Top Five Travel Tips
Before You Leave the United States
Before traveling outside of the United States of America, travelers should always take the opportunity to develop a safety plan for themselves and their loved ones. While there are dozens upon dozens of international safety tips, here are our top five travel tips that you should follow before you leave the United States.
1. Register your trip with the United States - State Department Travel Website
Never leave the United States without registering your international trip! While traveling abroad your local embassy or consulate can be your most valuable resource in the event something goes wrong. If there is an attack, natural disaster or medical emergency; the U.S. State Department may be able to assist you. Always locate your embassy or consulate before you leave the U.S.
2. Leave a copy of your itinerary and other pertinent information with someone you trust
Always leave a copy of your itinerary, passport, driver's license, and other pertinent information with a trusted friend or family member. Make it a point to check in with your emergency contacts during your trip abroad. Contact your banking institutions, and health insurance company to let them know that you are traveling outside of the United States. The last thing you need is for your bank to freeze your account. It could take days for them to release your funds.
3. Visit the Centers for Disease Control - Travelers website
The CDC travelers website issues travel health notices that can assist travelers with making an informed decision on whether or not their health will be impacted while traveling to foreign countries.
4. Make an appointment with your doctor as well as your dentist and speak with your pharmacist
Do not travel abroad without a visit to your doctor. He or she can decide if you will need additional vaccinations, medications, or tests prior to leaving the U.S. If you have not had your six month dental exam, stop what you are doing, and call your dentist to schedule your visit before your upcoming trip. Remember, you are traveling into a lesser developed country and you would not want to receive dental services that could negatively impact your health.
5. Research Travelers Insurance and contact your health insurance carrier
Travel insurance companies require you to pay upfront and then you will need to file a claim. Travel insurance can help absorb the costs associated with lost baggage, terrorism and travel, cancellation of trip, airlift and evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment. While we recommend you have travel insurance, it is important that you are able to pay for any medical costs you incur at the time of service.
If you are interested in learning more about the Davon Green Franklin Foundation or to donate visit: www.dgffoundation.org
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You are invited to join us for an evening of food, fun, and bowling for only $25! All lanes will open at 7:00 p.m. We are also looking for individuals to sponsor each lane for a cost of $250 per lane. Since November 2010, family, friends, and community partners have helped the Davon Green Franklin Foundation to raise funds for the DGF Legacy Award & Scholarship and the Surviving Spring Break 101 program. The DGF Foundation is committed to helping individuals to understand the hidden dangers and vulnerabilities associated with international travel.https://
Donations can be mailed to:
DGF Foundation (501c3)
P.O. Box 47223
Baltimore, Md. 21244
