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How to stay safe while traveling DEMO

Tips and tricks to stay safe while traveling: 

Paperwork

  1. Triple-check that your passport is signed, valid for at least 6 months after your return, and your passport must have at least 3 blank pages
  2. Always have a paper copy of all of your important documents- in color! Keep these in a different bag than your real documents. If you ever lose your passport, a color copy can expedite the process. 
Money
  1. Let your card companies know you are traveling. 
  2. Most banks can order global currency so you can avoid ATM fees in country. 
  3. Spread your cash around. If one bag gets stolen or lost you can access the other one. 
  4. Never advertise how much money is in your wallet. When you go to pay for something, don't pull out a fold of 20s. I fold each bill individually in my wallet so I just pull out the bill I need. 

Bags


  1. If you have a backpack, turn it to the front of you when you are on metros, buses, pubic spaces, etc. 
  2. Fanny packs should be worn on the front, not slung around the back. 
  3. Most pick-pocketing is a two person job. One distracts you to your face while their partner will grab something from behind/beside you. 
  4. Don't leave your bags anywhere- even with a friend- unless a teacher/chaperone is holding bags for everyone for a bathroom break.

Phone

  1. When using your phone in public, be careful not to walk around with it out (like when looking at a map) 
  2. Be cautious if someone offers to take your picture, they could walk away with your phone. 
  3. Download WhatsApp to text anyone internationally over wifi. 
  4. Download Venmo/CashApp. If you lose your money/wallet, you can send money to someone in our group to pay for you. 
  5. Download Google Maps- You can download google maps for a city and then you can use your maps without internet or wifi. 
  6. Don't forget to turn off roaming data when you don't need it. 
  7. Always bring a portable charger. 
  8. Have emergency phone numbers written down in your wallet- not just your phone. 

Location
  1. Cute animals. This one is SO difficult but... don't touch the cats and dogs! On your trip, you don't want fleas or a rash. Take their picture instead! 

Water and Food


Not all dishes will be delicious as these Cochinita Pibil tacos from food stall in Mérida, Mexico. 

  1. Nothing is more important than drinking water. I like to travel with a filter water bottle so save plastic and money. LifeStraw has been great for me. 
  2. When traveling somewhere hot, Liquid IV, NUUN tabs, Pedialyte, any electrolyte drink mix is so helpful.
  3. It is always smart to bring snacks that you enjoy like granola bars, fruit snacks, pretzels, etc. 

Medication
  1. It is not a good idea to start or stop a medication before or during travel. Unless you have orders from your medical provider, travel is hard on your body and changing a daily medication can make that more unpredictable. 
  2. I always have my pharmacist print out my medications list. If I ever need to get a refill while abroad, the doctors there will want to find the closest medication possible. 

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