K&K Travel Boutique, located in Ridgeland, is a full-service virtual travel agency offering luxury travel destinations both domestic and international. Kim has been in the travel business for over 14 years and just recently opened K&K with her daughter, Karenna.
I am often asked by clients about safety while traveling internationally. Choosing to leave your hometown and go to a destination you are not familiar can be concerning for both the traveler and their family. The task of traveling by plane through multiple airports, rail, or car travel and becoming familiar with a new city or country is a unique experience that can cause anxiety or fear of the unknown. Seasoned travelers can thrive on that feeling, but those who are new to travel may not be comfortable with the unknown.
With my years of experience selling travel, along with a lifetime of personal travel, I have developed a healthy list of recommended safety practices that I give to my booked travelers and use when I am traveling with family or solo. Here are a few that I am highlighting for you today.
First, I will always recommend that you book all travel with a reputable travel advisor and stick with one advisor! The benefits of using a travel advisor are numerous, but the best benefit is that your advisor will learn your “travel style.” Everyone travels differently, and a good travel advisor will learn how you like to travel and will be able to make recommendations for you based on that style. Switching back and forth with agents who have one specialty may not always be to your advantage. An experienced travel advisor not only understands how to book travel for a client’s travel style, they likely are a seasoned traveler themselves and know their products by personal experience. We are blessed with many excellent travel advisors in the Jackson metro area. Pick one and stick with them!
Second, when deciding on a location to travel, have a candid discussion with your travel advisor about the risks and safety of a particular destination. While she/he should never promise a destination is safe, they can direct you to the proper channels to learn about that destination from reputable sources. Our first and foremost recommendation is to read the U.S. Department of State’s website (U.S. Department of State – home) and see what the United States’ guidelines are for travel to that destination. I also recommend that you read the official site of that country as well. Your advisor should be able to provide you with that country’s link. On both of these sites you can learn about the guidelines/documentation for entry, if you need a visa, or if there are any requirements for vaccination.
Third, once you have selected your travel destination, be sure you have the proper documents to enter. Also confirm with your advisor that you have purchased a comprehensive travel insurance policy for your trip. This will give you peace of mind that if for any reason you are unable to travel or have a health or emergency situation while traveling, you have coverage, which should include emergency evacuation. Weather, civil unrest, and medical issues can occur at any time and the cost to emergently leave can be astronomical if you lack insurance.
Before a client leaves, I share with them a checklist of recommended safety practices. I have highlighted a few for you:
Be sure your passport is valid for at least 6 (six) months before traveling out of the country. While some countries have an exception, this is a good rule of thumb.
Register yourself and your family with the S.T.E.P. program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (state.gov), with the U.S. Department of State for every international trip. This allows the Department of State to know where you are so they are able to help you faster in an emergency situation.
Take a snapshot of your passport on your phone and put a paper copy in your luggage. In case your passport is lost or stolen, having a copy can help expedite getting a replacement.
Be sure there is someone in your family with a valid passport to travel to you if you become ill and are traveling alone. A good example of this is if you are a college student traveling on spring break with friends. Your parents or next of kin should have a passport to get to you in an emergency.
Do not carry your passport, large sums of cash, and expensive jewelry or handbags around on your person in foreign countries. Leave your valuables at home or in the room safe. You should think about blending in with the crowd. Traveling abroad is not the time to show off your stuff!
When traveling with friends, stick together and never leave someone at the bar or restaurant alone with a stranger. Watch your alcohol consumption and be smart in your interactions with other guests and employees at the hotel you are staying in. If you place your drink down, get a new one. Watch who is making your drink and never accept a drink from a stranger.
Be sure you have a good cell phone carrier and pay for international data.
Do not do business or banking transactions over hotel Wi-Fi. Travel with a major credit, not a debit card. This is essential for emergency purposes and from a security standpoint. Be aware that American Express and Discover are not as readily accepted as Visa or Mastercard in countries outside the U.S.
Exercise good cyber-security. Refrain from posting on social media while overseas. You can become an easy target for fraud by sharing too much while on your trip.
Do not drink to excess while at the airport or on the airplane! Inappropriate behavior on planes and in airports is on the rise, and it can get you a lifetime ban.
See K&K Travel Boutique, Page 10C
When traveling in cities and towns, be aware of your surroundings and when you can, take transfers and taxis with reputable vendors recommended by your travel advisor or hotel.
Keep all your prescriptions with you on your flight in case your bags do not arrive with you. Do not buy prescriptions overseas. They are not regulated to the same standards as we have in the U.S.
Finally, traveling to foreign destinations can help create some of the best memories with your friends and family. Getting out of your comfort zone, learning about a new part of the world and meeting new people can help you broaden your world view. Having a candid conversation about any travel concerns you may have should occur before you book your trip. Once booked, staying informed through your travel advisor can give you confidence you need to travel. Taking the steps to be an informed and a smart traveler will increase your chances of having an amazing trip!
If you do not have a travel advisor, we at K&K Travel Boutique would love the opportunity to serve you. We are expert travel planners for domestic trips such as theme park, Hawaii, Alaska, city escapes, and national parks. We also specialize in destination weddings, honeymoons, family and adult-only all-inclusive resorts and cruises in the Caribbean and Central America. Kim specializes in European travel, while Karenna is an expert with Australia. We are local to you in Mississippi and operate as full-time travel advisors. Please visit our website at www.kandktravelboutique.com as well as follow us on Instagram and Facebook @kandktravelboutique.
Safe Travels!
Kim and daughter Karenna
