No matter where your journey takes you, it’s important to be vigilant about your personal safety. It could be visiting friends out of town, driving to the beach, or flying to a foreign country.

One of the most popular times to travel is during the holidays, when many people travel to visit family and friends. The roads are full of cars and the airports are full of passengers. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and try to be patient with other drivers and the airline. Everyone wants to have a safe day, but the holidays can be a stressful time for many people. Be aware of this fact and don’t be the catalyst for someone to get angry or lash out.

Here are 12 travel safety tips to help keep you safe!

1. Do your research and read about any type of travel restrictions that may exist where you plan to go. Please be aware of any travel alerts or travel advisories related to the region or country you wish to visit. Check with the US Department of State to see if there is anything you should be aware of. You should also search for and obtain the contact information for the US Embassy or Consulate in the country or region you are visiting. Also, it’s a good idea to check with your local emergency management agency and the American Red Cross about the likelihood of different emergencies that could occur in your local area or in areas you travel to frequently.
2. When traveling to other countries, be aware that some may have comfortable personal space distances defined differently than in your home country. Research this before you travel so that you don’t make a simple gesture or physical contact that has a very different meaning for the people of the country you are going to.
3. Depending on where you go and the time of year is another thing to consider. Weather can cause a variety of safety issues from walking, swimming, or biking in the summer to just walking when conditions turn slick and slippery due to rain, snow, or ice. Allow extra time to get to your destination.
4. Take your time and learn the area so you can feel comfortable with where you are traveling and the surrounding area. Look it up on the maps (Google Earth Prayed google maps is great for this!) and look around you. Take a look at natural landforms like rivers, forests, and mountains. Also be aware of where man-made structures are located, such as major highways, shopping malls, and apartment complexes. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the area you are traveling through. This way, you’ll know where both man-made and natural barriers exist that could be significant in the event of a natural disaster or act of terrorism nearby.
5. You won’t just be walking. Chances are you also use other forms of transportation, such as cars, trains, and ships. Each presents a unique set of security challenges. Keep your eyes in front of you and watch out for other traffic, whether on the road or in the water. There are a lot of distracted drivers out there, don’t assume they see you. Be alert so you don’t get hurt. Beware of dangers no matter where you are.
6. You should be aware of any specific health problems that may exist in the country you are visiting. Some may require you to receive special vaccinations before you are allowed to enter the country. This means that you may be exposed to threats to your health that do not exist in your home country. If you take any medication and will be traveling with it, get a note from your doctor stating the medication, the dosage, the duration of the prescription, and what it is for. Keep this with you and the medicine at all times. Some medications may not be legal in the country you’re visiting, so do the smart thing and plan ahead.
7. Another area you want to investigate is health insurance coverage. Many domestic insurance plans cannot be used abroad, requiring you to purchase travel medical insurance. Having it can be a literal lifesaver in case you have to receive medical treatment abroad. It can also help if you need to be medically evacuated back to the United States. The price of this coverage is reasonable, but it could end up being essential if you need it. Plan ahead so if you need coverage, you get it! It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
8. Don’t assume that buildings in other countries have fire alarms, fire escapes, or fire departments that are as capable as those you’re used to. Some may be better, but some may be worse or non-existent. Familiarize yourself with this aspect when traveling abroad and know its exits and evacuation routes.
9. Remember that you are most vulnerable when you travel outside of your home territory, wherever you are. Once you get out of your comfort zone and have to deal with new cultures and ways of doing things, you are at a distinct disadvantage to those who live and work in the area. Take the time to learn the local customs so you don’t find yourself in an awkward or dangerous situation that could have been avoided if you understood what was going on more clearly.
10. Be more mindful at night and stay in well-lit and populated areas when traveling. Avoid alleys, dark streets, areas with poor visibility, and places where someone might hide.
11. Make sure you have a valid passport and obtain any visas you may need when you travel. Make copies of all travel documents, including your passport and visas, and keep them in a safe place separate from the original documents.
12. Learn the equivalent of 911 in any country you visit and learn how to say “help me” in the language of the country you’re traveling to.

These travel safety tips are a great way to start your trip. Stay alert and more aware than ever when you find yourself in an unfamiliar environment and especially when you leave your home country. Research things ahead of time and make wise safety preparations before you even pack!