We were all terribly shocked by the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13th. Here are some travel tips to feel safer before you travel for extra peace of mind.
If you’re reading this blog, it’s because France holds a dear place in your heart. So, in the light of the terrible events, it’s safe to say we are all beyond shocked and angry. Paris is the home to some of our dreams. Most likely you, just as I, we revisit the fond memories we made there; we have friends and family.
Around the world we mourn the innocent victims who were out to blow off steam on a Friday night.
But like the motto on Paris’ coat of arms has declared since 1358, we are “Fluctuat nec mergitur,” meaning tossed about but does not sink.
As your travel advisor I encourage you to take the following actions WHEREVER you are traveling outside of your country.
Register with your trip with your state department when you plan to travel – so they know to look for you and know where to find you, when necessary.
Travel Tips To Feel Safer Before You Travel As U.S. Citizen
STEP – Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
https://step.state.gov/step/
At Embassies and Consulates, the consular officers assist U.S. citizens when they run into serious legal, medical or financial issues overseas. This free service extends to travelers and residents.
Also
1. If your passport is stolen, for example, they can help get a replacement.
2. provides names of English-speaking doctors or local attorney
3. provide loans to destitute Americans
4. and of course, are proactive in warning of dangerous conditions and will account for you in the case of terrorist activities or natural disasters.
Group leaders, you can upload the necessary information for an entire group if you don’t have members register themselves individually.
Travel Tips To Feel Safer Before You Travel As Canadian Citizen
http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration
Registration of Canadians Abroad is a free service that keeps you connected to Canada in case of an emergency abroad, such as an earthquake or civil unrest, or an emergency at home.
- notify you of any local or family emergency
- provides access to consular service
The night of the Paris attacks, the Canadian Consulate in Paris added extra staff to respond voice-to-voice to calls.
Whether you’re planning a vacation or living abroad, sign up in a few minutes or less online or in person.
Other Measures To Feel Safer Before You Travel
- Consider a membership in MedjetAssist, a global and domestic air-medical transport program for travelers that will get you home in the case of serious accidents and illnesses. If you are hospitalized more than 150 miles from home, MedjetAssist will facilitate getting you back to your home country hospital of choice from virtually anywhere in the world. https://medjetassist.com/
- Purchase travel insurance – it usually covers Terrorist Acts providing coverage if that act occurs within 30 days of your scheduled departure. Along with that comes Trip Delay and Trip Interruption.
- Leave your itinerary and contact numbers with someone at home.
- Know the closest location of your country’s consulate or embassy.
Safe Travels! Be Calm. Be Vigilant
Your travel advisor can help you prepare for your trip. We are committed to preserving your freedom to travel.
If you would like us to assist in your planning, we would love to talk to you. Please sign up for a Let’s Get Acquainted session.
