travel safe or safer

• COVID-19 travel advice

Considering travel during the pandemic? Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19 . But even if you're vaccinated, it's still a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and others while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, you're less likely to become seriously ill or spread COVID-19 . You can then travel more safely within the U.S. and internationally. But international travel can still increase your risk of getting new COVID-19 variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should avoid travel until you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
• Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
• Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
• Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Get vaccinated.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
• Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

• Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
• Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
• Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
• Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
• Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
• Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
• Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
• Vaccine recommendations for staff
• Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
• Contactless payment
• Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
• Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

• Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
• Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

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U.S. travel resources

• Check CDC recommendations for travel within the U.S.
• Review testing requirements for travel to the U.S.
• Look up restrictions at your destination .
• Review airport security measures .

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9 Ways To Travel More Safely

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Whether you're traveling within the U.S. or to a foreign country, you should take extra precautions to stay safe. Distractions born of travel — such as taking in the sights, eating delectable food and exploring new cities — can increase your risk.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

These international and domestic travel safety tips will help you reduce your risk so you can enjoy your vacation and avoid trouble as much as feasible. Here's how to travel safely — ranging from actions that can be implemented on the fly and ones that require a bit more preparation.

1. Digitize important documents

Your wallet or purse is filled with important documents that criminals can exploit. Leave unnecessary items at home (like your Social Security card) and make copies of everything else you would need in an emergency, like prescriptions, a backup credit card (so you can at least make a digital purchase in a pinch) and your passport.

Take a picture and upload them to a secure folder on the web. This way, if anything is stolen, you can easily take steps to reduce the damage that criminals can cause. You can easily call the bank to cancel debit and credit cards and request a new ID from the embassy. You can also use a secure digital vault system like 1Password or LastPass to store these documents.

2. Minimize how much cash you carry

It is important to have a little cash when traveling, but most retailers accept credit cards, even abroad. Not having cash minimizes your wallet's value to a thief, and you can dispute unknown charges from a card. Just make sure to carry a card that has no foreign transaction fees when traveling internationally.

3. Look less like a tourist

The more you dress and act like a local, the less risk there is from criminals targeting you as a tourist. Adapting your style to that of the locals, walking with confidence and keeping maps hidden can help you blend in. When using directions on your phone, only look at it briefly while walking.

Further, familiarize yourself with the city and your route before leaving the hotel. If you do need to look up directions for an extended period of time, consider stepping into a store or cafe to do so, rather than staying outside.

4. Share your itinerary with someone you trust

Whether you're traveling alone or with others, share your itinerary with someone you trust back home. Check in once a day to let them know that you've made it to your next destination or back to your hotel. These small steps increase your safety during travel.

It's also wise to create and share a safe word so that family or friends would know if you're in trouble, even if the conversation seems normal to someone else who may be listening. You can take this a step further and consider sharing your live location with a trusted friend or family member via your smartphone.

5. Research travel advisories for destinations

According to the U.S. Department of State, "conditions can change rapidly in a country at any time." Its website keeps a continuous list of travel advisories in destinations around the world. While these advisories don't always mean that you shouldn't travel, they do help make you aware of the potential conditions you'll find when you arrive, or areas to avoid.

Check the State Department website before making travel plans, and again before you depart. Somewhere that may have been safe when you booked your trip may have deteriorated since then.

6. Sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , or STEP, is a free service from the State Department that allows citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates. The information that you provide also makes it easier for the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

7. Notify credit card companies of your travel plans

Because you may be traveling to cities outside your normal spending patterns, let your bank know your dates and destinations of travel. Many banks allow you to notify them via your online banking portal.

This will minimize the potential of the bank locking your account due to perceived fraudulent transactions, which could leave you stranded.

Additionally, consider bringing a backup credit card.

8. Be careful with public Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi can open your devices and sensitive information to hackers. Using a VPN service is one of the best ways we know of to stay safe in an airport, when exploring your destination or at your hotel. VPN services create a secure connection to protect your personal information when browsing the internet or using web-connected apps on an open connection.

Security.org , a security product review site, conducted a study in June 2020 and found that just 31% of U.S. internet users use a VPN service for public Wi-Fi connections. That means almost 70% of public Wi-Fi users are at risk of being hacked.

9. Get travel insurance

To improve both your physical and financial safety, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy ahead of your trip. This safety net is helpful in avoiding out-of-pocket expenses for emergency medical treatment, trip delays, cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage or evacuations.

Most policies will reimburse travelers for unused accommodations, transit or activities that were nonrefundable but had to be canceled for a covered reason. Similarly, if your luggage is lost by an airline or train company, you’ll likely get reimbursed through the baggage protection on your policy. Plus, if your policy has emergency medical coverage, you won’t be hit with a huge bill for medical attention overseas (where your U.S.-based health insurance is likely not useful).

Some credit cards come with built-in protections, whereas others don’t — in the case of the latter, you will need to purchase a stand-alone policy .

If finding ways to travel safely is your goal …

Now that we've shared some tips on how to travel safely, you can travel with more confidence and less risk. Though implementing most of these tips has little or no cost, they may take time to set up. Investing the time to increase your travel safety will be well worth it if you can avoid dangerous situations that can interrupt or ruin your next trip.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Your Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel

Before You Go

Take these steps to prepare for your travels aboard and anticipate issues that might arise.

Check your destination for country-specific health risks and safety concerns . You should also know your health status before you make travel plans. When you are sick, you can spread diseases to others. Postpone your travel and stay home when you are sick.

Make an appointment  with your health care provider to get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and advice at least a month before you leave. Discuss your itinerary and any planned activities with your provider so that he or she can make customized recommendations to ensure a healthy and safe journey.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines,  including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). Measles and other infectious diseases can spread quickly in a large group of unvaccinated people.

Plan for unexpected health and travel issues. Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad—many plans don’t! Make sure you have a plan to  get care overseas , in case you need it. Consider buying travel insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.

Prepare for emergencies. Leave copies of important travel documents (e.g. itinerary, contact information, credit cards, passport, proof of school enrollment) with someone at home, in case you lose them during travel. Make sure someone at home knows how to reach you in an emergency and carry your emergency contacts with you at all times.

Enroll with the Department of State’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP) . Monitor travel warnings for your destination. Enrolling also ensures that the US Department of State knows where you are if you have serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties while traveling. In the event of an emergency at home, STEP can also help friends and family contact you.

Pack smart. Prepare a  travel health kit  with items you may need, especially those that are difficult to find on your trip.

• Fill your travel health kit with your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines (enough to last your whole trip, plus a little extra), a first aid kit, insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.
• Please visit the Traveling Abroad with Medicine for more information.

During Your Trip

Choose safe transportation. Always wear a seat belt, and children should ride in car seats. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among healthy travelers. Be alert when crossing the street, especially in countries where people drive on the left side of the road. Find out other steps you can take to stay safe on the roads.

Avoid bug bites. Use insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bug bites. Bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. These bugs are typically more active during warm weather.

If you or a travel companion gets an injury or sickness that can’t be helped with basic first aid or an over-the-counter medicine, seek medical attention right away. Visit  Getting Health Care During Travel  to learn how to connect with a doctor or medical services during your trip.

Choose safe food and drink. Contaminated food or drinks can cause travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases and disrupt your travel. Travelers to low or middle income destinations are especially at risk. Generally, foods served hot are usually safe to eat as well as dry and packaged foods. Bottled, canned, and hot drinks are usually safe to drink. Learn more about how to choose safer  food and drinks  to prevent getting sick.

Protect yourself from the sun. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when traveling. Protecting yourself from the sun isn’t just for tropical beaches—you can get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy or cold. You are at the highest risk for UV exposure when you are traveling during summer months, near the equator, at high altitudes, or between 10 am to 4 pm.

Wash your hands. Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. 

Be safe around animals. Avoid animals , including pets, local farm animals, and wild animals. In addition to the risk of rabies, all animal bites carry a risk of bacterial infection.

Be careful during water activities. Drowning is a major cause of death when traveling. Follow water safety recommendations , which includes swimming, boating and diving, especially in countries where emergency services may not be quickly available.

After Travel

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about your travel. 

If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel .

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Is it safe to travel? Here's what experts say you should know about risks associated with flying, booking hotels or Airbnb, renting cars, and more

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• According to the CDC,  fully vaccinated people can now safely travel in the US .
• However, there are still risks with flying , renting a car , staying in a hotel , or booking an Airbnb .
• Here's what medical and industry experts say you should know before booking travel. 

Finally, the vaccine in response to the novel coronavirus is here. Reports show that half of all US citizens have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and many are eagerly wondering: is it safe to travel right now?

The CDC says so, as you're fully vaccinated . The agency previously advised against all travel, even for vaccinated people, but the new guidance said that should vaccinated individuals want to travel domestically, they may do so without a quarantine period or testing.

Of course, without herd immunity, resuming travel comes with some level of risk. To answer the question, 'is it safe to travel?', Insider Reviews reached out to experts including infectious disease and ER doctors, cleaning specialists, travel industry professionals, and representatives from major rental cars , hotels , Airbnb , and transportation organizations , to reveal both the risks and best practices associated with various forms of travel during a pandemic.

And if you do book a trip that is ultimately postponed or canceled, it's important to understand your cancellation policies and consider options for the best travel insurance .

Wherever you go, follow guidelines and advice set forth by organizations such as the CDC and WHO, and practice safety measures including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing. You should also consider whether you're leaving or traveling to a hotspot, so as not to contribute to infection spikes.

And if you need ideas on socially distant locations, we have inspiration for that below, too.

Is it safe to travel? Read on for expert advice on rental cars, flying, hotels, Airbnbs, and more. 

Are rental cars safe.

If you're among the many urban dwellers without a car of your own, you might be wondering if rental cars are safe to drive in a pandemic. For guidance, we talked to several experts, including Dr. Thomas Russo, chief of the division of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo. 

"Remember that most of the transmission of the coronavirus is respiratory — it's not through inanimate objects," says Dr. Russo. "When you're in a rental car, the greatest risk is if you happen to be in the car with someone else and they could be infected."

When it comes to the car itself, the risk is reasonably low. "Even if there's an area you touch that wasn't properly wiped down and might have been contaminated, as long as you don't touch your mouth, nose, and face, and have good hand hygiene in between, you should still be protected," Dr. Russo says. 

Additionally, rental car companies are taking rigorous new cleaning measures under recommendations from various health authorities to sanitize key high-touch areas.

Read the full story on whether rental cars are safe .

Are hotels safe.

Many regular travelers are long-time hotel devotees who adore a beautiful property or sprawling resort filled with high-end amenities and services. But even these frequent hotel guests are likely concerned that staying in one risks exposure to the virus.

After all, checking-into a hotel means mingling with other guests and staff in common spaces like the lobby, elevators, pool decks, spas, and golf courses. When it's time to eat, there are busy restaurants to consider, and that's all assuming your own guest room is properly cleaned and sanitized.

Hotel room objects and furnishings are shared and reused by visitors, sometimes with only hours in between. So, is it safe to stay in a hotel right now?

Dr. Russo says the answer is highly individual. "If it's a trip that is important and necessary, I feel relatively safe using the proper protective measures like wearing a mask, distancing, disinfecting, and hand hygiene."

We also asked him about the worst-case scenario, in which an infected person stayed in your room hours before you. If the housekeeping crew cleaned and sanitized according to guidelines, would you escape risk?

"The answer is probably yes," Dr. Russo says. But, "that's not an ideal scenario." You'd be better off specifically requesting a room no one has stayed in for a day or two." 

He also adds, "Wear a mask during the check-in process, going in the elevator up to your room, or even the stairwell. I'm a big fan of mask use because this magical six-foot zone is based on probability. The closer you are to someone, and the longer you're close to someone that's infectious, the more likely you are to get infected."

Read the full story on whether hotels are safe .

What are hotels' cleaning policies.

Most major hotel chains have announced wide-reaching new cleaning policies made in combination with health experts. These policies also focus on social distancing and contact-free transactions such as virtual check-in and out, digital keys, limited dining, and more.

Dr. Robert Quigley, who serves as the senior vice president and regional medical director of global medical travel risk management company International SOS, spent four days and four nights transforming an Upper East Side hotel into a utilitarian home base for health care workers on the front lines.

"We came in and converted what was a very high end, very luxurious hotel into a laboratory with the objective to protect the health and safety of the employees that were willing to come in and work." 

Now, that work is being replicated in hotels for regular guests, placing technology at the forefront. In addition to adhering to strict CDC guidelines on health and safety, some brands including InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) , Loews , and Best Western are adopting American Hotel & Lodging Association's (AHLA) StaySafe campaign to help facilitate everything from how to conduct a contactless check-in to a new set of cleaning standards and protocols.

Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy hotels rolled out the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council , focusing on treating high-touch surface areas with hospital-grade disinfectants, providing disinfecting wipes in each guest room, and reducing person-to-person contact by removing furniture and installing hand-sanitizing stations. More than 3,200 Marriott hotels will now allow guests to use their phones to check-in, access their rooms, make requests, and order room service without contact.

Similarly, Four Seasons worked with experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine International on its new Lead With Care program for cleanliness and safety. The program promises that restaurants and bars will operate with reduced capacity to allow for social distancing, and the hotel will leverage technology for safety, by way of its Four Seasons app and chat.

Here are the new plans and precautions being taken from major hotel brands around the world .

Is airbnb safe.

Just as some people have always preferred hotels, others choose Airbnb to enjoy more space in residential-style homes that are well-suited for longer vacations, or family and group stays. 

These days, they may seem especially attractive given the fact that you are often booking an entire home that is protected from interaction with others. However, everything from kitchen utensils to linens were used by previous guests.

Airbnb has, however, announced rigorous new procedures including a program known as Enhanced Clean , which all hosts are now required to follow. However, not all hosts are required to take extra measures, so read up on specific listings' protocols if you want to ensure additional protocols are being taken. 

Dr. Russo says that staying in a private Airbnb is likely to be safer than a hotel, given there is generally less direct person-to-person contact. But he also encourages taking extra preventative measures such as running "utensils and dishware through the dishwasher when you get there" and laundering bed linens and towels "so you have control of what you want to be washed and cleaned." The CDC also has stated in its lodging guidelines that private home rentals like Airbnbs are safer than hotels, but only if your stay only includes those from your own household.

To be extra safe, Dr. Russo also suggests running a disinfecting wipe over all flat surfaces, phones, TV remotes, door handles, bathroom faucets, and toilet handles.

Of course, that also means you're now cleaning the home for which you already paid a lofty cleaning fee.

Read the full story on whether Airbnbs are safe .

Hotels vs. vacation rentals: which one is safer.

After breaking down the risks of both hotels and vacation rentals such as Airbnb or Vrbo , no matter the type of lodging you pick, the main factors to consider are the likelihood you'll encounter other people, the number and length of such encounters, and whether the location and region are experiencing high rates of infection.

