A Travel Disaster can happen to any one of us while on vacation.  Learn how to prepare yourself if faced with a disaster with these tips.  Easy tips that take minimal time to research online before you leave.  With these tips you will achieve the ability to handle a crisis that arise.

After surviving Hurricane Katrina in the USA, my goal is to be more prepared on how to survive a natural disaster.  Let me share ways to be proactive to help keep safe while traveling for all vacations.  The cost is minimal just a short about of time is mostly needed for a little research before you depart.

How to Prepare for a Travel Disaster

Buy Recommend Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance comes in a few ways and can be purchased when buying your transportation tickets or separately from an Insurance Company.  Travel Insurance can offer medical coverage with generous limits, few exclusions, trip cancellation or interruption, plus 24/7 worldwide assistance.  I suggest to compare quotes from multiple providers.  Here are a few known travel providers:  Travelex, John Hancock, IMG, Allianz and a few more.

Register with the Step Program

Step Program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) is a free service that allows US Citizens living abroad to receive the latest security updates.  They will contact you to provide assistance during an emergency overseas.

Cash is Important

During a natural disaster, power is one thing that usually goes out and cash is like gold.  When the power is out one cannot use credit cards.  Gas, food and transportation then must be paid for in cash.  I found having cash in smaller denominations helps to pay since most merchants will not have change.  That could mean difference whether or not you buy that item.

Carry a Paper and Digital Copy of Passport

Carrying a paper and a digital copy of your passport will help facilitate the process of acquiring a new one in case you lose your passport.  I also make sure to carry extra passport photos on hand and digitally.  Note, some countries have different sizes for their passports.

Know Embassy Locations

Take a few minutes online and research the locations of your countries embassies for each country visiting before your departure.  Bring the printed information with you along with a general map.  Remember you may not have access to your phone or the internet.  Your embassy is a good place to head to in a travel disaster or head to another designated site.

Prepare Family Itinerary

Choose a family member to be the contact person and that person will have your travel itinerary.  They will be the one to update other family members.  Make sure to have a paper copy of their phone number and email in case your battery is out on your phone.

Local Emergency Contacts

Look online for local emergency contacts for the area your will be vacationing to.  Be aware of your surroundings, talk to the locals and know the local radio stations.  Track the weather before you go and keep tabs on it while there.

Medical Kit

A simple medical kit catered to the location you are traveling too should be lightweight, practical with a few important items.  Items to include are Bandages, Medical Tape, Anti-Diarrhea tablets, Alcohol Wipes, Antibiotic Ointment, Sharp Tweezers, Hand Sanitizer, Gauze Pads, Benadryl, Latex Gloves along with a few items as needed.  Do not get carried away by adding items you will not use.  Remember you are limited to baggage weight.

Exit Strategy

Plan ahead and have an exit strategy.  I also suggest to pick out a meeting location in case people on your travels get separated.  Also, everyone should have that family contact number written down.  Leave messages with your contact person since the other lost members may not have cell service.  Some emergency services might have a way to call or send a message to someone out of the area.

Check-in online with Facebook

When internet service is available, Facebook has a way for you to do a safe Check-in online.  This is another way to let other loved ones and friends know that you are safe following a travel disaster

Injured Care

If you are not seriously injured look for a Pharmacy.  Some countries have doctors that are on hand to provide treatment.

Here is a great resource on “How To Survive a Natural Disaster”.

Let these travel tips prepare you for a Travel Disaster.