Traveling Safely

We want you to be aware of some basic precautions for your travel safety and convenience. Most of these require common sense and staying alert. You should remember these important safety tips when you travel:

• Be informed about current events:
  Read newspapers and listen to the TV or radio news. There are English-language and international newspapers available at our centers and at kiosks and news stands throughout the cities where are centers are located. If you have questions, check with our center staff for advice and travel advisories.
• Be inconspicuous:
  Don’t try to draw attention to yourself by looking too “American” or by talking loudly. Try to avoid places frequented by tourists. Don’t put yourself at risk by drinking or staying out after local transportation has stopped running. Learn a few basic language phrases for each country where you plan to travel.
• Be aware of your surroundings:
  Use the basic precautions that are customary in any major city in the world today. Travel with a friend, if possible. Leave a copy of your itinerary with the center staff, your parents, or your hosts. While in a new city, plan your routes and walk confidently. If you are being followed or feel threatened, go into a store or other public area.
• Stay in touch with SU Abroad:
  Listen carefully to SU Abroad staff regarding pick pockets and specific information about safe and unsafe neighborhoods. Always carry the SU Abroad Center emergency card with you in case something goes wrong, and let the center staff know in advance the dates and locations of any trips you plan to take.

Airport Security

Added security at international airports has increased the time necessary to check-in, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to go through security checks. All carry-on luggage will be X-rayed and possibly hand-searched. Travelers themselves may be searched. If you are bringing a camera, radio, or cassette player with you, pack them in your carry-on bag. They will be screened and possibly examined as you go through security.

If you have any questions about how much time to give yourself or what may or may not be carried aboard an airplane, contact the airline directly or check out their web site. In general, remember the following:

• Do not leave luggage unattended at any time.
• Do not pack valuables (passports, documents, contact lenses, medications, etc.) in checked luggage. Keep them in your carry-on bag.
• Be prepared to take you portable computer from its case. Never put a computer in a suitcase.
• If you are bringing medications with you, you should have a doctor’s prescription with them for identification.
• Don’t carry your passport or money in a hip pocket, open hand-bag, or outside pocket on your back-pack. Pick-pockets mingle widely in tourist crowds, especially at airports, travel agencies, and American Express offices. A money belt or neck pouch is a good idea.
• Photocopy the front (data) pages of your passport, or copy the information and keep it separately.
• Keep a separate listing of the numbers of your travelers’ checks.
• Be considerate of other travelers.

Overseas Flights

You should expect to feel "jet lag" on arrival overseas, especially after long flights to Africa or Asia. It will take a few days for your system to adjust to the time and climate changes, so pace yourself. Get plenty of sleep before your trip, and drink lots of fluids on the flight to prevent dehydration.

The orientation at your SU Abroad Center overseas is designed to help you make a smooth adjustment, so follow their pattern of activities and advice.