1. Stay up to-date on State Department travel warnings. www.travel.state.gov http://www.travel.state.gov
2. Have the contact info for/ and know the location of the US Embassy in your destination.
3. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a contact at home (friend/family).
-- Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver's license and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave one photocopy of this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you carry the originals.
4. When you leave the United States, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. Before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit.
5. Don't take/wear expensive jewelry, valuables or anything that could make you stand out as an affluent tourist.
6. Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be especially cautious in (or avoid) areas where you may be more easily victimized. These include crowded subways, train stations, market places, and crime-ridden neighborhoods.
7. Check your insurance. Know if it covers treating any injuries outside the U.S.
8. Always explore in a group. Going out on your own is always riskier than being in a group.
9. Trust your instincts. If something doesn't seem right, trust yourself and don't risk it. Do only what you are comfortable doing.
CRUISE SAFETY TIPS:
1. Do a little research. You can check out a ships safety report card on the CDC website. It will let you know the results of the ships latest inspection (looking at things like repair. cleanliness, hygiene, food prep) and give you the grade the ship received.
2. Know the drill. Pay attention to safety instructions at the muster drill where passengers are instructed on evacuation plans in case of emergencies. Then review them with your kids/family during the cruise to make sure everyone remembers should you not be together if an emergency occurs.
3. You need to be aware of your surroundings on a ship just as you would in a big city. Don't walk down darkened hallways; keep your distance when tempers flare; don't accept drinks from strangers. If your gut tells you something is wrong, it probably is.
4. Watch what you eat - and drink. Shipboard water is usually pretty good, but you should always insist on bottled water on shore. And make sure it is a sealed bottle.
5. Exercise port precaution. When visiting a new port, research the port in advance and check for "no-go" areas that must be avoided.
For more info visit orbitz.com AND http://www.travel.state.gov
