Here are our 12 Point Safety Checklist when traveling internationally plus four new travel warnings for destinations many American travel to

More and more destinations are having travel warnings issued by the U.S. State Department CLICK HERE for all advisories. The department has four advisory levels that range from #1 Exercise normal precautions, #2 Exercise increased caution, #3 Reconsider travel, and #4 Do not travel. CLICK HERE to hear more.

Here is our 12 Point Safety Checklist – We recommend reviewing this list before you travel internationally. Some very basic things that will generally minimize the risk factors when traveling to areas with travel advisories include:

1. U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas and they do not accept U.S. health insurance so we highly recommend travel insurance when traveling to all international destination. CLICK HERE for more.

2. Avoid walking or driving at night and avoid secluded places or situations. CLICK HERE to hear more. 

3. Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend. CLICK HERE for more.

4. Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. CLICK HERE for more. 

5. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. CLICK HERE for more.

6. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. CLICK HERE for more. 

7. Avoid use of jet skis and other watersport activities as many have no safety check or certification. CLICK HERE for more. 

8. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Pick pockets are everywhere. Keep your valuables in your front pockets and not in your backpacks. CLICK HERE to hear more. 

9. Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile. CLICK HERE for more. 

10. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. CLICK HERE for more. 

11. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. CLICK HERE for more. 

12. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. CLICK HERE for more. 

Below are the Top 4 destinations and our take on what to do with each destination:

The US State Department has a worldwide map that is an easy way to see all the travel advisory levels around the world. CLICK HERE for the easiest way to check out the country you wish to visit.  CLICK HERE for more. 

1. Jamaica: Level #3 – Reconsider travel –  Country Summary: Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.  This destination is highly traveled to by Americans.  Staying at an all-inclusive resort minimalizes many of the risks, however, crime is reaching high historic levels. CLICK HERE to read the Jamaica Travel Advisory.  CLICK HERE to hear more. 

2. Mexico: Level 1-4 – If you are heading to the major areas of Cancun and Los Cabos you should generally be safe. The State Department has put together an easy to use map that shows all the different areas in Mexico and where there are low risks and high risks. CLICK HERE to visit the Mexico travel risk map. CLICK HERE for the Mexico Travel Advisory. CLICK HERE for more. 

3. The Bahamas: Level 2 – The Bahamas has just been added to the Level 2 increased caution list for high levels of crime in Nassau and Freeport. Jet skis and surprising warnings of sharks are two areas of great warning. CLICK HERE for the Bahamas Travel Advisory. CLICK HERE for more. 

4. China: Level 3 – Travel to mainland China is at a very high risk level as the risk of wrongful detentions and arbitrary enforcement of local laws and exit bans puts many Americans of risk. Hong Kong travel is less risk with only a level 2 caution. CLICK HERE for the China Travel Advisory. CLICK HERE for more. 

Check out our Weekly Travel Alert Podcast – Did you know our Weekly Travel Alert Video Podcast is available on YouTube plus all your favorite podcast stations, Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast ? Each week we are adding new and upgraded features. Please jump on board. CLICK HERE to see the Weekly Travel Alert podcast that is hot off the presses.