"When booking any type of lodging, consider how many people you'll be surrounded by, when was the last time someone stayed in that accommodation, and how is the state or city doing in regards to flattening the curve," said Dr. Neil Brown, K Health 's chief diagnosis officer. 

With either choice, be aware of high-touch areas and flat surfaces that might facilitate virus transmission. If possible, book accommodations with a significant margin of time since the last guest stayed in the same space.

The doctors we spoke with agreed private vacation rentals, however, are likely safer than hotels because they come with fewer person-to-person interactions. And, as stated above, the CDC agrees on this point.

"While there is no question hotels are working diligently to keep their hotels clean and sanitized, Airbnb has a huge advantage given that the renter is generally the only one occupying the property," said Dr. Brown. "With Airbnb's new Enhanced Cleaning Initiative, the company provides a better option than public hotel spaces … Double-check to see if the host is participating in the program," he said.

Dr. Russo "absolutely agree[s]" that staying in a private Airbnb, especially one that allows no-contact check-in, such as through a lockbox, is the safer option.

But both doctors recommend seriously evaluating the risks versus rewards with either choice, with Dr. Brown noting, "Personally, I would do my best to avoid traveling altogether, but if it is necessary, I would feel more comfortable staying at an Airbnb after doing my own disinfecting upon arrival."

Read the full story on which is safer: Airbnbs or hotels?

Is flying safe right now.

Entering an airport, waiting in long lines, and sitting next to strangers of unknown backgrounds, for a prolonged period, in a closed setting, all seems about as high-risk as it can get right now.

To determine if flying is safe, we turned to a diverse panel of experts including an infectious disease doctor, an ER doctor, a pilot, a medical advisor for an aviation trade association, and the founders of popular flight deal platforms to discuss the risks of flying during COVID-19, and precautions to mitigate those risks.

First the good news: airports are trying various tactics to minimize contact between people, promote social distancing, and conducting temperature checks. Additionally, airplanes are designed to clean and filter air quickly according to Dr. David Powell, a medical advisor for a trade group that represents most of the world's major passenger airlines and cargo carriers.

"Customers sit facing forward and not toward each other, seat backs provide a barrier, and the limited movement of passengers once seated adds to the onboard protection. Moreover, airflow is less conducive to droplet spread than other indoor environments: flow rates are high, directed in a controlled manner (from ceiling to floor), to limit mixing, and the use of High Efficiency Particulate Air filters ensures that the air supply is pure."

But while these features help reduce risks, they do not eliminate them. Commercial airplane travel still means flying in a confined space with other people. Another passenger's droplet can easily invade your personal space even with no one in the middle seat beside you.

Says Dr. Russo, "Once you're on the flight, you've been dealt a hand. Hopefully, everyone around you isn't infected, but you just don't know for sure. A longer flight is going to be a greater risk even though the air is handled pretty well because it's a close space, exposed to other individuals, and the time of exposure is longer."

If you must fly, wear your best mask, sanitize all surfaces, and try to avoid eating, drinking, or using the lavatory.

Read the full story on whether flying is safe right now, including a sample of airlines' current COVID-19 policies .

Is train travel safe.

Trains offer another way to approach getting from point A to point B, for both regional and long-distance routes. For travelers who prefer to stick closer to the ground and avoid planes, or for those who would rather nap, read, and take in the sights over managing navigation and traffic, trains offer a solid alternate option.

And while you'll have more space to spread out than in an airplane, traveling by train still generally involves interfacing with many people — so, is train travel safe? Like other facets of travel, the answer depends on your set of circumstances. However, there are ways to minimize risk. 

Dr. Paz, VP of medical at the digital primary care provider K Health says, "By maintaining social distance from others, using face coverings, and frequent hand washing, you can drastically decrease your chances of contracting COVID."

It also helps to know that Amtrak has rolled out a host of new safety measures meant to facilitate safe travel that includes requiring masks, sanitizing surfaces, and limiting ticket sales on reserved services to allow for social distancing. Individuals traveling alone can now enjoy an empty seat guaranteed next to them.

Amtrak has also enhanced cleaning protocols at the station, with added measures for social distancing, and are repromoting their "private room" seating options on long haul routes. These come in a variety of sizes to accommodate solo travelers, couples, and groups of families or friends. A standard room features two seats that can be converted into beds and come with complimentary Wi-Fi, charging outlets and an expansive window for taking in the views. It's not unlike a moving hotel, both in terms of amenities and also potential risk exposure. It costs about the same as a flight, sometimes more.

But unlike planes, which have advanced airflow and filtration systems, trains are far more basic. Though, they're certainly roomier, and private, if you splurge for such accommodations. 

Read the full story on whether train travel is safe right now.

Is skiing safe right now.

With winter and peak ski and snowboard season in full swing, you may also be wondering if skiing is a safe COVID activity. The good news is that it can be a relatively low-risk option as long as you stay diligent and take proper precautions.

Dr. Russo notes that skiing would fall into the lowest risk category if guests physically distance, wear face masks, and avoid enclosed gondolas/trams or going indoors. "I perceive those two venues as the greatest risk," he says. "What makes me nervous about downhill skiing is the temptation to go inside and warm up and eat and drink is going to be high."

Additionally, most ski resorts have implemented a wide range of new policies this season. It's best to check each resort's website for details before you plan a trip, but new procedures to expect this ski season include requiring face coverings, physical distancing (including on chairlifts and in gondolas), advance reservations for lift tickets (often granting priority to pass holders), cashless transactions, limiting class size for lessons, and reducing restaurant seating. Many resorts are also limiting on-mountain capacity, especially for peak dates so it may pay off to plan and book early. 

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) offers a  state-by-state listing  of links to COVID-related restrictions and rules, and the NSAA's  "Ski Well, Be Well" campaign  outlines best practices for ski areas, skiers, and riders to stay safe and healthy on the slopes this season.

And while outdoor activities, in general, are less risky, consider how you will get to the ski resort. "Getting to the ski lodge, I would suggest renting a car ," Dr. Russo says. "I know in a lot of places you can take the hotel transportation or shuttle buses, but then you're going to see different people in a more fixed air space, so I don't recommend that; you increase your risk if you use shared transportation options." 

But the good news is that once you're on the top of the mountain and wearing a mask, the risk of COVID-19 exposure is minimal. "It seems to me that actually on the slopes themselves [the risk has] got to be close to zero," Dr. Russo says.

Read the full story on ski safety during COVID-19, plus all the changes to expect at ski resorts this season.

How travel industry experts advise clients to book travel.

While many travelers previously booked travel independently, some are returning to travel agents. These seasoned professionals have spent years in the business and are well-equipped to help clients identify viable locations with vetted, flexible policies. They may also have better insights into new practices at specific hotels to help determine how clean and safe they will be, and whether facilities and amenities may be impacted. 

Their advice is to plan for future travel, book refundable options, travel domestically and take road trips, opt for socially distant places with access to nature, plan longer "workcations" that mix remote work with play, and don't forget about prioritizing your mental health.

Read the full story on tips for planning travel in 2021, according to travel experts, infectious disease doctors, and current industry trends.

Socially distant travel: safe vacations during covid-19.

As noted by various experts, no matter your destination, your risk of infection largely depends on factors such as whether you'll encounter other people, the intensity of such encounters, and if the location is experiencing high rates of infection.

While nothing can be guaranteed safe 100 percent safe, if you heed expert advice, take necessary precautions, and make informed decisions led by CDC and WHO guidance, you may be able to explore the world again soon.

If you find yourself in such a position, consider these locations within the United States that are well-suited to outdoor activities, offer socially-distant-friendly lodging, and remove the need for international travel.

• The best ski vacation rentals in the US
• The best ski hotels in the US
• 6 of the top road trips in the US and where to stay along the way
• 10 getaways across the US that are within a 1- to 4-hour drive from major cities 
• The best hotels in or near national parks
• The best vacation rentals near national parks
• The best US mountain resorts for all seasons
• The best US lake getaways
• The most remote vacation rentals in the US
• The best beach hotels in the US
• The best hotels for families in the US
• The best US island hotels that don't require a passport
• The best glamping vacations in the US
• The best RV rentals
• The best camper van rentals
• 17 of the best campsites across the US for a scenic outdoor getaway
• The best treehouse rentals in the US

Everything else you need to know about booking safe travel during coronavirus

• 6 safer, expert-backed ways to take a vacation during the pandemic, from road trips to private vacation homes and remote campsites
• Everything to know about vacation rentals, including the best booking platforms, COVID-19 safety info, and the best places to go in the US
• Airbnb announced vigorous new cleaning protocols for hosts in response to COVID-19. Here's what to know.
• Airbnb vs. Vrbo: Here's how each vacation home rental service works, plus their cancellation and coronavirus policies
• What to pack and how to prepare before planning a road trip — 9 medical and hospitality experts weigh in with advice and tips

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Experts Say This Is the Safest Mode of Transportation During COVID-19

By William J. McGee

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

As the coronavirus pandemic rages on into its fifth month of lockdowns and canceled events, pent-up demand has many wondering about the safest way to travel, among the options that make the most sense now. Condé Nast Traveler consulted medical, travel, and statistical experts to weigh the relative risks when traveling by commercial airlines, Amtrak, and private cars during this pandemic—and they’re largely in agreement on which choices are best.

It's worth noting that these recommendations assume equality between choices. For example, some may not have the time to drive, while others may not have the money to fly, and of course it’s not an option to take a train from California to Hawaii. But for travelers able to choose among the three, the experts can help you decide the transportation method with which you're most comfortable .

To travel or not to travel

First things first: You need to determine who should travel, and if the trip is even necessary. The World Health Organization provides detailed advice on “essential travel” and lists those who should postpone or cancel trips, including older travelers and those with chronic illnesses, underlying health conditions, and confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control’s “ Considerations for Travelers—Coronavirus in the U.S. ” page states: “Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. People at higher risk for severe illness need to take extra precautions.”

“I think we’re still learning a lot about this virus’s ability to transmit infectivity, plus the pre-symptomatic infection spread is daunting,” says Chris Hendel, a long-time medical researcher associated with the USC Gehr Family Center for Health Systems Science and Innovation.

What follows are breakdowns applicable to all three travel modes: air, rail, and highway.

The pros and cons of air travel

Risk of contracting the virus when traveling on airline starts at the airport. The CDC notes on its website that “air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals," which "can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces." Once on board the plane, social distancing could be difficult, depending on the airline's policy. On crowded flights, where you might have to sit within less than six feet for hours, your chances for risk of exposure could go up.

But there’s also good news. “Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes,” according to the CDC. That's because the majority of aircraft in airline fleets have high-grade HEPA filters (high-efficiency particulate air) that can remove up to 99.999 percent of airborne particles. This provides extremely effective, but not perfect, protection against airborne viruses. Close contact between those on board in the aisles or while boarding—especially if some fliers aren't wearing masks—can mean exposure when air passengers exhale and, potentially, to the virus as well.

Compounding these concerns is that the U.S. Department of Transportation has failed to mandate any regulations for commercial air travel nationwide. In July the DOT issued a 44-page set of recommendations for commercial air travel, but since these are only suggestions and not enforceable, the nation’s airports, airlines, and passengers are left with a patchwork of different, and ineffective opt-in rules. In practical terms, this means airline policies on face coverings vary, and in some cases are not enforced. Members of Congress, flight attendant and pilot unions, as well as passenger advocates are calling on the DOT to mandate uniform protocols, and Consumer Reports has launched a petition that has more than 60,000 signatures.

What’s more, among the nation’s four largest airlines, currently two— Delta and Southwest —are blocking middle seats. But the other two— American and United —are not blocking them. Adding to the confusion is the fact that such seating policies also vary among smaller and foreign carriers.

This is particularly important because a recent study by Dr. Arnold Barnett, professor of Statistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, found that on U.S. jet aircraft, “the risk of contracting COVID-19 from a nearby passenger is about 1 in 4,300." On planes with blocked middle seats, "that risk falls to about 1 in 7,700,” the study says. In fact, the coronavirus mortality risks for air travelers are now “considerably higher” than the threat of an airline crash, according to Barnett's study, a rather startling conclusion considering the usual statistical safety of commercial flight.

Trains have some safety advantages over planes.

The pros and cons of train travel

Amtrak offers health advantages that airlines can’t. Many stations are outdoors, there are fewer bottlenecks for check-in, and no security screening. Even so, the CDC does warn that “traveling on buses and trains for any length of time can involve sitting or standing within six feet of others.”

Last week a team of researchers from China and the U.K. published a lengthy analysis of the risk of COVID-19 transmission among train passengers. “Our study shows that although there is an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission on trains, a person’s seat location and travel time in relation to an infectious person can make a big difference as to whether it is passed on,” wrote the study's lead investigator, Shengjie Lai of the University of Southampton.

In this regard, Amtrak already has an advantage over most commercial aircraft since there are no middle seats on its trains. And a new initiative on Amtrak’s reserved trains is that bookings are limited, so that passengers traveling alone will have an empty adjacent seat. Also, Amtrak—like many airlines—states it has taken measures such as enhanced cleaning and mandatory face coverings for passengers and crew.

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Jim Mathews, president and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, notes that an Amtrak coach changes the air about 12 to 15 times per hour, and supplies 15 pounds of fresh air per minute per passenger; social distancing and masks are critical factors as well. Overall, Mathews is optimistic. “We are reasonably confident Amtrak’s measures will be effective, with the proviso that they are actually followed.”

The pros and cons of car travel

When it comes to driving, the obvious advantage is that you can control who gets into the vehicle with you. But the CDC warns there could be other unforeseen risks. “Making stops along the way for gas, food, or bathroom breaks can put you and your traveling companions in close contact with other people and surfaces,” the agency notes. That said, your own car can provide much more protection than public forms of transportation, assuming you are traveling with family members or others who have been screened or vetted.

But what if it’s not your car? In the case of rental vehicles, major firms such as Avis , Enterprise , and Hertz have all pledged enhanced cleaning and social distancing upon check-in. Enterprise details 21 separate automotive parts that are sanitized, from mirrors to cupholders.

Which form of transportation is the safest way to travel?

Barnett, the MIT professor, expanded his analysis of airline empty middle seats by formulating a statistical study on traveling by car, exclusively for Traveler . “Assuming that the driver and passengers do not have COVID-19, the [highest] mortality risk of a 1,000 mile trip would arise from auto accidents," he says. "Assuming that those who would fly are relatively safe drivers, an estimate of the risk tied to U.S. auto deaths per billion miles driven in 2018 would be about one in three million. That is lower than the COVID-related death risk associated with a 1,000 mile flight, which I estimate as 1 death per 600,000 passengers if the plane is 2/3 full. The huge safety advantage of flying 1,000 miles nonstop rather than driving, pre-COVID, has disappeared as of August 2020.”

