Traveling Abroad? What you Need to Know

Traveling….It’s what we do. We travel to go on vacation, visit friends or to conduct business. We are always on the road or on a plane going somewhere. A lot of us travel to other countries and along with traveling abroad is the excitement of experiencing something new and different. In that excitement we can forget to cover our bases and make sure that we are safe. With everything that is happing in the world today our personal safety should be at the top of the to-do list. Here are some things to consider before you set out.

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit, accessible at http://www.travel.state.gov.
3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you. While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
4. Make two copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.
5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.
7. Prior to your departure, you should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.
8. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
9. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money.
10. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy. To locate an embassy visit: www.usembassy.gov/.

If you have questions on this or how you or your belongings are covered while traveling,

Contact Ben Coe or call your local Shepherd Insurance representative. We will be glad to assist. 

SOURCE: Zywave, Inc.