennies don’t add up to very much. Just wait until you find out how much passengers leave in those checkpoint bins!

You’ll kick yourself if you forget these travel tips!

Millions of people from all over the world are tuning in to this year’s World Cup. Summer travel season is in full swing so be sure to be ahead of the game when traveling. Shoot and score with these helpful tips that will help you dribble through security with ease.

Going GREEN while traveling through airport security!

Earth Day is every day for TSA. You can do your part to help our planet with these green-friendly travel tips.

Feel like a Superhero with these ASTONISHING travel tips!

Dust off your comic books and cosplay outfits and make room on your shelves for even more cool collectibles! The Granddaddy of annual comic conventions is HERE! Here are 4 helpful tips for all the fanboys and fangirls out there!

5 stressors every pregnant woman has at the airport

Traveling at any time can be stressful, but it can be even more challenging when you’re pregnant.

Too cool for school

The time has come for students to head back to class. If you’ll be flying off to school, we have some tips to make your back-to-school travels as stress-free as possible. After all, nothing should cause you stress other than your first exams and textbook costs!

Two Carry-on Bags in Paradise: A Love Story

If loving a safe flight is wrong, then we don’t want to be right! Valentine’s Day is almost here and many of us will be traveling with gifts for the one we love. Check out some of the most common items screened at security checkpoints nationwide during this romantic time of year.

When flying on a broom just won’t do

Hello all you ghouls and ghosts! It’s almost that bewitching time which means you’re probably itching to hop onto your brooms and fly to a Halloween adventure from your local airports. Here are the tips to make sure your trick-or-treating in the airports is just as sweet as your bucket of candy (without all of the cavities).

Summer Blockbuster -- Automated Screening Lanes coming to an airport near you

Automated Screening Lanes are a state-of-the-art checkpoint technology that enhances security efficiency while decreasing the amount of time travelers spend during the security screening process. These lanes are currently in airports in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis, Miami, Houston, Newark, Seattle and Atlanta.

Turkey trot on your way through the airport

Thanksgiving is a time for joy, a time for family, and of course a time for glorious, sumptuous, food! Traveling with these mouth-watering dishes, can sometimes be tricky, so find out what you can pack and what you should leave behind at home.

The Spirit of the Season

Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa all begin in December. No matter the religious holiday, TSA has tips for items that you may be traveling with in celebration of the season.

Fly Like Rudolph for the Holiday Season

Deck the moving walkways with your jolly selves as you venture off to your cozy destinations this holiday season! Since traveling with festive fare can sometimes be tricky, check out our tips below to make sure you and your fellow elves make it through the security checkpoint in a mistletoe minute.

Safety Tips for Traveling

Whether you travel often or you’re getting ready for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, it’s important to think about safety as part of your travel preparations. The following tips can help travelers plan for a safe and comfortable trip and may reduce the risk of many different types of crimes, including sexual violence.

Before you go

• Share your travel information. Before you leave, share your itinerary with someone you trust. Include the address and phone number of your accommodations and transportation information, like flight numbers.
• Research ground transportation. Research taxi and ridesharing companies that are available and reputable in the area. Do they take credit cards or only cash? Is there a number you can call if you have a bad experience? If you plan on taking public transportation, look for a mobile app that has real-time updates for the transportation system at your destination. This can help you avoid waiting for a bus in an isolated area.
• Familiarize yourself with the destination. Use tools like Google Maps to scout out the area around your destination. Is there a hospital or police station located near where you’re staying? Check to see if there are local bus stops in the area or a shopping center where you can easily find a cab. If you plan on going out in the evenings, plan your return trip in advance.
• Plan for safety abroad. Check out the State Department’s resources for international travelers . Identify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and store their contact information. Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24/7. You can also register your international trip for free with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . If you are planning to travel on a cruise ship, read the safety information provided by the cruise line and learn more about cruise ship safety before you board.

When you get there

• Beware of “Vacation Brain.” It’s nice to relax and put your worries on pause, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Many vacation destinations can create a false sense of security. You may become fast friends with the people you meet, but give them time to earn your trust.
• Keep track of what you drink . Be smart about what drink. Not familiar with an ingredient? Look it up on your smartphone. Keep track of how much you’ve had to drink, and be aware of danger signs. If something doesn’t seem right—for example, if you feel more intoxicated than you should—or if a situation is making you uncomfortable, get to a safe place as soon as you can. Learn more about steps you can take to stay safe if you want to drink .
• Are you familiar with your surroundings? Take note of local landmarks, like drugstores or restaurants, that can help you feel more oriented. If something happens, you’ll know where to turn for help.
• If you get lost, do you have the address of your lodging written down or memorized in the local language?
• If you are separated from the group, is there a designated place where they would go to look for you?
• If your phone dies, do you have a portable backup charger and a few phone numbers memorized? If you’re traveling out of the US, have you activated international service?
• If you’re planning on driving, do you have access to a map if your GPS doesn’t work?
• Do you know where the nearest hospital or police station is and how to contact them?

In an emergency abroad

If you find yourself in an emergency situation abroad, contact the U.S. Department of State. They can connect you with a variety of resource to help, wherever you are.

• From the U.S. & Canada: 1.888.407.4747
• From Overseas: +1.202.501.4444
• You can also contact the nearest  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you’re visiting. Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24/7.
• If you are a victim of a crime, you can have the support of a U.S. consular officer to help navigate the process. This person cannot investigate crimes or provide legal services, but they can help you navigate the criminal justice system in the country you’re visiting. If you contact or report to local law enforcement, be sure to request a copy police report.

If you experience a crime like sexual assault while traveling, remember that it is not your fault. Help is available. To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at  online.rainn.org .

Related Content

Airport security for survivors.

Airport security can be stressful for any traveler, but for some survivors of sexual assault the security screening process is a little more sensitive.

Reporting to Law Enforcement

Understanding how to report and learning more about the experience can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.

Practicing Active Bystander Intervention

When you see something that doesn’t seem right, there are simple ways to step in and help a friend.

What are the warning signs for child sexual abuse?

Every 68 seconds, another american is sexually assaulted., more than 87 cents of every $1 goes to helping survivors and preventing sexual violence..

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

A traveler walks through Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport May 13, 2020. Netherlands-based KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, like most carriers, now requires passengers to cover their faces to board planes.

• CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

Is it safe to travel now? It depends.

Here are the best practices for getting on the road without endangering your health—or anyone else’s.

Although many restrictions are still in place, travel is slowly starting up again. People locked down for months want to stretch their legs, see something other than a screen, and boost the economy. Restaurants and some tourist attractions (Florida’s Universal Orlando Resort, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston) are opening for local and domestic travel. A few countries (Greece, Italy) are starting to welcome international travelers.

But how can you safely explore a world of potentially deadly encounters with friendly people who might infect you (or who you might expose to the virus)? Is the airplane really a soaring petri dish? Is visiting a national park possible while social distancing? And if you choose a seemingly safer road trip, can you stop to use a public restroom?

A poll by National Geographic and Morning Consult finds that just 2 percent of 2,200 Americans said they’d jump on a plane now, and only another 8 percent would consider it later this summer. That’s wise with travel advisories still in place, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warnings against international travel and cautions about travel within the U.S. , and with many countries and states ( Maine , Hawaii ) still requiring 14 days of post-travel self-isolation regardless of symptoms.

As we recently report, travel planning is good for your mental health . Knowing more about real and perceived COVID-19 risks might help you feel better about getting out as roadblocks lift. Here are best practices for travelers.

Should I get on an airplane?

Challenge: Being crammed next to strangers in a flying metal tube

Best practice: It’s reassuring to know that “data to date suggest only rare possible occurrences of in-flight transmission” of COVID-19, says Dr. Lin H. Chen , associate professor at Harvard Medical School and director of Cambridge’s Travel Medicine Center at Mount Auburn . She explains that if everyone follows the World Health Organization’s guidelines , the risk of transmission aboard planes, and anywhere else, is significantly reduced.

A plastic drape covers an airline check-in counter at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on March 27, 2020. Barriers like this between workers and travelers are meant to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Many people think they get sick on an airplane, but the reality is that the air quality on an airplane is actually really good—high amounts of clean outdoor air and all recirculated air passes through a HEPA filter,” says Joe Allen . An assistant professor and director of the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Allen explains that you’re more likely to pick up a bug standing in line at airport security, at the boarding gate, or on the subway.

Airports and airlines are trying to minimize the risks of contagions in their often-crowded environments. Intensive cleaning is now the norm; planes are now being fogged with electrostatic disinfectant that sticks to surfaces like seatbelts. Some airlines give you wipes and the Transportation Security Administration has upped the size of hand sanitizer bottles you can bring on board from 3.4 ounces to 12.

(Related: What’s the safest seat to claim on the plane?)

Face coverings are required to board most flights. Airlines are trying to seat people so they have more space. But that doesn’t necessarily mean middle seats are remaining empty, especially with reductions in numbers of flights. There’s no national U.S. policy yet, but several airlines are checking for fevers. They won’t let you fly with a temperature above 100.4℉ (though testing is far from foolproof).

Internationally, some destinations require proof of a negative COVID-19 test; other destinations test passengers on arrival. Many have mandatory 14-day quarantines, sometimes requiring you to submit a quarantine plan for approval, download an app, or get a tracking bracelet to ensure you follow the rules. Vaccination certification may eventually be needed for travel, but so far the science doesn’t support “immunity passports” or proof that a person has had COVID-19 and is, in theory, immune.

Should I head to a national park?

Challenge: Avoiding big crowds in the great outdoors

Best practice: “There are many health benefits to being outside in nature, and the risks are low and manageable,” says Allen. The key is keeping a six-foot distance. A good practice at a park is to pretend that other people are grizzly bears and stay away from them.

Check the National Park Service’s find-a-park website to see if the park is closed or partially closed (restrooms and food services, in particular), for limits on numbers of visitors, and other rules like mask-wearing. Avoid group activities that involve close contact and practice social distancing at camp sites. Joyce Sanchez , an infectious disease specialist and medical director of the Travel Health Clinic at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, reminds us that “summer is tick and mosquito season,” so don’t forget your bug spray and sunscreen (though perhaps a face-mask tan will become a badge of honor that you’re doing your part to protect others).

(Related: Learn how COVID closures are impacting the small town bordering Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.)

Should I rent a cottage by the sea?

Challenge : Assessing the safety of beaches and vacation rentals

Best practice: Like park trips, seaside vacations are great if you can stay away from others and obey beach closure rules. There’s no evidence you can catch COVID-19 from the water (it’s other people you should be concerned about). Remember to bring your two best beach friends: reef-safe sunscreen free of oxybenzone and hand sanitizer.

A woman sunbathes in a roped-off social-distancing zone on the beach in La Grande Motte in southern France.

Regarding rentals, ask whether properties are cleaned according to public health guidelines, such as the WHO’s accommodation sector advice . Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Initiative includes a 24- to 72-hour vacancy period between guests (though cleaners may visit during that window), but it’s likely unnecessary given evidence that the coronavirus floats in the air only up to three hours. Since it’s possible for the virus to live on surfaces for two or three days , you could give high-touch surfaces an extra clean. As Chen says, “good hand washing should overcome potentially contaminated touching.” If anxiety outweighs the benefits of a vacation, it’s a sign you’re not ready to venture out yet.

Should I stay in a hotel?

Challenge: Distancing safely and trusting housekeeping

Best practice: Hotels that take better care of their employees (by providing them with personal protective equipment and paid sick leave) are more likely to take better care of you. Check the website of any hotel you’re considering to determine how they’re responding to COVID-19. Many U.S. hotels are following the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s new Safe Stay guidelines .

Choose properties that base their protocols on science, rather than things that sound good but have little effect or take focus away from areas that really matter. Look for hotels that have installed plexiglass at reception and that require staff to wear masks, or where you can check-in online and use your phone as your room key.

(Related: Want to stay healthy on the road? Follow these germ-fighting tips.)

In Pristina, Kosovo, a worker in a protective suit sprays disinfectant in a hotel room to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Avoid elevators and, if able, “take the opportunity to exercise and use the stairs,” advises Sanchez. Room service may be safer than the restaurant. Go for a swim if the pool isn’t crowded: Standard pool cleaning kills viruses, so the pool is probably safe; it’s the people you need to worry about. While clean rooms are important, what’s more important is staying six feet away from others. And, of course, wash your hands when you arrive in your room and again before you leave.

Should I use a public restroom?

Challenge: Taking care of business in busy bathrooms

Best practice: Assume public restrooms “are not properly disinfected and treat surfaces as if they have live virus on them,” says Sanchez. That said, it’s often necessary to use. When you do, choose single-stall and well-ventilated bathrooms if you can, and keep your distance from others.

Chen says that “good hand hygiene is key after using a public bathroom,” meaning wash and dry your hands; if there’s no soap, use hand sanitizer. She adds “I am unaware of any data to show that flushing aerosolizes SARS-CoV-2 and transmits the virus.” Regardless, it’s always good practice to put the lid down before you flush .

What about people who don’t wear masks?

Challenge: Staying safe while respecting others’ boundaries

Best practice: Following all the new COVID-19 protocols takes some getting used to. It’s easy to revert to pre-pandemic habits in new situations, when we’re stressed, and when we’re trying to relax and have fun. Being as kind and understanding as possible helps minimize stress.

Setting a good example is the best way to encourage others. Jonathon Day , associate professor and graduate program director at Purdue’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management , says “safety when traveling (and when out and about in general) is a ‘co-creation.’”

