All posts tagged steps before traveling

With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s likely that many people will be in transit to see friends and family all around the world. The last thing you want during this time of year is to get lost or stranded on the way to see your loved ones. Whether you’re traveling abroad or headed on a cross-country road trip, there are several things to consider to help ensure a safe journey. Check out these 6 steps to take before heading out of town.

1. Know About Your Destination

It’s important to take some time to read up on yourdestination, especially if you’re traveling to another country. Visa requirements are likely to be different for each individual country, so make sure you know exactly what you need before you leave. It’s also crucial to learn about the local laws before you arrive. Medical care is also something that could be very different than what you’re used to, so make sure you know what to expect.

2. Map Out Your Route

Whether you’re in for a couple of hours on the road or a full day, be sure to map out your route before you hit the road. Often times, there are certain highways that are more dangerous than other possible routes. In Georgia, themajority of car accident fatalities occurred in a city as opposed to rural areas. It’s also important to be comfortable with your route if you’re unfamiliar with the drive.

3. Keep a Paper Map in Your Car

If you’re headed across the state or even the country, make sure you have a paper map in your car. Cell signals could go down at any time, especially if you’re driving through rural areas. You don’t want to get stuck in unfamiliar territory with no way of knowing where you are.

4. Be Aware of Any Warning or Alerts

Traveling overseas or to another country in general means you should definitely check on any travel warnings or alerts that may be taking place in your destination country. The US embassy or consulate in the country to which you’re headed will likely have any security updates on their website. You can evenenroll your trip with the nearest embassy so they know you’ll be there.

5. Are There Any Health Precautions?

Traveling to a foreign country often means you’ll need to update your vaccinations or take additional health precautions. Make sure you know exactly what you’ll need before the date of your departure sneaks up on you.

6. Keep Your Vehicle Stocked With Safety Supplies

Make sure your vehicle is fully stocked with any emergency items you might need. A blanket, first aid kit, jack and spare tire, and large flashlight are all crucial safety supplies you’ll want in your car if anything goes wrong.

Preparing for a long journey – whether it’s via car or plane – requires little prep time, but it will definitely be worth it to ensure you have a safe trip.