This post made possible by site supporter Jane Brown.
When you plan for a big trip, you think about things like where you are going to stay, what you are going to do, how much money you need to bring, and what you need to pack. You might bring a few items that you know you’ll need, like the heart medication you have to take every day, but you probably aren’t thinking about planning for emergencies. Disaster is far from your mind when you’re focusing on the excitement of an overseas vacation.
But you don’t want to get stuck in a foreign country and not be prepared for an emergency. Here are a few things you might want to prepare for:
Financial Emergency
Unfortunately, as a tourist, you are a major target for thieves. You are easy to spot with the camera strapped around your neck and the map in your hands. And thieves know that you have a lot of cash or credit cards on you. Staying in well-trafficked places won’t always protect you from thieves. Pickpockets can take everything you have without you even knowing it. Some will just grab your bag and run.
What will you do if you are far from home and all your money is gone? You won’t even have an ATM card to take more money out of your account. One of the best things you can do is have a close friend or relative on standby to send money online if you find yourself in this situation. You might even give your friend the money before you leave for your trip as a backup.
Medical Help
If you have a medical condition, you will probably remember to bring your medication or other necessities on your trip. But you may not be thinking of all the emergencies that could happen, whether you have a medical condition or not. For example, what do you do if you have a bad fall and break your ankle? Or what do you do if you have a complication of your condition, such as a seizure or vertigo?
Make sure that when you are planning your itinerary and lodgings, you are also making note of the nearest hospital or medical facility. Know what number to call for medical help — it’s not 911 in every country. Even if it’s not an outright “call an ambulance!” type of situation, you still may need to find a doctor. Keep a small phrase book with you that will let you convey your medical needs in the native language.
Crime
It’s very frightening to think about, but getting robbed may not be your only brush with crime on your vacation. First, check out the state department’s website to find out if there are any travel warnings for the country you want to visit. Then make sure you are following safety guidelines while you are abroad, such as sticking to populated areas, staying in groups, keeping valuables locked away in the hotel safe, and so on.
If you are the victim of a crime, make sure you know how to get help. Who do you call? Are there pay phones or call boxes nearby? Take a little time to learn the protocol for reporting crimes where you’ll be visiting. You don’t want to scramble to find this information when you are upset and possibly injured.
Broken Gear
You brought your gorgeous DSLR camera on your vacation so that you could get the absolute best shots. Then your lens breaks and your camera is totally useless. What do you do? Or maybe you start packing your bags to go home and the latch breaks, making it impossible to close your suitcase. How do you get everything home?
Make sure you put aside a little money for situations like these. Then make sure you have the means to look up the nearest place to buy whatever replacement you may need. That may mean having a local directory or just having access to your phone and your data plan.
Thinking about occurrences like these isn’t pleasant, but it’s important. Being in a foreign country can make you feel lost and alone when you are struggling with an unexpected problem. By doing a little research and some planning before you go, you can feel more calm when (or if) an emergency does happen. You can rest easy knowing that you are ready for anything.
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