“If it’s someone you know who is non-mask-wearing [or] non-social-distancing, it might be worth discussing the reasoning behind these measures,” says Chen. Remember that not everyone can wear a mask and that we’re all human and can forget the new norms. You could politely ask anyone who gets too close “would you mind giving us a bit more space, please?” but it might be easier just to move away from them. It’s likely not worth the risk, or the stress, to confront a stranger. If you can’t escape the situation, ask a store manager or flight attendant for help.

Remember that, with communicable diseases, “if everyone is responsible to themselves and community/society, then we would all be safer,” says Chen.

Know the safety basics

We’re still learning about COVID-19. But one consensus is that it seems to spread most easily by close contact between people. The CDC says that touching objects isn’t the main way of contracting it .

This means that whenever you’re away from home, the most important thing you can do is maintain a six-foot (or more) distance from people you don’t live with. Wearing a face covering also minimizes the chance you’ll pass a virus or other illness to others.

Other key prevention measures, outlined by the World Health Organization and other public health authorities: washing your hands well, avoiding touching your face, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, disinfecting frequently touched items like your phone, and staying home if you’re sick. Practicing these measures keeps you—and everyone else—safer, regardless of how far you roam. “COVID-19 has shown that we have shared responsibilities to reduce spread,” says Chen, who’s president of the International Society of Travel Medicine .

General considerations for travel

During a pandemic, going to the grocery store—let alone traveling to another city or country—requires new protocols. Follow policies about lockdown restrictions and mandatory quarantines, both at home and at your planned destination. The CDC provides links to the rules of each state’s and territory’s health departments . Many international borders remain closed to nonessential travel, and some countries also limit domestic travel between regions.

Examine your personal situation. Extra cautions are needed for anyone at elevated risk of contracting COVID-19 . Check post-travel quarantine rules, including your employer’s. Just as important as protecting you and your loved ones is shielding other people. You don’t want to bring the virus from your community, especially to places with low case numbers, or bring it home (the CDC tracks cases and deaths by state and county ). Consider whether the benefits of travel outweigh the risk that you might spread the virus.

When deciding where to go and how you’ll get there, scrutinize how easy it will be to stay away from other people. “Generally speaking, driving is going to be safer than flying commercially from an infection standpoint because you can control how you reach your destination—who is sharing the car with you, what measures are used for disinfecting surfaces, where you stop along the way, and when you return,” says Sanchez.

Related Topics

• CORONAVIRUS
• BEACH ACTIVITIES

You May Also Like

9 travel stories our readers loved in 2023

6 tips to make your next beach trip more sustainable

For hungry minds.

A break in Llandudno, a vintage Welsh beachside resort with enduring appeal

New tools offer peace of mind for pandemic travel

10 best things to do in Alaska

A guide to Brighton, Britain's most progressive seaside resort

10 of the best hotels in Rio de Janeiro, from party houses to beach boltholes

• Environment
• Paid Content
• Photography
• Perpetual Planet

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

• TEFL Internship
• TEFL Masters
• Find a TEFL Course
• Special Offers
• Course Providers
• Teach English Abroad
• Find a TEFL Job
• About DoTEFL
• Our Mission
• How DoTEFL Works

Forgotten Password

• 29 Essential Travel Safety Tips: How to Travel Safely Abroad
• James Prior
• No Comments
• Updated February 23, 2024

Traveling abroad can be a thrilling adventure that broadens your horizons and creates lifelong memories. However, it’s important to remember that the world can be a diverse and sometimes unpredictable place. Ensuring your safety while exploring abroad should be a top priority. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 29 essential travel safety tips to help you minimize any risks and make the most of your time away.

So, read on to learn how to travel safely abroad.

Table of Contents

How to Travel Safely Abroad

Ready to embark on a trip of a lifetime? Before you go, it’s worth taking the time to consider any steps you can take to ensure your travel safety and help you stay safe abroad. After all, you want to return home with positive memories that you’ll talk about for years to come, not with an experience you’d rather forget!

Here is a list of 29 travel safety tips to help you set off on the right foot:

1. Research Your Destination

Before you embark on your journey, invest time in researching your chosen destination. Learning about the local culture, customs, and traditions not only enriches your travel experience but also helps you navigate unfamiliar situations. Additionally, understanding the local laws and regulations is vital to avoid any unintentional mishaps that could occur in a foreign country.

Start by consulting reliable travel guides and websites, reading up on local customs, and gathering insights from fellow travelers who have visited the same destination. The more informed you are about your chosen location, the better equipped you’ll be to respect local norms and stay safe.

2. Check Travel Advisories

One of the most crucial steps in travel safety is staying up-to-date with government travel advisories for your destination. These advisories provide valuable information about potential safety and security concerns, ranging from health risks to political instability. Government agencies like the U.S. State Department and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office regularly update their travel advisories with important insights and recommendations on different countries.

Keep in mind that travel advisories can change rapidly, so it’s essential to check for updates before and during your trip. While an advisory doesn’t necessarily mean you should cancel your plans, it does provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your itinerary and activities.

You can check here for the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories .

You can check here for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice .

3. Take Health Precautions & Get Vaccinations

Your health should be a top priority when traveling abroad. Visit a travel clinic or consult your healthcare provider well in advance of your departure to ensure you receive the necessary vaccinations and health advice tailored to your destination. Alternatively, you can do your own research online if you’re feeling confident.

Just remember, different countries have various health risks, including diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and typhoid. Some destinations may require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry. By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself and enjoy your journey without the worry of preventable health issues.

4. Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a non-negotiable aspect of international travel. It serves as a safety net, covering unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and more. While it may feel like an additional expense, it’s a small investment compared to the potential costs of unforeseen events while abroad. If you need medical attention and don’t have travel insurance you could run into some very high bills!

Choose a comprehensive travel insurance plan that suits your needs and destination. Read the fine print to understand what’s covered and ensure you have contact information for the insurance provider readily available in case of emergencies. Having travel insurance in place offers peace of mind and financial security during your journey.

It’s worth taking a copy of your travel insurance certificate with you so that you have it to hand in case you need it.

5. Register with Your Embassy

Before departing for your destination, take a moment to register with your country’s embassy or consulate. This simple step can be a lifesaver in emergencies, such as natural disasters or political unrest. It’s a free service, and when you register your government will have a record of your presence in the country, making it easier for them to contact you and provide assistance if needed.

Embassies and consulates can also offer valuable advice and information about local conditions. Additionally, they can help citizens abroad with lost passports, legal issues, and medical emergencies, serving as a reliable source of support while abroad.

6. Check Your Passport and Visa

Your passport is your key to international travel, so it’s essential to ensure it’s in order before leaving your home country. Check its expiration date; most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.

In addition to a valid passport, research and obtain the necessary visas for your destination. Visa requirements can vary widely from one country to another, so it’s vital to plan ahead. Failure to comply with visa regulations could result in denied entry or even deportation, so double-check your documents to avoid any unwelcome surprises upon arrival. You don’t want to be put on a flight home before you’ve even been able to set foot in the country!

7. Take Copies of Your Important Documents

One of the simplest yet most effective safety precautions you can take when traveling internationally is making copies of any important travel documents. Photocopy your passport, visa, and itinerary, and carry these copies separately from the originals. Additionally, scan or photograph your documents and store digital copies securely online, accessible through cloud storage or email. You should also do this with your travel insurance.

These precautions are invaluable if your documents are lost or stolen during your trip. With photocopies and digital copies of your important documents in hand, you can quickly prove your identity and facilitate replacements. Remember to keep your originals in a secure location, such as a hotel safe.

8. Travel Light

Overpacking can be tempting, but it can also be a safety hazard. Carrying excessive luggage can make you a target for thieves and hinder your ability to move around comfortably. To stay safe and mobile, pack only what you truly need for your journey.

Consider the climate and activities you’ll be participating in and pack accordingly. Opt for versatile clothing and lightweight, easy-to-carry luggage. By traveling light, you’ll have greater flexibility, reduce the risk of lost belongings, and enjoy a more stress-free journey.

9. Pack a First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is a travel essential that can come to your rescue in various situations. Include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you may need. Having a first aid kit on hand allows you to address minor injuries and ailments promptly, ensuring your trip continues smoothly.

10. Manage Your Finances

Managing your finances wisely is crucial when traveling abroad. Carry a mix of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and a travel money card. Diversifying your payment options is a noteworthy travel hack and ensures you’re prepared for various situations.

Keep emergency funds separate from your daily spending money, so you always have a backup in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Before departing, inform your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans to prevent unexpected card blocks due to suspicious international transactions. It’s worth just checking the balance on your debit card at an airport ATM when you arrive in a new country as it can help let the bank know you’re there.

11. Stay Informed

To stay safe while traveling abroad, it’s essential to stay informed about local conditions and events. Keep an eye on local news and current events in your destination to stay aware of any potential risks or developments that might affect your plans.

Political unrest, natural disasters, and health crises can all impact your travel experience. By staying informed, you can adjust your itinerary or make alternative arrangements to ensure your safety and well-being. Most importantly, trust your instincts—if a situation doesn’t feel right, take immediate steps to remove yourself from it.

12. Know Emergency Numbers

Understanding local emergency numbers is crucial for your safety while abroad. These numbers may vary from country to country, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the correct ones for your destination. In addition to knowing the local emergency number, find out the contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate in case you need assistance.

Having these numbers readily available can be a lifesaver in situations such as accidents, medical emergencies, or if you become a victim of crime. Be prepared to provide your location and details of the emergency when calling for assistance.

It’s also worth knowing the location of the nearest embassy and police station if you do find yourself in need of help.

13. Brush Up Your Language Skills

While English is widely spoken in many parts of the world, taking the time to learn basic phrases in the local language can enhance your travel experience and improve your safety. Simple greetings, expressions of gratitude, and phrases for asking for help can go a long way in building rapport with locals and navigating everyday situations.

Learning a few key phrases not only shows respect for the local culture but also ensures you can communicate effectively in case of emergencies or when seeking assistance. It’s a valuable skill that can open doors to new friendships and enrich your travel experience.

14. Secure Your Valuables

Protecting your valuables and personal belongings should be a top priority throughout your journey. Use a money belt or hidden pouch to carry your passport, cash, and essential documents. These items should be close to your body and out of sight, making it challenging for pickpockets to target you.

Additionally, take advantage of hotel safes to secure valuables when you’re not using them. This extra layer of protection ensures peace of mind while you explore your destination. When venturing out, avoid carrying unnecessary items like expensive jewelry or electronics that might attract thieves.

15. Blend In

To minimize the risk of drawing unwanted attention and potential theft, dress modestly and avoid wearing flashy clothing or excessive jewelry. While you may want to express your personal style, it’s important to remember that certain clothing choices can make you stand out as a tourist.

Before your trip, research the local dress code and cultural norms, and aim to blend in with the locals. This not only helps you stay safe but also shows respect for the local culture and customs. As a bonus, it can lead to more authentic interactions with the people you meet along the way.

16. Avoid Wearing Expensive Jewelry

While it’s tempting to showcase your favorite jewelry while traveling, it’s generally safer to leave expensive pieces at home. Wearing valuable jewelry like high-end watches can make you a target for theft. Instead, opt for more modest accessories that won’t attract undue attention. Remember, it’s the experiences and memories that truly enrich your journey, not the possessions you bring along.

17. Learn Self-Defense

While it may seem a bit leftfield and the hope is never to use it, learning basic self-defense techniques can provide an added layer of security. Consider taking self-defense classes before your trip to gain confidence and skills to protect yourself in an emergency. Self-defense training can also empower you to react calmly and effectively if faced with a threatening situation.

18. Ensure Transportation Safety

When it comes to transportation, safety should be a top concern. Research and choose reputable transportation providers for your journeys within your destination. This includes using well-established taxi companies, licensed tour operators, and reliable public transportation options.

Before entering a vehicle, confirm the fare or agree on a price with the driver to avoid disputes later. Be cautious when sharing rides with strangers, and trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, opt for a different mode of transportation or seek assistance.

Different countries have different types of transport so you may find yourself traveling in ways your not familiar with back home.

19. Avoid Unregistered Taxis

Taxis are a common mode of transportation in many countries, but not all taxi services are created equal. To ensure your safety, only use licensed and reputable taxi services. Avoid unregistered or unofficial taxis that may not adhere to safety standards or regulations.

Before getting into a taxi, ask the driver to turn on the meter or agree on a fixed fare. Make note of the taxi’s license plate number and driver’s identification information. This precaution helps ensure a smooth and secure journey to your destination.

20. Have Travel Companions

Traveling with companions can enhance your overall experience and provide an added layer of safety. Whether you’re exploring a bustling city or trekking through remote landscapes, sticking together with your travel companions is a smart practice.

Especially when visiting unfamiliar or potentially risky areas, the “buddy system” can deter potential threats and ensure someone is there to assist if you encounter any challenges. Communication and mutual support among your group are key to a safe and enjoyable journey.

21. Drink Responsibly

Enjoying local beverages can be an integral part of experiencing a new culture, but it’s essential to drink responsibly. Overindulgence can lead to poor decision-making and put your safety at risk.

Always know your limits, stay hydrated, and have a plan for getting back to your accommodation safely. Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers, and never leave your drink unattended to avoid the risk of tampering.

22. Stay Hydrated

Maintaining proper hydration is essential for your health and safety while traveling abroad. In some countries, tap water may not be safe to drink, so it’s important to rely on bottled water or purified water sources.

Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it with safe water as needed. Dehydration can lead to various health issues, including heat-related illnesses, so make it a habit to drink plenty of water throughout your travels. Be cautious when consuming street food and beverages, and opt for reputable establishments to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

23. Be Aware of Scams

Tourist destinations are often hotspots for scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers. Familiarize yourself with common tourist scams in your destination and be on the lookout for red flags.

