Being Prepared for Emergencies while Travelling
Being Prepared for Emergencies
I know that this is not the most romantic topic, but it is definitely an important one!
With so many extreme things happening in the world lately, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies, of any kind, while travelling.
If the past 5 years, if life have taught us anything, it’s that you really never know what will happen next!
Life Happens...
With all the things that have been happening in the world lately, it makes us think more about ‘what ifs’ and being prepared in case of the worst case scenarios as well as inconvenient situations.
My #1 Piece of Advice
My #1 way of recommending that you are prepared for emergencies is to book your travel with a travel advisor.
A travel advisor has your back! They will support you if the unexpected happens as best they can.
Of course, there are times when travel advisor can’t help, or at least not until later.
Not only, am I a travel blogger, I am also a travel advisor. Feel free to reach to get started on your travel planning with me!
Want to take that trip? I’m also a travel advisor! Reach out & let’s make it happen!
Get Travel Insurance
Another very important way of being prepared for emergencies while travelling is by having travel insurance!
First of all, make sure you pick the right travel insurance for you. I know it’s not fun, but reading the details is so important – the fine print, the terms and conditions and exclusions. It will tell you important details like when you can cancel and what you could get reimbursed in an emergency and much more.
A travel advisor can help you find reputable companies to get quality travel insurance. Ultimately, the decision is yours as to which
Secondly, make sure you remember to pack your travel insurance with you and carry a copy of your travel insurance on you.
If you have a wallet card for your travel insurance, I recommend filling it in and carrying it in your wallet or purse.
I recommend talking to a travel advisor to learn about the different types of travel insurance.
There are so many options and combinations of travel insurance.
I will say it once more, it’s very important to read the fine print, the terms and conditions, and exclusions before deciding on your travel insurance.
If you’re interesting in checking out some travel insurance, you can check out this link and you can even get your travel insurance here too: Allianz Travel Insurance
Prepare your Documents
I always photocopy my passport, Visa, and any other important documents that I need to carry with me.
I leave 1 copy at home with a family member or friend who is not travelling with me.
I also leave a photocopy separate from my original passport in my luggage.
Another tip is to write all your travel details on a piece of paper.
I know you’re thinking, I have my phone, but what if…
Your phone could be lost, stolen, broken, have no battery and there could be no power…
This way you have the details of the address of your accommodations, your flight, tickets, etc.
Also, including an emergency number for yourself is a great idea.
I would include:
- the person’s full name
- their phone number with area code and country code
- their email
- their relationship to you
Also, include any important information about you such as:
- medical conditions
- allergies
- medication
- home address
- your phone and email
Prepare Before your Trip
Part of the preparation starts before you leave for your trip.
Here are some tips of Things to do the day before a vacation.
Check out this checklist to help you to be prepared for emergencies and for a good time while on vacation!
Learn your Way Around
If you’re not staying at an all-inclusive resort, or maybe even if you are, get to know your way around.
Imagine if there is no cell service, you lose your phone or get lost.
This way you will at least have some idea of the way to get back to your home base.
If you’re looking for tips on not getting lost, check this out!
I recommend taking a business card of the hotel or accommodations of where you are staying at and leaving it in your wallet or purse.
Learn a Few Words in the Local Language
If you’re visiting a place where you don’t know the language take some time to write down or learn some basic words.
It may help if you need to ask for help, share an allergy, or any other situation.
If you’re headed to a Spanish speaking country, check out this Best Mexico Travel Tips! (Read Before You Go) which has some Spanish to English translations.
Check out the Emergency Protocols
Another way to be prepared for emergencies while travelling is to be be aware and have answers.
If there is a warning or sign that there is going to be a natural disaster such as a tornado, earthquake, tsunami, fire, flood, black out or other situation, take some time to check out the posted signs about evacuation procedures and exit routes.
Knowing where the stairs are if you can’t take the elevator is another important fact to learn. Other factors such as emergency exits, life jackets, fire extinguishers, and more can save time in getting you more safe and secure.
Pack an Emergency Bag
Another important way to be prepared for an emergency while travelling is packing a bag.
If you are in a situation where there may be a need to quickly evacuate, then I recommend preparing a carry on bag or personal bag.
Some of the items that I recommend putting in your emergency bag are:
- passport
- wallet with ID
- medication
- tickets with your hotel, flights or other travel arrangements
- travel insurance
- phone, tablet, computer
- charger – cable and charging block
- a sweater or other piece of clothing
- umbrella if needed
- water or food if necessary
- some money if you have it
- a card or paper with family or emergency contact information
Consult with your Embassy or Consulate
If it is an emergency situation, you can reach out to the consulate or embassy for your home country.
You can contact them about lost passports and other issues.
Register as Being Abroad
Another way to help be prepared for emergencies while travelling is to register as a citizen abroad.
If you are in a different country than your own, you can register as a Canadian or American etc. abroad.
This way in case of natural disasters etc. the closest embassy or consulate will have access to the fact that you are there.
One example is if they need to send extra planes to evacuate people from a country or area, then you are on their radar as a person in that country.
Keep in Touch with Family or Friends
Let your family and friends know you’re okay, or where you are, and what your situation is.
You can use:
- phone calls
- texting
- WhatsApp or other international messaging services
- post on social media
- mark yourself as ‘safe’ on social media if there is a public announcement about the situation
- if need be, an old fashion letter in the mail
Here are some of the Best Ways to Keep in Contact While Travelling.
Stock Up
If you can, stock up a little bit on water, and some non-perishable food items, it could help you if stores, restaurants, and places to get food or water are closed or you are not able to get to them.
I recommend things that are easy to carry, meaning they are light, won’t go bad quickly, and won’t take up too much space.
Granola bars, protein bars, nuts, dried fruit or seeds, crackers, fruit sauce cups, dry cereal, canned tuna with easy open lid are some quick easy foods that don’t need a can opener, to be cooked or prepared.
Of course, this is not always necessarily needed in each situation, but there are some easy options if it is required.
Being Prepared for Emergencies While Travelling
I hope that these tips will help you to be prepared for any emergencies while travelling.
Sometimes just doing some of these things will help you to feel more relaxed because you are prepared and relaxed… just in case.
Interesting in Booking a Trip?
Reach out and let’s talk travel! Feel free to check out my travel agency Hola Bliss Travel!
Let’s set up a travel consultation!
You can click the link above or reach me at my website through the logo below or on social media. My handle on Facebook and Instagram is @holablisstravel.
I am an Ontario and Canadian travel advisor.
Reach out to me to help plan your next blissful vacation.
I can help you to feel prepared and ready to enjoy blissful travel!
