Be careful and don’t take any risks you wouldn’t consider at home.Risks are often greater overseas. Don’t relax your normal safety standards just because you’re travelling.

Keep in contact with friends and family back home.Give them a copy of your itinerary before you go, so they know where you are. Let them know if you won’t be contactable for an extended period. Keep a hardcopy list of phone numbers on you, including emergency contacts, in case you can’t access the contacts on your mobile phone.

Do your research. Get to know your destination in depth before you arrive. Read traveler reviews and consult with locals for information about the safest neighborhoods, places to stay and incidences of crime. Check the State Department's website for country updates and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).