Common scams may include pickpocketing, distraction tactics, fake tour guides, and counterfeit products. Stay vigilant, keep your belongings secure, and trust your instincts if someone approaches you with a suspicious offer or request for money.

24. Trust Your Instincts

Your intuition is a powerful tool when it comes to travel safety. If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your instincts and take immediate action to remove yourself from it.

Whether it’s a sketchy neighborhood, a pushy salesperson, or a suspicious interaction, prioritize your safety over everything else. It’s better to err on the side of caution and seek assistance or shelter if necessary.

25. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Maintaining awareness of your surroundings is a fundamental aspect of staying safe while abroad. Avoid walking around with headphones on or engrossed in your phone, as this can make you vulnerable to theft or accidents.

Stay alert, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. If it doesn’t come across as a safe place take steps to leave that location. Awareness is your first line of defense.

26. Travel During the Day

Whenever possible, plan your travel and exploration activities during daylight hours. Daytime offers better visibility and safety than venturing out at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.

If you need to travel at night, research safe transportation options and consider using reputable taxi services or ridesharing apps. Take extra precautions by avoiding walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas, and stay in well-traveled, well-lit areas when exploring after dark.

27. Check In with Friends and Family

In case of unexpected situations, having a trusted friend or family member who knows your whereabouts can be invaluable. Regularly check in with friends or family members back home to let them know you’re safe and where you are. Share your itinerary and update them on your plans.

Consider using a messaging app or social media to keep loved ones informed and leave them your accommodation details in case they can’t reach you by conventional means. It can also be worth leaving a friend or family member a copy of your passport or any other important documents before you leave in case you misplace them whilst away.

28. Ask Locals for Advice

Locals often possess invaluable insights about their hometown or region. Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations and ask for advice or recommendations.

Locals can provide tips on safe areas to visit, hidden gems, and the best places to eat. Their knowledge can help you make the most of your travels while avoiding potential pitfalls.

29. Avoid Unnecessary Risks

While travel often includes adventurous activities, it’s crucial to evaluate the risks involved and exercise caution. Think twice before engaging in risky behaviors such as wandering into unknown neighborhoods at night, taking part in extreme sports, scaling precarious cliffs for photos, or swimming in unfamiliar waters without a lifeguard.

Try to prioritize safety over thrill-seeking to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. And, if you are doing extreme sports or water activities, make sure you have insurance that covers the highest-risk activities.

Get Out There & Travel

Traveling abroad can be a transformative experience filled with adventure and cultural discovery. And, while safety should always be at the forefront of your travel plans, you shouldn’t let your concerns prevent you from taking your trip in the first place. By researching your destination, staying informed, and taking practical precautions, you can enjoy a secure and memorable journey.

Responsible and mindful travel not only enhances your personal safety but also contributes to a more positive and respectful interaction with the places and cultures you visit.

Just remember that these travel safety tips are adaptable to various destinations, and some countries will not be the same as other countries. Irrespective of this, by incorporating these tips into your travel safety routine they can help you navigate unfamiliar environments with confidence and minimize potential risks. So, use them as a foundation for safe and rewarding travels around the world.

With that, we wish you safe travels and bon voyage!

• Recent Posts

• 113+ American Slang Words & Phrases With Examples - May 29, 2024
• 11 Best Business English Courses Online - May 29, 2024
• How to Teach Business English - May 27, 2024

More from DoTEFL

11 Effective Ways to Learn Vocabulary Fast

• Updated January 28, 2024

How to Teach English to Spanish Speakers: 19 Must Have Tips

• Updated January 17, 2024

9 Cheap TEFL Courses Online in 2024 (& Special Offers)

• Updated May 7, 2024

How to Start an Online English Teaching Business (2024)

• Updated January 8, 2024

169 Metaphor Examples With Meanings: What Is a Metaphor?

• Updated April 21, 2023

19 Best Online Quiz Makers For 2024: Elevate Your Quizzes Today!

• Updated May 24, 2024
• The global TEFL course directory.

• EN - English
• PT - Portuguese
• ES - Spanish
• How it works
• Become a Host
• Download the app

Top Destinations

• United States
• United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

• Non-Profit School
• Permaculture project
• Eco Village
• Holistic Center
• Guest House
• How Worldpackers works

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

• Using Worldpackers
• Work exchange
• Social impact
• Plan your trip
• Women traveling
• Budget travel
• Solo travel
• Language learning
• Travel tips
• Get inspired
• Digital nomads
• Travel jobs
• Personal development
• Responsible travel
• Connect with nature

Top destinations

• South America
• Central America
• North America
• More destinations
• WP Life WP Life
• Exclusive discounts Discounts

15 simple travel safety tips everyone should know

Learn 15 easy ways to stay safe from scams, theft, and other common safety concerns while traveling. Everyone should know these simple travel safety tips that can be used anywhere.

Apr 03, 2024

From drive-by purse snatchers to identity thieves to much more dangerous criminals like kidnappers and sex traffickers, there's always some story in the news about someone taking advantage of travelers.

So far in my travels, I've never had any serious problems, thank goodness, and the vast majority of travelers will never fall victim to anything more serious than pick-pocketing. Even so, I always keep these safety practices in mind when I travel, and I recommend you do, too.

If you're planning your next trip and wondering how to travel safely , look no further than these 15 simple and straightforward travel safety tips  for your ultimate  safe travel guide .

Also, check out which are the safest places to travel right now  and this  trip preparation guide.

1. Don't wear flashy jewelry

Wearing expensive, flashy jewelry is one sure way to make yourself an obvious target for robbery. Leave it at home, friends, especially if you plan to travel to crowded areas!

2. Drink responsibly

This has to be one of the most important safety tips for travelers .

Lots of people enjoy exploring the local nightlife while traveling, and there's nothing wrong with that. But keep in mind that it's even more important than ever to drink responsibly when you're traveling .

When you're away from home you’re more likely to get lost or end up in a dangerous neighborhood, and being obviously drunk makes you an easy target for scams, robbery, or worse. 

Oh, and ladies, never forget the golden rule of safe drinking in public: keep an eye on your drink at all times!

3. Be smart about your money

Any solid resource of travel safety information will  tell you that it's never  a good idea to carry huge amounts of cash. Instead, open an account with an international bank or credit card company so you can use local ATMs . If you absolutely must withdraw large amounts of cash at once, leave the bulk of it locked up safely in your hotel or hostel and carry only what you'll need for the day.

When using ATMs, try to use only those that are attached to banks as these are less likely to have been tampered with by scammers.

Never keep all of your money in one place . Keep cash and credit cards in two or three different places so that if one of your stashes is stolen you aren't left completely empty-handed.

4. Be aware of popular scams

Research the place you're visiting to see what the local scammers are up to. Scams range from RFID scanners to ploys using children to play on your sympathy. You'll be less likely to fall for these scams if you've heard about them ahead of time.

5. Know the phone number for emergency services

Be sure to look up the emergency services number for your destination , even before you get there. It's also a good idea to look up the number for your country's nearest embassy before you leave. Write them down or save them in your phone so you'll have quick access to them in the event of an emergency.

6. Use the right bag

Cross-body bags are safer than shoulder or hand bags and can prevent people from grabbing your bag as they run or drive by. There are tons of bags made specifically for travelers with features such as slash-proof straps, RFID blockers, and locking zippers. Invest in a good bag that suits your needs and preferences.

7. Bring travel locks and use them

You can save a few bucks by coming prepared with your own lock if you plan to stay in a hostel. Even if you're not staying in a hostel, having a travel lock that can secure your bag to your seat or chair while dining or in transit will help keep your valuables safe from theft.

8. Keep digital copies of important documents

When traveling, your passport may be the most valuable thing you carry. In the event of a stolen passport, having a digital copy will help make the process of getting a replacement easier.

You may also like:  The greatest travel hacking guide you need for a stress-free trip

9. Try to blend in

Tourists tend to carry larger amounts of cash and valuables and are more vulnerable to scams. Try to avoid being an obvious tourist. 

Dress as the locals do , don't stop abruptly in the middle of busy streets to take photos, and even when you're lost try not to make it apparent. If you need to ask for directions or consult a map, step inside a shop or cafe to do so.

10. Use reputable transportation companies

Research which taxi companies are reputable before you arrive in a place, and use only those. If you're ride-sharing using an app like Uber or Lyft, double check your driver's vehicle information and verify their name before you get in the car with them.

11. Check in with friends and family often

Before you leave let someone know your itinerary, and update them to any changes of plans. Make a habit of checking in with a close friend or family member back home at the end of each day. 

I know this can seem like a hassle, but ultimately it's better to be safe than sorry. If something terrible were to happen, you'll get help faster if someone knows where you were supposed to be that day.

12. Ask locals for advice

When you check in at a hotel or hostel, ask for recommendations about which neighborhoods are safe and which are not so safe and mark places to avoid on your map.

13. Use apps for emergency alerts

There are a variety of apps out there aimed to provide safety travel information and help travelers safe.

• Sitata is a great app that alerts users to potential dangers or disruptions to travel in real time. It also includes tips for avoiding the latest scams and helps users locate nearby hospitals.
• Smart Traveler   is the official U.S. State Department app for travelers. There are many useful features, including notifications for travel advisories and alerts and locations of U.S. embassies. I'm sure there are similar apps for citizens of other countries, but I was unable to find any information about them online.  

14. Stay aware of your surroundings

You should always pay attention to what's going on around you , whether you are in a crowded tourist spot or walking down an empty street. 

Would-be offenders often seek out people who are distracted or disengaged from their surroundings to target. This is particularly important for solo travelers, especially solo female travelers .

15. Trust your instincts

If someone or some place is making you uncomfortable, there's mostly likely a reason. Often our subconscious picks up on things that we aren't consciously aware of, and that's where our "gut feelings" come from. Listen to those feelings. They will help you stay safe.

Now that you're armed with these simple safety tips for traveling , it's time to get out and explore the world! 

Happy and safe travels, everyone! 

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Kimberli Brown

I recently quit my day job to chase my dream of traveling full-time.

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Mar 23, 2023

Jun 23, 2023

Traveling is an exhilarating experience, but it's important to prioritize safety. Your travel safety tips post provides valuable insights for globetrotters like myself. From researching destinations and securing travel insurance to staying vigilant and aware of local customs, these tips are indispensable for a worry-free journey. I particularly appreciate your emphasis on maintaining copies of important documents and staying connected with loved ones during travels. For more comprehensive travel safety resources, I highly recommend visiting Their website offers a wealth of information on travel safety measures, emergency contacts, and real-time updates on potential risks. Let's make safety a top priority and enjoy our adventures with peace of mind!

Traveling is an exhilarating experience, but it's important to prioritize safety. Your travel safety tips post provides valuable insights for globetrotters like myself. From researching destinations and securing travel insurance to staying vigilant and aware of local customs, these tips are indispensable for a worry-free journey. I particularly appreciate your emphasis on maintaining copies of important documents and staying connected with loved ones during travels. For more comprehensive travel safety resources, I highly recommend visiting foundme.com Travel safety tips. Their website offers a wealth of information on travel safety measures, emergency contacts, and real-time updates on potential risks. Let's make safety a top priority and enjoy our adventures with peace of mind!

Fantastic!!! twohillsseptic.ca

More about this topic

How to choose the best travel backpack

A beginner's guide on how to plan your travel budget

15 travel essentials to pack for your next adventure.

Worldpackers

How do worldpackers trips work.

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

Home » Wanderlust » 30+ ESSENTIAL Travel Safety Tips in 2024 (+ Beyond!)

30+ ESSENTIAL Travel Safety Tips in 2024 (+ Beyond!)

Headed off on an adventure? Our top travel safety tips will help you protect yourself (and your things), avoid common scams, stay safe, and more(!) as you travel the world.

With things finally getting back to normal after over 2.5 years of a global catastrophe, everyone is excited to pack their bags and hit the road. Admit it; you’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss traveling and exploring the globe over the past few years.

Now that we can travel again, it’s important to do so safely. With that in mind, we put together the ultimate guide on how to stay safe while traveling abroad (especially if you plan to travel solo). And now more than ever, there’s more to safety than just physically taking care of yourself and so have also included a couple of essential tips on how to stay safe from a digital perspective too. Let’s dive in!

In This Post

• 1.1 Plan Ahead And Share That Plan with a Friend/Family Member
• 1.2 Download (+ learn how to use) A VPN
• 1.3 Make Copies of Your Important Documents
• 1.4 Research Accommodation Beforehand
• 1.5 Have A Valid Travel Insurance Policy
• 1.6 Tell Your Bank Where You Are Going
• 1.7 Read Up About Your Destination Before You Go
• 1.8 Be Aware of Common Travel Scams
• 1.9 Check Your Governments Travel Advisories Before You Go
• 1.10 Get any Necessary Travel Vaccinations for the Destination(s) you’ll be Visiting
• 1.11 Invest in Travel Locks for Your Bags
• 2.1 Have Emergency Details Written Down
• 2.2 Pack a First Aid Kit
• 2.3 Don’t Dress Too Touristy
• 2.4 But DO Dress Appropriately
• 2.5 Leave the Flashy Jewellery at Home
• 2.6 Safeguard Your Hotel Room
• 2.7 Be Aware of Your Belongings and Surroundings
• 2.8 Keep in Touch with Friends and Family but…
• 2.9 …Be Careful When You Post Online
• 2.10 AND Stay Away from Public WiFi
• 2.11 Carry Multiple Credit Cards
• 2.12 Limit the Amount of Cash You Carry
• 2.13 Use GPS When Getting Around (Walking, Rideshare etc)
• 2.14 If Hiring a Car, check the vehicle for damage before you set off
• 2.15 Know Where to Save and Where to Splurge
• 2.16 Register, Visit or Get in Contact With Your Country’s Embassy or Consulate
• 2.17 Don’t Share Too Much With Strangers
• 2.18 Food and Water Safety
• 2.19 Drink (Alcohol) Responsibly + Keep an eye on your Drinks.
• 2.20 Don’t Do Stupid Things for Photos
• 2.21 If Riding a Bike or Scooter – Wear a Helmet
• 3 Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers

Top Travel Safety Tips: Before You Go

Plan Ahead And Share That Plan with a Friend/Family Member

An important step toward ensuring safety during travels is planning ahead. Sure, spontaneous adventures may sound more fun, but they’re also more dangerous. If you want to put safety first (as you should), plan your trip ahead and map out where you want to be and when.

