General precautions

• Many foreign countries lack reliable electricity. Pack a flashlight.
• Your Passport should be valid for at least six months after your expected return date.
• Keep a business card or matchbook from your hotel with you.
• If detained by legitimate authorities, you should be allowed to talk to your consulate. Insist on this right – politely – if you are detained.
• First and second floors of hotels are more susceptible to bomb damage should such devices be used at street level.

Fire safety – what to do – what to carry

• Familiarize yourself with emergency exit procedures and strategies for airplanes and hotels.
• In case of hotel fire, feel the door for heat with the back of your hand before you open it.
• Listen for voices outside the door.
• Try the phone in the room.
• When checking into hotels, remember that fire equipment may not reach above the sixth floor.
• A wet towel or article of clothing wrapped around your face (mouth and nose) can protect you from smoke inhalation.
• Find out what a “Go Bag” is and what it should contain.

When traveling with others

• Carry recent pictures of the people in your group in your purse or wallet.
• Make sure everyone has a set of pictures.
• Carry their contact phone numbers.
• Carry contact numbers and personal contacts at home.
• Carry contact numbers for the places where you are traveling, and give these numbers to everyone in the group.