Safe Travel Tips

When traveling it's important to be prepared for any emergency. You just don't know what to expect. You need to protect yourself from a vast list of unknown dangers such as theft, disease and getting lost just to name a few.

If you are traveling over seas you need to to check with the country's health department for immunization suggestions. You should also tell your family physician where you are going as they may actually be more informed than a third world health department.

Check in with your current health insurance provider and ask what their policies are about over sea's coverage. You may need to purchase additional coverage for travel in foreign countries. Make sure you do what it takes so you are covered even if it means you have to purchase some type of temporary extended coverage. Let them know how long you will be out of country so you will be safe. Don't risk your health you just don't know what type of illness could come upon you.

Try to drink bottled water if possible and try to avoid tap water. Don't order or eat foods that are not thoroughly cooked even if you normally prefer meat medium rare etc. Remember to bring some type of anti diarrhea medication. If you feel very sick make sure to go to a doctor or hospital.

Purchase travelers checks before leaving home. It is very difficult for a thief to cash in your travelers checks because you have to have identification and sign them twice to make a purchase. Just don't let your wallet get stolen. Constantly reaching the location where your wallet is lets would be thieves know exactly where it is. Try to refrain from doing this. I have become accustom to keeping my wallet in my front pocket where it would be much more difficult to steal. That way I'm not constantly reaching for it making sure it's still there. If you somehow get ripped off immediately call your travel check agent and report them stolen. Hopefully they get replaced in a timely manor. Waiting to report only gives the thief more chance to get way with something and delays your replacement time.

Don't carry allot of cash and purchase foreign currency BEFORE you leave your own country. Often you don't get a fair exchange rate especially when you use US currency to make a purchase. Leave your expensive clothing, watches, jewelry etc. at home. Bringing those items with you is just risky. Keeping a low profile by blending in helps keeps thieves from targeting you.

You may want to look into a valuables insurance cover policy to protect you while over seas. This type of insurance will cover the items you brought with you, items you recently purchased on your travels, and your rental car.

Use common sense while vacationing and don't put allot of trust in strangers. Even over seas if it sounds to good to be true it probably is. Be careful about letting people see your credit card info and make sure you tear up credit card receipt carbons.

Pre planning to avoid these mishaps will help ensure a happy safer vacation for you and your family!