Having an outline of your next steps and travel plans makes traveling more accessible and safer, which in many cases is more enjoyable than having to deal with the pressure of not knowing what could happen next. Even if you’re the kind of person who prefers spontaneity, plan your trips to stay safe and healthy.

We also recommend giving a copy of your itinerary (and travel insurance cover) to a trusted friend or family member who isn’t traveling with you. This way if anything untoward should happen, it will be easy to narrow down where you were supposed to be at any particular time.

Download (+ learn how to use) A VPN

OK, so ‘learn how to use’ a VPN might be a bit of a stretch – for most you literally just toggle them on and off. But protecting your data and online accounts while you are away is paramount – especially if you need to access them on the move and plan on using public WiFi (more on that below).

Free WiFi comes in handy when traveling to new places and exploring new streets you’ve never seen. To take advantage of the available public internet, download a VPN or virtual private network. A VPN meaning is quite easy to understand – a virtual private network completely hides your activities online and makes you private on the network. That way, your data, and devices will remain safe even if you connect to an unprotected, open WiFi network.

Besides, there are more benefits to using a VPN than just internet security and preventing identity theft. Thanks to dynamic pricing, you can use it to access blocked content in different regions of the world or get better travel and accommodation deals, and watch your favorite streaming services such as Netflix, AmazonPrime and Disney+.

Make Copies of Your Important Documents

Have multiple copies of your passport and driver’s license – a hard copy to carry with you, and scanned, digital copies in a password-protected account online. This way, should the worst happen with your actual passport (lost, stolen, destroyed etc), the copies can help identify you, and help get replacement passports quicker.

(You could also have digital copies of any living will, or power of attorney you may already have in the online folder, just in case you need them. None of us go on vacation thinking the worst is going to happen, but being prepared for any eventuality can actually make dealing with the practicalities of the worst happening, a lot easier.)

Research Accommodation Beforehand

It is best to look for places to stay before you embark on your next adventure. Again, spontaneity may seem more fun but trust us, you want to have accommodation figured out before reaching the destination. Why? There are a couple of reasons depending on how you want to look at this.

Finding accommodation before taking the trip will allow you to get a better deal. The earlier you book a place, the lower the price will be. More importantly, this is the safer thing to do since it gives you time to research the background of the Airbnb, hotel, or neighborhood you’re planning to stay at. Reading other travelers’ reviews and seeing their photos can also be hugely helpful when selecting your accommodation.

Putting the research in will help you determine how safe you are at a certain location, so we highly recommend taking the time to at least Google the place.

Have A Valid Travel Insurance Policy

Now this may be a contentious issue for some, but I am a firm believer in if you can afford to travel you can afford insurance. This isn’t so much of travel tip, but something I consider a requirement.

Travel insurance can help you out in a number of big – and small – ways. From compensation for delayed flights or lost luggage, to covering doctor or hospital expenses if you get injured, and cover the cost of flights home in the event of an emergency.

There are lots of different policies available, from the basic 1-2 week general cover, or annual policies for frequent international travelers whose trips are typically 1-3 weeks. Then there’s backpacker cover for specific destinations (ie. South Africa or South America) or extreme sports cover, and even travel insurance policies (such as Safety Wing) that specialize in providing cover for long term travelers or digital nomads.

Tell Your Bank Where You Are Going

There is nothing worse than your card being declined while you are on the road – especially when it is because your bank has seen you are in a different country and put a block on it.

Avoid the hassle by letting your bank know which country you are going to, and then when you pay with your card abroad, it won’t be flagged by the bank as a suspicious transaction.

Read Up About Your Destination Before You Go

Safe and responsible travel starts as soon as you start planning to travel. Research your destination, its customs, opening hours for popular attractions, cultural norms, dress codes, general costs, common scams and up-to-date foreign affairs etc. The more information you have, the better you can plan and the more you will be aware of your surroundings when you are there.

Travel bloggers are usually a great way to get on-the-ground information from travelers who have been there and done that – both from their social media and their travel blog articles themselves. Work out who’s travel style you like and who you identify with, and read their posts. (And we’ll be honest – we hope that MakeTimeToSeeTheWorld is – or soon will be after reading this guide – one of your favorite travel resources, and we’ve been to over 60 destinations so we should have something to help you out, no matter where you are headed on your next trip.)

Be Aware of Common Travel Scams

While this may seem quite a broad travel safety tip – unless you are going to many destinations in one trip – it is actually quite easy to find out the specific travel scams that are common in the destination you a heading. Simply search ‘Travel Scams in (insert country)” on google.

Common travel scams around the world include:

• ‘Lucky’ heather or friendship bracelets – where items are thrust onto unsuspecting tourists, who are then encouraged to hand over some money for payment.
• ‘I’ve just been robbed’ – and the ‘victim’ needs a small amount of money to get the bus to the police station (or equivalent).
• ‘Gem shop scam/cheap tuk tuk’ in Southeast Asia – a local will tell you wherever you a heading is closed (for whatever reason) and that tuk-tuks are a nominal amount because it’s a national holiday and the driver will take you anywhere. And on the way, you’ll stop at gem shops.
• Bird Poo in Barcelona – if someone starts pointing at a fresh white stain on your jacket, and offers to help clean it off with their bottle of water and handkerchief – as they are ‘helping’ they are likely picking your pocket at the same time.
• ‘Long Hauling’ in Las Vegas – when the taxi driver takes an obnoxiously long and convoluted route to your destination. It’s such a common practice they gave it a name. (See our Las Vegas Travel Tips for more)

But there are many more, and knowing which ones you could possibly encounter can save you from getting caught or falling victim to them. Also, for most, avoiding them can be as simple as paying attention to your surroundings, looking confident and not making yourself an easy target.

Check Your Governments Travel Advisories Before You Go

In the US it’s the State Department , in the UK it’s Gov.uk and Australia have SmartTraveller . But every country has its own travel advisory provider that will let you know of any major – or minor – events and advice you need to be aware of when traveling to a destination.

Just be aware their advice is usually on the overly-cautious side, and that’s why it’s good to research your destination beforehand and get some on-the-ground information from frequent or recent travelers to give you a good overview.

Get any Necessary Travel Vaccinations for the Destination(s) you’ll be Visiting

Be sure to check with a travelers health clinic or travel doctor in your home country to ensure you have all the necessary travel vaccines for the destinations you’ll be visiting – especially when planning multi-country international trips. For some communicable diseases, you may just need a booster, but there are some baddies that you’ll need jabs and/or oral tablets to take while you’re traveling ( I’m looking at you, prophylaxis for Malaria! )

Also, in the case of the Yellow Fever virus, there is no treatment/medical cure, and while a great number of people can recover, it can have catastrophic consequences (death) for others.

As such, there are several countries (predominantly in South America, Africa, and some Central American countries such as Costa Rica) that mandate that visitors have received a Yellow Fever vaccine prior to being granted entry. Luckily, one dose provides lifelong immunity, and recipients are provided with a paper “yellow card” which must be carried and provided if requested. (See more on the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) )

Invest in Travel Locks for Your Bags

If your bags are going to be out of your sight for any amount of time – or even if they are not and you are just on public transport – making sure they are locked can be enough to deter any would-be thieves. ( Even if professional thieves won’t care at all ).

Luggage locks will stop opportunist thieves and can also double as locker locks (in hostels, gyms or luggage lockers etc)

Travel Safety Tips: While You Are Away

Have emergency details written down.

In the event of an emergency, you may not be able to think straight, but having your emergency numbers and insurance contact details to hand can help you get what you need quickly without panicking. It’s also very helpful to have local emergency numbers close to hand too.

We recommend having a copy of your emergency contacts and other details on your phone (I use the Docs app) and one copy physically written down and stored with your passport or in your purse. You can also get it laminated to protect it from moisture.

Pack a First Aid Kit

You can pick up a small pre-packed first aid kit including all of the above for a few dollars and then customize it for your needs and your destination. For most places, we recommend including some sunscreen, anti-histamines for allergies, pain-killers, re-hydration salts, and anti-nausea medication for rough journeys.

Don’t Dress Too Touristy

If you’re the kind of tourist that likes to buy a lot of city merch and dress up touristy, we’re sorry to disappoint you, but that might not be the best way to ensure safety. Nowadays, there are a lot of thieves and pickpockets walking around places, especially in big cities such as Rome, Paris, or London.

Wearing city merch and looking like a typical tourist may make you vulnerable to these small criminals. You’d be surprised to know how many people are taken advantage of by taxi drivers or locals in big cities because they behave like tourists. By trying to blend in with the locals, you will avoid any unwanted and uncomfortable situations that could lead to your wallet being stolen (or something worse)…

But DO Dress Appropriately

While a lot of skin showing is common at beach destinations, it will make you stand out like a sore thumb in cities, religious sites, or conservative countries in general. This advice is relevant to both men and women (although women showing too much skin is something we deal with specifically in the travel safety tips for women section below.)

By researching your destination before you travel you can get an idea of how locals dress, and culturally what is expected of tourists. For example, in the Middle East and Islamic countries, women visitors are not bound to wear Muslim clothes but are expected to dress conservatively out of respect for their culture.

As a visitor anywhere, you should always be respectful of the people and places you are exploring – and that is not limited to just your clothing.

Leave the Flashy Jewellery at Home

In the same vein as the above, flashy jewelry may look out of place in most destinations and in almost all, is likely to attract unwanted attention and make you a target for thieves (or worse). Leave the bling at home.

Safeguard Your Hotel Room

From 5* hotels to renting a bedroom in a private house, a little extra locking mechanism on your door can give you peace of mind you didn’t know you needed.

Two of the most common extra locks are doorstop alarms , which when placed behind and under a door acts as a wedge to provide extra resistance when opening the door, with a corresponding alarm to alert those inside the room. The second is simply known as a portable door lock and fits into the existing locking mechanism of a door – without causing any damage, of course.

Both are great forms of travel safety gear and we recommend traveling with both. This way if your hotel room door opens outwards, the portable lock will still work where the doorstop won’t, and in reverse, if you can’t use the portable lock for whatever reason, you have the doorstop alarm ready to go.

They are both small and lightweight (the linked set is cheap too ) – and can easily be packed inside a shoe or trainer. It’s a no-brainer for me.

Be Aware of Your Belongings and Surroundings

Be conscious of your belongings and your surroundings at all times. Make sure your day pack is lockable or secure in other ways, and keep money hidden. ( Money belts and bra pouches are great and often made with rip-safe material and have RFID blocking technology).

Keep in Touch with Friends and Family but…

Staying in contact with friends and family will make them less worried about your travel adventures, but it could also help if you are in a sticky situation. In the worst-case scenario, when someone goes missing, the first thing the police do is ask their closest friends and family members whether they had been in contact.

Those little check-ins and small conversations (and the itinerary you left with them!) could contain clues about what might’ve happened during the trip. As much as we don’t want to believe that something like this could ever happen to us, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

In case of an event like this, you’d be happy to know that you’ve let people know where you were located before something bad happened. Sure, you don’t have to share your location every step of the way but an occasional check-in here, and there wouldn’t hurt.

…Be Careful When You Post Online

Sure, we all like to share our adventures on Instagram and maybe even brag about our trips, but none of that is worth sacrificing your safety. How could a couple of Instagram pictures put your safety in question, you may ask? You’d be surprised to know how many stalkers are out there waiting to pick their targets.

By posting about your travels, you may reveal your location to someone with malicious intentions. You never know who may have an eye on you, especially when traveling alone. Make sure not to share posts or stories about restaurants, cafes, or sites before you have left that location. That way, you’ll be sure that no one can come and trace you through your Instagram updates.

Also, posting blow-by-blow updates about your trip could let potential burglars back home know that your house is empty – that’s not to say don’t share your adventures, just be sure to check your privacy settings on social media that you are only sharing with friends and family.

AND Stay Away from Public WiFi

As we’ve mentioned above, staying safe while traveling takes more than just looking after yourself and your belongings in a physical sense. We live in a world where online safety is becoming more important since thousands of cybersecurity attacks occur every second. With that said, you must protect your data and devices when entering a new country or region.

Once you arrive at your chosen destination, try to stay away from free public WiFi , as this is usually the place where most attacks occur. Why? Because it’s really easy to breach someone’s device if they’re connected to the same network as you are. Hackers use public WiFi networks as fishing pools for new cybercrime targets.

Carry Multiple Credit Cards

This will allow you to have one as your main spending card, and one as a backup. This means if your main card is lost or stolen (or is eaten by a rogue ATM! etc) you will still be able to access some money.

We recommend credit cards over debit cards because a credit card is always post-paid, which means you will have access to funds you may not otherwise have, and as such, if you need to buy an expensive flight home, you will have funds readily available. (Even if you do plan to reclaim it on your travel insurance later down the line).

We would also recommend having one card each from the two major payment systems – Visa and Mastercard, if possible. While it is rare that somewhere may only accept one and not the other, it can happen. Moreso, an AMEX card may have even more limitations, depending on the destination. (For example, I didn’t bother taking my AMEX to Africa ).

