Many people enjoy traveling, but most don’t think too much about their personal safety on the trip. It doesn’t matter if you are traveling for business or pleasure. Proper research on risks to your personal safety deserve as much attention in your planning as what to bring, what tours to take, and what foods to eat. If you are leaving your home country, this planning becomes even more important. No matter where you travel, staying safe while you are going from place to place can be a challenge to your personal safety. Any time you are in unfamiliar areas, you need to heighten your awareness.

The following are ten things you need to do before you leave for your trip.

1.) Learn the area so that you can feel comfortable with where you are traveling to as well as the surrounding area. Look it up on maps (Google Earth or Google Maps is great for this!) and see what is around you. Check out naturally occurring land formations like rivers, forests and mountains. Also note where man-made structures such as major highways, shopping malls and apartment complexes are located. It is important to familiarize yourself with the area in which you are traveling. This way you know where both man-made as well as natural barriers exist that could be significant in case a natural disaster or act of terrorism occurs nearby.

2.) If possible, look up the layout of your hotel, conference center, museums or wherever you are going so you know what is around it, where the exits are, and what the best routes away from those areas. Do not assume that buildings in other countries have fire alarms, fire escapes or fire departments that are as capable as those you are used to. Some may be better, but some may be worse or non-existent. Knowing this ahead of time could be a huge advantage should you need to evacuate where you are staying or visiting quickly.

3.) Travel happens throughout the year, and each season poses its own unique set of risks to your personal safety. When walking or hiking, be sure to wear the appropriate footwear and clothing for the temperature and terrain. Losing your footing and having a bad fall because you went hiking in flip-flops is easily avoidable. Plan your excursions and make lists of things you will need such as sunblock, lip balm, a hat, good shoes, etc. Sunburn can lead to dehydration and even heat stroke. Going on a bike ride? Take a bike tire tube repair kit, hand pump and tools with you; you don’t want to get stranded far from your hotel – that is a safety risk! Traveling during snow or ice storms is especially treacherous. Not only is it more dangerous when driving or flying, simply walking on icy or snow-covered ground may cause you to slip and fall. Be sure to take extra time when traveling in winter months.

4.) General safety guidelines should always be followed. Always stick to well-lit, populated areas when traveling and avoid dark places with poor visibility. Travel in groups whenever possible because there is safety in numbers. If you are alone, be even more vigilant and aware of your surroundings and the people nearby. Secure valuables and don’t flaunt them. Refrain from posting your travel plans on social media; post stories and pictures when you get home.

5.) Learn how to say “help me” in the country’s language you are traveling to and know the equivalent of 911 in any country you visit. Many countries have a different emergency number than your home country – take the time to learn what it is wherever you go.

6.) Be aware of any travel alerts or travel warnings related to the region or country you intend to visit. Your best bet is to check with the US State Department to see if there is anything that you should be aware of. You should also look up and get the contact information for the US Embassy or US Consulate in the country or region that you are visiting. You may want to consult with the American Red Cross about the likelihood of different emergencies that could occur in areas you travel to frequently.

7.) When traveling to other countries, keep in mind that some may have differently defined comfortable personal space distances than your home country. Research this before traveling so that you don’t make a simple gesture or make physical contact that has a vastly different meaning to the people of the country you are going to.

8.) You won’t be just walking around when traveling. Chances are you will also use some other forms of transportation such as cars, trains and boats. You may even get on horseback or an off-road vehicle such as a quad or dune buggy. Maybe you’re an adventure seeker going hang gliding or caving. Each one presents a unique set of safety challenges. Keep your eyes in front of you and watch out for others – on the road, off-road, on the water and in the air. There are many distracted people out there – don’t assume that they see you. Be alert so that you don’t get hurt, and watch out for hazards no matter where you are.

9.) You need to be aware of any specific health challenges that could exist in the country you are visiting. Some may require that you receive special immunizations before you are allowed into the country. This means that you may be exposed to threats to your health that do not exist in your home country. If you take any medications and will be traveling with them, get a note from your doctor that says what the medicine is, the dosage, prescription duration, and what it is for. Keep this with you and with the medication at all times. Some medications may not be legal in the country you are visiting, so do the smart thing and plan ahead.

10.) Many domestic insurance plans cannot be used overseas, requiring you to purchase travel health insurance. Having it can be a literal life-saver in the event that you have to get medical treatment overseas. It can also help if you need to be medically evacuated back to your home country. The price for this coverage is modest, but could end up being essential if you need it.

Traveling both within your home country as well as visiting other countries is exciting and educational. You are able to view natural wonders, discover amazing archaeological sites, sample unique cuisine and experience different cultures. Improve your safety by doing your research before you leave home so that you know what to expect.

Have fun, but remain vigilant and aware so that you return home safely. Before you know it, it will be time for your next adventure…

Article by Pete Canavan, Author & Personal Safety Expert http://PeteCanavan.com

Helpful Resources:

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: https://step.state.gov/step/

US State Dept: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/emergencies/crisis-support.html

American Red Cross: http://redcross.org

Centers for Disease Control: http://cdc.gov