The document provides travel security tips for planning safe trips abroad. It recommends researching the destination to understand local customs and safety risks. Proper preparation includes selecting reputable accommodations and transportation, packing appropriately, ensuring valid documents and insurance, and notifying others of travel plans. While traveling, take common sense precautions like locking doors and valuables, varying routes, and avoiding unsafe areas. Proper planning with awareness of potential risks can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

3. Travel Security Basics
By Scott M. Bernat and A.W. Moss
The allure of exotic destinations and the accompanying • Current Health
excitement of world travel have grasped the imagination and Disease
and ignited the sense of adventure in all of us. Key and Conditions.
essential to an enjoyable trip full of positive memories is • Types and Quality
ensuring the safety and security of you and your family of Medical
members or other travel companions. Facilities and
Whether you are traveling overseas for business, Services available.
pleasure or study, the best way to ensure a safe trip is to • Required and Recommended Immunizations.
anticipate, plan for and ultimately prevent problems • Availability and Quality of Medicines /
before they happen. A proactive approach to travel, Pharmaceuticals.
combined with good old common sense, remains the best
plan of action for any trip. A key resource for health information is the Centers for
The following simple steps are recommended when Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health
planning your trip, especially when travelling to Information site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. The CDC
unfamiliar or foreign destinations: website provides general guidance on health issues,
ranging from safe food and water precautions, insect-bite
Travel Security Tip #1 – Research Your Destination protection as well as current disease outbreaks and
You should familiarize yourself with your destination to locations. The CDC also maintains an international
increase situational awareness as well as plan for your travelers’ hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747).
personal safety and security. By understanding the
location’s culture, customs and current security situation, Travel Security Tip # 2 – Properly Prepare for the Trip
you heighten your senses to potential threats, allowing Proper trip planning is essential. Here are some examples
you to adequately prepare for any eventuality. of what should be accomplished prior to departure:
One of the best resources for travel awareness is the
U.S. Department of State website, which offers excellent • Use a reputable travel agency to help you plan your
information on traveling abroad. trip. Travel agents usually have promotional material
regarding your destination as well as some firsthand
Country Specific Information knowledge of the location. Ask them questions and
www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/is_1765.html also ask for referrals from other customers who may
Travel Warnings have traveled to the same place.
www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html • Select and book reputable and safe accommodations.
Travel Alerts • Select and book reputable and safe transportation.
travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html • Pack clothing and essentials commensurate with your
destination and travel/tour plans. Leave unnecessary
These three components provide the foundation to build valuables at home.
your travel safety and security plan and include the • Carry a sufficient supply of your personal
following information: medications, ensuring clear labeling and proper
medical documentation. Ensure that you are healthy
1. A country description and overview. and fit to make the trip. Ensure your medical
2. Country entry/exit requirements (Visa’s, etc.). insurance is up to date.
3. Crime, Security and Safety conditions, warnings and • Ensure you have sufficient cash on hand as well as
alerts. appropriate credit cards. Call your credit card
4. Medical Facilities and Health Information. companies ahead of time to inform them of your trip
5. Traffic Safety and Road Conditions / Other and to ensure validity of the cards.
Transportation Safety Issues. • Make, carry and provide to trusted family/associates
6. Other relevant travel details (i.e. natural disasters, air photocopies of key and essential documents in case
quality, water sport safety, etc.). of loss or theft. These include your passport
identification page, airline tickets, driver’s license
All travelers should familiarize themselves with specific and/or other official picture identification, credit
health conditions and situations at their destination, to cards and medical insurance information.
include:
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4. • Ensure family, friends and/or business associates driver. Ask the doorman to write down this
have a copy of your travel itinerary and plans, as well information and give it to the front desk with your
as appropriate contact information. Changes to your destination and expected time of return.
itinerary and/or contact information should also be • Know the route you want to take and instruct the
updated as they occur. Periodically check in with driver. Show the driver a map if needed to make sure
these individuals to alleviate concern. they understand where you want to go.
• Ensure you know the contact information for your • Keep car doors locked and windows rolled up at all
local Embassy or Consulate. To facilitate contact times to prevent purse snatchings from the vehicle or
during emergency situations, American Citizens worse, carjacking from occurring.
should also register on-line and in advance of travel • Keep valuables out of sight and/or locked in the
with the U.S. Department of State at https:// trunk. Out of sight, out of mind.
travelregistration.state.gov.
Travel Security Tip # 5 – Personal Safety is Common
Travel Security Tip # 3 – Ensure the Safety and Sense
Security of Hotel/Lodging • Always use common sense. If a situation does not
• Do a complete safety and security check of the room feel right it is usually a good idea to reconsider your
with hotel/lodging staff present. activity and proceed to a safe location. Be aware of
• Ensure smoke detectors are in working order, become your surroundings at all times.
familiar with the hotel / lodging’s guest emergency • Learn basic phrases in the local language. Carry a
plan, know the location of emergency exits and that phrase book to facilitate conversation and/or requests
they are accessible and in working order. for assistance with/from local citizens.
• Ensure room telephone is in working order. • Maintain a low personal profile by not drawing
• Ensure there is a peep hole in the door and that the undue attention to yourself.
dead bolt and other locks are in good working order, • Do not go to areas or engage in activities that are
to include a balcony/outside sliding glass door. determined to be unsafe.
• Keep the doors locked when in the room (purchase a • If possible never travel alone, especially when in
travel door lock or alarm for added security). unfamiliar locations.
• Never open your door to anyone you do not know (if • If possible vary your routes of travel and activities –
the person states they work for the hotel, call the do not establish patterns.
front desk and confirm this before allowing them • Never accept a drink from a stranger and do not leave
entry). Do not bring strangers to your room. your drink unattended.
• Keep valuables locked in the in-room hotel safe. If • Avoid large crowds or gatherings, especially if
you use the hotel’s main safe, make sure you get a determined to be associated with protests or
receipt for your valuables. demonstrations.
• Obtain and carry with you your hotel information • If you are a victim of a crime such as pick-pocketing,
(name, address, telephone number, etc.) to facilitate snatch and run or robbery, do not confront or resist
return. Information should also be in the local the criminal(s). Your personal possessions are not
language to avoid confusion when providing or worth your life. Report the incident immediately.
seeking directions. • Report suspicious vehicles, persons or situations to
the nearest Police, Embassy or Consulate.
Travel Security Tip # 4 – Ensure the Safety of Rental
Cars and Taxis
While certainly not all inclusive, this basic
In the event you need to use or rent a motor vehicle, apply
information should be an integral part of your travel
these simple principles:
safety and security plan. By following these simple
• Use reputable car rental and licensed taxi companies. tips you can increase your safety and ensure an
Your hotel can assist you. If you are not comfortable enjoyable experience no matter where your travels
with the car or taxi, do not use it. Request another. take you. Remember, Proper Planning Prevents
• Record the name and license number of the cab and Problems. Have a safe and enjoyable trip! n
Scott M. Bernat is the Chief of U.S. Military Security and Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Embassy
Jakarta, Indonesia Force Protection Detachment (FPD). A.W. Moss is the Deputy Chief of U.S. Military
Security, FPD Indonesia. The authors, experts in safety and security, are regular contributors to The
Executive Exchange.
This article was written in coordination with the U.S. Embassy Jakarta Regional Security Office (RSO) to
highlight U.S. Department of State basic travel safety and security recommendations.
44 Jan-Jun