Limit the Amount of Cash You Carry

Carry only what you need on a daily basis, have the majority of the rest in a secure place, and a third stash of emergency cash somewhere separate and secure that you can use as a backup.

Use GPS When Getting Around (Walking, Rideshare etc)

When walking, knowing where you are going will allow you to walk confidently, and make you look less like a target; and in a rideshare will allow you to check the driver is going in the right direction (and not taking the long way round) and share your location with a friend or family member – even if they are not on the trip with you.

If you’re wondering (or worrying) about being able to use GPS in a foreign country, or don’t plan on getting a local sim card – we highly recommend downloading the Google maps of where you are headed and downloading Maps.me. Both allow you to use them offline and give A-to-B directions between points.

If Hiring a Car, check the vehicle for damage before you set off

Rental cars are not always in the best condition, and you don’t want to get the bill for someone else’s mistake when you drop it off. It’s best to do a lap around the car and note any scratches, bumps, or dents either on the paintwork or the wheels (don’t forget to check the roof and the interior and car seats!) and make sure those are communicated to the hire company.

It’s also a good idea to ensure you follow any other rules that the rental car company has set out – if the is a distance per day limit, roads you are not permitted to drive on (e.g. unsealed), and what the fill up rate is if you return it empty! It’s the little things that add up!

Know Where to Save and Where to Splurge

Whether it be spending a little bit extra for a decent hotel room over a hostel with a dodgy vibe; or paying for an Uber home instead of walking alone at night (especially if you have been drinking) or joining an organized tour with other travelers, knowing where to spend a little bit extra to enhance your personal safety is one of the best life skills you can have.

Register, Visit or Get in Contact With Your Country’s Embassy or Consulate

Many countries have tourist protection programs located in their embassies across the world. For example, if you’re a US tourist you can register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . It’s a free program designed to make a destination’s local embassy aware of your arrival and can keep you constantly updated with the latest safety information. Canada has their own version called the Registration Of Canadians Abroad . Australia removed its travel registration system, but has ‘crisis’ pages that can be activated in response to certain events, and the UK doesn’t have any such program.

Regardless, the folks at your country’s embassy in your destination could also assist you in case of numerous situations, whether you end up losing your passport and personal belongings or if something far more dangerous/serious takes place. (In my case, I was in contact with my embassy when trying to get home during the virus-times).

Don’t Share Too Much With Strangers

As well as sharing too much online – you can also share too much with strangers. Whether it’s new friends at a bar, or shopkeepers being overly friendly – you never know who could have ulterior motives.

The best way to keep the conversation light is to not share personal information and only give vague information regarding where you are staying – the area, rather than your street or hotel; maybe it’s close to a certain landmark , etc. You could also mention it’s not your first time visiting, which with an air of confidence, could stop someone from thinking you are an easy ‘mark’.

If you’re feeling vulnerable in the conversation or don’t want to share any information at all (or sense another warning sign) – trust your instincts and make something up. A little white lie isn’t going to hurt anyone, and genuine people won’t care or probably notice.

Food and Water Safety

When it comes to drinking water, we all know it is necessary for life and healthy living, but depending on where you are traveling, it may not be as readily accessible as you are used to at home. Ideally, we recommend traveling with a travel water bottle – and where you know there won’t be the facility to refill it from the country’s taps or drinking fountains, a Lifestraw (or steri-pen or equivalent) is a great way to filter your water on the go.

Drink (Alcohol) Responsibly + Keep an eye on your Drinks.

Drinking can lower your inhibitions and make you less aware of unwanted hands on you or your property – and that goes for men and women – which is why not going overboard on the booze (or other mind-altering substances) is one of our top safety tips for travelers of all genders is paramount to personal safety.

Don’t Do Stupid Things for Photos

The signs not telling you to do something are often not only for your physical safety but for the safety of the other people or animals also. And where the signs prevent trespass on personal or religious sites, obeying them respects the locals and their customs, traditions and even their private property.

If Riding a Bike or Scooter – Wear a Helmet

Not only is it a road safety law that both a driver and a passenger must wear a helmet in most countries when riding a bike or a scooter, even where it is not, wearing one is just common sense; not to mention paramount for your personal safety.

Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers

• Keep an eye on your belongings (bag/camera/phone etc) and be aware of your surroundings (for example, don’t have your head down glued to your phone)
• Ensure your day bag is lockable (or otherwise secure) and think about investing in hidden pocket clothing (my favorite is my infinity scarf )
• Be cautious and vigilant in busy areas, on public transport or in crowds with lots of people (particularly train stations or markets).
• Project confidence and situational awareness when exploring.
• Even if you are traveling alone, you are never traveling alone. You’re always waiting for your friend, on your way to meet a partner, etc.
• Carry a personal alarm or safety whistle day to day; and have a doorstop alarm and portable lock for your hotel room.
• Have two debit or credit cards – linked to different accounts – and don’t carry them at the same time (in case one gets lost/stolen/swallowed by a rogue ATM) to make sure you have access to your funds.
• Get  travel insurance (if you can afford to travel, you can afford travel insurance) – and carry details of the travel insurance company with you.
• Be mindful of your drinking – that’s not to say not to drink, but alcohol lowers your inhibitions and reaction time.
• Try to avoid exposing too much skin with your outfits. While it shouldn’t imply anything, skimpy outfits make you stand out and can encourage unwanted behaviors. ( As I said, it shouldn’t but it can – and is something to keep in mind when you pack for your trip ). Obviously, beaches and beach towns are the exceptions, but as you move further from the water, it would be best to dress more conservatively.

And that’s a wrap on our top advice for travelers! Bon Voyage! Now that you know all the tips and tricks on how to stay safe while traveling, have fun planning your next adventure without stress.

And if you loved our complete list of safe traveling tips (or now someone heading away that could use them!) please pin, tweet, flip, or share. I’d really appreciate it!

READY FOR MORE TRAVEL INSPIRATION? YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THESE TRAVEL TIPS, TRAVEL ARTICLES, DESTINATION GUIDES, BUDGET TRAVEL RESOURCES, PACKING GUIDES AND RELATED POSTS ABOUT OTHER PLACES PERFECT FOR NORTH AMERICA TRAVEL:

• Chicago: An Awesome Weekend in Chicago – Things to do, Where to Stay & What to eat!
• California: An Incredible Weekend Getaway in Los Angeles or San Francisco
• Texas: Everything’s bigger in Texas and Dallas & Dallas Fort Worth and Austin are no exception!
• North America National Park Guide Travel Guides: Yellowstone National Park , Arches National Park , Yosemite National Park & Bryce Canyon NP
• Portland: 10 Fun Things to do in Portland Oregon + Day Trips from Portland
• Cincinnati: Things to do in Cincinnati & Day Trip Ideas
• Rest of the World: Iceland , Czech Republic , South Africa , South America etc!
• Gear: Ultimate Packing List , Carry on Packing List , Best Travel Backpacks for Women , Ultimate Europe Packing List

Hi There! Thanks for reading our ultimate guide to 3o+ Travel Safety Tips to know before you go. I just wanted to let you know that this post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something after clicking a link, I may get a small commission – which is at absolutely no cost to you . If you enjoyed this article and are going to be searching for some of the things I mention anyway, I would love it if you could click through from the links above & thank you in advance! Read my full Disclosure here . And a huge Thank You for reading the MakeTimeToSeeTheWorld travel blog.

The Safest Transport Modes, Ranked by Statistics From 10 Years of Data

By turbli , on 10 January 2022

10 years of US transport safety data

The analysis is done for the US only, using the data provided by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) . Since transportation safety changes over time, we selected the most recent 10 years with available data: 2010-2019.

The vehicles analyzed are presented below:

Other means of transport such as freight boats, recreational boats, light rail, etc. are not included due to the lack of data to perform an adequate analysis.

For interested readers, all the assumptions made when data was missing have been places in an Appendix at the end of the article.

The fatalities presented here only include the occupants of the vehicles . Deaths from pedestrians, cyclists, trespassers, etc are not included. To improve the visualization, the figures are shown in logarithmic scale , meaning that the bars change size with by factors of 10 rather linearly.

Looking at the fatalities alone, we can clearly see that land vehicles accumulate the largest share. Train, planes and ferryboat have much lower numbers in comparison. Private planes have a striking difference with commercial or commuter planes, reaching 100 times more fatalities.

The fact that only 16 people have died in commercial aviation already shows how safe this transport is. Between this period, there have been more than 100 million plane departures in the US.

Normalizing the data

The total number of fatalities is not a good measure to determine if one means of transport is safer than another. This is because those used more often can accumulate more fatalities than those used less. By dividing (normalizing) the number of fatalities by different factors, a better comparison can be achieved.

In this article we will show the fatalities data normalized by passenger miles and passenger hours.

Fatalities by passenger miles

A common normalization factor for transport are the vehicle miles. That is, the sum of all miles traveled by all the vehicles of a specific means of transport over a period of time.

Vehicles miles = Sum of all miles traveled by all vehicles

While this factor gives as an idea of how much each transport type is used, it does not take into account that some vehicles carry many more passengers than others . This should be taken into account since, to transport 1000 people from point A to point B, many car trips would be needed, increasing the risk compared to train or planes. This leads to the normalizing factor of passenger miles .

Passenger miles = Vehicle miles x Passengers per vehicle

If you were to travel a given distance from point A to B, the fatalities per passenger miles shows which transport is the safest.

Looking at the data, we can see that motorcycles are by far the most dangerous transport. Bus, train and ferryboats appear much safer. Flying has long been considered as very safe too, but here we can see that not all flight modes are equal. Flights done with private owned planes are 10 times more dangerous than cars!

Despite having only 16 deaths over the past 10 years, commuter flights also show a high fatality rate. This is due to their low passenger miles, meaning that this transport is not as used as the larger commercial flights.

If you don’t take commuter flights and don't own a private plane, then I have good news for you: commercial flights are the safest means of transport! They are 1,700 times safer than car , and 100,000 times safer than motorcycle.

Fatalities by passenger hours

Another useful metric is the passenger hours . That is, the sum of all hours traveled by all vehicles of a transportation means.

Passenger hours = Vehicle hours x Passengers per vehicle

This factor can be used to compare how risky it is to sit a fix number of hours in different transports. For example, 5 hours in a motorcycle vs 5 hours in a plane. Of course, the plane will take you for a longer distance than the motorcycle, but it’s still a useful metric to compare the safety of one situation to another .

The results are similar to those from passenger miles. Motorcycle maintains the position as least safe transport, whereas bus, train and ferryboat continue with low numbers

Are commuter flights as risky as cars?

The fatality rates for commuter planes seem very high. But are these estimates accurate? The problem is that these planes don’t accumulate many passenger miles, meaning that we don’t have much data to get a good estimate.

Cars accumulate the highest value of passenger miles. Combined with the relatively high risk of cars, this leads to a very stable and predictable number fatalities each year. Commuter planes are used much less, resulting in an intermittent number of fatalities per year: 1 death in 2015 and 8 in 2016. This is an increase of 800 %!

Therefore, even if we take the average of 10 years to compute the fatality rate of commuter planes, the result can be affected by an isolated event with high fatalities, not representative of the actual safety. To obtain a more accurate estimate, we would simply need a higher use of this transport.

Despite having a low sample size to determine how risky commuter flights are, the current set suggests that they might be more risky than larger commercial flights . To put it in perspective, we would need 1,500 more deaths per year in commercial flights to reach a fatality rate similar to commuter planes. This is about 40 full plane crashes in a decade, and in 2010-2019 there were zero.

The reason for the higher risk of commuter flights is not clear for us . Since this category includes small cargo flights, it could be that the fatalities are due to handling of the cargo. A larger usage of this transport would be needed to get better conclusions.

The safest transport: commercial flights

The data on commercial flights has similar issues than commuter flights. The probability of a fatality is so low that, despite accumulating such enormous amount of flight hours, many more would be needed to obtain a more acculturate value. An added problem is that a single crash of a plane generates a large spike in the fatalities, whereas a motorcycle crash leads to a small increase of just one or two.

In any case, even if an accurate value is hard to obtain, commercial flights remain as the safest transport .

This can be seen in the data from 2000-2009 , where the fatalities per passenger miles were 0.07. This is higher than the current 0.002 value, but still much lower than cars . The reason for the higher values of the previous decade were two full crashes which occurred in 2001, killing about 500 people. Still, the fact that having these two crashes led to such low fatality rate of 0.07 (100 times lower than car), highlights how safe commercial planes are.

Quick lines on commercial flights safety

Private flights are risky.

Contrary to commuter or commercial flights, the fatality rate on private planes is expected to have a low statistical error due to the observed stability in the number of deaths each year. Therefore, private planes should actually be 10 times more dangerous than cars.

The reason for the higher risk is attributed to the lower preparation and less strict regulations than in commercial flights. Just as a reference, a pilot for a commercial airline needs a training of 3 years, whereas a private pilot license can be obtained in 6 months. On top of that, maintenance of the planes is much more regulated in the commercial airlines.

Recreational boating also showed a very high number of fatalities compared to passenger boats or freight ships. Unfortunately, the fatality rate of these was not added due to the lack of data on the passenger miles.

Conclusions

Commercial flights are the safest transport mode. In the past decade, there hasn’t been a single full plane crash in the US. The fatalities rate during this past decade so low that even if you fly your during your entire life, you only have 1 out of 1,500 chances of dying.

On the other hand, private flights are about 10 times more dangerous than car. Train and bus are similarly safe as commercial flights. As train can cover large distances, it can be an alternative for people who fear flying.

The points below show the assumptions done when data on fatalities, passenger miles or passenger hours wasn’t available.