USC’s Hendel agrees. “If you have to—and can afford it—I think traveling by car is the safest option right now, in part because you’re not traveling with another person whose risk of infection may be unknown," he says. "Essentially you aren’t sharing the breathing space with someone who could be infected. But of course, one needs to be very cautious about stopping while traveling by car. I think train travel might possibly have an edge over air travel. Regardless, everyone should be wearing a mask on the train or in the plane.”

And Dr. Karl Neumann, a pediatric travel expert and founder of the site KidsTravelDoc.com is blunt in assessing the risks for children. “Amtrak is better than air travel, but car travel is much better than airlines and trains,” he says. “The most important [protections] are proper spacing and masks.”

Other tips to consider

• If you’re traveling on any form of public transportation, the earliest departures of the day are best, since airplanes, trains, and buses are more likely to be heavily disinfected overnight.
• Carry extra masks/face coverings, gloves, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol).
• On an airplane or train, wipe down your immediate area, including armrests, seat backs, tray tables, seatbelts, air vents, window shades, light controls, etc.
• In a rental car, wipe down “touch points” such as steering wheel, gear shift, door/window/seat handles and controls, seatbelts, mirrors, radio and control knobs, visors, etc.

We're reporting on how COVID-19 impacts travel on a daily basis. Find all of our coronavirus coverage and travel resources here.

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How Safe Are You From Covid When You Fly?

By Mika Gröndahl ,  Tariro Mzezewa ,  Or Fleisher and Jeremy White April 17, 2021

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To understand how risky it may be to board a flight now, start with how air circulates in a plane.

More people are flying every day, as Covid restrictions ease and vaccinations accelerate. But dangerous variants have led to deadly new outbreaks, raising questions about just how safe it is to travel now.

In most single-aisle models, you are constantly breathing a mixture of fresh and recirculated air.

On this plane, air is blown in from ceiling ducts and sucked out through vents near the floors. Half of the air that is sucked out is released from the plane, and the other half is filtered and eventually sent back into the cabin.

With the help of researchers, we simulated more than 2 million air particles to understand how they flow within the cabin, and how potential viral elements may pose a risk.

Air is refreshed roughly every two to three minutes — a higher rate than in grocery stores and other indoor spaces, experts say. It’s one reason, in addition to safety protocols, that there have not been many superspreader events documented on flights.

The high exchange rate on planes forces new and existing cabin air to mix evenly, with the goal of minimizing pockets of air that could become stale or linger for too long.

But that doesn’t mean flights are completely safe. This is what happens when someone wearing a mask sneezes on board. Note: Particles are not to scale.

As air blows from the sides, particles move toward the aisle, where they combine with air from the opposite row.

Not all particles are the same size, and most don’t contain infectious viral matter. But if passengers nearby weren’t wearing masks, even briefly to eat a snack, the sneezed air could increase their chances of inhaling viral particles.

This is what would happen if people sneezed in different parts of the plane. To prevent air from circulating throughout the cabin, the ventilation system keeps it contained to a few rows.

By design, the ventilation system is integral to how a plane operates: The system is powered by the engines that propel the plane, constantly sucking in outside air that is then pressurized and conditioned to control for temperature.

Pressurization plays a key role because air at cruising altitude is thin — good for flying fast, but not great for providing oxygen to breathe.

After air snakes into the plane and is conditioned, it eventually climbs up riser pipes to the ceiling ducts that help distribute the air into the cabin.

Throughout the flight, cabin air is periodically sucked through two HEPA filters into a manifold under the floor, where fresh and recirculated air are mixed. Each filter has 12 panels of densely pleated fiberglass mesh that catch most microscopic particles.

Ventilation systems vary slightly among plane makers, but most have similar filtration and recirculation methods.

Once air has been pulled out of the cabin, the portion that will not be recirculated leaves the rear of the plane through a valve that helps to constantly adjust cabin pressure.

The Risks Beyond Flights

How air flows in planes is not the only part of the safety equation, according to infectious-disease experts: The potential for exposure may be just as high, if not higher, when people are in the terminal, sitting in airport restaurants and bars or going through the security line.

As more people fly — nearly 1.5 million people passed through U.S. airports on Friday — congestion and crowding in parts of the airport can make physical distancing a greater challenge.

Airports vary in size and passenger volume, configurations and on-location businesses, Harvard researchers found. That could increase the chances of exposure depending on where people linger and for how long.

Going to in-terminal restaurants, for example, can be risky because masks are routinely removed and kept off to eat.

The Harvard researchers found that many airports were not designed to mitigate the airborne spread of respiratory pathogens. Although some airports have installed new or additional filtration systems, distancing, vigilance and other safety practices are still crucial.

“The challenge isn’t just on a plane,” said Saskia Popescu, an epidemiologist specializing in infection prevention. “Consider the airport and the whole journey.”

Methodology

The particle air flow simulation was conducted using a later version Boeing 737NG as the model for the cabin interior, which only has side air inlets. The model accounted for passengers occupying all of the seats. A computational-fluid dynamics code system known as FEFLO was then used to simulate the flow of more than 2.5 million particles.

A large number of very small particles were introduced at the cabin inflow ducts, in part to ascertain the movement of pathogens that may have passed through the HEPA filters without being caught. The simulation showed that the air close to passengers' heads had been in the cabin for less than 50 seconds. The first 10 frames of the particle flow animation were slowed down for clarity.

Different positions of sneezes were simulated as part of the modeling, and only smaller particles were used to estimate what may become airborne. This assumed face coverings could block larger particles expelled during a sneeze that can otherwise land on surfaces and body parts. Particles in this visualization were scaled up for presentation purposes.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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How to travel safely and responsibly in 2022 and beyond

Wondering how to travel safely during COVID-19? Many of us are longing to travel again, but only if we can do so safely and responsibly.

We’ve put a lot of thought into the safest ways to take a vacation right now. And we plan to continually update this post with safe travel ideas and tips, as travel restrictions change and Coronavirus travel advice evolves.

In this post, we cover: – Safety tips to help you travel again during COVID-19 – Safe trip ideas for 2022 travel in the United States – What to pack for pandemic travel – Places to visit and travel restriction resources by destination 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Table of Contents

How to travel safely and responsibly right now

Step one: Follow CDC travel guidelines

You should already know and practice hand washing, physical distancing, and wearing of face coverings in public.

Responsible travel right now also means being as self-contained as possible to avoid unnecessary interactions or depletion of supplies in the communities you enter. For this reason, consider bringing your own food and supplies when possible.

Be sure to research and obey local restrictions, especially when visiting a destination outside of your home community. Infection rates, hospital capacity, and testing vary widely. Some communities may not have adequate resources in case of an outbreak.

Please respect if a city, State, or county is discouraging non-essential travel.

The following travel activities are ranked on a scale of 1 to 10 by infectious disease experts according to risk of exposure to the virus (first number from Fall 2020 * , second italicized numbers for fully vaccinated people as of April 2021 * ):

Low Risk: – Going camping (2, 1 ) – Getting restaurant take-out (2, 1 ) – Pumping gas (2) – Grocery shopping (3, 1.4 ) – Going for a walk with others (3) Moderate risk: – Staying at a hotel for 2 nights (4) – Going to a beach (5) – Swimming (6) High risk: – Eating inside a restaurant (7, 3.6 ) – Playing contact sports (7) – Traveling by plane (7, 2.7 ) – Going to an amusement park (8) – Attending a large event (9) – Going to a bar (9)

Consequently, we’ll focus on local camping road trips and staycations as the best way to travel safely right now .

Safe trip ideas

After researching safe travel ideas during Covid, we came up with three trip recommendations. These trip ideas were chosen because they:

• Avoid exposure to crowds and public spaces in transit
• Allow you to cook your own meals or order take out, like you would at home
• Avoid being in vehicles with others outside your group
• Let you control who and what enters your living space
• Provide access to no-contact activities like hiking, scenic drives, and lounging

1. Take an RV Road Trip

Camping or taking a road trip in an RV allows you to social distance and be self-contained as you travel. With your own kitchen, you have control over what comes in and out of your space, just like at home. And with your own bathroom facilities, you can avoid using public restrooms. 

The only difference from staying home vs. a socially distanced RV road trip is that you’ll need to fuel up with gas. By wearing a face mask, watching what you touch at the gas station, and washing hands or using hand sanitizer, this risk can be minimized fairly easily.

Whether you’re driving to reach a destination without airport crowds, or choosing a single stop for a staycation near home, an RV road trip is a great way to get a change of scenery while still maintaining your home safety routines.

Read: How to rent an RV (for beginners)

Outdoorsy is like Airbnb for RVs. It’s where RV owners rent out their RVs when they’re not using them.

If you’ve always wanted to try out a motorhome, or want to upgrade your National Parks road trip with a cute Airstream, consider renting through Outdoorsy. Their customer service and reviews have outranked the other top RV rental companies. You can search listings by vehicle type and location. Some owners will even deliver the motorhome to your door! *Take $50 off your Outdoorsy rental with coupon code: intentional

Browse and book RVs, motorhomes, trailers, and campervans on Outdoorsy here

2. Escape with No-Contact Tent Camping

Camping is rated one of the lowest risk travel activities for Coronavirus transmission. Being outdoors with plenty of space not only limits exposure but it’s good for the soul.

With a little prep, you can bring food to cook your own meals. See our camping road trip packing checklist .

But what about using public restrooms when camping? If you don’t have an RV with self-contained bathroom facilities, the essential business of “eliminating waste” becomes your greatest exposure to indoor, pubic facilities where you may need to touch doors, faucets, etc. 

By adding a few new camping items, it’s possible to avoid public bathrooms on your camping trip.

See our socially distanced, no-contact camping packing list for the pandemic

3. Staycation in a Vacation Rental

With vacation rentals like Airbnb, you can book an entire guest house or apartment. This way, you can keep similar safety practices that you have at home. For example, you can cook at your vacation home, ordering take out or curbside grocery pick up for meals.

You can book your getaway within driving distance from home, or along the route of a socially distanced road trip. Staying near home is a great way to enjoy a change of scenery while avoiding crowds in airports.

Compared to a hotel stay, you’re like to have fewer interactions with staff or other travelers when renting a vacation home.

Read: What safety precautions to take when renting an Airbnb

What to pack for safe, responsible trips

😷 Face Masks  – Cloth face coverings are required in public places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide >  or  designer options at Vida >

🧴 Hand sanitizer  – Bring enough for your entire trip, as alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be in short supply. Shop hand sanitizer >

💊 Medicine  – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder  – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector >   or  Vegan leather clippable >  or  Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test  – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT  valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS >  or  Walmart >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

Travel restrictions by destination

As travel restrictions change around the world, we’re tracking the travel guidelines for specific destinations in an effort to help you make informed decisions about where to travel and when.

Vietnam travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

Japan travel requirements 2024: what travelers need to know, ecuador travel requirements 2024: what travelers need to know, philippines travel requirements 2024: what travelers need to know, thailand travel requirements 2024: what travelers need to know, hawaii travel requirements 2024: what travelers need to know, italy travel requirements 2024: what travelers need to know, croatia travel requirements 2024: what travelers need to know, jamaica travel requirements 2024: what travelers need to know, merida mexico travel requirements 2024: what travelers need to know, oregon travel requirements 2024: what travelers need to know, canada travel requirements 2024: what travelers need to know.

Let us know in the comments below what questions or ideas you have for traveling safely during Covid-19.

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10 ways to stay safe no matter where you’re traveling

Mar 31, 2023 • 4 min read

Safety and adventure aren’t mutually exclusive. These 10 tips can help you avoid almost any setback © AnemStyle / Shutterstock

Sponsored by

Travel always involves a bit of uncertainty. And there will always be location-specific warnings to observe depending on where you’re going. The good news is there are several proven precautions you can take ahead of time and while traveling to stay safe and navigate any unexpected catastrophes when away from home.

Here are 10 tried-and-true methods to dodge danger and maximize your enjoyment of practically any destination. Remember, safety and adventure aren’t mutually exclusive. And feeling anxious is totally natural. Either way, you got this!

Before you leave

• Check local advisories. Traveling to Iowa comes with a different set of risks than, say, traveling to Africa. The same is true when traveling to Europe, Latin America, Asia, or to any specific country within every continent, let alone specific regions that demand their own precautions. For the latest information, if you’re traveling from the US check the State Dept website , as well as local news reports, and travel guides to your specific destination.
• Get your shots (where needed). Not every location demands special immunizations before visiting. But many of them do, especially less developed countries and continents. What’s more, the pandemic made things a lot more complicated, as certain countries drop or maintain proof of vaccination before entering. Either way, if you’re in the US check with the CDC for any destination-specific shots you might need before boarding your flight.
• Share your plans with emergency contacts. Doing so can be a simple but life-saving act, especially when traveling off-grid, on high adventure trips, or in more dangerous destinations. Tell your friends and loved ones when and where you’re going, what you’re doing, where you’re staying, how you’re traveling, and how they can get in touch with you should anything come up.

• Know common scams. In many countries, individuals might feign assistance and incessantly follow you, only to later demand payment for their unsolicited help. Others might wow you with offers that are too good to be true, work in teams to distract you and take your goods, or worse. Many travel advisories will include this information, but some extra online searches can go a long way to expose and help you avoid any harm to your wallet and/or your safety.
• Get travel insurance. If you really want to cover your bases while abroad, you’ll want travel insurance, such as that offered by Seven Corners . Doing so can help recoup your money if you need to cancel a trip (or your flight is delayed) and cover the cost of treating medical emergencies while traveling, including care at foreign hospitals and medical evacuation, lost bags, early returns home, and many other unexpected mishaps.

While traveling

• Know your limits. Feeling nervous before traveling somewhere new is normal. But if you’re feeling downright sick about your plans, you’ve probably bitten off more than you can chew. The best pre-test of an experience is whether you’re still excited about it, even if it’s something you’ve never done before. After you arrive, however, be sure to listen to your mind and body and back out of anything you’re not comfortable with.
• Eat and drink like your life depends on it. This is especially true on high adventure trips. Dehydration is easily preventable but amazingly one of the leading causes of illness while traveling abroad. So, drink more water than you think, plan for regular bathroom breaks, and stay away from street vendors unless you’re certain they’re free from food poison.

• Secure your valuables. It’s always important to protect your personal property, be it in parked rental cars, beach bags, or wallets and phones in your usually secure pockets. Again, travel advisories will often alert you to higher areas of petty theft but be on the extra lookout when traveling someplace new.
• Avoid getting too close to wildlife (or the edge of a cliff). Many years ago, an American college student was sadly (but unsurprisingly) eaten by a lion after sticking her head out of a car window while at Lion Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. Others become seriously sick after licking psychedelic toads in Sonora. And far too many tourists have fallen to their deaths while snapping selfies at the ends of a cliff. Don’t do it. No photo is worth your life or good health.
• Stay alert. Be on the lookout. If you’re not sure about something, step inside a public building, follow the crowd, and trust your gut, especially if you find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings or cultures. Although you may be tempted to “travel like a local,” don’t do it. You’re probably not as experienced as they are and that’s okay. Instead, travel like a respectful tourist and accept that you don’t know everything. Doing so will keep you safe.

