Travel Safety Checklist: Before You Leave and On the Road

Good travel safety is mostly preparation. A few checks before you leave — and a few habits on the road — remove most of the avoidable trouble. General guidance below complements, but does not replace, the official travel advisories of your government (for US travelers, the U.S. State Department).

Before You Leave

• Make copies (paper and digital) of your passport, visas, insurance, and key cards; store them separately from the originals.
• Check entry requirements, vaccination rules, and current travel advisories for your destination.
• Save local emergency numbers (911 / 112 / 999 / 000) and your embassy or consulate contact in your phone.
• Share your itinerary and accommodation details with someone at home.
• Enroll in your government's traveler-locator program if one exists (e.g., the US STEP program).

Money & Documents

• Carry a small amount of local currency and a backup card; keep cards in separate places.
• Use a money belt or hidden pouch; keep your phone and wallet in front-facing bags in crowded areas.
• Photograph your luggage and its contents in case of loss or theft claims.

Transport & On the Move

• Use pre-booked or app-verified transport; agree on fares before getting in where meters are not standardized.
• Keep an eye on your belongings at airports, stations, and in taxis — distraction theft is common.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking; use a mobile hotspot or a trusted network.

Accommodation & Health

• Note the hotel's address and a landmark in the local language; save it offline.
• Pack a small kit: any prescription medication (in original labeled bottles), a basic first-aid item, and hand sanitizer.
• Know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic to where you are staying.
• Check whether your health insurance covers care abroad, and consider travel insurance for medical evacuation.

Frequently Asked Questions