Keep your wits about you
With reports continuing to surface about sad incidents taking place in tourist destinations, travelers are being encouraged to take extra precautions while traveling. As citizens of the world, we know that crime happens everywhere, even in own backyards, but there are steps you can take while traveling to decrease the risk of crime and tragedy - whether you’re in Las Vegas, Nepal or Jamaica!
Accurate Information :
The U.S. State Department is the best source for all travel information for accurate travel information and warnings. The department categorizes countries into 4 levels of travel warning - Destination Luxe Travel clients are generally traveling to countries designated Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) and Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
The department has other categories, such as Level 3 (Reconsider Travel for countries such as Lebanon, Pakistan, and Nigeria) and Level 4 (Do Not Travel for North Korea, Haiti, Iran, and Afghanistan) so there is a LONG way to go before the US government deems the Caribbean or Europe unsafe for U.S. citizens.
For more information on Travel Advisories, click here.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings:
At Destination Luxe Travel, the advice we dispense to all clients is to be aware of your surroundings - don't walk around alone at night (women especially!) and in the Caribbean, plan to leave the resort only with a reputable tour operator for excursions. Participating in illegal or “illicit” activities (purchasing drugs, visiting gentlemen’s clubs, etc.) are also not advised for your safety. If a drink tastes off to you, send it back and ask for another one. If you go to drink a bottle of water/juice/beer/liquor in your room and it isn't sealed, don't drink it and have it replaced. If something smells chemical-like in your room, contact the front desk and ask to be moved. Travelers tend to drop their guard when visiting the Caribbean or a beautiful destination like Barcelona but if you wouldn't do something at home or in a U.S. city, don't do it in elsewhere!
Anti-Theft:
Just as in the U.S., theft can happen in hotels abroad. Destination Luxe Travel suggests utilizing the safe in your room whenever you are not there for passports and documents, money and credit cards, and anything of value (cell phones, laptops, headphones, etc). Almost all resorts provide free safety deposit boxes in rooms.
For an extra layer of security, take a photo or make photocopies of your passport - provide it to a relative back in the U.S. and then keep a copy with you on your trip.
If you are traveling with expensive jewelry, watches, electronics or handbags, plan to carry those with you into the cabin your carry-on luggage while flying. Valuables should never be packed into your checked baggage, even if it is equipped with a TSA-compatible lock.
STEP - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program:
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to register their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Destination Luxe Travel recommends signing up here before you depart.
Disclaimer: This list is not designed to convince clients to travel nor to act as a complete safety guide.