Safety Tips When Packing for a Trip

When prepping to travel to an exotic land where the comforts and conveniences of home may not necessarily be at your fingertips (i.e., on your smartphone), there are a few items that should not be overlooked on your pre-trip checklist. In order to stay safe while abroad and return home in one piece (and with all of the belongings you took with you), here are a few reminders and ways to prepare once you start packing your bags.

Inform someone. Forward your electronic flight confirmation to a loved one, type up a quick itinerary, send it off and be sure at least one other person (a friend or family member) knows you are going on this trip. If you’re going to a particularly remote area, tell them you plan to check in with them occasionally so they know you’re safe.

Plan your mobile plan. Depending on where you’re going, you may be able to rely on your home-based mobile plan for your phone, but if not, you might have to purchase a SIM card in your new location. Once you have the SIM card and a data plan, send the phone number to someone back home and store a few important phone numbers on your new SIM card for emergencies.

 Spread out important items. Not only should you make copies of your important documents like your passport, visa and travel insurance papers, you should also store these items in different places in your luggage and carry-on bag. If one of your bags is a victim of theft or a plane delay, you’ll have extra copies of everything in at least one other location.