Despite what the news will sometimes have you believe, the world is a safer than it has ever been. Yes, there are risks. But when traveling, these 10 tips can help you avoid almost any setback. Bon voyage!

Sponsored by Seven Corners

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Jamaica Travel Advisory: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Government warnings sound dire but shouldn’t deter you from traveling.

Four days before I flew from Washington, D.C., to Mali, I received a list of 20 pre-trip suggestions from the U.S. Department of State. Among the recommendations: Draft a will, discuss your funeral wishes with your family, designate a hostage negotiator and leave DNA samples with your medical provider.

My stomach knotted when I read the advice. Mali is on the State Department’s highest-level don’t-go-there list, along with such volatile nations as Haiti and Iraq. But until then I hadn’t been worried. I’d be working in Mali with a nonprofit, One Global Village, that has served there for years. I knew the organization’s leaders and their emphasis on safety. And while the Islamic State group was terrorizing Mali’s north, we would be in the relatively safer south, working in a remote rural village.

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I survived the 2020 journey without being kidnapped, robbed or shot, a feat I’ve managed on trips to numerous locations — from Guatemala to the West Bank — that provoke stern warnings from the State Department. 

In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the State Department didn’t initially issue an updated travel advisory for Israel. It now says not to travel to Gaza because of terrorism and armed conflict and to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank because of terrorism and civil unrest. The State Department says that if you decide to travel to the region, you should check alerts on the website of the U.S. embassy in Israel for the latest information.

Popular destinations, including Mexico and Jamaica, have travel advisories. In Mexico, the department breaks down the advisories by state, with 13 states receiving “do not travel” and “reconsider travel” warnings. Kidnappings in Mexico in early 2023 raised questions about the safety of traveling to the country.

At the end of January, the State Department issued a level 3 travel advisory to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica, citing crime and medical services. The agency said “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common.” The advisory added that sexual assaults also happen at all-inclusive resorts. As for medical services, the advisory said response times and quality of care are not as they are in the U.S. “We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica,” the advisory said. The advisory also listed some neighborhoods and parishes as “do not travel.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issues advisories. On Dec. 8, the CDC issued a health advisory about an outbreak of tick-borne Rocky Mountain spotted fever among people who have recently traveled to or live in the city of Tecate, in Baja California, Mexico. Five people have been diagnosed since July, and three people have died, the health agency said.

According to the CDC, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a “severe, rapidly progressive, and often deadly disease” that is contracted from the bite of infected ticks. In this outbreak, the five patients developed the disease within two weeks of travel to Tecate. The patients were hospitalized in Southern California. The agency says the antibiotic doxycycline is the best course of treatment.

Here are some insights on understanding advisories and staying safe.

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Deciphering the alerts

The State Department issues  travel advisories  for every country and assigns one of four grades:

• Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
• Level 2: Exercise increased caution
• Level 3: Reconsider travel.
• Level 4: Do not travel.

Most countries are Level 1 or 2. With Level 3, the State Department suggests that you avoid travel due to serious safety risks. With Level 4, you face “a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks,” and the government may be unable to provide assistance.

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The State Department also issues warnings for events ranging from political protests to hurricanes. In late June, for example, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Paris issued a security alert when riots erupted after a police shooting in a nearby suburb. The U.S. Embassy in Dublin released a similar alert in July after a 57-year-old American was assaulted by teenagers.

Warnings and advisories may sound dire, but they shouldn’t necessarily deter you from traveling. If you based trip decisions solely on the government’s cautious advisories, you’d never leave home. In its advisory for famously safe, Level 1 Japan, the State Department warns of sexual assaults and criminals who spike victims’ drinks. For Australia, another Level 1 country, the department mentions bar brawls, violent demonstrations, pickpockets and purse snatchers.

Travel warnings are often broad, but reality is more nuanced. Take Dublin. The July alert was issued after an attack against a single American (though the embassy also mentioned “a number of recent incidents reported in Irish media”). But Dublin is considered safe by most European travel experts.

Want to put security concerns in perspective? Consider foreign governments’ advisories about the United States. The United Kingdom warns of terrorist attacks, gang assaults on tourists’ vehicles and violent protests. Multiple countries, including Canada and Germany, caution citizens about gun violence and mass shootings.

“It always surprises me when my clients bring up advisories … because we’re in New Orleans, where the crime is so bad here,” says Lauren Cardinale, a travel adviser and owner of Travel Design Co., citing carjackings and shootings. She mentions a Spanish colleague who visited New Orleans. The woman’s mother was terrified about her daughter’s safety.

“You have to take these advisories with a grain of salt,” says Cardinale. “No matter where you are, you have to be safe and be aware of your surroundings. ... You run risks anywhere you go.”

What about Mexico?

The State Department’s Level 3 advisories include popular tourist destinations like Egypt, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, but for many travelers,  Mexico  evokes the most concern. The department issues travel advisories for individual states in Mexico, and six are on its “do not travel” list because of kidnappings and other crimes.

The concerns are real. In February 2023, coastal Colima was named the most violent city in the world by Mexico’s Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. But discouraging travel to entire states is like avoiding California because of open-air drug markets in San Francisco.  

“As soon as the press reports that something happened in Mexico, people fear the entire country,” says Laura Holcomb, a travel adviser and owner of Memories and Moments Travel in Chardon, Ohio. In early 2023, Holcomb traveled to Puerto Morelos,  Cancún  and Playa del Carmen, areas where the State Department advises travelers to “exercise increased caution.” Holcomb felt safe, partly because she stays in resorts that emphasize security.

Her advice to clients: Don’t leave the resort. And if you do leave, book transportation from a reputable company, a concierge or a travel adviser.

How to protect yourself

Every country and city has its safe spots and its dangerous neighborhoods. If you’re worried about security, follow this safety list:

Register for STEP.  Before leaving home, enroll in the federal government’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . The U.S. embassy or consulate will know your itinerary, lodging and contact information. You’ll also receive updates about safety conditions.

Buy travel insurance.  Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover a variety of calamities, though you may have to add emergency evacuation as part of your coverage. Trip cancellation coverage should protect you from unforeseen events that prevent you from traveling, such as the  wildfires that hit Maui  in August. For further peace of mind, Holcomb recommends buying a cancel-for-any-reason policy when you book your trip. With this type of policy, you can cancel a trip for any reason at any time, unlike some policies that don’t allow cancellations 24 hours before departure. Also ask your health insurer if it covers international medical bills. Many don’t, so you may need coverage as part of your travel insurance.

Consult the CDC.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers its own  four-level advisory system , issues notices for countries experiencing disease outbreaks and other issues, and offers advice on getting health care while traveling.

Hire a travel adviser.  The Maui wildfires showed why travel advisers can be valuable. Once the disaster struck, travel advisers helped with evacuations and rescheduled trips for Maui-bound clients. In an emergency, travel advisers have direct access to travel providers and tourism boards — and receive information before it filters to consumers and the media.

Check your travel provider’s website.  Most airlines, including Alaska, American, JetBlue and Southwest, post travel advisory information online, which provides instructions and covers information such as change fees. The same is true with cruise lines, from Celebrity to Royal Caribbean, and resorts.

Listen to locals.  Before One Global Village president Abigail Hayo travels to Mali, she consults with Malians about safety issues. Don’t have connections in a city? Contact hotel concierges, tour companies, tourist bureaus or embassies to learn about local conditions.

Use common sense.  Simple steps can help you stay safe, including:

• Try to blend in. Dress like a local instead of a tourist and don’t carry wads of cash. Hayo never wears “fancy jewelry” while traveling.
• Travel in groups. Don’t wander an unfamiliar city alone at night.
• Book lodging in busy, well-lit parts of a city, Cardinale suggests.
• Carry your passport in a travel wallet or money belt, not in your backpack’s outer pocket.
• Keep a photo of your passport on your phone and leave a copy at home with an emergency contact, Holcomb recommends. Do the same with your credit card.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Staring at your phone, wearing earbuds, drinking too much — they can make you less alert.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on August 25, 2023. It has been updated to reflect new information.

Ken Budd has written for  National Geographic Traveler , Travel+Leisure , The Washington Post Magazine  and many more. He is the author of a memoir,  The Voluntourist.

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Safety Tips for Traveling

Whether you travel often or you’re getting ready for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, it’s important to think about safety as part of your travel preparations. The following tips can help travelers plan for a safe and comfortable trip and may reduce the risk of many different types of crimes, including sexual violence.

Before you go

• Share your travel information. Before you leave, share your itinerary with someone you trust. Include the address and phone number of your accommodations and transportation information, like flight numbers.
• Research ground transportation. Research taxi and ridesharing companies that are available and reputable in the area. Do they take credit cards or only cash? Is there a number you can call if you have a bad experience? If you plan on taking public transportation, look for a mobile app that has real-time updates for the transportation system at your destination. This can help you avoid waiting for a bus in an isolated area.
• Familiarize yourself with the destination. Use tools like Google Maps to scout out the area around your destination. Is there a hospital or police station located near where you’re staying? Check to see if there are local bus stops in the area or a shopping center where you can easily find a cab. If you plan on going out in the evenings, plan your return trip in advance.
• Plan for safety abroad. Check out the State Department’s resources for international travelers . Identify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and store their contact information. Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24/7. You can also register your international trip for free with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . If you are planning to travel on a cruise ship, read the safety information provided by the cruise line and learn more about cruise ship safety before you board.

When you get there

• Beware of “Vacation Brain.” It’s nice to relax and put your worries on pause, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Many vacation destinations can create a false sense of security. You may become fast friends with the people you meet, but give them time to earn your trust.
• Keep track of what you drink . Be smart about what drink. Not familiar with an ingredient? Look it up on your smartphone. Keep track of how much you’ve had to drink, and be aware of danger signs. If something doesn’t seem right—for example, if you feel more intoxicated than you should—or if a situation is making you uncomfortable, get to a safe place as soon as you can. Learn more about steps you can take to stay safe if you want to drink .
• Are you familiar with your surroundings? Take note of local landmarks, like drugstores or restaurants, that can help you feel more oriented. If something happens, you’ll know where to turn for help.
• If you get lost, do you have the address of your lodging written down or memorized in the local language?
• If you are separated from the group, is there a designated place where they would go to look for you?
• If your phone dies, do you have a portable backup charger and a few phone numbers memorized? If you’re traveling out of the US, have you activated international service?
• If you’re planning on driving, do you have access to a map if your GPS doesn’t work?
• Do you know where the nearest hospital or police station is and how to contact them?

In an emergency abroad

If you find yourself in an emergency situation abroad, contact the U.S. Department of State. They can connect you with a variety of resource to help, wherever you are.

• From the U.S. & Canada: 1.888.407.4747
• From Overseas: +1.202.501.4444
• You can also contact the nearest  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you’re visiting. Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24/7.
• If you are a victim of a crime, you can have the support of a U.S. consular officer to help navigate the process. This person cannot investigate crimes or provide legal services, but they can help you navigate the criminal justice system in the country you’re visiting. If you contact or report to local law enforcement, be sure to request a copy police report.

If you experience a crime like sexual assault while traveling, remember that it is not your fault. Help is available. To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at  online.rainn.org .

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31 Travel Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

These travel safety tips will help you plan ahead, stay safe on the road, and give you peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure!

Travel, whether it’s near or far, has so many benefits. It can be an eye-opening educational experience, and it’ll make you feel united with the world around you. It might even change your life—BUT only if you’re safe!

Like any new experience, travel does not come without its risks. That’s why I’ve put together these travel safety tips: to help you plan ahead, stay aware of your surroundings, and give you peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure!

Register with Your Embassy In Case of Natural Disaster or Civil Unrest

Despite all our best planning, we can never be prepared for extreme forces outside of our control. Registering with your Embassy before you travel ensures that if something truly dangerous happens in the country you’re visiting, you know your government will be actively looking out for your safety and well-being.

This includes situations like the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, or the civil uprising in Nicaragua last year. In these cases, the US Embassies actively worked to help American citizens evacuate safely. They can also help you with issues regarding your passport.

Registration is usually simple. For Americans, go online to the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)  web page to submit your passport information, travel dates, and destinations. This will notify Embassies in your region so that if disaster strikes they can contact you quickly and begin assisting you.

Check the State Department Website for Travel Warnings

Researching all the exciting things you can do and see while on travel is a big part of the fun. But while you’re looking at paragliding in Colombia , or the best museums to visit in Paris (seriously, go see the D’Orsay), take some time to read the latest from the State Department’s travel safety warnings.

Now, most of the time these are worst-case scenarios, and the warnings generally list what could happen in that region–not necessarily what will happen. Still, it’s best to have a look and to keep checking for updates as you get closer to your arrival.

Travel warnings will usually be accompanied by useful travel safety tips. Things like pickpocketing are prevalent in most urban destinations, but warnings of things like violent crime should not be taken lightly.

Do your research, read carefully, and put yourself in a situation to avoid the most reported on areas. As travelers, we love the excitement of exploring new destinations and learning more about the world, but that doesn’t mean we need to put ourselves in unnecessary danger.

You can even sign up to get email updates for travel tips and warnings on the area you’ll be visiting.

Get Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind

This is one of the most important travel safety tips. This necessity is too often seen as a luxury, but in regards to safety, there is no question that the list of benefits for getting travel insurance far outweighs the cost. Trip cancellation or delay, lost baggage, and emergency medical coverage are must-haves.

At this point, the question of travel insurance should not be “ is travel insurance worth it? ” but rather “which travel insurance company is best for my next trip?” It’s no secret that there are travel insurance companies out there that may be trying to take advantage of you by charging high deductibles or making it nearly impossible to file a claim, but that shouldn’t deter you from seeking the travel insurance coverage you need.

Make sure you report your loss as soon as possible to expedite the claims process. And don’t forget to insure your electronics. Camera equipment, laptop, and cell phones can be covered depending on the insurance company.

If you’re unsure how to choose the best travel insurance company,  fill out the form below to instantly get a quote.

Share Your Travel Itinerary with Family and Friends So They Know Where You’re Heading

I know that some of you might prefer to go rogue for a few months. Freedom and privacy may be highly coveted, but too much of a good thing can sometimes put you in a bind.

Give close relatives or friends a general breakdown of your travel itinerary before you take off, even if your itinerary is a loose one. A list of the countries and cities that you will be visiting and your dates of travel is a good start.

This serves two purposes: they’ll feel good knowing that they’ve got some insight into your travel and that you know you plan to travel safely, and you’ll have an extra cushion of someone looking out for you while you’re off exploring.

