Protect Yourself When Faced with a Travel Disaster

May 10
07:45

2011

Steve Robinson

Steve Robinson

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Frequent travelers top priorities are often cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms. Such priorities change quickly when faced with unexpected travel disasters.

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The recent natural disasters such as the earthquakes and tsunamis in Christchurch,Protect Yourself When Faced with a Travel Disaster Articles New Zealand and Japan were wakeup calls to all travelers that they need to know how to deal with the unanticipated when traveling.

The following are steps travelers should take to protect themselves on the road:

·       Make and carry copies of your passport and travel documents.  Create electronic backups as well.  If you are traveling overseas, know the hotline for the U.S. Embassy or consulate.

·       If you are going to be visiting areas known for disaster risks, such as visiting the Caribbean during the hurricane season, look carefully into travel insurance.  Carry copies of medical prescriptions in case your stay is involuntarily extended.

·       Before leaving on a trip educate yourself about your destination and how to deal with worst case scenarios.  Ask your hotel about their disaster plan.

·       Follow the lead of locals when faced with a natural disaster.  For example, many Midwesterners have grown up participating in regular tornado drills and know what to do when civil alert sirens go off.

·       Be responsive to the first signs of a disaster.  For example, when the tsunami warning hit Hawaiian island of Kaua’i tourism officials had six hours to help hotels evacuate or move guests to higher floors.  Show initiative by bringing water, snacks, and any medication since there is no way to know when you might be allowed back to your room or property.

·       Rather than help overwhelm land or cell lines when faced with a disaster, text messaging often proves the most effective way to communicate.

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