Traveling Outside the U.S. this Summer? Red Cross Offers 12 Tips for a Safe Summer Vacation

WASHINGTON, June 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Summer is one of the most popular times of year for people in the United States to take a trip that involves international travel. If you are planning a trip which involves driving across a border, sailing to a coastline, or flying halfway around the world, the American Red Cross has some steps you can take to stay safe.

    1. Download the first aid app. The American Red Cross first aid app puts
       expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. Whether you're in
       the United States or abroad, arming yourself with basic first aid skills
       can save a life. Be sure to download the app while you're still in the
       United States, otherwise you'll download the local Red Cross or Red
       Crescent's mobile app (which will be in the local language).


    2. Make a plan. Just like at home, it's important to establish a time and
       place to meet family members in case you get separated.


    3. Know what natural disasters are possible. There's no reason to panic, but
       it's important to research whether your destination faces emergencies
       you've never experienced. While you'll need to gauge the local context,
       the Red Cross offers basic tips about what to do during natural disasters
       like tsunamis, volcanoes, and hurricanes.


    4. Register your trip with the State Department. Enter your travel details
       with the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program online, which allows the
       State Department to better assist you in case of an emergency while you
       are abroad. You can also get information about safety conditions in the
       country you are planning to visit.


    5. Write down contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to
       carry with you in case of emergency while traveling.


    6. Check out the State Department's 'What the Department of State Can and
       Can't Do in a Crisis' and have an evacuation plan that doesn't rely on
       the U.S. government.


    7. Keep your destination country's emergency numbers handy. You know to use
       911 in the United States, but how will you reach the fire department,
       police, or an ambulance abroad? Find your destination country on this
       reference sheet from the State Department--and write down the emergency
       numbers before you take off.


    8. Know the six-month passport rule. Some countries deny travelers entry if
       their passport expires in less than six months. Renew your passport about
       nine months before the expiration date.


    9. Let your credit card company know what countries you will be visiting and
       when. This way, they won't think your card is stolen and shut it off just
       when you need it the most.


    10. Pack your International Certificate of Vaccination. Also referred to as
        the "yellow card," it lists your immunizations, allergies, and blood
        type. The "yellow card" is available from your physician or local health
        department.


    11. Bring medications, bug repellent. If you're traveling somewhere with
        mosquito-borne illnesses--such as malaria, dengue, or Zika--be sure to
        spray repellent and/or cover your arms and legs with lightweight
        clothing at critical times of the day. Don't forget your medications and
        it's a good idea to bring other stuff like OTC pain reliever and
        something for an upset stomach.
    12. Check for emergency exits and evacuation routes. The American Red Cross
        has helped many communities around the world install signs that indicate
        evacuation routes in case flooding or another natural disaster occurs.
        Be sure to identify evacuation routes at your destination and, as
        always, pay attention to the location of emergency exits.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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SOURCE American Red Cross