Social media is a great way to keep people updated as you go, but oversharing can put you at risk. Make sure you’ve updated your privacy settings to keep strangers off your social media if you plan to use those platforms to share your actual travel plans.

And remember to send your close friends and family a more detailed note if your travel itinerary changes considerably. If you’ve canceled your plans to hang out in London in favor of traveling with the new friends you just met in Italy, we urge you to let someone know where you’re headed.

Seek Out Updated Location Specific Travel Safety Tips So You Know Recent Trends

When it comes to travel safety tips, scams, and trends, no two destinations are the same. Because of this, the travel safety tips you read for one country or city may not apply to the next.

Be specific with your research when it comes to the latest information on travel safety tips. Don’t just search “is Morocco safe?”  but search “2019 safety tips for Marrakech.”

This applies to talking to locals during your travels too. If you’re planning to head to a new city nearby, ask the locals if they’ve heard any news or have any tips to travel safety in that area. Chances are, they’ll have a lot of insight for you.

Hostel staff are also a great resource here. They may be local to the area, or they may be travelers like yourself with some pretty good tips on safety in the immediate area. Whether it’s bars with bad reputations, common travel scams,  panhandling, or pickpocketing sights, your hostel staff will (usually) know about it.

And then share what you’ve learned–make sure to share those travel safety tips with friends you meet along the way.

Get the Right Vaccinations to Stay Healthy

Getting sick while traveling sucks. So you take a few over the counter meds and spend a day in bed. But getting super sick? Like, Dengue fever sick? That can be the end of your travels for the foreseeable future.

Be preemptive. In some cases, you need to prove you’re vaccinated from certain diseases before some countries will even let you in.

Do your research on vaccination requirements, and carry your shot-card (often a little yellow book) with your passport so you’re always prepared to show it at immigration.

Notify Your Bank So They Don’t Freeze Your Card When You’re Traveling

This one is simple and only takes a few minutes. But not doing it, and having your credit card frozen,  can cause you hours or even days of frustration and could pose a serious problem.

If your bank doesn’t know that you’re traveling in other countries, they may see your charges or withdrawals as potentially fraudulent and freeze your credit card. Once that happens, you’re going to struggle to call them internationally during their business hours to verify your purchases and to get your credit card reactivated.

Most banks offer this feature on their mobile banking app. Simply enter your travel dates and destinations to report to the bank that you’ll be on the move.

Have Multiple Banks Accounts So You Can Transfer Money Easily

Losing your bank card or having it stolen is a traveler’s nightmare. But if you have multiple bank accounts, it could just be a hiccup instead of a show-stopper.

Give yourself the ability to transfer your funds remotely by having at least two working bank accounts. They can even be with the same bank.

If your bank card goes missing, call the authorities, freeze your bank card, and then move your money to your other account. That way, you can keep going with your travels while the bank and the authorities take care of your open case or claim.

The same goes for credit cards. Don’t be put in a bad situation where you can’t access your own money.

Write Down Emergency Information to Speed up Assistance

There are a few important aspects to emergency information: your medical information, your passport information, and local emergency points of contact.

You should always carry a card on you with your medical information like blood type, allergies, and someone to contact (usually your parents or spouse). That way, if something happens to you, it gives very crucial information to whoever is providing you aid.

And wherever you chose to keep that is where you should also have a little card where you’ve jotted down things like the country’s emergency phone number (it may not be 911).

When you check into your hostel, hang out a minute longer at the front desk and copy down the local emergency information. Put it in your phone as well, but that should not be the only place you’ve got it.

Learn Basic Self-Defense for Protection

Note that I didn’t say “learn to beat someone up” or “perfect your three-finger punch.”

Basic self-defense is an important skill to be used in a worst-case scenario. Learning to defend yourself includes learning how to diffuse a dangerous situation without personal altercation, as well as the importance of buying yourself time to get away quickly and safely.

The goal is to avoid conflict and keep yourself safe. It is not your job to teach someone else a lesson with your cool kung-fu moves.

Consider taking some krav maga or karate lessons before you travel, and emphasize to your trainer that your goal is self-defense. Find an instructor that guides you in the right direction.

Book Your Travel with Trusted Sources to Avoid Getting Scammed

When booking travel online, whether it’s buses or flights, any price that seems too good to be true usually is. Keep an eye out for common signs of scam sites, like ones that have too many pop-ups and poor formatting. Make sure any website that asks for payment has a trusted business indicator (like the ones provided by Visa and Mastercard) displayed on the website. These scammy websites count on their readers not paying attention, so don’t give them the satisfaction.

As for booking travel in person while you’re in a foreign country, stick to your hostel recommendations or highly-rated local travel companies. Odd company names or ones that aren’t located in travel hubs (like bus terminals or airports) should be scrutinized heavily.

In some cases, even legit companies could be getting paid-off by malicious groups to rope unwitting tourists in, so that they can rob their bus en route.

Cheap transit is not always your best bet. Remember, you don’t just want a good deal, you actually want to make it to your destination safely.

Stay at Decent Hostels for Security and Safety

I’m looking at you, my ultra-budget travelers out there.

It may be tempting to book the cheapest possible place to stay. Hell, extreme budget travel is practically a sport for some travelers. But there are certain things you shouldn’t skimp on, and a clean safe place to sleep is one of them.

Not to say that safe accommodation has to be expensive, but your main concern should lie with things like locks, lockers, and a 24hr front desk. The only people that should be able to access your hostel at night are staff and tenants. That way you can get a truly worry-free night’s sleep and be ready to step out on your next adventure.

Wear the Right Clothes So You Don’t Stand Out

Dressing appropriately for your surroundings has multiple benefits. Not only does it show that you are respectful of the local culture, but it helps you blend in as well. Dressing like a “tourist” makes you a target for potential theft.

Try to keep your travel wardrobe minimalist, so you can add a flare of local attire depending on where you are visiting. Pickpockets and other nefarious characters are constantly on the lookout for people who don’t look like they belong. And don’t wear your flashy, expensive-looking jewelry or fancy brands as this can also be an open invitation for trouble.

Bring a First Aid Kit for Minor Injuries

Scrapes and burns may not seem like a big deal, but staying healthy is, and health is a part of safety. Traveling is sometimes dirty business. With rocky hikes and dusty buses, you never know what might happen, and you need to be in control of your health as much as possible.

It doesn’t take much for a small cut or splinter to get infected, so do yourself a favor and keep your own first aid kit on hand and easily accessible. Be hyper-aware of any small injuries you get along the way. Foot injuries can be especially susceptible to contamination and dangerous to your health.

Band-Aids, antiseptic, and clean gauze are a good start for a basic kit. You should also consider vitamin-c and throat lozenges to stave off the pesky common cold, and Imodium in the event that the food you eat doesn’t… agree with you. Don’t be embarrassed. We’ve all been there.

Inspect Transaction Points to Avoid Fraud and Theft

Money tips and travel safety tips go hand in hand. Just like with having multiple bank accounts to protect your funds, you need to be wary of anywhere you might swipe or insert your bank card or credit cards.

Look for signs of tampering. Has anything been added to the card receiver that may be capable of recording your bank card or credit card data?

Inspect Transaction Points to Avoid Fraud and TheftRestaurants are not immune to this either. Always ask if your credit card can be swiped at the table instead of letting your server take your card away to complete the transaction.

When in doubt, you can always skip to the next ATM or pay your dinner tab with cash. You can even report potential tampering to the local police.

Use a VPN to Protect You From Hackers

Free WiFi can feel heaven-sent when you’re on the move—especially if you’re a digital nomad working and traveling. But as lovely as it is to connect for free, it can also put your device at risk for hackers.

If you come across public WiFi that is not password protected, it is possible that the data on your laptop or computer could be gathered by a third party while you’re connected. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a great way around this problem.

When you use a VPN paid service, your online activity will be sent through virtual connections and encrypted, so your IP address and data can’t be intercepted. Now you can safely embrace that sweet, sweet free WiFi without worrying about identity theft or fraud.

ExpressVPN  is one of my favorite VPNs for international travel . It provides secure, private and unrestricted internet access so you can hide your location

Study Maps to Keep Your Bearings

You don’t need to be a modern-day Magellan to get this one down. Having a decent understanding of the layout of the place you’re exploring will ensure that, even if your phone dies, you can still get yourself to your lodging, a central piazza, or a major transportation hub (quickly and safely, preferably).

Additionally, studying your map can even help you plan out your day or discover interesting places you wouldn’t have otherwise known about.

I recommend using whatever map app you like on your mobile phone, and dropping pins for a few key locations. Then keep a mental note of where those buildings or features are in relation to you as you explore. That way, if you get turned around or lost, you know what features you’re looking for as you regain your bearings.

Know Common Scams to Avoid Being Ripped-Off

Have you heard of the shoe-shine scam in Budapest? Or the tea-room scam in Hong Kong? There are some very clever scammers out there that unfortunately count on you to be a well-meaning and gullible person.

Friendliness from locals can be wonderful, but anyone that gets too chummy too quickly may be trying to take advantage of you. Do your research and be aware of scams that may be common in the country you’ll be visiting.

And don’t let your own politeness get in the way of your security. If you’re uncomfortable with a situation it is always okay to say “no, thank you” and walk away.

Be in Control When Hiring Taxis and Tuk-Tuks to Arrive Safely at Your Destination

Most taxi drivers are honest, hardworking individuals. But for those that aren’t, having you in their car puts them in an advantageous position of power.

Discuss the price or rate before you get in the vehicle. If your taxi driver mumbles or tells you they will talk about the price once they’re en route to your destination, they may be trying to rip you off. Do not let a taxi driver tell you that your lodging or the restaurant you want to go to is closed. They’re likely just trying to get you to spend money at their friend’s business instead.

And when it’s time to load your bags, make sure they’re in the back seat with you, not in the trunk. That way, if for any reason you want to get out of the vehicle quickly, you can grab your bags and go.

Carry a Decoy Wallet to Keep Muggers from Taking Your Real One

This is one of my favorite travel safety tips because it’s so easy.

Getting mugged is a terrifying experience. Someone desperate enough to stop you and demand that you give them your valuables is dangerous and should not be provoked. But it’s very likely that once they have what they want, they’ll leave you alone quickly to avoid being caught.

Carry a decoy wallet with a little bit of cash in it. It’s a helpful way to get out of that awful situation safely. If you’re unlucky enough to get mugged, hand the mugger your decoy wallet, and get out of there as quickly as possible. They’ll think they’ve taken everything you had on your person, and you are more likely to stay safe and unharmed.

And don’t ever resist a mugger. Your wallet is not more valuable than your safety and health.

Use the Right Bag for Added Security

This is another one of the travel safety tips that requires you to splurge a bit. Simply put, bags that aren’t designed for security put you at risk for theft. This applies to all of your bags: luggage, day-packs, purses, bumbags, etc.

Make sure your luggage is lockable. Carry daypacks and handbags that are slash-proof and RFID blocking. There are some cool camera bags out there that are discrete, as in they don’t look like a camera bag, and have theft-proof zipper access at the small of your back instead of the top of the bag. Bags with lots of pockets are great for separating your cash, passport, and mobile.

Bag safety and security are a necessity, so shop around and find something that works for you and keeps your valuables safe.

Always Have Positive Control of Your Bag to Deter Thieves

I cringe every time I see someone sitting at a table outside a cafe with their bag sat carelessly in the chair next to them. If you aren’t aware of your bag and touching it in some way at all times, your bag is more likely to be stolen.

One great method to keep your stuff safe  is securing your bag straps around your chair leg at your feet. For my rucksack, while I’m at bus stops or airports, I put my bag on the ground and stand with my foot through the strap.

Any physical contact with your bag is a deterrent for potential bag snatchers.

Invest in Locks to Secure Your Valuables

Sure, some hostels offer you a lock when you check-in, but that same lock has been used by dozens of people before you. That’s not exactly secure, is it?

Whether you prefer a key or combination lock, having your own lock (or two)  is the best way to keep your stuff safe and secure when you’re not with it.

Cable locks are particularly useful for locking your bags or sporting equipment together; just make sure they’re also tethered to a permanent structure if you’re going to walk away from your stuff.

Hide Extra Cash as a Backup 

It is a rare occurrence, and certainly not something we like to admit when it comes to our fellow travelers, but theft in hostels does happen.

If by some chance someone manages to get into your bag and steal from you (if your bag is locked up with your lock this shouldn’t happen!), you don’t want to make it easy for that person to find everything you’ve got.

There are lots of clever ways to stash and hide cash in different spots in your bags. Chapstick tubes, socks, and secret sewn-in pockets are great places to hide your extra cash.

Avoid Tight Crowds to Prevent Pickpocketing

Pickpockets love crowds. Crowds are loud, distracting, and well… crowded. If you’re in a tight crowd, you may not be able to tell the difference between someone brushing up against you by accident and someone reaching into your pocket or bag.

Street performances, block parties, and queues are prime target situations for pickpockets on the prowl. Do your best to avoid these crowds, or at least stay on the outer edge of a crowd where you’ve got better situational awareness.

Check-in Regularly with Someone You Trust for Added Peace of Mind

Solo-traveling is a great way to learn about yourself and the world around you and to ensure you get to do things your way. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve the same safety net as someone traveling with a group.

Whether you choose another traveler you’ve met or someone back home, having someone that knows they are your safety net and is aware and expecting to hear from you is so important. If something happens to you and you don’t check-in with that person like you said you would, they may be your best bet for getting help quickly.

A simple “Hi, I’m safe” text or call to check-in is all you need for staying safe and accountable.

Travel in Groups for a Safer Night Out

Like I said though, traveling with a group provides a safety net that solo-outings do not, and this is especially applicable at night. So don’t hesitate to join or create a group when you want to go out.

Make sure it’s obvious that you’re with other people wherever you are. Criminals target people who are alone but will steer clear of groups because they’re more likely to get caught if they try to steal from you or harm you. A united front makes you a harder target.

If you’re traveling on your own and itching for a night out, make some friends at your hostel and invite them out! It may feel awkward asking a stranger to hang out with you, but just be honest and tell them you don’t want to go out alone. Chances are they’ll understand and welcome the company.

Besides, making new friends is part of the fun of travel!

Practice Situational Awareness to Avoid Unnecessary Risk

This might seem like one of those obvious travel safety tips, but you have to pay attention to your surroundings when you travel. Walking with your head down looking at your phone tells the world that you’ve got no situational awareness, as does gawking at skyscrapers.

Your surroundings are going to be complex and dynamic, and you need to maintain a critical eye and a clear head so you can react quickly and appropriately to possibly dangerous situations.

Make eye contact with potential threats. No, I don’t mean get into a staring contest, but let them know you see them and they’re more likely to move on.  Keep your phone in your bag, stay (relatively) sober, and look out for your friends as well.

Body language also plays a big role in deterring theft and harassment.  When sitting in a restaurant for instance, always do your best to sit facing the door, so you can see everyone coming and going from the building. Choose bus seats closer to the door for a quick exit if you don’t feel comfortable with the people around you.