Land vehicles : There is no data on passenger hours for land vehicles. Therefore, the average speed given in the Journal of Transport Statistics was used in combination with the passenger miles to obtain them: car 34.4 mph, light vehicle 31.8 mph, motorcycle 38.4 mph, heavy truck 33.6 mph, bus 21 mph.

Bus : fatalities data missing from 2019 is carried over from 2018.

Train : There is no data on passenger hours for trains. The average speed of commuter trains is available at BTS, about 32 mph. The average speed of Amtrak is assumed to be 84 mph, based on data from the Northeast Corridor . These two speeds are combined to make an average speed of trains.

Flights : Data on passenger miles is not available. An average number of passengers per plane was assumed for each to obtain it. Commercial flights were taken as 100. Commuter flights 9, which would be the maximum number of people allowed in this category, therefore giving a lower estimate on the fatality rate. For private flights, data on passenger miles available at BTS until 2001 is used to estimate an average number of passengers of 3.5 and an average speed of 135 mph, needed to get the passenger hours. For all flights, data missing in 2011 is taken from 2010.

Ferryboat : The number of fatalities is not taken from BTS since this one aggregates from other transportation such as inclined plane and cableway. Data is aggregated from the Federal Transit Administration . To get the passenger hours, the average speed available at BTS of 8.5 mph is used.

US Bureau of Transportation Statistics. National Transportation Statistics .

US Federal Transit Administration. Annual National Transit Summaries and Trends .

Savage I., 2013. Comparing the fatality risks in United States transportation across modes and over time . Research in Transportation Economics, 43, 9-22.

This site uses cookies

We use first and third-party cookies to gather statistical data on the website usage, users demographics, interests and for retargeting people with similar profiles. For more information, please access our privacy policy .

Cookie preferences

Necessary cookies

These cookies are needed for the proper and secure functioning of the site, such as remembering your privacy settings or storing security tokens.

Performance cookies

We use Google Analytics to gather anonymous statistical data on the website usage. This helps us improve the website by adapting it to our user's needs.

Targeting cookies *

We use Google Analytics Advertising Features to gather statistical data on our users demographics and interests and to send personalized advertising to people with similar profiles. This feature uses third-party cookies. * Requires performance cookies to function correctly

Global Travel Risk Map

Daily updated risk assessment for all countries.

• World Overview

Dave Kerner, Executive Director

• Home – Navbar
• About the Director
• Department Overview
• Department History
• Arrive Alive
• Driving Safety
• Child Safety
• Vehicle Safety
• Human Trafficking
• Consumer Education
• General Information
• Have You Received a Letter?
• Involved in a Crash?
• Open Government
• Crash and Citation Reports & Statistics
• Cabinet and Legislature Reports & Statistics
• Driver and Vehicle Reports & Statistics
• Handbooks & Manuals
• Regulatory Plan
• Related Links
• Working at FLHSMV
• Career Opportunities
• Internships
• Veteran Resources
• Driver Licenses & ID Cards
• Renew or Replace Your License
• What to Bring
• Florida’s NEW Driver License and ID Card
• Emergency Contact Information
• Education & Courses
• Driver License Check & ID Tracking System
• For Commercial Vehicle Drivers
• Driver License Handbook
• Florida Visitors
• Military & Veterans Information
• Driver Record
• Name and Address Changes
• New Resident
• Make an Appointment
• Motorist Modernization
• Have A Public Records Request?

Motor Vehicles, Tags & Titles

• Renew or Replace Your Registration
• Motor Vehicle Information Check
• Liens & Titles
• License Plates & Registration
• Personalized and Specialty License Plates
• Dealers, Installers, Manufacturers, Distributors, and Importers
• Disabled Person Parking Permits
• Covered Farm Vehicles

Florida Highway Patrol

• Be a Trooper
• Live Traffic Crash & Road Condition Report
• Traffic Crash Reports
• Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
• Specialized Areas
• Be A Dispatcher
• Troop Boundaries & Information
• FHP Memorial
• FHP Surveys
• Member Recognition
• Patrol Support
• Contact FHP
• Useful Info & Links
• Sign up for AMBER, Silver, Purple and Blue Alerts

Drive Safe and Stay Cool: Tips for Safe Travel This Summer

~ FLHSMV Launches Public Safety Campaign Focused on Safe Summer Travel~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla .- As the temperatures rise and summer arrives in the Sunshine State, The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), our division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and our public safety partners are committed to promoting safe and enjoyable travel experiences for all Florida citizens and visitors.

With additional vehicles on the road, drivers face an increased risk, especially those unfamiliar with Florida’s weather or road conditions. It is essential that anyone traveling across the state familiarizes themselves with their route and ensures that their vehicle is in good condition as they begin their journey.

“Governor DeSantis recently announced that Florida remains the # 1 state for domestic tourism and # 2 for international tourism. Florida continues to top the nation as a popular tourist destination and a wonderful place to live,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner . “Whether visiting or living here, in most cases, a road or highway will lead you to your destination. Before you travel, make sure that your vehicle is ready and that you are prepared. Prioritize safe driving and never drive if you are impaired. Arrive alive this summer.” “It’s Summer almost every day in The Sunshine State and there is more traffic on our roadways than ever,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II . “Be aware of other traffic around you and courteous in your driving actions. Report impaired drivers by dialing #FHP (347). Whether to work or play, take the time to plan your trip and always remember that your driving behavior impacts your safety and others around you.” “Florida continues to experience record tourism and tremendous population growth, which means more travelers on the road and a continued need to remain alert,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Always remember to buckle up, eliminate distractions while you’re behind the wheel, and be alert for other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Working together, we can all get to our destinations safely and enjoy Florida’s Freedom Summer.” “As we embrace the warmth and adventure of summer in Florida, we should also embrace a commitment to safe driving practices as more tourists and residents are on the roads to enjoy summer vacations,” said FSA President and Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper . “The Florida Sheriffs Association implores all motorists to exercise caution, patience, and responsibility behind the wheel, ensuring that our highways remain pathways to fun-filled memories.” “As we enter the busy summer travel season, the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) wants to remind everyone to prioritize safety on the roads,” said FPCA President, Chief Charles “Chuck” Broadway . “Our officers are committed to keeping our roads safe, but we need your cooperation. Ensure your vehicle is road-ready, obey all traffic laws, and remain vigilant behind the wheel. Remember, your actions on the road can save lives, and together, we can make this summer memorable for all the right reasons. Drive safely and enjoy your travels!”

“Be road ready this summer by proactively taking steps to stay safe,” said Michele Harris, Florida Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group . “Regularly inspect tires, check your battery and brakes, replace worn wiper blades, and top off engine oil and other engine fluids to keep your vehicle running smoothly.” “As many Floridians look to hit the road this summer or spend sunny days outdoors with their four-legged family members, it’s important to remember that the summer season can bring some potential dangers for our furry friends, and to take precautions to ensure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way,” says Susan Anderson, director of ASPCA Disaster Response . “No matter where you’re headed this summer or how you plan to get there, pack plenty of water, make sure your pet is microchipped with proper identification on collars, and prepare a pet-friendly travel kit with food, medication, and any necessary vaccination documents. Most importantly – never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a car can become a furnace in no time, so keeping your pets with you during any planned stops along the way will help keep your whole family safer and happier.”

Florida Summers are beautiful but can be subject to humidity, thunderstorms, and inclement weather. To ensure safety before you hit the road, here are a few things you can check on your vehicle to prepare for any adverse weather or road conditions.

Vehicle Maintenance:

• CHECK YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS – If your wiper blades do not clear rain or debris and instead smear them, you should replace them. Functional blades should provide a clear windshield.
• HEADLIGHTS – Sun damage and age can cause headlights to turn yellow and cloudy. Cloudy headlights can limit your ability to see and be seen on the road. If you have an older vehicle, consider changing the headlight casing or using restorative cleaners to improve visibility.
• TIRE PRESSURE – Before relying on your vehicle to carry friends, family, and loved ones, it is critical that you check the tire pressure to ensure the tires can sustain the extra load associated with luggage or other travel necessities.
• TIRE TREAD – Tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevents your car or truck from slipping and sliding, especially when the road is icy or wet. Tires are unsafe and should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch.
• TEMPERATURE – Sustained high temperatures (for example, driving long distances in hot weather) can cause a tire to deteriorate, leading to blowouts and tread separation, leading to an unsafe vehicle that is dangerous to drive.

In addition to vehicle maintenance, drivers must know how to respond to severe or inclement weather.

Driving in Inclement Weather:

Driving in severe weather conditions can significantly increase the potential for a dangerous situation. Sometimes, drivers’ best decision is to stay put until the storm passes. If driving is the only option, buckle up and follow these rules to ensure safety:

• TURN LIGHTS AND WIPERS ON . Florida law requires that headlights must be on if a vehicle’s wipers are used. Headlights should be clean and clear to ensure visibility, and wipers should be replaced at least once a year.
• SLOW DOWN . Keep a safe stopping distance between vehicles and avoid passing or changing lanes. Wet pavement can result in skidding and hydroplaning. Be patient and stay alert. Use the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide.
• TURN AROUND; DON’T DROWN . Stay away from flooded areas. The roadway area beneath the water may be washed out or concealed by debris or power lines.
• BE CAUTIOUS OF HIGH WINDS . Windy conditions are a driving risk to all vehicles, particularly high-profile vehicles such as buses and trucks. Use extra caution around vehicles carrying cargo. Strong wind can occur anywhere, but it is common in wide open spaces, including bridges and highway overpasses. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and give large vehicles extra room to maneuver.
• BE PREPARED FOR INOPERABLE TRAFFIC LIGHTS . Traffic lights are designed to keep traffic moving and prevent collisions; however, non-working or missing lights can confuse drivers. If a law enforcement officer is present, follow their directions. Otherwise, treat the intersection as if it were a four-way stop sign. If traffic lights are flashing red, come to a complete stop and treat the intersection as a four-way stop. If lights are flashing yellow, proceed with caution and be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic.
• PULL OVER – Always remember, if inclement weather makes you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or nervous, when it is safe to do so, find a place to pull over and wait for the weather to pass. If you are on the side of the road, ensure that your hazard signals are on.

Heat Stroke Awareness and Prevention

In Florida, according to section 768.139 of the Florida Statutes , it is legal to rescue a vulnerable person or domestic animal from a motor vehicle. These good Samaritans may have immunity to damage to the motor vehicle if: 

• The vehicle is locked, and there is no other reasonable way for the person or animal to get out.
• Has reasonable belief based upon the circumstances that entry is necessary because the person or animal is in imminent danger.
• Notify law enforcement or call 911 before or immediately after entering the vehicle. Uses no more force than is necessary; and
• Remains with the person or animal until law enforcement or another first responder arrives.

Florida law states that anyone responsible for a child younger than six years of age must not leave the child unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle for a period over 15 minutes or for any time that endangers the child or causes distress.  A violation of this law is a second-degree misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $500. Violations that cause great bodily harm or permanent damage to a child are considered a third-degree felony.

To prevent the potential for vehicular heatstroke:

• NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN, VULNERABLE ADULTS, OR PETS UNATTENDED IN A VEHICLE – even for a short period of time.
• CALL 911 . Take immediate action If you see a child, vulnerable adult, or pet locked in a hot car.
• ALWAYS check the back seat before leaving and locking your vehicle.

Traveling with your pet:

• SECURE YOUR PET in a crate or by using a safety harness. Pets that are not secure risk injury if in a crash, in addition to the potential for causing a distraction to the driver.
• NEVER LET YOUR DOG PUT ITS HEAD OUT OF THE CAR WINDOW . Although letting your dog stick its head out of the car window may be tempting, it is not safe. Your pet could be hit by debris on the road or from other vehicles. Additionally, there is a risk of injury due to sudden braking, sharp turns, or accidents.

Dangerous Driving Behaviors:

• DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IS NEVER ACCEPTABLE . The risk of losing a life is not worth any excuse.
• IMPAIRMENT IS BLACK OR WHITE ; you are either impaired or not. If you have consumed alcohol, drugs, or any mind-altering prescription drugs, you are impaired and should not be driving. Doing so puts yourself, your passengers, and others on the road at risk of injury or even death.
• SPEED is one of the most common traffic violations issued by law enforcement across the country. In Florida, the speed limit on any highway, interstate, or road is never more than 70 mph. Speeding is the cause of many accidents resulting in injury or death; it is reckless driving and endangers everyone.
• BUCKLE UP . Another fact is that if you are involved in a collision while unrestrained, you are more likely to be injured or killed. There is no reason not to buckle up; it is an easy step to ensure your safety.
• DRIVE IN THE “RIGHT” LANE . The left lane is for passing; unless doing so, you should stay in the right lane.

This summer, if you’re planning to hit the road, make sure to prioritize safety by taking necessary precautions, making responsible decisions, and preparing your vehicle and pets for travel. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and our campaign partners are committed to ensuring that everyone enjoys a safe and pleasant travel experience across the state. To learn more about Safe Summer Travel, please visit our campaign webpage .

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education, and enforcement. Learn more on our  website .

The Florida Highway Patrol strives to achieve core values of courtesy, service, and protection. It is FHP’s job to help ensure the safety and welfare of millions of Florida’s residents and visitors every day.

To learn more about FHP or how to become one of Florida’s Finest, visit  BeATrooper.com .

Summer Safety Tips

Story by Natasha Saad | Design By Marcus Allen

As the spring semester comes to a close and summer approaches, making plans for travel and adventure is a great way to unwind and take a break from your studies. To ensure a memorable and enjoyable summer, here are a few tips to prioritize your health.

