How to Stay Safe When Traveling Abroad

I recently went to Afghanistan, a place that is currently embroiled in all kinds of unrest.  While I felt quite protected and safe, it’s not a place for everyone, especially not your teenager.

When you send your teenaged kids abroad for traveling this summer, there are several  tips that the world-wide People to People Ambassador Program have come up with after sending over half a million teenagers across for summer travel.

• Ask yourself – would I do this at home?
• Stay rested – it helps you stay in touch with your surroundings and keep a clear head.
• Don’t travel alone – the adventure might be appealing but it makes you a target for thieves.
• Do your research – visit the Center for Disease Control websites and your destination sites too.
• Find a hotel/hostel in an accessible area. Trying to save money by going for a remote location could cost you in your safety.
• If you must travel like a local on the trains or subways, make sure you spread your money and id around on you – put things in different pockets in case you are pick-pocketed.
• Stay aware. If you notice the same person keeps showing up where you are, you might be being targeted. Find a safe location or someone you trust.
• A prepaid bank card is a great way of keeping your money safe and of tracking your movements in case something happens. People to People and the US State Department have used this to track people they need to find.
• Always keep a copy of your passport and credit cards in a safe location away from your belongings in case they get stolen.
• Blend in and leave the “bling” behind. Thieves target wealthy Americans –even if you don’t think you are wealthy.
• Keep a set time you check in with home so people know you are staying safe and know when to get concerned if they haven’t heard from you. Skype, text and GPS phones can help you stay connected.
• The US State Department notes that you are under the laws of the country you are visiting so make sure you research these before you go.

For more tips and information, check out www.peopletopeople.com/safety.