As the holiday season approaches, many Americans will take to the sky, flying around the world to either visit friends and family abroad or to get away from home and experience different cultures. It’s one of life’s greatest adventures: traveling to new and exciting places, and as long as everyone is safe and healthy, it will bring you memories that you can savor for the rest of your life. But when things turn south, that same vacation can suddenly turn into your worst nightmare, leaving you scrambling to find help.  

This holiday season, before you board that plane, be sure to take some precautionary steps such as those listed below. You should also check the travel advisory level of your destination, along with its corresponding risk indicators, to fully understand the security context and take any and all precautions outlined by the State Department.  

Know the local laws, visa requirements, and local culture 

Individuals who violate laws in another country, even unintentionally, may face consequences such as deportation, fines, or imprisonment. Certain offenses committed abroad may also be subject to prosecution under United States law, regardless of the applicable foreign law. Just because you are an American citizen doesn’t mean that law enforcement in other countries will turn a blind eye to illegal activity.  

To learn about the laws in the country you wish to travel, visit the “Learn About Your Destination” section of the Travel.State.Gov website You can select your destination and review a wide range of important information including what, if any, security alerts there are, entry and exit requirements, local laws, and much more.    

Join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) 

STEP is a complimentary service provided for U.S. citizens and nationals to register their international travel with the Department of State. Participation in this program allows individuals to receive timely health, weather, safety, and security notifications relevant to their destination, access critical planning resources from the local U.S. embassy, and ensures that the embassy or consulate can promptly reach them in emergencies. It is important to recognize that unforeseen events such as natural disasters, security incidents, and petty theft may occur worldwide, regardless of the perceived safety of a location. 

Consider health insurance options 

It’s best not to assume that your health insurance back home will be accepted in the host country. Some health insurance plans include a level of emergency and routine coverage, however many do not, and you will want to know that before you step off a curb and break an ankle. Further, depending on where you plan to travel, you may need a medical evacuation, which may be prohibitively expensive. If your plans include travel to rural areas with limited medical care, it’s recommended that you take this into consideration.  

Know who to contact in case of an emergency 

Waiting until there is an incident to figure out where the embassy is, and what the phone numbers and email addresses are for emergency services, can be crucial. Take the time to gather this information and write it down somewhere in case your phone dies, or the internet goes out.  

Know what Documents You Need 

If you’re traveling to a country with a high security risk, you will want to have more than just your passports and visas. The power of attorney is an extremely important document to leave with a relative or close friend in the event something terrible happens. You also should fill out and submit to the State Department a Privacy Act Waiver which will allow government officials to speak directly with those listed on the waiver to coordinate activities tied to your wellbeing.  

In addition, be sure to make copies of all your documents, carry one set with you, and leave at least one set with a loved one back home. This will greatly facilitate any necessary U.S. Government response, and management of your estate in your absence.  

Have a Great Time! 

It’s easy to underestimate the risks of travel, and for most people, those risks are quite small; however, when things turn south, which can happen to everyone and anyone at any time, the experience can be life altering.  Be prepared for the unexpected, be respectful of your host country’s laws and culture, and go have the time of your life!