When Traveling Near

Share travel plans with friends or family members but be cautious about how much you share when meeting people you’ve just met or only interacted with online. Try not to travel alone, especially after dark.

Grab a buddy or go with a group when you’re walking or using public transportation at night. Safety in numbers, right?

Keep your phone charged and carry a portable charger with you. Save important contacts, including local emergency services.

Grab a buddy or go with a group when you're walking or using public transportation at night. Safety in numbers, right?

Or Traveling Far

Make copies of your passport, ID and itinerary. Keep one set with you and leave another with a trusted person back home.

Register with your country’s embassy or consulate to receive important updates and add this contact information to your phone.

Before traveling abroad, check for any travel advisories or warnings issued for your destination country.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off or sketchy, don't ignore it. Get yourself out of there and to safety.

Limit distractions: Keep your focus on what’s happening around you. Ditch the headphones and texting while walking. Being aware of your surroundings can help you spot potential trouble.

Drink responsibly: Know your own limit and look out for your friends. Ensure everyone has a safe way to get home.

Prepare for Summer Weather

Texas summer heat can be brutal. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol or caffeinated drinks, which can contribute to dehydration.

Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, including dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone else experiences these symptoms.

Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Updates for Week of June 2, 2024

Travel advisory.

Colorado Springs —­­­­ The Colorado Department of Transportation will temporarily close north- and southbound Interstate 25 between Santa Fe Avenue and Mesa Ridge Parkway, as part of the MAMSIP project to improve the I-25 roadway with a new asphalt surface. Crews will mill the roadway surface of northbound I-25 from Mile Point 127.75 to MP 128.34 on Monday night, June 3, and place new asphalt during nighttime hours on Tuesday, June 4 through Friday, June 7. Also, crews will mill the roadway surface of southbound I-25 from MP 128.34 to MP 127.75 to prepare for placement of new asphalt during nighttime hours on Tuesday, June 4 through Friday, June 7. These closures are necessary for the safety of the traveling public.

Temporary full closures of northbound I-25

• Monday, June 3 through Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Friday, June 7, 8 p.m. to 10 a.m.

Temporary full closures of southbound I-25:

• Tuesday, June 4 through Thursday, June 6, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Detours will be in place:

• Northbound I-25 traffic will exit at Santa Fe Avenue, turn north onto the CanAm Highway (US 85/87), travel to Mesa Ridge Parkway, turn west and re-enter I-25.
• Southbound I-25 traffic will exit at Mesa Ridge Parkway (exit 132A), travel to the CanAm Highway (US 85/87), turn south and continue to Santa Fe Avenue to re-enter I-25 (MP 128).

The speed limit in this area has been reduced to 60 MPH. Traffic delays of 10 to 15 minutes are expected and motorists are urged to use extra caution while traveling in the area. Fines will be doubled through the construction zone.

On Monday, June 3, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., there will be a nighttime northbound I-25 right lane closure at South Academy Boulevard for work on the bridge abutment walls.

El Paso County – MAMSIP – South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

Northbound South Academy Boulevard will be temporarily closed between US 85/87 and Bradley Road on Friday, June 7 at 7 p.m. until Monday, June 10 at 6 a.m. to allow crews to install drainage pipes across the roadway. A detour will be in place:

• Northbound South Academy Boulevard traffic will exit to US 85/87, travel south and turn left onto Fontaine Boulevard, travel east and turn left onto Grinnell Boulevard, travel north and turn left onto Bradley Road, travel west and turn right onto the on-ramp to northbound South Academy Boulevard.

A shift to a temporary on-ramp for drivers entering northbound South Academy Boulevard from US 85/87 is ongoing as crews will perform work on roadway, drainage and utilities in the area. The ramp lane width will be reduced to 12 feet and speeds will be reduced to 30 MPH. This closure will be in effect approximately until Fall.

Motorists are advised to use caution at all entrance ramps as merge lengths have been shortened. In particular, motorists should be prepared to stop on the US 85/87 on-ramp to eastbound South Academy  and the Bradley Road on-ramp to eastbound South Academy since merge area is greatly reduced.

All lanes of Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard are shifted to the center of the roadway ongoing to allow crews to perform work on new bridge piers.

A left lane closure is ongoing for northbound and southbound South Academy Boulevard over Bradley Road to allow crews to perform bridge work.

These closures are weather dependent and subject to change.

Traffic Impacts

I-25 between US 85/Fountain (MP 127) and South Academy Boulevard (MP 135)

• Monday, June 3 through Thursday, June 6, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Monday, June 3, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

• Temporary full closure of northbound South Academy Boulevard between US 85/87 and Bradley Road. Use detour route.
• Ongoing full closure of existing northbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramp from US 85/87 and shift to temporary on-ramp, in place for approx. 5 to 6 months
• Ongoing northbound and southbound left lane closure at South Academy Boulevard over Bradley Road
• Ongoing shift of all lanes on Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard bridge

Project Overview

Interstate-25 – Safety and Efficiency Improvements

The improvements to I-25 addressed in this project are located along an approximately 7.5-mile segment of south I-25 beginning at South Academy Boulevard and extending to the Santa Fe Avenue (U.S. 85/87) exit at Fountain (MP 128), which exits to Gate 19 of Fort Carson. The project includes:

• Replacement of two bridges crossing over South Academy Boulevard
• Widening of both inside and outside shoulders and installing safety improvements
• Concrete surface treatment overlay to provide an improved riding surface
• Installation of median barrier
• Rehab and widening work on four bridges
• Installation of an I-25 southbound deceleration lane at the interchange with CO 16

The improvements to South Academy Boulevard in this project are located on South Academy Boulevard at the southern mile and a half of this arterial road from the I-25 interchange, crossing U.S. Highway 85/87, and continuing to the road’s approach to Milton Proby Parkway (which connects to Powers Boulevard/CO 21). Construction focuses on widening an approximately 1.5-mile section of South Academy Boulevard from two lanes to three in each direction to alleviate recurring congestion. The project includes improved drainage facilities, lighting, striping, and expanded shoulders, modified merge lanes, sound walls and bridgework. The project is expected to be complete by early 2026. This project is managed by El Paso County.

Safety Benefits

CDOT conducted a safety assessment for the corridor to evaluate the magnitude and nature of safety problems and analyze the causes of crashes. These transportation improvements are mitigation measures to reduce crashes, improve infrastructure, and address physical deficiencies that contribute to crashes in the corridor. Over the next 20 years, the project is estimated to result in fewer deaths, injuries and crashes on the four MAMSIP corridors.

Project Contact Information

• Website: codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements
• Email: [email protected]
• Hotline: 719-800-2162
• Register for Alerts: Text MAMSIP to 888-970-9665

About the Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Build Grant

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has initiated a program to deliver more efficient and safer mobility along I-25, Colorado Highway 94, South Academy Boulevard, and Charter Oak Ranch Road, enabling economic stability and development. The Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program is partially funded through an $18 million BUILD grant award from the US Department of Transportation. The delivery of these improvements will strengthen and enhance the redundancy of strategic movement between the nationally significant El Paso County military installations of Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and Schriever Space Force Base.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter , Facebook , Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents, before you go.

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Crisis and Disaster Abroad: Be Ready

What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis

Information for U.S. Citizens about a U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuation

Traveler's Checklist

Safety and Security Messaging

Best Practices for Traveler Safety

Staying Connected

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Traveler Information

LGBTQI+ Travelers

Adventure Travel

High-Risk Area Travelers

Travelers with Dual Nationality

Journalist Travelers

Faith-Based Travelers

Pilgrimage Travelers (Hajj and Umrah)

U.S. Students Abroad

Cruise Ship Passengers

Women Travelers

Travelers with Disabilities

Older Travelers

U.S. Volunteers Abroad

Travelers with Pets

Travelers With Firearms

Travel Agents

Travel Safety - Race and Ethnicity

U.S. Travelers in Europe's Schengen Area

Your Health Abroad

Insurance Coverage Overseas

Driving and Road Safety Abroad

Customs and Import Restrictions

Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia

Lodging Safety

Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics

Are you traveling or living outside the U.S.? STEP is a free service that sends you emails with updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate. If there’s an emergency where you are, it helps us contact you with instructions on what to do.

Why join STEP?

• Get real time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country.
• Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy.
• Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there’s an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.

What kind of messages does STEP send? Currently, STEP sends emails only. STEP can send you several types of information:

• Routine Messages : News and updates about the country you picked.
• Alerts : Messages about short-term security, terrorism, health, weather, or disaster situations that could impact your travels.
• Travel Advisories : We re-evaluate the situation in each country every 6-12 months. Advisories include a simple 1-4 rating system, details about specific risks in the country, and clear steps U.S. citizens should take to stay safe.

Join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

After you set up your account, you can pick what types of messages you want to get.

Stay in touch during an emergency.  Signing up for STEP helps the U.S. embassy get in touch with you if there’s an emergency. And, if your family or friends in the U.S. can’t reach you with urgent news while you’re traveling, we can use the information in STEP to try and contact you.

Become a Smart Traveler Now!   STEP is an easy first step to being a smart traveler. You should also always research your destination , and consider additional ways to get safety and security information from the U.S. Department of State, like on social media.

Enroll in STEP

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Learn about your destination

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• our chicago

Our Chicago: Water Safety

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The lakefront is one of the things that makes Chicago so unique, but it can be dangerous.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project reports there have been 14 drownings in the Great Lakes so far this year, five were in Lake Michigan.

Representatives from the Water Safety Task Force Metro Chicago joined ABC7 Chicago to talk about safety not only in the lake, but pools and anywhere else that people go to swim.

Co-Founder of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Dave Benjamin said knowing how to swim is not enough when visting Lake Michigan.

"With Lake Michigan, we have wind traveling over the lake. Say from north to south that's 300 miles of wind stretching to the south end we can get several types of dangerous currents that happen like longshore currents, rip currents, structural currents," Benjamin said. "It's a west wind it's blowing off-shore so anything that floats can go far and fast off-shore so there's a lot of hazards just caused by the wind that most people really aren't paying attention to which way the wind is blowing when they go to the beach."

He added that progress in raising awareness of the dangers has been made thanks to news reports on surf forecasts, rip current alert days.

"A law was passed in Illinois as well now, in Indiana, for public rescue equipment to be on the lakefront. So that's making it safer as well and it's a big, red weatherproof case that people can see and there's a life ring inside so that gives a little bit of awareness that we should be more on alert because they actually have a life ring here and lives could be in danger," Benjamin said.

American Red Cross Training Services First Responder and Aquatic Strategic Account Executive Tim Oldenburg said lifeguards at beaches and pools make all the difference.

"There's a huge preventative benefit to having a lifeguard there because they're professionally trained to know how to respond to those situations that potentially could come up in an emergency," Oldenburg said.

In recent years there's been a shortage of lifeguards, Oldenburg added.

"It's an extremely competitive market out there for the age ranges that these facilities want to hire. But many facilities have come up with a lot of different initiatives and incentives and referral programs that help them attract and increase their employment," he said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported there are approximately 4,000 drowning deaths in the U.S. each year. These are people who drown in a bathtub, a pool or the open water.

Drowning is the number one cause of death among children ages 1 to 4.

Lurie Children's Hospital Dr. Michelle Macy is a pediatric emergency physician. She said drowning deaths in early childhood mostly happen because kids get access to pools and spaces for water when it's not swimming time.

"Their family isn't paying attention or tuned into that," she said. "We also see situations where kids have gotten comfortable with floatation devices and when they go near a pool without those they don't realize that they're not able to swim independently."

The doctor said close supervision, four sided fencing and keeping kids in arm's reach until they know how to swim are crucial for swimming safety.

The CDC found racial disparities among drowning victims.Native Americans, Alaska Native and African Americas drown at higher rates.

"The racial disparities that we see in terms of drowning deaths have really deep historic roots and come from exclusionary practices that have been in place in this country for decades and centuries," she said. "So, it's not something that's inherently different about kids of different races but it's that their families haven't had access to swimming. Their parents might not have experience being around the water or having an opportunity to learn themselves."

Dupage County Health Department recently awarded thousands of dollars to five Illinois public swimming facilities to provide swim lessons to preschool-aged children ages 3-to-5 years old.

They include the Chicago Park District, Hoffman Estates Park District, Belvidere Family YMCA, Collinsville Maryville Troy YMCA and the Vandalia Park District.

Related Topics

• HEALTH & FITNESS
• OUR CHICAGO
• LAKE MICHIGAN
• FAMILY & PARENTING
• AMERICAN RED CROSS

Our Chicago

Our Chicago: Memorial Day weekend and summer travel

Our Chicago: FAFSA Changes & Job Scams

Our Chicago: Total solar eclipse travel tips

Our Chicago: Balancing Life & Careers

Top stories.

Man shot while helping carjacking victim on West Side: CPD

4-year-old boy killed by pickup truck on South Side ID'd

African lion cub 'Lomelok' dies at Lincoln Park Zoo after surgery

• 2 hours ago

18-year-old ID'd as victim killed in I-290 crash: medical examiner

• 28 minutes ago

New sports network to carry White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks games

Progress Pride Flag raised over Daley Plaza

• 43 minutes ago

3 injured in hot air balloon crash in NW Ind.

Suburban carnival shut down after fight, multiple arrests: police

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Storms Snarl Memorial Day Travel After at Least 23 Killed

The weather disrupted flights at airports from Atlanta to Boston on Monday after powerful winds and rain battered towns across the South over the weekend.

Severe Storms and Tornadoes Cause Destruction in Several States

Severe weather hit several parts of the united states over the weekend, killing more than 20 people and leaving hundreds of thousands without power..

[NO SPEECH]

By Katie Benner and Ernesto Londoño

Follow our updated coverage of Tuesday’s severe weather here .

