Rules Traveling Abroad 

Millions of Americans travel abroad each year. Safety should be a prime

concern for anyone traveling outside the U. S. There are some things you
can do to improve your safety while abroad.

Motor vehicle safety while traveling

Injuries from motor vehicle crashes pose the greatest risk of injury to
international travelers, says the CDC. The risk of death from motor vehicle
crashes is many times higher in other countries than in the U.S. Poor
roadway design and unskilled drivers are among the reason for this.
Another reason is your own lack of familiarity with the roads, conditions,
and vehicles, along with distracted driving while touring.

Important safety measures you can take include the following:

 Ask for a car with safety belts and use them.

 Check cars and trucks to make sure that tires, windshield wipers,
brakes, and headlights are in good condition.
 Ask for a car with air bags, where available.
 Don't drive at night if possible. Don't drink alcohol when driving. And
don't ride with anyone else who has been drinking.
 Sit in the back seat, when you can. This cuts the risk of death in an
accident.
 Bring a car safety seat when traveling with young children.
 Use a safety helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle.
 If you're the driver, keep your eyes on the road. Don't get distracted
by the sights around you.

Animal or insect hazards

In areas where rabies is present, don't pet domestic dogs, cats, or other
animals. Also stay away from wild animals, especially monkeys, rodents,
and bats.
Bites and stings from insects can cause unpleasant reactions. Seek
medical attention right away for any bite or sting that causes redness,
swelling, bruising, or persistent pain. Take extra care when camping or
staying in rustic or remote areas. Use insect repellents, protective clothing,
and mosquito netting.

Poisonous snakes are another hazard in certain parts of the world,

although deaths from snake bites are rare. Never attempt to handle,
harass, or kill a snake because bites often happen as a snake's defensive
reaction.

Swimming hazards
To prevent infectious disease, only swim in pools with chlorinated water.
Swimming in contaminated water can cause skin, eye, ear, and certain
intestinal infections. In certain areas, a fatal form of encephalitis has
happened after swimming in warm, dirty water. Other infectious diseases
can develop from swimming in freshwater streams, canals, and lakes. To
prevent drowning accidents, don't swim alone or in unfamiliar waters. And
ask if stingrays or stinging jelly fish may be present before going in the
ocean. Stay away from them as much as possible.

Violence-related hazards
Travel in areas where there is poverty or unrest  may put you at risk for
violence. So may using alcohol or drugs, and traveling in unfamiliar places
at night. The CDC advises travelers not to travel alone. Also vary your
routine, limit travel at night, and don't wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
If you are a victim of crime, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy, Consulate,
or consular agency for help. The U.S. Department of State website
provides international travel alerts and warnings by country. The Smart
Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service provided by the U.S.
government to its citizens and nationals who are traveling to, or living in, a
foreign country. Enrollment lets the Department of State to better help
travelers in an emergency while abroad. 
Medical Reviewers:
 Barry Zingman MD
 L Renee Watson MSN RN
 Rita Sather RN