Tips for Safe Travel

Health & Safety

There are risks inherent in traveling in any part of the world, but by equipping yourself with knowledge and information prior to departure you can minimize your exposure to many of those risks. Consider these general safety tips for safe international travel as you plan your international experience.

Before Traveling Abroad

  • Do some research to understand the known risks in your program location - the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) are great places to start
  • Visit the Travel Medicine Clinic in ASU Health Services - this is not just a place to get immunizations; become a more informed traveler by learning more about things like: health risks unique to your destination, accessing healthcare and other local resources, how the stresses of travel may exacerbate any existing conditions
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, if you haven’t done so already
  • If you are participating in an ASU study abroad program, or if you have otherwise registered your ASU-affiliated international travel with the Study Abroad Office, review the resources provided by the Study Abroad Office
  • Consider removing any banking apps from your smart phone (consider also removing any passwords or other sensitive information stored on your phone)
  • Consider editing your contact list in your phone (if using personal phone) in case of a lost or stolen phone
  • Download the GeoBlue app - link to instructions
  • Download AlertTraveler - link to instructions
  • Review these additional tips from the Study Abroad Office

While Traveling Abroad

  • Know what number to call in case of emergency
  • Avoid driving a vehicle while abroad, if at all possible
  • Make sure you have a working cell phone at all times
  • Follow the advice of local and international authorities
  • Avoid the vicinity of any public demonstrations
  • Avoid overnight travel by road
  • Exercise basic water safety precautions - Common-sense advice includes adhering to all posted signs, not swimming in areas with no lifeguard on duty, being familiar with what a rip current looks like, observing the locals, etc.
  • Avoid travel to any location where the U.S. government has restricted or forbidden U.S. government personnel from visiting
  • Do not be tied/chained to your smart phone – Look up from your phone, make eye contact, note driver, car, be aware of the logistics, people meeting you, where you are going, etc.
  • Do not be complacent (even if you have been there before, know everyone etc.) - treat each trip as if your first, be aware of surroundings, know your plans for logistics, etc.;
  • Never leave bags unattended
  • Do not accept rides or drinks from strangers
  • Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or clothing, or providing any overt indication of wealth (including a visible smart phone)