It would be a shame to not take advantage of some of thegreat cheap traveloptions out there including cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, outof a concern for safety when considering whether to travel abroad.
While terrorism is a very real threat, experts say that youshould not let fear cloud rational thinking. Tourists are more likely to be struck by lightning standing in line atthe Louvre than be killed by terrorists. The perceived threat tends to be much worse than the reality.
The following are suggestions on how to make good decisionswhen venturing abroad, according to Jayne Clark:
Findquality information by checking U.S. Department of State advisories attravel.state.gov before making reservations. Look for two types of notices:
1. Travel warnings that are issued when there isextreme civil unrest, terrorist activity or other dangerous conditions. In such situations the State Departmentrecommends postponing travel.
2. Travel alerts that identify short termsituations that could pose a risk or disrupt travel plans. The Department quickly disseminate newsconcerning unrest, crime, health, and weather events.
Checkhealth advisories at cdc.gov to determine if immunizations or prophylacticmedication are advisable.
Lookat other governments advisories. Australias (smarttraveller.gov.au) and Great Britains(gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) sites offer current travel information forcountries around the world.
Makecertain that you know a way to contact U.S. embassies abroad. Sign up for the Smart Traveler EnrollmentProgram by going to step.state.gov. After signing up any local U.S. embassy or consulate will be able tocontact you in the event of an emergency.
Carry local U.S. government contactinformation (from travel.state.gov). They offer 24/7 emergency hotlines. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services (888-407-4747) can pass onurgent messages from family members.
Providefamily and/or friends in the U.S. with your travel plans and how to contact youin case of emergency.
Lookinto buying travel insurance. Mostcomprehensive travel insurance pays for nonrefundable travel expenses if a tripis canceled after a terrorist incident at the destination of the trip. However, it is important to read the fineprint. Policies defining a terrorist actsometimes vary as to what is covered. Time frames differ, but usually the terrorist incident would have tooccur within seven to 30 days of a scheduled trip.
If you are really risk-averse, considerpurchasing a cancel-for-any-reason policy. Such policies, while expensive, usually allow cancellation up to twodays before departure and cover 75 percent of prepaid or nonrefundableexpenses. Most travel insurance policiescome with travel assistance, such as a 24/7 hotline for rebooking and aid witharranging an evacuation.
Alwaysbe vigilant when traveling overseas. Youshould follow the same commonsense safety measures you do at home. Keep your money and valuables secure. Stay aware of your surrounds, especially incrowded public places, at large events and when riding public transportation.
Be aware of the pros of visiting a destination after atragedy such as the Paris attacks. Falling demand for hotel rooms leads to reduced prices. Popular tourist haunts tend to have few linesafter a terrorist attack. Repeat attacksin the same area within a short time frame tend to be very rare.
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