No one wants to think about something going awry while vacationing. After weeks or months of anticipation, the last thing you want to consider is something bad happening. And you know what – most of the time nothing bad happens.
My motto is ‘expect the best (because that is the norm), but plan for the worst (just in case)’. You wouldn’t not take malaria prevention medication if you were going to a known malaria zone, would you? So, why not take a few easy safety precautions, as well?
1) Buckle your seatbelt. If you pay attention to no other part of the pre-flight safety briefing, at least observe the “seatbelt-buckled-at-all-times-while-seated” suggestion. Unexpected turbulence can hit at any time causing the plane to dip, fall, swerve, or otherwise move in an unexpected fashion. If severe enough, passengers can be tossed from seats. In-flight turbulence is the leading cause of serious injury to passengers and flight attendants. So why leave your seatbelt unbuckled if you are in your seat?
2) Same song, second verse. Unfortunately, vehicles have accidents in other countries, as well. Don’t get into a taxi or Uber that doesn’t have seatbelts. You’re not in that big a hurry – wait for the next one. If you’re on a self-drive, make sure all the seatbelts work in your rental before driving away.
3) STEP. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service that allows you to register your trip with the State Department. This small step (pun intended!) can provide you with valuable information during an emergency while abroad – terrorism, weather, or other natural disaster. Or help facilitate friends and family contacting you if something urgent comes up at home.
4) Keep your phone put away in public places. You’re in a foreign country and distracted enough already. Being engrossed in your phone gives thieves an excellent opportunity to swipe a purse or billfold – or even the phone. If you need to make a call or look something up, find a quiet place where you can give attention to your call and your possessions.
5) Learn the local version of 9-1-1. For example, in London you would dial 9-9-9. Hopefully, you’ll never need it. But, if you do, you don’t want to waste precious time looking it up.
So, there you go. Not too onerous, and you need only give minimal thought to add several degrees of safety to your valuable vacation.
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