is it safe to travel?

With wars in Israel and Ukraine, many travelers are understandably concerned about traveling internationally. And we’re also finding that travelers are concerned about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Of course, we’re coming out of a global pandemic, but are we truly on the other side of it? We frequently get the question — is it safe to travel?

Of course, we can’t really answer that question. Every traveler has a different standard of what is “safe” and a different comfort level with risk. So, while we can’t make that decision for you, we can offer a few suggestions:

1. Check the relevant government websites to see whether there are any advisories or alerts.

   You’ll want to make an informed decision about whether you’re comfortable with the risks that attach to traveling internationally. The State Department and CDC websites, along with other government websites, can provide neutral objective information about the level of risk in the destinations on your itinerary. Keep in mind — many of these alerts apply to isolated or remote areas away from tourism centers. So, while there might be an alert for a region of the country you’re visiting, that could be hundreds or even thousands of miles away from the resort area where you’re traveling.

2. Enroll in the STEP Program.

   The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has a program known as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (“STEP”), that allows travelers to register their travel abroad with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. You’ll receive important updates about the safety conditions in your destination, and the US Embassy or Consulate will know where to find you if there is an emergency. Plus, they can help your friends and family get in touch with you if there’s an emergent situation. Enrollment is free, and it’s a good idea, even if there isn’t any heightened risk in your destination.

3. Put a comprehensive insurance policy in place.

   The third-party travel insurance policies that our clients most frequently put in place cover a lot more than just cancellation protection. Trip interruption, trip delay, emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation, lost or delayed luggage, lost or stolen personal effects, and much more — all of that can be covered by the right insurance policy. We frequently hear people say, “I don’t need insurance — I know I’m going to take the trip.” But what’s your plan if you’re on the trip and something goes sideways? Insurance is a good idea.

4. Use a Professional Travel Advisor.

   While we can’t guarantee your safety when traveling abroad, when we book travel, we use travel partners we trust to minimize disruptions and to employ best practices during a crisis. Another travel advisor in our network told us of a group she booked that was traveling with a tour operator in Israel when the war broke up. The tour operator — which is preferred in our network — managed to get her entire group out of Israel and into Jordan, where they were able to safely return home.

   Whenever there’s a safety issue — whether that’s extreme weather, geopolitical tensions, or a global pandemic — travel will inevitably be disrupted. Flights will be canceled. Tours and cruises will be re-routed. The availability of alternative arrangements will be limited. And you don’t want to have to deal with those disruptions on your own. Having an advocate with industry connections could make a big difference.

We hate to say it, but we’re living in a different world. Between natural disasters, war, terrorism, civil unrest, pandemics, and quarantines, travel is more complicated than ever. But if you’re like us — you still want to see as much of the world as you can, and you want to do so safely. While no destination is 100% free from risk — heck, you encounter risk in the privacy of your own home — there are things you can do to manage or mitigate the risk, and we can certainly help in that regard.