Know Important Phrases in the Local Language to Avoid Confusion

Nothing is more frustrating than taking a bad, stressful situation and adding a language barrier.

Hand gestures and charades can only get you so far in a foreign country. Besides being polite, learning a few important phrases in the local language of the countries you’re visiting can save you a lot of trouble. You can even write the words and phrases down and keep them on you if memorizing isn’t your thing.

Learn to comfortably say words like “hello/goodbye,” “please/thank you,” “clean water,” “toilet,” “bus,” and “train.” You can also work on questions like “where is the…?” or “how much for…?” And of course, people love it when you can order food or a drink in their native tongue.

“Dos cervezas, por favor!”

Trust Your Instincts to Make Good Decisions

Everyone has some level of intuition. It’s like a survival instinct; you know the feeling! When something isn’t quite right, maybe your stomach starts to feel queasy, or the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Don’t ignore your “spidey-senses” if they’re trying to tell you something. When all other travel tips fall short, and a situation feels “off,” trust yourself and your intuition to make the right choice and help you stay safe.

Wear Your Helmet to Protect your Most Important Asset!

Alright, alright, this one may seem like a no-brainer (pun intended), but I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen travelers cruise past me on a moped with no helmet on!

Concussions can disrupt a trip, and your “how’d you get that scar?” story won’t exactly sound epic when you tell them you fell off a bike without a helmet on your head. Unfortunately, common sense is not always a common virtue.

Besides, while your insurance company may cover emergency medical evacuation or repatriation, it may not cover dumb decisions like not wearing your helmet. Do you really want to test it?

And this goes for any kind of personal protective equipment, especially if you opt to participate in extreme sports. You wouldn’t skydive without a parachute, so please don’t scooter without a helmet!

I hope these travel safety tips help you feel secure while getting the most out of your travels (and if you want more, check out my 65 Best Travel Tips ). Whether you’re backpacking or traveling first class for a vacation, this universal list of advice is tried and true. Travel safe!

• Is It Safe to Travel to Germany?
• Is it Safe to Travel to China?
• 12 Smart Ways Keep Your Stuff Safe When You Travel
• World Nomads Travel Insurance Review: Is it Worth the Money?

Travel Safety FAQs

How do you ensure safety during travel.

To stay safe during travel, always tell someone where you’re going, register with the Embassy, and get travel insurance.

How do you stay healthy while traveling?

To stay healthy while traveling, make sure you have the right vaccinations and be careful about the food and water you consume.

How do you keep yourself safe while travelling alone?

If you’re traveling alone, you can stay safe by always telling someone where you’re going, doing your research, and having travel insurance.

What is the safest way to travel and why?

The safest way to travel is by airplane. Air travel is very predictable, and accidents are extremely rare.

What should I prepare before traveling?

Before traveling, make sure you prepare your documents, travel plans, vaccinations, and travel insurance.

Jeremy Scott Foster

We’re looking to go to Bali in October.

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TRAVEL SAFETY – 27 TIPS TO STAY SAFE WHEN TRAVELING

After years of traveling, I and Jacqueline always question how we should stay safe while traveling. Especially if it’s a new destination we’re visiting that we aren’t familiar with.

It may seem contradictory to think of things that could go wrong during a trip or vacation. But the only way to have a safe trip and avoid any complications while traveling is to figure out what could possibly go wrong and be prepared for those situations in advance. Or even better, completely avoiding risks whenever possible.

Now we’re not saying the world is a dangerous place. Well, there are certain places and destinations that aren’t safe for tourists. But as a whole, most destinations are safe as long as we know how to minimize our risks while traveling.

The truth is, every destination has its own share of risks and dangers, even our hometown. The only difference is that familiar places are safer because we know how and when to avoid certain risks.

Staying safe while traveling is simply getting familiar with certain things in your destination of travel.

In this article, we have listed 27 tips that we always follow before and during our trips. And are [the safety tips] how we always prepare and stay safe whenever and wherever we travel.

1. RESEARCH DESTINATION

Researching the destination you plan on visiting holds all the answers to staying safe while you travel. It doesn’t matter where that destination is, your research will go a long way and will help you get familiar with that place before you are physically there. And as a result, it will be much easier to point out and avoid any risks.

Here is a list of resources that we use to research safety when traveling:

Government travel websites are a good starting point when researching a destination. You’ll find all the necessary information for your trips like Visa requirements and the most common threats in any destination. Before you research your destination, I suggest you look up your own hometown. I say this because government websites make every destination seem like the most dangerous in the world. Therefore, comparing your hometown and your travel destination will most likely have a few risks in common which will make you more at ease.

Travel blogs: Travelers just like you and I write travel blogs about the destinations they visit. The information found on these blogs is more accurate and is generally what you can really expect from that destination.

Friends and Family: If you know anyone that has been to a destination, ask them what they think. And if they have any useful tips for you that will help avoid any complications during your trip. Asking for advice and insight from a friend or relative that has been to a destination will help you get familiar with that place and you can better avoid any complications during your trip.

Are you planning a trip? Planning a trip can be a contradictory mix of feeling both excited and overwhelmed. If you feel this way and need some help you can follow our step-by-step planning guide that will help cut through all the confusion that goes into trip planning!

CLICK HERE FOR AN EASY TO FOLLOW TRIP PLANNING MANUAL

2. COMMON SCAMS

Some places are well known all over the world for their scams. But the truth is, there is no scam-free destination, scams are just about everywhere. Some are just common scams that everyone knows about like the Taxi driver who unfortunately has a broken meter; this is a common scam all over the world.

Other scams are more complex like the tuk tuk scams in Thailand or supposedly cheap tours in Indonesia.

Keep in mind that scams are usually disguised as something attractive but there is always one thing that will give it away.

If something seems strange, odd, out of place, very cheap, or stands out, it’s a good rule of thumb to take it as a scam. 

Whatever the case, it is best to do your own research and find out what are the common scams in the destination you plan to visit. There isn’t any other better way to avoid getting scammed than to actually know in advance.

3. TRAVEL INSURANCE

Purchasing travel insurance seems like an additional travel expense with no true value. In a way, that is true as long as everything goes according to plan and hopefully, nothing goes wrong.

Most travelers are happy to save on the small amount of money that travel insurance costs. Even if that means taking the risk of not getting any compensation for lost or stolen luggage, delayed flights, and not getting a refund for booked flights and hotels. (the biggest trip expense)

And in the worst case, you may need medical attention or hospitalization where bills often run into the 4 or 5 digits. 

I have a personal experience of such things going wrong while abroad. While on vacation in Italy, my mum suddenly had a heart attack. She recovered in a hospital and when she was stable got repatriated back home. Thankfully, my mum had travel insurance that took care of and paid for all the bills. I’m not sure what the cost for all that would have been, but from my research, it would have cost us at least $100.000.

Think of travel insurance as a way to manage your risks in the case of events that would result in a huge financial blow.

There are loads of travel insurance out there. Each company offers different packages which range in price and benefits. Over the last years, we have got our travel insurance through a few trustworthy companies. 

With things changing so fast all over the world it is a good idea to purchase travel insurance that covers covid related medical issues.

Right now, whenever we travel we’re using Safetywing nomad insurance. They offer comprehensive packages for less than $1.50 a day and also cover medical costs related to Covid 19 which is a huge plus with the current situation.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SAFETYWING NOMAD INSURANCE

If you want to know how to choose the right travel insurance or aren’t sure which coverage would be best for your trip, we have a detailed article that goes through everything you need to know before purchasing your plan. 

READ THE FULL TRAVEL INSURANCE ARTICLE

4. INFORM YOUR BANK

Imagine arriving at your destination after meticulously planning the perfect trip and on the first attempt of using your debit card, it is declined. It’s definitely a bad way to start any trip and could be the cause of ruining the following days too.

When you make a transaction in a foreign country, your bank may pick it up and treat it as suspicious activity and therefore freeze your account. The best case would be that your bank will reactivate your account over the phone after verifying your account through personal information. But often, your bank or card company could take a few days before reactivating your account. And in some cases, your bank may ask that you physically visit their office before they do anything.

The simple way to avoid all this is to contact your bank before your trip. Let your bank know when you plan to travel. Also, we usually make a transaction at the airport before we depart and when we arrive at our destination. This way the bank can make a link that it was probably you who did the transactions abroad.

5. RESEARCH THE REQUIREMENTS

(travel has changed drastically as have entry requirements. Pre-Covid it was possible to get a Visa on Arrival in certain destinations. And although those destinations may be currently open for tourism, the requirements for entry have probably changed and Visas will no longer be offered on arrival)

Every country around the world has its own set of requirements for tourists to enter the country. Some countries require proof of an onward flight out of the country. Or that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport and 2 blank pages for visa stamps.

Whatever the destination, you should always know the requirements in advance. Here are the most common requirements in countries around the world:

• Visa – either on arrival or must apply before
• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Number of blank pages (usually 2)
• Proof of onward flight out of the country (when visa is required)
• Proof of accommodation (first few days is usually enough)
• Proof of a certain amount of money in your bank account
• COVID-19 vaccinations
• Negative COVID-19 PCR test (72 or 48 hours before flight)

Keep in mind that a few of these things need to be taken care of well in advance. For instance, if you need to get a new passport it could take up to 6 weeks to receive it. So it’s a good idea to start looking into the requirements well ahead.

You can check what are the requirements to enter your destination through your government travel website. You can click on one of the links below for more information

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

6. DOCUMENTATION BACKUP

Passports, Insurance policies, medical prescriptions, or any other form of documentation are the most important possessions when traveling.

If anything was to go wrong and the original forms are lost or stolen, the second-best option is to have a backup of those documents and your passport. 

Make copies of your passport, insurance policy, medical prescriptions, and other important documents. We also bind the copies in plastic to keep them safe from any moisture or from tearing. We give copies to a family member and keep 2 or 3 copies in different backpacks. Also, a photo of the documents would be useful in the worst case of losing originals and, copies.

7. HEALTH AND VACCINES

Nothing ruins a trip more than getting sick while in a foreign country. Especially when it’s a health issue that could have been taken care of before going abroad. Although certain health issues just come without any pre-warning signal, there are many ways to prevent getting sick and ultimately staying safe when we travel.

HEALTH CHECK UP

In order for us to keep everything in check, me and Jacqueline always book an appointment and get a health and also dental check-up before traveling. And if there is anything that needs taking care of we do it before we travel.

One time in the Philippines I got a really bad tooth infection. My mouth got all swollen up and I couldn’t even eat with the pain I had. The issue was a rotten tooth which I could have easily taken before traveling. 

After this incident, we both decided to get both dental and health checkups before traveling. Or at least before we travel long term like 3 months, 6  months or maybe a year.

Whenever we travel to new destinations or foreign countries we are inevitably exposing ourselves to new viruses and bacteria that our body isn’t used to. Usually, our immune system can’t fight off those viruses so we end up getting sick.

To prevent getting sick when traveling to certain countries, it is best to get vaccinated when it is advised.

8. FIRST AID KIT

Consider packing a first aid kit whenever you travel. It comes in handy in the event of small injuries or mild sickness. Not there is no need to go crazy and pack a whole medical kit. Here are some of the basics supplies that will serve well in any minor situation: plasters, bandages, gauze, surgical spray, paracetamol, diarrhea tablets, sickness pills, insect repellents, antibiotic medication (medication for infections).

Seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any medication. Your doctor or pharmacist will know what alternative to give you.

9. SHARE YOUR TRAVEL PLANS

Before you hop on that plane and head to who knows where, make sure you share your travel plans with someone you trust. If something happens in the place you’re visiting at least someone will know.

A good idea is to a set up a schedule with someone you will call for example every other day. That way, you have someone expecting you to contact them and if that doesn’t happen, they will know something isn’t right.

10. FREE Wi-Fi HOTSPOTS

Free wi-fi hotspots are a great way to stay connected. Even more so when you’re traveling and roaming fees are sky-high. But do you know the risks associated with free wi-fi spots found in just about every airport, park, cafe?

When we use wi-fi hotspots, there is a risk that someone can hack into our account and steal our personal information. Think of all the information you have on your phone, bank account details, social media accounts, a hacker monitoring that wi-fi hotspot could easily access your account.

To avoid getting hacked, the best thing you can do is use a VPN. A VPN is a system that will encrypt all your information making it almost impossible for hackers to steal. Or just purchase a local Sim card from your destination. It will cost a fraction of the roaming fees offered by your hometown service provider.

11. TRANSPORT – MOVING AROUND

In order to move around safely, we always research the best and safest transport options.

In certain non-urbanized destinations, scooters are a great way to get around. However, renting a scooter in a highly-populated city like Bangkok or Jakarta would mean trouble.

Know how you will be moving around in advance. Do your research and figure out what is the most reliable form of transport. Find out if there are any related risks like avoiding subways and not hailing down random taxis in the middle of the night.

12. LOCK YOUR BELONGINGS

Whether traveling with lots of expensive stuff or you travel light with not much more than $100 dollars worth of travel items [this reminds me of us] you should always keep your belongings safe by keeping everything locked. It isn’t nice to have anything stolen. Especially when traveling and those possessions are all you have.

It’s very easy for someone to go through your belongings if the backpack or luggage isn’t locked. Think of how many times you stowed away bags in the luggage compartment on buses. One time in Thailand a guy taking care of the luggage stayed in the luggage compartment probably sifting through all the open luggage. 

Crafty thieves could easily open your bag while stored overhead on a train. Or even walk behind you on the street and open your bag without you even noticing.

If you’ll be using hostels as your main accommodation, take a padlock with you. Most hostels offer free lockers to store valuables like passports and electronics and it’s best to have your own padlock to lock it up.

On beaches or in situations where you’ll inevitably need to leave your bag unattended, consider investing in a cable lock and secure your bag to a non-movable object. It isn’t the safest solution but will potentially deter anyone looking for an easy grab-and-run kind of thing.

13. ASK THE LOCALS FOR ADVICE

Locals are a valuable source of information for many things. After all, they probably lived in that place all their lives and probably have some sound advice to offer.

It isn’t that straightforward to just walk up to some random guy in the street and snap a conversation. So in the meantime ask your hotel receptionist if there is anything to look out for. Ask about common scams, dangerous neighborhoods, and other general safety precautions.

Other locals you could ask are waiters or maybe while riding buses or trams strike a conversation. Most locals will be happy to help.

However, if asking taxi drivers or tour agents, take their advice mildly. They usually tell you what would be beneficial to them, like using a bus is a death sentence or if you walk more than 10 minutes you’ll get abducted. Well maybe not that extreme but I guess you got my point.

14. DON’T GIVE AWAY TOO MUCH DETAIL

It is normal for people that you just met to ask certain questions like what hotels are you staying in or what are your travel plans. However, don’t give away too much about yourself. You never know what that person has in mind.

