3 S’s For International Travel - Safety:Supplies:Satisfaction
■■ Safety
● ■ Check travel.state.gov safety rating of destination city/country 1-4.
Exercise normal precautions
Exercise increased precautions
Reconsider Travel
Do Not Travel
● ■ Keep passport and important items protected and in front bag/pockets while traveling/ walking in crowded areas
● ■ Find safe neighborhoods before booking stay
● ■ Make sure you’ll have cell service (arrange roaming fees if needed)
● ■ Download area language/languages in translation apps
● ■ Check best transportation options (EU flights vs. trains, local transit apps)
● ■ Be mindful where you take photos/videos (tourist areas vs. private/local spaces)
● ■ Practice “stop and look around” awareness in secluded areas and when entering the place you’re staying and at ATM
● ■ Don’t wear AirPods or headphones while walking alone or in busy areas.
● ■ Carry mace in checked luggage for personal safety
● ■ Travel in pairs when possible (extra caution if solo)
● ■ Be cautious with ATMs/cards (info theft risk)
● ■ Check and Double check your airplane gate on arrival at the airport by finding gate and asking attendant if you’re at the correct gate. Do the same for trains and buses. They may not make announcements in your language so pay attention. Ask if there are any transfers between stops.
● ■ Know how to behave upon arrival (local customs, awareness of surroundings)
■ Supplies
● ■ Passport and ID (checked for expiration, copies on password protected phone)
● ■ Photos of debit and credit cards (front and back)
● ■ Photos of others’ documents if traveling together
● ■ Check destination country information to see if you need a Temporary Visa to enter the country
● ■ Find out if Vaccines are necessary
● ■ One hiking bag (65 liters recommended)
● ■ One backpack
● ■ Durable bags without holes
● ■ Option to plastic-wrap checked luggage at international airports
● ■ International charger (Amazon)
● ■ VPN for phone/laptop (Nord VPN, Surfshark - Check App Store)
● ■ Travel-size toiletries
● ■ Portable Laundry hanging line (not many dryers abroad)
● ■ Washer sheets in case of no washer (laundry detergent sheets)
● ■ Appropriate clothing for local climate and customs (example: No Booty Shorts In The Middle East) (many countries lack climate control indoors)
● ■ Phone strap for safety while taking pictures
● ■ Physical local currency (ATM withdrawal rather than currency exchange kiosks in airports)
● ■ Debit and credit cards for backup
■ Satisfaction (comfort, enjoyment & ease)
● ■ Check weather and climate for your travel season
● ■ Download airline apps for miles and trip tracking
● ■ Use taxis/Uber/rideshare for convenience. Research safest in country travel. Many countries price gouge tourists so using rideshare apps is both safest and most honest)
● ■ Enjoy public transportation options (trains, buses, metro apps)
● ■ Take photos of architecture & tourist sites (with awareness)
● ■ Have backup cash and digital payment options for smooth purchases