Safety and Security for Travelers & Digital Nomads

A roundup of our most popular posts on staying healthy and protected

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No matter what type of travel you have planned for this year, safety and security should remain your top priorities. This rule applies to your day trip excursion, week-long vacation, cross-country road trip, and epic launch into the world of the digital nomad!

Somewhere along your journey, you could face a medical emergency, vehicle failure, or even riotous civil unrest. And when it happens you could be miles away from the nearest help. In countries with weak health systems, prevention and early treatment could help you avoid a trip to an under resourced local health facility. In countries where access to help is limited or in remote areas, being prepared could help you avoid being stranded or even save your life.

The Citizen Upgrade writing team includes experts from the fields of healthcare, aviation, and engineering. And we all are passionate about both local and international travel, with a preference for locations off the beaten path. Below, we share a roundup of articles that will help you plan and prepare for whatever might come your way. Stay safe and enjoy your travel experience!

Training & Preparation:

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“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”

-Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922)

The most important steps toward safe travel occur before you leave your home, and can be cultivated in the time between your planned adventures. Consider learning some new skills by taking a free online course (e.g. udemy, coursera, edX) or adult learning class in your community. Wilderness survival, car repair, CPR/first aid, and the Stop the Bleed course are great skills to pick up and might save your life or the lives of your travelling companions.

Download and practice using smartphone applications geared toward safety and security. The best apps allow for encrypted communication or provide valuable information even when offline.

When you have a destination in mind, visit your primary doctor and dentist for pre-departure checkups. The CDC travel site is a good place to research any vaccinations you might need. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is also a good idea, especially if you’re visiting low-income countries. Make electronic and hard copies of essential documents including your passport, travel visas, medication prescriptions, insurance cards, and an emergency contact list. Your emergency contact list should also include the emergency hotlines of your home country’s embassies at each destination.

Physical fitness is also an important preparatory activity, and will help you both enjoy your travel and avoid illness. Here are two exercise regimens from our archive: a muay thai cardio workout and a body weight routine you can continue while on the road.

Packing:

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If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light.

-Cesare Pavese (1908-1950)

Packing for travel involves a careful balance between taking what you might need versus lightening the load that you carry. Start with the essentials for survival by considering the survival rule of threes. This rule, though not a law written in stone, nevertheless provides valuable guidance on prioritizing shelter, food, and water.

From that starting point, you should consider the one or more of the emergency kits described below. In your luggage, pack a comprehensive travel first aid kit customized to your needs. If you are on a road trip, stow a vehicle emergency kit in your car. For your “everyday carry” (EDC) needs while walking around town or on a day excursion, make your own mini-emergency kit using a pill bottle or altoids tin.

From preparation to packing, the resources above will address many of your safety and security needs. We hope you follow the motto, “be prepared,” on your future adventures. Curious about expat life? Check out these three articles from life coach Andrea Hunt (article 1, article 2, article 3). Travel safe!

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