International Travel: 5 Tips on Protecting Yourself

Safety is frequently atop the minds of international travelers, and the recent string of terrorist attacks in Europe has heightened that awareness even more.

Here are five tips for protecting yourself while traveling internationally.

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1. Be mindful of crowds — Worldwide travel security firm IMG GlobalSecur noted that recent terrorist attacks in Orlando, Nice, and Paris have taken place among large crowds of people. IMG advises travelers to remain attentive in large gatherings, avoid venues with low security measures, and have a plan in place to run, fight, or hide in the event of an active shooter.

2. Stay up-to-date — International travelers should check the U.S. State Department website regularly for political news and updates on travel alerts from the U.S. government, said Tracy Edwards, a managing director of travel sales for AAA Travel Agency, according to the Detroit Free Press. The website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the area of travel should also be monitored for security messages.

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3. Enroll in the STEP program — The U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows travelers to register their trip with the U.S. embassy or consulate in the area they are traveling. Benefits include receiving safety alerts and allowing the embassy to contact you in the event of an emergency.

4. Get insured — Make sure you have health insurance and coverage for trip cancellation, loss, or theft, the State Department recommends, noting that foreign healthcare providers often require payment in cash, and emergency medical evacuation can cost up to $100,000.

5. Maintain good health — Be sure to get all necessary travel shots and have all of your medications with you, The Huffington Post recommends. Know local laws regarding prescription drugs and keep emergency contact numbers handy.

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