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Travel Security BasicsBy Scott M. Bernat and A.W. Moss

The allure of exotic destinations and the accompanyingexcitement of world travel have grasped the imaginationand ignited the sense of adventure in all of us. Key andessential to an enjoyable trip full of positive memories isensuring the safety and security of you and your familymembers or other travel companions.

Whether you are traveling overseas for business,pleasure or study, the best way to ensure a safe trip is toanticipate, plan for and ultimately prevent problemsbefore they happen. A proactive approach to travel,combined with good old common sense, remains the bestplan of action for any trip.

The following simple steps are recommended whenplanning your trip, especially when travelling tounfamiliar or foreign destinations:

Travel Security Tip #1 – Research Your DestinationYou should familiarize yourself with your destination toincrease situational awareness as well as plan for yourpersonal safety and security. By understanding thelocation’s culture, customs and current security situation,you heighten your senses to potential threats, allowingyou to adequately prepare for any eventuality.

One of the best resources for travel awareness is theU.S. Department of State website, which offers excellentinformation on traveling abroad.

Country Specific Informationwww.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/is_1765.htmlTravel Warningswww.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.htmlTravel Alertstravel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html

These three components provide the foundation to buildyour travel safety and security plan and include thefollowing information:

1. A country description and overview.2. Country entry/exit requirements (Visa’s, etc.).3. Crime, Security and Safety conditions, warnings and alerts.4. Medical Facilities and Health Information.5. Traffic Safety and Road Conditions / Other Transportation Safety Issues.6. Other relevant travel details (i.e. natural disasters, air quality, water sport safety, etc.).

All travelers should familiarize themselves with specifichealth conditions and situations at their destination, toinclude:

• Current Healthand DiseaseConditions.

• Types and Qualityof MedicalFacilities andServices available.

• Required and Recommended Immunizations.• Availability and Quality of Medicines /

Pharmaceuticals.

A key resource for health information is the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ HealthInformation site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. The CDCwebsite provides general guidance on health issues,ranging from safe food and water precautions, insect-biteprotection as well as current disease outbreaks andlocations. The CDC also maintains an internationaltravelers’ hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747).

Travel Security Tip # 2 – Properly Prepare for the TripProper trip planning is essential. Here are some examplesof what should be accomplished prior to departure:

• Use a reputable travel agency to help you plan yourtrip. Travel agents usually have promotional materialregarding your destination as well as some firsthandknowledge of the location. Ask them questions andalso ask for referrals from other customers who mayhave traveled to the same place.

• Select and book reputable and safe accommodations.• Select and book reputable and safe transportation.• Pack clothing and essentials commensurate with your

destination and travel/tour plans. Leave unnecessaryvaluables at home.

• Carry a sufficient supply of your personalmedications, ensuring clear labeling and propermedical documentation. Ensure that you are healthyand fit to make the trip. Ensure your medicalinsurance is up to date.

• Ensure you have sufficient cash on hand as well asappropriate credit cards. Call your credit cardcompanies ahead of time to inform them of your tripand to ensure validity of the cards.

• Make, carry and provide to trusted family/associatesphotocopies of key and essential documents in caseof loss or theft. These include your passportidentification page, airline tickets, driver’s licenseand/or other official picture identification, creditcards and medical insurance information.

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• Ensure family, friends and/or business associateshave a copy of your travel itinerary and plans, as wellas appropriate contact information. Changes to youritinerary and/or contact information should also beupdated as they occur. Periodically check in withthese individuals to alleviate concern.

• Ensure you know the contact information for yourlocal Embassy or Consulate. To facilitate contactduring emergency situations, American Citizensshould also register on-line and in advance of travelwith the U.S. Department of State at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

Travel Security Tip # 3 – Ensure the Safety andSecurity of Hotel/Lodging• Do a complete safety and security check of the room

with hotel/lodging staff present.• Ensure smoke detectors are in working order, become

familiar with the hotel / lodging’s guest emergencyplan, know the location of emergency exits and thatthey are accessible and in working order.

• Ensure room telephone is in working order.• Ensure there is a peep hole in the door and that the

dead bolt and other locks are in good working order,to include a balcony/outside sliding glass door.

• Keep the doors locked when in the room (purchase atravel door lock or alarm for added security).

• Never open your door to anyone you do not know (ifthe person states they work for the hotel, call thefront desk and confirm this before allowing thementry). Do not bring strangers to your room.

• Keep valuables locked in the in-room hotel safe. Ifyou use the hotel’s main safe, make sure you get areceipt for your valuables.

• Obtain and carry with you your hotel information(name, address, telephone number, etc.) to facilitatereturn. Information should also be in the locallanguage to avoid confusion when providing orseeking directions.

Travel Security Tip # 4 – Ensure the Safety of RentalCars and TaxisIn the event you need to use or rent a motor vehicle, applythese simple principles:

• Use reputable car rental and licensed taxi companies.Your hotel can assist you. If you are not comfortablewith the car or taxi, do not use it. Request another.

• Record the name and license number of the cab and

driver. Ask the doorman to write down thisinformation and give it to the front desk with yourdestination and expected time of return.

• Know the route you want to take and instruct thedriver. Show the driver a map if needed to make surethey understand where you want to go.

• Keep car doors locked and windows rolled up at alltimes to prevent purse snatchings from the vehicle orworse, carjacking from occurring.

• Keep valuables out of sight and/or locked in thetrunk. Out of sight, out of mind.

Travel Security Tip # 5 – Personal Safety is CommonSense• Always use common sense. If a situation does not

feel right it is usually a good idea to reconsider youractivity and proceed to a safe location. Be aware ofyour surroundings at all times.

• Learn basic phrases in the local language. Carry aphrase book to facilitate conversation and/or requestsfor assistance with/from local citizens.

• Maintain a low personal profile by not drawingundue attention to yourself.

• Do not go to areas or engage in activities that aredetermined to be unsafe.

• If possible never travel alone, especially when inunfamiliar locations.

• If possible vary your routes of travel and activities –do not establish patterns.

• Never accept a drink from a stranger and do not leaveyour drink unattended.

• Avoid large crowds or gatherings, especially ifdetermined to be associated with protests ordemonstrations.

• If you are a victim of a crime such as pick-pocketing,snatch and run or robbery, do not confront or resistthe criminal(s). Your personal possessions are notworth your life. Report the incident immediately.

• Report suspicious vehicles, persons or situations tothe nearest Police, Embassy or Consulate.

While certainly not all inclusive, this basic information should be an integral part of your travel safety and security plan. By following these simple tips you can increase your safety and ensure an enjoyable experience no matter where your travels take you. Remember, Proper Planning Prevents Problems. Have a safe and enjoyable trip! n

Scott M. Bernat is the Chief of U.S. Military Security and Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. EmbassyJakarta, Indonesia Force Protection Detachment (FPD). A.W. Moss is the Deputy Chief of U.S. MilitarySecurity, FPD Indonesia. The authors, experts in safety and security, are regular contributors to TheExecutive Exchange.

This article was written in coordination with the U.S. Embassy Jakarta Regional Security Office (RSO) tohighlight U.S. Department of State basic travel safety and security recommendations.