By Francesca Opoku-Amoabeng

As the year comes to a close and the holidays are just around the corner, many people are starting to book their flights and plan their trips to spend time with family and friends. During this preparation, it is important to stay informed about proper travel safety and be aware of any imminent weather changes.

Whether you’re heading out for Thanksgiving or Christmas, the American Red Cross encourages you to follow this travel safety guide to help ensure you and your family are ready for anything that comes your way.

Before Travel

Stay informed about weather conditions. Weather is a primary concern for travel, especially for those planning to travel via plane; the weather can, unfortunately, lead to many delays, which can oftentimes derail carefully curated plans. Make sure to stay up to date about any weather changes, delays, or climate concerns when planning your trip to avoid setbacks. The Red Cross Emergency App is a helpful tool, giving users the opportunity to monitor locations and weather alerts.

Prepare a travel safety kit. We may not always be able to anticipate complications, especially with the excitement of planning a trip, but it is helpful to have a list of items to remember to pack if you are ever to encounter problems while traveling, whether you are in the air or on the road. Some things to keep in mind include medication, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, Band-Aids, backup travel documents, and a flashlight. Specific items for travelling by car include a spare tire with repair tools (wrench, jack, etc), jumper cables, safety kit, and road flares. This packing guide from the CDC is especially useful!

During Travel

Practice healthy habits. Traveling, especially with other people in public spaces, increases the transmission of disease and infections. During these busy times, make sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your hands and mouth. Additionally, to ensure proper preparation for illness, make sure to obtain any necessary vaccinations and avoid contact with those who show signs of sickness.

Inform friends and family of your plans. This tip is especially important if you are planning a solo trip. Make sure at least one person is aware of where you will be staying, who you will be with, and where you will be going. It is also helpful to have an emergency contact if anything were to happen.

Protect yourself from the cold. Because the winter months are near, many will be enduring colder weather as opposed to the heat in the summer. Make sure to stay warm with blankets, wear several loose layers of clothing to trap heat, and stay informed on common signs of the common cold, hypothermia, or frostbite. The Red Cross offers these tips to stay warm and safe in cold weather conditions.

Choose safe transportation. Even after your long travel time via car or plane, it is expected to take transportation during your trip. Make sure to always wear a seat belt, know the local laws, especially when crossing roads or driving in an unfamiliar area; avoid crowded transportation, and do not drink and drive.

Additional Tips

• Carry insect repellent to prevent bug bites, especially to prevent the spread of viruses.
• Be well rested before travelling, whether you are driving or flying; you must be aware of your surroundings and maintain your belongings as well.
• When driving, maintain a cautious distance from other drivers and drive slowly on overpasses or bridges, as the roads may be icy and difficult to drive on.
• Keep your valuables out of sight, especially in tourist-heavy areas, as pickpocketing is a common occurrence.
• If you have recently returned from a trip and feel ill, make sure to visit your healthcare provider and get immediate attention- share details about your travel destination, the time spent there, your vaccination history, and any injuries, close contact, or food/drink you may have consumed.