Tips for Americans to travel safely abroad Volunteer overseas www.abroaderview.org

Dec. 3, 2008 - PRLog -- .......precautions when traveling abroad.

'It is important that you keep up to speed on the news and do your research on the place,' said Noel Clay, spokesperson for the State Department.

Do your homework, he added. You need to be aware of the kinds of risks associated with your travel destination, so you can take proper precautions.

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In addition to researching your destination, these tips, courtesy of the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, will help ensure a safe trip abroad:

   * Leave a detailed itinerary with family or friends
     Write down the names, locations and contact information for hotels, tours and other activities. Friends and family should know where you'll be so they can find you in case of emergency. It is important to inform your friends and family if your itinerary changes.

   * Leave photocopies of your passport with family and friends
     With this information, friends and family will have an easier time tracking you down in the case of an emergency. They can use this information when talking to local authorities and the U.S. embassy or consulate.

   * Register your travel with the Department of State
     Visit https://travelregistration.state.gov to register. This will make it easier to contact you in case of an emergency.

   * Know nearby safe havens
     Before you even arrive at your destination, you should write down the names and locations of nearby safe havens like police stations, hotels and hospitals. In the event of an emergency, you will know where to go.

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   * Avoid obvious terrorist targets
     Places where Americans and other Westerners congregate can be targets for terrorists. Try to avoid these places.

   * Report suspicious-looking items and people to the authorities
     The mantra better safe than sorry applies here. If you see suspicious-looking items, like abandoned briefcases and packages, or if you notice someone following you or acting suspiciously, report this to the local police and the U.S. embassy or consulate.

   * If gunfire erupts, drop to the floor
     If someone starts shooting, immediately drop to the floor or hunch down as low as possible, remaining in this position until well after the shooting has stopped. If you have to move during the attacks, do it by crawling on your stomach.

   * If you find yourself in a hostage situation, avoid sudden movements and do not try to escape unless you are certain to be successful
     Try to remain calm in this situation, remembering that you are a valuable resource for your captors. Sudden movements and escape attempts may enrage your captors, endangering your life and the lives of others. If you end up in an extended hostage situation, try to open a non-threatening dialogue with your captors.

   * Check out the Department of State's Consular Information Program before departing
     This program informs the public of conditions and situations that might affect safety when traveling to another country. You can access the program at: http://travel.state.gov. You select the country you plan to travel to, and the program will give you a travel advisory. If you see that your destination is very dangerous, it might be a good idea to postpone your travel until the area becomes more stable.

   * If you are a victim of crime abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and the local police
     For a list of phone numbers of specific embassies and consulates abroad, visit the Department of State's embassy and consulate listings page at http://www.usembassy.gov/. You should also make sure to contact the local police about an incident as soon as it happens. Ask for a copy of the police report.

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