You have planned the perfect vacation but when you arrive, you find chaos, disorder, unrest and confusion. The next steps you take are vitally important for your safety and in extreme cases can save you life. There are things we can do ahead of time to ensure our vacation will meet our expectations. The most important response is to stay healthy, unharmed and safe.

First steps:

• Stay up-to-date on current news. In particular the areas you are visiting. But, also take it a step further an be aware of situations taking place in other areas of the world, but could result in events in the destination you are planning to visit.
• Check the state department’s website for updates and information on unstable regions.  www.travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html  This website also has information about tourist visa requirements, vaccinations and Embassy information.
• If you are traveling to a known unstable region, contact the Embassy and let them know you are traveling in the country, where you are staying and itinerary.
• Know the difference between Alerts and Warnings
  • Alerts – advise travelers to remain vigilant, cautious and be observant.  It is not recommended that you cancel your plans but to be cautious
  • Warnings – advise travelers to incidents which are taking place or have recently happened in the  area, region or country.  Travel advisories may suggest and encourage canceling plans.

Once you are in a location with unrest

• If demonstrations, protest or riots are reported, stay away. The tendency may be to “go and see” what’s going on, but it is best to go in the opposite direction.
• If you find yourself in a destination where unrest has taken place, try not to venture out alone. If you must, let someone know where you are going, when you will be back and also what route you are taking. If you are traveling solo, let the hotel front desk manger know your plans. Also, if you are in contact with home let someone know!
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Notice the people around you and if someone is taking notice of you.
• Follow your instincts. If you notice someone behaving strangely move away and report it.
• Be aware of bags and package left unattended.
• Keep bottle water and a snack in a backpack. We recommend traveling with a collapsable, lightweight backpack. Take along a few emergency items. Keep it light (no more than 10 pounds) so you can move quickly.
• Keep a small amount of cash, emergency credit card and traveler’s checks with your passport. You may need money to buy your way out of a situation or help with your evacuation.
• Listen to the locals – if they are talking about potential problems and possible events, take this information seriously and move to another area.

If you are caught in an sticky situation.

• Move to the edge of the crowd and away from the center. This is always safer.
• Crowds can start moving quickly, look for a spot where you can go inside, get behind or under something to protect yourself. Stay there until safe to move about. Do not allow yourself to be in a spot where you can be push against a wall, down stairs or trampled by the crowd. Quick thinking and speedy movements will keep you safe and can save your life.
• If you find that you cannot move from the crowd, move along with the crowd. Make every effort to stay on your feet.
• If you fall, try to roll away from the crowd. Cover your head with your arms and roll yourself into a tight ball.

In a hotel or accommodations

• Stay in your room.
• Close the curtains and stay away from windows
• Follow any evacuation orders issued by the staff
• If you hear gunfire and bombs, stay low and move to an inside area (bathroom)

Afterwards

• After you have ensured the situation is stable. Ensure that everyone in your travel group is safe and okay.
• If you are injured, seek medical help
• Report any loss, damage or attacks to the police and Embassy (when out of the country)
• Check in with your family
• Report any claims to your insurance company
• If necessary, prepare to return home.  Make your way to the airport quickly.

Travel Insurance

• Basic travel insurance to a large extent does not cover everything you would expect in political and civil unrest in different regions and locations around the world.
• A Travel Alert or Warning issued by the U.S. State Department does not mean you will be reimbursed by placing a claim with your travel insurance company.
• When purchasing travel insurance ask very specific questions about what is covered and what is not:
  • Is civil unrest considered the same as political unrest.  If not, which one is or is not covered
  • How will you be reimbursed for hotel, baggage which may be left behind, flight changes
  • Evacuation costs
  • Medical expenses – is there a difference between general medical coverage and coverage for injuries during unrest
• Travel insurance can provide evacuation benefits for unrest situations