Severe weather stretching across the Midwest and East Coast on Monday disrupted plans for millions of Americans trying to make it home after a busy weekend that was expected to break records for Memorial Day travel. The disruptions followed storms and tornadoes that killed at least 23 people in the South and left hundreds of thousands without power.

Flights at airports from Atlanta to Boston experienced ground delays and stops as severe weather, including heavy rain and potentially damaging wind and hail, moved into much of the Eastern United States on Monday afternoon and evening.

Parts of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania were under severe storm watches through late Monday, and a tornado watch was issued for an area from northern Maryland through eastern North Carolina, including Washington, D.C. Heat and more thunderstorms were forecast for Texas and the Southern Plains on Tuesday, including possible hail and strong winds.

Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration said that they had worked with the airlines to plan for the expected weather disruptions over the Memorial Day weekend. On Friday, 2.9 million people were screened at U.S. airports , the Transportation Security Administration said — a single-day record.

By midday on Monday, La Guardia Airport in New York City had reported average ground delays of 100 minutes. Flights were also delayed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest in the world. And ground stops and major delays were reported or expected at airports in Chicago, Virginia, Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia and Cleveland because of the storms, according to the F.A.A.

In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Monday morning after four people were killed over the weekend. On Monday afternoon, Gov. Beshear announced a fifth storm-related death in the state, a person who died from a heart attack while cutting fallen trees. More than 150,000 customers in the state were without power at midday after damaging winds.

Elsewhere, a tornado left at least seven people dead in North Texas, including two children ages 2 and 5. Eight people were killed in Arkansas, and two died in Oklahoma as severe storms swept through the region, flattening hundreds of buildings and blowing away homes. And severe thunderstorms in Virginia resulted in at least one fatality, officials said.

Share of customers without power

Thousands of others in the South and the Midwest were without power on Monday, according to the tracking site poweroutage.us .

Later on Monday, severe thunderstorms were expected from Texas to New York, the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center said . Flash flooding was possible from Maryland to the Catskill Mountains in New York, the Weather Service said , and tornadoes were possible in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Forecast risk of severe storms for Monday

The system was the latest to pummel the region over the past few days. Five people were killed and part of a city was obliterated in Iowa last week after a powerful tornado hit.

President Biden issued a statement of condolence to those affected by the storms, and he thanked emergency responders for their work.

“Jill and I are praying for those who tragically lost their lives as a result of devastating tornadoes that tore through Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma, leveling entire communities and leaving a path of destruction in their wake,” Mr. Biden said.

Mr. Biden said that the federal government was “ready to provide support as needed.” He noted that the Memorial Day holiday storms came just weeks after counties in the Midwest and South were recovering from severe weather.

On Sunday, severe thunderstorms in Howell County, Mo., produced hail the size of baseballs and tornadoes that downed trees and damaged homes near the town of Mountain View, said Kelsey Angle, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Springfield.

In Kentucky, Governor Beshear deployed the National Guard to help state forestry workers clear downed trees and dangerous debris. He activated the state’s price-gouging statute to prevent price increases on necessary supplies, and said he believed that the state would qualify for public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Emergency workers have reported high water, fallen trees and other dangerous conditions in about a third of Kentucky’s 120 counties, mostly in the western part of the state, Jim Gray, the Kentucky transportation secretary, said at a news conference. The storms also impacted nearly 100 state highways.

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott s igned a severe weather disaster declaration that covered 106 counties. Officials estimate that nearly 100 people were injured over the weekend, more than 200 homes were destroyed and over 220 buildings were damaged.

Johnny Diaz and Mike Ives contributed reporting.

Katie Benner is a correspondent writing primarily about large institutions that shape American life. More about Katie Benner

Ernesto Londoño is a Times reporter based in Minnesota, covering news in the Midwest and drug use and counternarcotics policy. More about Ernesto Londoño

Main navigation

• Construction & planning
• Business with WSDOT
• Engineering & standards

Congestion relief in store for travelers on I-5 between Chehalis and Centralia

• Celeste Dimichina , Communications, 3609052057

LEWIS COUNTY – Interstate 5 travelers in southwest Washington will soon experience improved travel times and reduced congestion during their daily commutes.

Starting Monday, June 3, the Washington State Department of Transportation’s contractor, Northeast Electric, LLC., will begin work to install new ramp meters at multiple I-5 on-ramps between Harrison Avenue in Centralia and Southwest Parkland Drive in Chehalis.

“During peak evening travel times, the on-ramps to I-5 become a choke point as several drivers try to merge onto the freeway at the same time,” said Project Engineer Jennette Queen. “Ramp meters will help improve travel times and safety by breaking up traffic and allowing smoother merging onto the highway."

Northbound I-5 ramp meter locations

• Exit 76 – 13th Street (on-ramp)
• Exit 77 – State Route 6 (on-ramp)
• Exit 79 – Chamber Way (on-ramp)

Southbound I-5 ramp meter locations

• Exit 77 – SR 6 (on-ramp)
• Exit 81 – SR 507 Mellen Street City Center (on-ramp)
• Exit 82 – Harrison Avenue (on-ramp)

How ramp meters work

Ramp meters are traffic signals that operate according to real-time conditions on the highways and ramps. The traffic signals provide consistent gaps in on-ramp traffic, preventing multiple vehicles from entering the highway at the same time. More efficient merging allows drivers to continue traveling smoothly and keeps traffic flowing at highway speeds. Ramp meters also reduce the potential for collisions by 30 percent.

How to use ramp meters

Drive the vehicle up to the white stop line to trigger the ramp meter. If the light is red, stop at the white line. When the light turns green, accelerate and merge onto the highway. Most ramp meters allow only one vehicle to proceed with each green light, creating a four- to 15-second delay between cars entering the highway.

On-ramp delays

While ramp metering benefits drivers already on the highway, it can produce delays for drivers merging onto the highway. Unlike other states, ramp meters in Washington are not set to run during a scheduled time of day. Rather, WSDOT ramp meters adapt and operate based on real-time traffic conditions on the freeway. Additionally, WSDOT traffic crews will fine-tune ramp meter operations and closely monitor traffic at each ramp following activation.

WSDOT’s goal is to balance the needs of drivers merging onto the highway with the needs of drivers already there.

 Website feedback: Tell us how we're doing.

Learn more about work zone safety, slow down – lives are on the line. .

In 2023, speeding   continued to be a top reason for work zone crashes.

Even one life lost is too many.

Fatal work zone crashes doubled in 2023 - Washington had 10 fatal work zone crashes on state roads.

It's in EVERYONE’S best interest.

95% of people hurt in work zones are drivers, their passengers or passing pedestrians, not just our road crews.

• Privacy policy
• Agency rule making
• Sign up to receive text messages
• Real-time travel data
• Current restrictions
• Commercial vehicle chain requirements
• Curfew hours & holiday restrictions
• Emergency vehicles posted bridge restrictions
• Self-issue a permit
• Permit types & descriptions
• Permit offices
• Permit fee calculator
• Axle spacing report
• Legal weight chart
• Pilot & escort vehicle
• Permit contacts
• Buy a transponder
• Register a transponder
• Transponder program & benefits
• Transponder support & questions
• Weigh station e-screening technology
• Manufactured home transport routes
• Map of weigh stations with bypass
• Truck parking at rest areas
• Mountain passes & winter travel
• Toll roads, bridges & tunnels
• Border crossings
• Hood Canal Bridge
• Mountain pass closure and opening dates
• Park and rides
• Interstates & state routes
• Movable bridges on state routes
• Express lanes
• Peak use shoulder lanes
• Ferries & terminals
• Rider information
• Buy a ferry ticket
• Airport management
• Airports list
• Aviation emergency management
• Aviation grants
• Aviation news & contacts
• Aviation plans & studies
• Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission
• Community Aviation Revitalization Board (CARB) loan program
• Airport Guide
• Unpiloted Aircraft Registration Exemption Form
• Bikes & transit
• Commuting on a bike
• U.S. bike routes
• Bicyclist laws & safety
• Pedestrian laws & safety
• How we manage the trains
• Train safety
• Mobile app and social media
• Active Traffic and Demand Management
• Avalanche control
• Incident response team
• Ramp meters
• Snow and ice plan
• Tire chain installation
• Traffic Management Centers (TMCs)
• Traffic signals
• Collector-distributor
• Diverging diamond interchange
• Roundabouts
• Rumble Strips
• Work zone safety
• Printable maps
• Holiday weekend travel
• Complete Streets
• Search projects
• Search studies
• Major projects
• Active Transportation Plan
• Community Engagement Plan
• Cooperative automated transportation
• National Highway Freight Program
• Truck parking plans
• Highway System Plan
• Project delivery plan
• Public transportation plans
• Safety Rest Area Strategic Plan
• State planning and research work program
• Strategic Highway Safety Plan: Target Zero
• Transportation Carbon Reduction Strategy
• Washington State Plan for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment
• Washington Transportation Plan
• WSDOT budget
• Financial planning
• Revenue forecasting
• 2003 "Nickel" funding package
• 2005 Transportation Partnership Program
• Connecting Washington
• Major asset categories
• Performance-based project evaluation
• Bridge & structure preservation
• Chronic Environmental Deficiencies (CEDs)
• Report a spill
• Climate resilience
• Reducing transportation greenhouse gas emissions
• Sustainable transportation
• Improving fish passage
• Federal court injunction for fish passage
• Fish passage project delivery plans
• Fish passage maps & data
• Habitat restoration partnerships
• Contracting & training for fish passage
• Historic bridges
• Historic Highway SR 11
• Historic Highway SR 112
• Historic Highway SR 9
• Historic Highway SR 900
• Historic Highway US 101
• Historical highway markers
• Litter on state highways
• Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Plans
• Protecting pollinators
• Using herbicides
• Managing stormwater from state highways
• Noise walls & barriers
• Reducing the risk of wildlife collisions
• Roadside maintenance
• Search contracting opportunities
• Ferries contracts
• Zero-emission Vehicle Infrastructure Partnerships grant
• Zero-emissions Access Program grant
• Port Electrification Grant
• How to do business with us
• Contact support for local programs
• Billing & funding forms
• Certification acceptance
• Consultant agreements & indirect cost rate information
• Local Agency Guidelines (LAG) manual
• Project development
• Quarterly Project Report (QPR)
• Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
• Find a local project
• Carbon Reduction Program
• Civilian intervention program
• Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
• Highway Infrastructure Program
• Highway Safety Improvement Program call for projects
• Local Agency Federal Obligation Authority
• Local bridge program call for projects
• Move Ahead Washington Railroad Crossing Program
• Multiuse Roadway Safety Account
• National Highway System Asset Management Program
• PROTECT Program
• Pedestrian & Bicycle program call for projects
• Safe Routes to School Program call for projects
• Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Program
• Surface Transportation Block Grant
• Transportation Alternatives
• Active transportation services
• Bridge inspection and reporting software
• Bridge services
• Changes and experimentations for the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Environmental services
• Hot mix asphalt services
• Right-of-way forms & brochures
• Right-of-way services
• Traffic & safety services
• Capacity Building Mentorship
• Contact equal opportunity in contracting
• Diverse business programs
• Equal Employment Opportunity Contract Compliance
• Equal Opportunity - File a complaint - Online form
• Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance
• Website advertising
• General sales terms
• Wireless leasing
• Adopt-a-Highway Contacts
• Adopt-a-Highway sponsorship
• Adopt-a-Highway volunteers
• Get your business on a blue sign
• Rules for billboards and other advertising signs on highways
• Get a roadside memorial sign
• Political signs on highways
• Highway access requests & training
• Freight & railway business programs
• Commute Trip Reduction Program
• Printing services
• Contact the Audit group
• External audits on WSDOT
• Indirect Cost Rate guidance documents, forms & templates
• Indirect Cost Rate training
• Indirect Cost rate review process
• Safe Harbor Indirect Cost Rate
• Environmental guidance
• Design topics
• Active Bridge Design Manual Memorandums
• Inactive Bridge Design Manual memorandums
• Project delivery memos
• Local Agency General Special Provisions (GSPs)
• Curbs, sidewalks and driveways / Geometric design - GD
• Drainage structures and hydraulics - DS
• Fence and glare screen - FS
• Illumination, Signals and ITS - IS
• Roadside and site development - RD
• Roadway delineation / Pavement markings - PM
• Signs and sign support - SD
• Structure-Free Zone - SFZ
• Traffic barrier - TB
• Work zone typical traffic control plans (TCP)
• Future standard plans
• Overview of standard plans process
• Standard plans manual archive
• Standard plans prioritization
• Corridor sketch initiative
• Planning and Environmental Linkages guidance for planning studies
• Cost risk assessment
• Project delivery method selection guidance
• Project management guide
• Value engineering
• Design training
• Environmental training
• Hydraulics & hydrology training
• Practical Solutions training
• Project management training
• Aggregate source approval
• Construction audit tracking system
• Documentation and forms
• Electrical materials
• Geological earthwork
• Materials evaluation program
• Materials laboratory testing & field inspection
• Pavement design & management
• Qualified product list (QPL)
• Quality assurance program
• Request for approval of materials
• Statistical analysis of materials
• Construction bulletins
• Environmental during construction
• Transportation System Management and Operations TSMO
• Environmental justice assessments
• Wetlands ecology & monitoring techniques internship
• Transportation data
• Introduction to Roger Millar
• WSDOT organization chart
• Data incident
• Information technology strategic focus areas & goals
• Library & research reports
• Seasonal events & programs
• Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
• Title VI/Limited English Proficiency
• Washington State Ferries Employee News
• Report graffiti
• Tribal contacts
• Media contacts
• SMS - Terms of service
• Emergency management