When you travel to a different state or country, you’re likely going someplace new. No matter how far away you’re traveling, you should have a backup plan ready in the event of an emergency. Check out these ways to prepare for travel emergencies before you leave.
Research Your Location Thoroughly
Research is your first line of defense. If you know nothing about the local culture, customs, risks, and possible travel problems, you’ll have no specific direction to your emergency preparations. Look into risk factors such as weather conditions, health hazards, crime rates, and healthcare access. If you know any locals, ask them for travel advice and about the precautions you should take. One way to equip yourself is to learn the foundational concept of basic first-aid knowledge. Though you likely won’t encounter any unsafe situations during your travels, it’s best to arrive ready and able to handle them.
Pack the Right Supplies
Knowing how to pack for a trip is one thing. Knowing what supplemental supplies you need to bring with you is quite another. Apart from a few pairs of underwear and stylish outfits, you’ll need some emergency supplies on hand. The most essential and practical item you should stow away is a first-aid kit. Even the smallest kits contain necessary equipment that’ll help in the event of an injury. Also, pack a flashlight, reusable water bottle, and basic over-the-counter medications. Each of these could prove useful in an unexpected situation.
Before you pack these items into your carry-on or suitcase, check with your airline or travel agency to see what they allow through security. You don’t want to bring safety scissors in a first-aid kit if you’ll end up having to throw them away at a TSA checkpoint. With the right supplies in hand, you can rest easy knowing you’re ready for anything!
Carry Belongings on Your Person
When you travel, it’s best to hold all your important possessions on your person. Though there are quintessential items every man should carry in his pockets, you’ll also want all travel-related essentials close to you at all times. These items include your passport and visa, emergency cash, credit cards, and your phone. If you’re traveling out of the country, make sure your credit card company and phone carrier know and adjust your limitations before leaving. The last thing you want is a phone without international minutes or an unusable credit card.
You’re keeping all these items on your person for increased security, but you can’t avoid pickpockets and other mishaps. Keep separate copies of your passport and visa in a safe place other than on your person or in a backpack. You’ll also want a list of emergency contacts and backup credit cards in case of an emergency. Many hotels have a safe in the room, so use a secure location like that to hold these valuable extras.
Put each of these ways to prepare for travel emergencies into practice for a simple and enjoyable trip. When you’re mindful of your safety, you feel freer to enjoy the sights and activities you waited so long to explore.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
