Comments on: Travelling Safely: Before You Go

By: Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:18:46 +0000

The cell phone is a good suggestion, Trisha. And one we hadn’t considered before because it was logisitally difficult (and expensive). But with prices coming down and technology always improbing, checking in by email or SMS is cheaper and easier than ever.

By: Trisha

Trisha — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:06:58 +0000

Great advice! I would add that whomever is your “at-home” advocate should also be clearly told when they should expect to hear from you next, and what amount of leeway is acceptable before they start alerting the authorities. If you fall into trouble, you wouldn’t want someone at home waiting days – or worse, weeks – before they pick up a phone.

This is especially important for anyone traveling alone, but applies to all travelers – crime or disasters befall couples & families just as it can for solo travelers. A cell phone with international roaming (or better still global satellite service) may seem pricey but is cheap in comparison to risk depending on where your travels take you. A quick text message each day (or even morning & night) can give everyone peace of mind that if the worst happens, help can be quickly dispatched.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:09:21 +0000

Thanks, Grace—your suggestion certainly fits as a ‘safety’ precaution. Appreciate it. Travel safety’s not always the ‘sexiest’ topic, but it’s certainly worth revisiting every now and then!

By: Grace Bethel

Grace Bethel — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:16:33 +0000

Some good recommendations here—especially like Doug Lansky’s advice regarding documenting your possessions at customs.

As a public health nurse, I’d add that it’s a good idea to allow a month ore two to meet with your doctor for advice about medications and immunizations.

This is especially important if you’ll be travelling long-term (for example, around-the-world) and even more so if you will be in remote areas where public facilities are substandard. You’ll also need to confirm that boosters or new immunizations are not needed.

To your list of important documents, you should add copies vaccination records and bring them along on your trip.