What to Do When an Emergency Strikes While Traveling Abroad

My heart goes out to the people affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. The stories are heartbreaking, and the images are shocking. I hope the victims receive the care they need and that LA rebuilds swiftly.

This unfortunate situation made me think…

What do you do if you're traveling abroad and the country you're in experiences an emergency?

While it may sound unlikely, I've personally experienced emergencies. I was in Colombia during March 2020, and I was in Barcelona during the 2017 riots when Catalonia attempted to secede from Spain.

No matter how much you prepare, sometimes unexpected events happen, and you find yourself caught in the middle.

So what should you do?

In this newsletter, I'll share some practical tips for handling emergencies when you're far away from home and need to get back safely.

Let's start with some important preparation steps:

• Always keep your essential items with you, like passport and any essential medication.
• Don't forget to carry cash—this is essential if electronic payments stop working or you need immediate resources during an emergency.
• Always stay connected—having reliable internet and phone access is vital for emergency communication and updates. I personally use Google Fi because it keeps me connected wherever I travel. Link 
• Sign up for the STEP Program—the US government has this free service called STEP, so when you're in a different country, it'll give you free real-time updates about events like natural disasters and civil unrest. Link
• Get travel insurance—during an emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is cost. Travel insurance can help cover expenses like flight cancellations and medical emergencies. While I'm partnered with SafetyWing, I encourage you to research and find the travel insurance that best fits your needs. Be sure to carefully read the policy details before purchasing. Link

Side note: One crucial tip is to stay with your group. The buddy system is essential during emergencies, so don't separate from your travel companions. While location-sharing apps are helpful, they might not work if power or internet services are disrupted. Remember: there's safety in numbers.

Prioritize where to go

If you need to leave the country immediately, head straight to the airport. While you're on your way, have your travel companions call the airline. Your main goal is to talk to anyone who can get you a flight ticket home. At the airport, go directly to the airline counter and speak with staff about the next available flight. During emergencies, airlines often help with rebooking, especially if you remain calm and polite. Don't worry about finding the best deal though—focus on getting out safely.

If you're dealing with civil unrest or similar situations, locate your country's embassy. They're there to protect you and your rights. You can find embassy locations online at the official embassy website. Link

For medical emergencies or crimes that affect you personally, contact local emergency services. Search online for the emergency services number in your current country. If you followed my earlier advice about getting travel insurance, make sure to contact your insurance provider as well.

Finally, don't hesitate to ask locals for help. People are often incredibly kind and helpful during emergencies. I've experienced this firsthand—even when facing language barriers, locals have helped me through some challenging situations.

Stay safe out there!

Keep traveling, 

Andrew

Have you been in any tight situations while traveling abroad? What happened?

Cocktail of the Week

The Greyhound cocktail traces its origins to the United States, where it first gained popularity in the 1930s. Its name is believed to have been inspired by the Greyhound bus line, as the drink was often served in cafes located at Greyhound bus terminals.

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) vodka or gin

• 4 oz (120 ml) grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed is ideal)

• Ice cubes

• Optional: salt for rimming the glass
 

Preparation

• Fill the glass with ice cubes.

• Pour 2 oz of vodka or gin into the glass.

• Add 4 oz of grapefruit juice.

• Stir gently to combine.

• Garnish with a grapefruit wedge if desired.

• Optional Step: Rim a highball glass with salt by moistening the rim and dipping it into a plate of salt.

Random Travel Thought

My thoughts are with those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. 

Follow me on Instagram.

The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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