One thing is for sure, tour agents most often will ask for the name of your hotel before giving you a final price for the tour you want. What will happen is that the price they offer will reflect the quality of your hotel: high-end hotel – higher price, run-down hostel – normal or lower price.

15. DON’T BE A TOURIST

Tourists are usually the prime targets of thieves or pickpockets. This is especially true in crowded places that are popular with tourists.

Instead of being an obvious tourist, blend in with the crowd. Ditch that bright-colored flower shirt and panama hat and wear neutral-colored outfits or something that matches the culture of your destination.

16. HIDE VALUABLES

While keeping a low profile will help avoid being detected, the shady guy lurking around tourist crowds won’t just rob any random tourist. At least this won’t be the case most times.

Thieves and pickpockets usually stalk their targets for some time and evaluate what are the risks. If nothing valuable stands on your person, they’ll probably move on to someone that seems more lucrative.

In order to avoid becoming a victim of robbery or pickpockets, hide your valuables. Have nothing expensive in plain sight. If you have expensive jewelry, wear it discreetly or don’t wear it altogether. Keep expensive phones in your bag or front pocket. If you have a camera wrapped around your shoulder, put it away and get it out when you need it. Keep in mind that even a relatively cheap camera ($500) is 2 months salary in certain places.

17. LISTEN TO YOUR GUT

Often a gut feeling lets us know there is something wrong. But we usually just shake it off and take it as just being overly worried for no reason.

The truth is, that gut feeling comes when our senses picked something up but our conscious mind didn’t register it. Instead of suppressing it, be aware of what is going on around you, that feeling may be a warning sign.

Cash draws attention and attention isn’t something you want if you intend to stay safe when traveling.

It is inevitable to have cash most of the time. Everyone has cash and the key here is to look as if you’ve not got much of it.

Instead of walking around with big amounts of cash, leave the bulk locked up at your hotel or hostel. Only take with you what is needed for your activity. 

If for some reason you need to carry large amounts of cash, maybe you’ve just done a withdrawal or need to pay for something later on during the day, keep that money in a hidden money belt. And carry a dummy wallet with enough to cash to get you through the day. If a mugger confronts you, just hand over the dummy wallet.

19. BE AWARE

Many times people fall victim to scams, or pickpockets because they were caught off guard. And this is all so common while traveling or on vacation. 

Being alert doesn’t necessarily mean to freak out and get all paranoid everywhere you go. But instead, be attentive of what’s going on around you, watch out for anyone seedy lurking around and most important don’t get caught up in something that you forget about everything else.

20. HAVE A PURPOSE

Before heading out of your hotel room know exactly where you’re going. Looking up your destination on a map in advance will give you a sense of orientation on where you’re headed. 

If you end up getting lost, make sure you’re not heading into a dangerous neighborhood. In the meantime discreetly look up in what direction is your destination without giving away that you are lost.

21. HAVE AN OUT

Having an out is basically a Plan B if anything goes wrong. If you’re in a situation where you feel vulnerable or you think something could go wrong, look for the way out of that situation before it happens.

In some situations, knowing where is your out before something goes wrong could be a life saver

In Thailand we once got caught in a really bad thunderstorm on a dangerous highway while riding a scooter back to the hotel. Our hotel was still about 2 hours away and it was getting dark. There was nowhere to shelter from the rain and the second best option was to stop someone in a van to ride us back.

22. KNOW YOUR CAPABILITIES

While I encourage anyone to be adventurous and try new things, always consider your capabilities and if there are any risks involved.

This is especially true if you have any physical restrictions or mental fears that will determine what activities could be either of risk or may cause injury in the case of physical limitations.

For instance, due to a bad leg injury years ago, Jacqueline knows that a physically challenging trek could potentially injury her leg.

23. SPLURGE WHEN NECESSARY

We all love to make that vacation a little cheaper. Maybe we choose cheap flights and opt for the cheaper hotels and restaurants over the more expensive ones.

It’s very attractive to choose what is cheap especially if you’re a budget backpacker like us.

But it’s also important to know why those things are cheap before booking. 

Some hotels could be cheap because they’re in a shady neighbourhood or are used for something completely different. Like a hotel we booked in Thailand that was used primarily for prostitution. We figured this out during the night.

So don’t just look at the price. Instead do your research, look into reviews and find out what other ordinary tourists think. In some cases, choosing the cheap option may be a risky way of saving a few extra bucks. And in those cases, it will be better to splurge on a safer option.

Here is what to look out for before booking:

Cheap Hotels: find out where the hotel is located. It could be in a dangerous neighborhood. Or maybe it’s just too far from any amenities (restaurants, bars, nightlife) and as a result, the transportation costs will end up costing more than a better hotel.

Cheap Taxi: in some places, you will find that certain taxi prices are much cheaper than others. Usually it’s not that the taxis are cheap but because they aren’t real taxis. This is common in parts of South America where just random locals paint their cars like taxis. Sometimes, these fake taxis are into more serious crimes like kidnappings and robbery.

Instead, use online taxi apps like Uber or Grab. They are much safer and you can see the profile of the driver. Before getting in the car be sure the license plate matches the one on your booking.

Cheap tours: similar to fake taxis, there are also tours that promote themselves as reliable, safe, and so on. However, it isn’t always the case. Certain tours have poor standards and may very well be dangerous. This is the case for certain bus companies that employ maniac drivers, boat tours that aren’t regulated and even non official activities.

Final note: Whatever it is that you intend to book, always research the company and check for reviews. It doesn’t matter if the tour or hotel is cheap or not, before booking always know exactly what you’re paying for.

24. ATM SCAMS

It is sound advice to always cover the pin with your hand. But also be aware of your surroundings and avoid ATMs in seedy areas.

If someone close by looks suspicious or is too close, just walk away and find another ATM in a safer area. It isn’t uncommon for someone to grab your cash the moment it comes out of the machine and make a run for it.

Check the ATM , see there is nothing suspicious like loose parts or misalignments and overall that everything feels solid. If you notice anything suspicious, it may be a tampered ATM where scammers place a card slot on the original to steal card details and use a pinhole camera to read your pin.

The best way to avoid complications is to withdraw from ATMs that are part of the physical bank and during bank hours. Try to avoid withdrawals during the night and even more in seedy areas.

It is tempting to indulge in the local food culture and try all those exotic dishes. But always watch out for the basics to follow regarding food. Eating at the wrong places could potentially ruin a trip if you get bad food poisoning.

A good rule that you’ve probably heard is to go where the locals eat. If you’re looking for a good street food stall go to that place with the longest line.

Avoid buying pre-cooked meals. You never know when the food was prepared and how long its been just sitting there. Instead, only buy from a stall where your food is cooked right in front of you and is served hot.

When I was in Bandung – Indonesia I once had a dish of fried noodles from a street stall and on my way out saw the guy washing the dishes in filthy water. So although the food may have been ok, what it was served on was not. The following 4 or 5 days I went through the worst food poisoning.

Therefore, besides buying hot meals always keep in mind hygiene standards like where the food is served.

26. DRINK / WATER

If you’re used to drinking directly from the tap at home, avoid that while traveling. You never know what is the source of that water. And in a lot of countries, not even the locals drink from the tap because they know it isn’t safe.

But instead of constantly buying bottled water, consider taking a travel flask on your trip. In most hostels and hotels you can get a free water refill. This will save you money and also reduces plastic waste.

27. DON’T GET WASTED

Let’s face it, those wild nights out with friends are one of the memories that stick around for a long time. So try and keep it that way rather than getting so wasted that you have no idea what’s going on. Let alone remembering any details in the future.

It’s not just the fact you’ll ruin the night for yourself; your friends probably won’t be that happy to babysit you. And your lack of awareness will make you an easy target.

If you do intend to drink, do it responsibly and with a group of friends you trust. Always figure out how you’ll be getting back to your hotel before going out, and stick to that plan.

FINAL NOTES

The above travel safety tips are a roundup of the basic safety rules to follow while traveling. It doesn’t matter what is the destination you’ll be in, most tips apply for every place in the world. In fact, most of the tips are just common things that we do on a regular basis back home. And I said above, at home we know all the risks and dangers and avoid them blindly.

We can incorporate the steps we take to stay safe in our home country and apply them when traveling.

The most important things to keep in mind are to always use common sense and be on high alert (without freaking out) and don’t do things you wouldn’t do back home. Like drive a scooter with no license, no helmet, and probably intoxicated. You can follow this tip if you want, but I didn’t list it because it’s just plain stupid.

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——— ABOUT US ———

We're Jackie and James, now in our late 30's, we've been traveling on and off for 5 years now. After living our entire lives on a tiny island named Malta, we set off to explore Asia on a budget while writing detailed guides about awesome destinations. We hope our travels help you realize that traveling doesn't have to cost a fortune.

——— SEARCH THE BLOG ———

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Is it “Safe Travel” or “Safe Travels?” (Correct Grammar + Examples)

Is the correct phrase “safe travels” or “safe travel?” When telling someone that they should have a safe trip or a safe upcoming travel, does the word “travel” have an “s” letter or does it not have an “s” letter?

Learn the correct spelling of the phrase in this short American English guide.

Is it “safe travel” or “safe travels?”

The correct phrase is “safe travels,” with an “s” letter. The reason why this form is correct is that someone who is traveling would be doing so in the plural form. We would say have “safe travels” rather than a safe “travel.”

What to say instead of “safe travels”

Here are alternatives someone could say rather than saying “safe travels”:

• Have a good trip.
• See you soon.
• Have a safe trip.
• Have a wonderful journey.
• Have a good time.
• Bon voyage.

Can you say have a “safe journey?”

Yes. Having a “safe journey” is another way of telling someone that you wish their upcoming trip or travel be a safe one. A journey is sometimes referred to as travel, considering it is both an adventure and the act of arriving at a predetermined destination.

What does “bon voyage” mean?

Bon Voyage is a French term that means, “have a good trip.” It is common for “bon voyage” to get used in American English as a common phrase.

Inside this article

Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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Safer Travel

Destination Specific Travel Safety Information | CRF Est: 2002

Travel & Safety Information

Comprehensive travel safety information for over 350 popular tourist and backpacker destinations . Safer Travel provides; travel safety tips, useful contacts, areas to avoid and common crimes as well as suggesting must-see highlights and attractions.

Part of Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation. Supporting young travellers since 2002

Charity Founder Richard Stuttle has written…

Chasing rainbows – the stolen future of caroline ann stuttle.

On the 10th April, the Stuttle family received the worst news possible. The headline in the newspaper read ‘English backpacker thrown to her death in Australia’.

The book is an insightful real-life story of ordinary people who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. A turbulent journey and the devastating impact of the murder of Caroline Ann Stuttle. The story is told from her brother’s perspective, after a phone call at 4:30 a.m. in the French Alps changed his world forever…

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We are adding new cities and updating information every week.

Bern (or Berne) is the capital city of Switzerland and is the 5th most populated. Bern’s historic old town is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to the notable cathedral, which is considered to be the largest in the country.

Patras a city located in Western Greece and the third most-populated city in the country. Nicknamed the ‘Gate to the West’, Patras is an important commercial and business hub and provides many routes of trade to Western Europe. Culture-wise, Patras offers a range of festivals and museums, giving travellers a variety of activities to choose from.

Zakynthos, or more commonly known in the UK as Zante, is an island in the Ionian Sea. It is one of the country’s biggest islands and is a very popular tourist destination as it even has its own airport. The island has the nickname “The Flowers of the Levant” and is especially popular with party holidays.

Athens is the capital city and the largest city in Greece. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, with history dating back to around 3,400 years ago. After the Olympic Games in 2004, Athens has had several different infrastructure projects funded in order to improve quality of life, such as a great metro system and a new motorway. In 2015, the city was voted the third best European city to visit by the European Best Destination.

Copenhagen is the capital and most-populated city in Denmark. Originally a Viking fishing village, Copenhagen has now flourished into a thriving cultural and economic hub. The city is a popular destination for city breaks, as people are attracted to the stunning harbour and wide variety of luxury restaurants.

Aalborg is the fourth largest city in Denmark and is located to the north of the country. The city is the perfect blend of modern and traditional architecture, with some of its best attractions being located in some very unique buildings. Aalborg also has a very vibrant culture with unique street art murals scattered all across the small city.

Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark and is located on the east coast of Jutland and is next to the Kattegat Sea. Aarhus is the largest city in the Jutland region and is also one of the oldest cities in the country. The city has several viking museums, as well as a notable theme park, Tivoli Friheden.

Bruges is located in Belgium and is the seventh largest city in the country in terms of population. It is located in the Flemish region in the north-west of the country. Bruges has a lot of medieval architecture, making it a very popular city for medieval festivals and events. The city is famous for its textile industry, which has even inspired several films.

Osaka is a city located in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan. The third most-populated city, this metropolis is considered to be one of the biggest financial centres in Japan, and with a vibrant multicultural atmosphere to boot. An essential visit for your trip to Japan.

Antwerp is a city in Belgium and is the capital of the Antwerp Province in the Flemish Region. The city can be found along the river Scheldt, which goes directly into the North Sea. Antwerp is a very important city for industry and business, with the city’s port ranking the second busiest port in Europe, and one of the top ones in the world.

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and is located in the centre of the country. The city is home to over 80 different museums, so there is something for every kind of interest. Brussels is also one of the greenest capital cities in Europe, with over 8000 hectares of green space.

Kyoto is the capital city of the Kyoto region in Japan, which is located on the island of Honshu. Kyoto is home to around 2,000 different temples and shrines, so this naturally attracts a lot of tourists curious about the architecture. It also hosts many different traditional festivals and parades, such as the Gion Matsuri, which is one of the biggest festivals in Japan.

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Each country gives an overview travel safety related information, from there visit a city for specific safety tips and advice written by people who have actually been there.

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Featured Travel Tips

Over the years we have collected many great travellers tips, this means many moments of ‘Oh, if I had only known!” can be avoided. Here are a featured selection of top travel tips collected from experienced travellers from around the world.

• Research before you go – knowledge of the country or city you are travelling is essential. Make sure you are aware of what to expect when you arrive.
• Watch your belongings – Split your money and keep it close. Keep an eye on your bags at all times, this could save you a lot of trouble and expense.
• Take some time to walk up the 275 step narrow, spiral staircase in York Minster  for breathtaking 360 views of the city and a great sense of achievement.
• Taking offence – Travelling you will meet a lot of like-minded people, but not everyone will want to be your friend. Be confident, don’t take what people might say personally.
• Local language – If travelling to a non-English speaking country, try to learn a few phrases. You will find you get a lot more respect from the locals.
• If you're in York during the summer, book a Hot Air Balloon flight for unforgettable views of York and the beautiful surrounding landscape.
• Travellers Questions 3

Travellers Questions

Are there any places i should avoid visiting.

