This information is part of the International Safe Travels Foundation
website. Beth Holloway is President and CEO...there is specific information on many countries...the address is:
http://www.internationalsafetravelsfoundation.org/MS/MS37/page.php?p=410 PASSPORT TO SAFE TRAVELS Research information on your destination as it relates to the location of your hotel, hospitals, consular services, police, etc. Print and pack this information.
Before you leave the country, activate international calling on your cell phone. When you land, make a call to the United States before you leave the airport to confirm that your international calling has been activated. Be sure you know how to make an international call. The international area code into the U.S. is 001, followed by the area code and number you are calling.
If you are not carrying a cell phone with you, check with your destination country to see if international calling cards are available there. Also check to see if cell phones can be rented there and if international calling is an option.
Always carry your cell phone with you on your person, not in a purse or briefcase.
Log in other traveling companions' numbers and your important home state contacts on your cell phone.
NEVER divulge your departure date.
NEVER disclose your hotel room number to anyone.
NEVER carry your passport with you when you go out. Always take a photo i.d. and cell phone with you whenever you go out.
In making your plans to go out for the evening, be sure that includes your plans to return. Bring your evening agenda full circle before leaving your hotel. Initiate your own safety plan and stick to it. Know when to be proactive in taking charge over others in your party.
Get information on taxicabs from your hotel. Are cabs marked? Licensed? Registered? What should the vehicle look like and what should you expect to pay?
Go to the U.S. Dept. of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website at
http://travel.state.gov to read the Consular Sheets and other safety information before embarking on your trip.
TRAVELING SAFETY...PREDEPARTURE CHECKLIST FOR INDIVIDUALS TRAVELING ABROAD MY PASSPORT IS VALID FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE TRIP.
I HAVE ALL THE REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND VISAS FOR MY DESTINATION(S).
THE ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL COUNTRIES I INTEND TO VISIT HAVE BEEN CHECKED AT:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html I HAVE RESEARCHED THE LOCATIONS I PLAN TO VISIT PAYING SPECIAL ATTENTION TO CULTURAL (ESPECIALLY GENDER), POLITICAL AND LEGAL DIFFERENCES.
THE CONSULAR INFORMATION SHEET(S) FOR MY DESTINATION COUNTRY/COUNTRIES HAVE BEEN REVIEWED AT:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html AT LEAST ONE COPY OF MY ITINERARY, PASSPORT'S IDENTIFICATION PAGE, FLIGHT/TICKET INFORMATION AND NAMES, ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF WHERE I WILL BE STAYING HAS BEEN LEFT WITH A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND.
"CHECK IN DATES" THAT CAN LATER BE MODIFIED OR CHANGED HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED WITH FRIENDS AND/OR FAMILY MEMBERS.
ALL VALUABLES, JEWELRY AND EXTRA CREDIT CARDS HAVE BEEN LEFT AT HOME.
I HAVE VERIFIED THAT I HAVE SUFFICIENT HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE WHILE ABROAD.
I HAVE REVIEWED THE STATE DEPARTMENT'S SITE ON "MEDICAL INFORMATION FOR AMERICANS TRAVELING ABROAD".
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html I HAVE ALL PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS (AND PRESCRIPTION INFORMATION) FOR THE DURATION OF MY TRIP AS WELL AS FOR UNANTICIPATED DELAYS.
MY MEDICATIONS ARE IN THEIR CLEARLY LABELED CONTAINERS.
COPIES OF MY PASSPORT'S IDENTIFICATION PAGE (AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION) HAVE BEEN PACKED SEPARATE FROM MY PASSPORT.
TRAVEL WARNINGS AND PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR MY INTENDED DESTINATION(S) HAVE BEEN REVIEWED (IF APPLICABLE).
MY TRIP HAS BEEN REGISTERED THROUGH THE STATE DEPARTMENT'S TRAVEL REGISTRATION PAGE AT:
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MY HOME COUNTRY'S NEAREST EMBASSY IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY HAS BEEN PACKED.
