You can’t live in fear, but you should travel with an awareness of terrorism and the dangers that exist in our world. There is no sure way to keep safe, but you should be informed, using reliable and timely sources.
Knowing some basics about what to do in case of emergency, before you go and while you are on the road, is also important. Here are some guidelines to consider.
Guidelines for Travel
- Check With the State Department: The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs issues travel advisories and warnings about places all over the world and a wide range of dangers, criminal, political, and natural. According to the authority, travel warnings remain in place until a situation changes, and some have been in effect for years.
- Know Your Embassy or Consulate: Wherever you go, know how to find the local branch of whatever authority issued your travel documents, whether or not it is American. Don’t wait until there is an emergency to find out where you need to be for emergency evacuation or the latest information. Get a sense of where you will have to go to seek help before you hit the road and make sure you keep the information handy.
- Check Important Documents: It is very smart, regardless of concerns about terrorism, to review your documents ahead of a trip and make sure friends or family members know where to find them. Do you have a will? Are your accounts organized and is your insurance information readily available? If a medical emergency arises, are there any directives people need to know about? Get your house in order before you leave it, however briefly.
A Contingency Plan
Recent terrorist attacks around the world have made everyone more wary of travel, and security screening will likely be increasingly strict. With more security everywhere you can expect long lines, delays, and lessons in patience. So of course, always budget for extra time and try to have a contingency plan should things go awry.
Injured on the Road?
If you or someone you know was injured on the road, or at home, speak to a lawyer about possible claims. Many personal injury attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your case.
Related Resources:
- Have an injury claim? Get your claim reviewed for free. (Consumer Injury)
- How to Resolve Travel Disputes (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- Travel Scams FAQ (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- How to File a Complaint Against an Airline (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