We would never say don’t go anywhere. It’s your choice . What we would say is make sure you are prepared and you know what you might expect during your visit. As long as you have done your research you can make yourself as safe as possible in the places you are visiting.

What should I take with me backpacking?

Firstly remember, whatever you take you will have to carry with you for the whole travelling experience. Don’t take anything you can’t afford to lose or can’t replace. At a minimum make sure you have the follow, the rest you can buy.

• Phone and adapters
• Notebook and pencil
• Lock for your bag
• Clothes and laundry bag
• Comfortable shoes and flip flops
• Water bottle
• Toiletries and painkillers
• First aid kit

What are the safest countries in the world to visit?

The Institute for Economics and Peace released its Global Peace Index for last year, this is their ranking of the world’s safest countries.

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Safer travel virtual reality, we are currently developing a vr travel experience to help travellers better understand the risks in a safe virtual environment. please click here to find out more information.

Safe travels or Safe travel? Which is correct?

When you want to wish someone to have a journey that is completed without a problem you can say “Safe Travels”. Safe travel is ok but not commonly used.  

Correct Ways to wish someone a safe journey:

• Safe travels
• Bon voyage 
• Travel safely 
• Drive safely
• Have a safe trip
• Have a nice trip
• Have a safe journey

The reason we use safe travels is that we often associate travelling with many different trips and not just one trip.

Safe travel is ok to use but in modern English, it is just not common. 

We often want to wish someone a nice journey but we know that we will see them again so we just want to wish them a journey that is safe from danger. 

If you will not see the person for a long time then it is better to say goodbye. You can find many ways to say goodbye in this article here.

Travel safe or travel safely?

Travel safely is correct because in this case travel is a verb and to modify the verb we need to use the adverb “safely”

Can you say Safe trip or Safe journey?

Yes, you can say “Safe trip” or “Safe Journey” but we usually use “Have a….”.

John: I am leaving now, see you later!

Peter: Have a safe trip!

Peter: Have a safe journey! 

Bon Voyage – Wait isn’t that French? 

Yes, Bon Voyage is the French for Safe travels or literally “have a good trip”

It is common to use bon voyage in English because people are often going on a trip to a foreign country so people use it to sound more exotic.

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US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• Trinidad & Tobago
• El Salvador
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

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US embassy reaffirms that Malaysia is still safe to travel

Friday, 26 Apr 2024

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PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is still safe to travel, affirms the US embassy to Malaysia, negating US academic Bruce Gilley’s claim that it is not.

“There is no change to the US travel advisory, which remains at Level 1, the lowest level out of four,” it said in a statement.

According to the United States Bureau of Consular Affairs, Level 1 is the lowest advisory level for safety and security, between Levels 1 to 4, and 4 being “do not travel”.

At Level 1, travellers are to exercise normal precautions in the country, it said.

Checks by The Star on the US State Department’s website showed that Malaysia has been on Level 1 since its last update on July 24, 2023. Additionally, its country information on Malaysia says that the countries have healthy bilateral ties.

“Economic ties are robust, and there is a long history of people-to-people exchanges. Malaysia has a diverse democracy and is an important partner in US engagement with South-East Asia,” it said.

Earlier this week, US academician Bruce Gilley claimed in a post on X that Malaysia is not safe to travel to.

He said on the social media platform that he had left Malaysia due to safety concerns caused by an “Islamo-fascist mob whipped up by the government there”.

Recently, Universiti Malaya (UM) had invited Gilley to speak, which caused controversy.

Gilley purportedly claimed that Malaysia had pushed for a “second holocaust against the Jewish people” during his talk, and downplayed Malaysia’s ties with the United States.

After the cancellation of all events involving Gilley by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, the academician has since returned to America.

Further sparking outrage, he posted that he will not accept reimbursement for his travels from UM, choosing instead to ask the public to fund his costs via an online platform.

“(Gilley’s) social media post on the safety of travelling in Malaysia is too much. It is irresponsible and can cause anger among all Malaysians,” UM said in a statement.

Tags / Keywords: US embassy , Bruce Gilley , Israel , UM , University Malaya , travel advisory

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Portland Office of Violence Prevention accepting applications for Safer Portland Grant

The Portland  Office of Violence Prevention  is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025  Safer Portland Grant to help reduce gun violence through community-based prevention efforts.

A total of $500,000 is available. Grant awards will be up to $100,000 and may vary based on the scope of work and number of community members served.

The grant prioritizes prevention efforts in Cully, Hazelwood, Eliot, and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhoods, along with other areas known for high gun violence rates, but organizations throughout Portland are encouraged to apply.

Examples of programs supported by the grant include:

• Preventative programs, workshops, camps, and events; 
• Flexible funds for direct community assistance and services; 
• Youth and adult mediation and mentoring programs;
• Arts and culture or recreational violence preventative programs;
• Aftercare support funds for families of victims; and 
• Capacity building in small contractors to provide services.

For more information about the grant and instructions on how to apply, visit  https://www.portland.gov/community-safety/ovp/safer-portland-grant . All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on May 17, 2024.

An  online information session is being held from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. on April 30, 2024 -  https://www.portland.gov/community-safety/ovp/events/2024/4/30/safer-summer-grant-information-session . 

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Safer summer grant information session.

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In Chop Robinson, Dolphins went for upside, but can he contribute now? | Schad

MIAMI GARDENS — At the end of a long first round, very late Thursday night, I asked Dolphins general manager Chris Grier where first-rounder Chop Robinson's skill set and toolbox are on the scale of raw to polished.

“’Rawlished?" Miami coach Mike McDaniel interjected, eliciting laughter. "I couldn’t help it. I’m sorry.”

Perhaps Robinson is something in-between.

We know that Chop's physical traits and metrics are off the charts.

We know Chop's production, notably sacks, has not been.

NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.

And herein lies the concern.

Robinson, the Penn State edge rusher, may one day post 11.5 sacks in an NFL season.

It is also true that in three seasons — one at Maryland and two at Penn State — Chop has a total of 43 games played, but only 11.5 sacks.

"Is he a finished product?” Grier said. "No. And I think he’d probably admit that to you as well, and not many players who come into the league are."

Chop Robinson of Dolphins not a finished product

Grier noted Robinson has first-step quickness and explosion. And I hate to bring this up, but that was the reputation of another first-round edge rusher who flopped in Miami, Charles Harris.

Grier noted that accomplished NFL pass rusher Danielle Hunter (87.5 sacks in eight seasons) had only 4.5 sacks in three seasons at LSU.

That is a relevant comparison.

Grier noted Robinson — whose physical traits have been compared to former Nittany Lion Micah Parsons — has rare speed and athletic tools for a pass rusher.

I do hate to bring this up, but that was the reputation of another first-round edge rusher who flopped in Miami, Dion Jordan.

It should be noted that Miami believes very much in Robinson's motor and work ethic. Those were issues for Jordan. The Dolphins believe Robinson can reach his potential with strong coaching.

Our "instant" grade of the Robinson pick was a "B" and that's because, heck, we don't know, perhaps Robinson will develop into an elite pro pass rusher.

It's not really fair to grade the move a "C" when scouts are, in fact, very intrigued to discover what Robinson may become.

And, yes, Grier has a responsibility to think beyond this season. He must think ahead two, three and even four years.

Miami Dolphins in win-now mode, need win-now players

But let's face it. The Dolphins haven't won a playoff game in a quarter-century. They are in win-now mode as a franchise. They must win now.

Grier knows it.

The Dolphins caught a bad break when practically all seven of the seven players drafted right in front of them seemed to be ideally crafted to wear aqua and orange.

It was a lousy blow when Troy Fautanu, the guard/tackle from Washington, went one pick in front of them, to the Steelers.

Grier could have gone with a safer play, perhaps Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton, for example. But he went for the riskier play, undoubtedly with a higher ceiling.

Edge rusher is a position of need, no doubt.

Nobody can say for sure how much Shaq Barrett has left in his tank. And more importantly, nobody can say for sure when Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (ACL) will be back to full speed.

Miami Dolphins' 2024 NFL draft pick more risky than safe

It's just that No. 21 really seemed like a spot where Miami could stand to luck into a safer pick.

It may take some time for Robinson to develop a full arsenal of pass-rush moves strong enough to consistently defeat NFL tackles.

It may take some time for Robinson to become as strong a run defender as he has the potential to be.

It may take some time for Robinson to learn how to best capitalize on attacking from multiple positions.

The whole thing may just take some time.

In a more ideal world, Miami would have had the option to tab someone able to undoubtedly contribute in 2024, either at guard, defensive tackle or, yes, edge.

Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy or Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner or Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse would have been obvious fits.

But they, too, went just ahead of the Dolphins.

Could Miami have selected speedy wide receiver Xavier Worthy? Well, yeah, sure, but did the Dolphins desperately need another tiny receiver?

No, they did not, as much as it probably pained McDaniel to see him land in Kansas City.

Couldn't Worthy have gone to Seattle or San Francisco or something?

At least he didn't land in Buffalo, who for some reason traded that pick to the Chiefs. Very odd, that transaction.

The Dolphins made the playoffs and so they were stuck at 21 and really didn't have much control over who would slide. A few of the guys they probably wish would have, didn't.

"Chop was someone that we identified and thought he might be there," Grier said. "If he wasn’t, there were other players we liked there as well. But he was our targeted player, so for us, we’re very excited to have him.”

The potential is certainly exciting.

McDaniel likes Chop's upside. But — and this is important — he believes the scouts who say Robinson can help this season .

Dolphins pick Chop Robinson: NFL draft profile, college stats, highlights

Potential. Upside. High ceiling. That's all great, but...

McDaniel needs that. New defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver needs that.

Grier needs that.

"A guy that has plenty of room to grow, but I think from all departments, we were very, very convicted that he can be productive and help the entirety of the defense while growing," McDaniel said.

It's very, very important that those scouts — and outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow, who presented the team with a research project on Chop — were right.

Miami can't afford for Robinson to be deemed as simply a raw, developmental prospect with potential.

Miami needs Robinson to live up to his draft status — quickly.

Dolphins NFL draft picks: List of selections in 2024

• Round 1, Pick 21 : Chop Robinson, Penn State edge rusher
• Round 2, Pick 55
• Round 5, Pick 158
• Round 6, Pick 184 (from Chicago)
• Round 6, Pick 198
• Round 7, Pick 241

Chop Robinson to Dolphins in NFL draft: Instant grade, analysis, stats for 1st pick

  Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post . You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe . Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter . Help support our work by subscribing today.

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‘Workers end up paying the price’: laborers call for safer building sites

Falls, slips and trips accounted for 865 worker fatalities in 2022 – more than 400 of whom worked in construction

W ooden planks with nails covered the site where Antonio, a construction day laborer in Houston, Texas, was helping clear fencing last December. The contractor that hired him provided no protection, he said – so when he slipped, and a nail struck him just above the ankle, it became “really swollen”.

Antonio was given hydrogen peroxide, and the contractor promised to get him medical attention the next day. But after developing a fever overnight, and with his ankle still swollen, he took himself to the emergency room.

Upon arrival, he was told if he had waited much longer, doctors might have needed to amputate his leg below the knee. “I spent about 16 days in the hospital,” Antonio, who requested to omit his last name for fear of retaliation, said.

After two weeks, the contractor – which had not picked up the phone the day after his accident – got in touch. They wanted to know “if I was ready to work”, Antonio said.

His injury was never reported to the proper authorities. He has not received compensation.

The incident was not unusual.

More than 450,000 workers were injured by falls, slips and trips in 2021 and 2022, according to official data, with 865 fatalities recorded in 2022 alone. Of those who died, more than 400 were construction workers, according to the Center for Construction Research and Training.

Employers are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Osha) to protect workers from falls on the job, by providing guardrails, harnesses, scaffolding and personal safety gear when necessary, and provide training to workers.

“Construction is a dangerous industry, but falls are preventable, 100%,” said Ryan Papariello, safety and health specialist at the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America. “We know how to prevent these incidents.”

But in many cases where injuries and fatalities of workers occur, basic Osha protections are not being followed, or implemented at all.

“Probably the most important to me is a general awareness of the job site, what’s going on around you, and the confidence to be able to stand up and say, ‘Stop, this is unsafe,’” said Anton Ruesing, executive director of the International Finishing Trades Institute. “A lot of workers don’t feel comfortable enough to say, ‘Hold on a second, that’s unsafe, and I’m not going to do that.’”

Antonio, for example, claimed he and other workers were not given proper breaks or enough water on the job, and had little recourse because if they speak up, they won’t be able to get work again.

“These contractors mislead you and lie about the job, they lie about the pay and end up paying less than the amount they promised,” he said. “They take advantage of us and that’s how they are lining their pockets, by abusing people like us.”

While Osha regularly issues citations and penalties in cases where a worker is killed on the job and safety protocols were not followed or implemented, its fines have been criticized as being too low to deter bad behavior by employers.

Legislation to modernize the federal agency in charge of protecting workers, including the expansion of its coverage to 24 states not currently covered, has stalled in Congress.

“Workers die and get injured when management basically fails to provide a safe workplace,” said Jessica Martinez, co-executive director of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health. “Doing a job safely in construction and other industries requires time, money, management, attention and other resources. So when management decides not to spend that time, money and attention, then workers end up paying the price.”

“We’ve come a long way, but we still have a ways to go,” said Ruesing. “The fact that deaths and fatalities are figured into a job in terms of costs and insurance, it’s still disgusting.”

Gabriel Strathern fell to his death while working on a roofing job in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was 29.

Osha fined his employer on the job, the roof and window cleaning firm Squeaky Clean, about $17,000 for failing to provide fall protection or sufficient safety training.

During separate legal proceedings, the owner of Squeaky Clean, James Crisp, was asked why he had not reported Strathern’s death to Osha. “I didn’t know that I was required to,” he said, according to a copy of a deposition obtained by the Guardian.

Devin Gilgor, Strathern’s father, said: “A month before, Gabriel had fallen off a roof, but hadn’t sustained any serious injuries and when he asked about reporting the incident to Osha, his employer told him, ‘We don’t do Osha.’

“They knew this house was very dangerous, because the roof pitch was at a peak angle and he still wasn’t given any fall protection equipment.”

Gilgor explained that he was the one who reported the incident to Osha the next day, and that to this day he has never received a phone call or apology from his son’s employer.

The fines paid by Squeaky Clean, and other employers found in breach of the rules, are not enough, according to Gilgor. “When a death or permanent disability occurs on the job, the ability of an employer to negotiate fines should not be an option,” he said. “Not only civil but criminal charges need to be pursued. Avoiding workplace accidents should be our main focus.

“Employers need to be made aware of Osha regulations. Employees need to be made aware of their rights to a safe work environment and Osha needs to come up with better ways to reach the workplace.”

Squeaky Clean and an attorney representing Crisp did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

• Construction industry
• Workers' rights

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