Author: Jacqueline Coffin

LGBT Safety: Advice for Study Abroad Students and Their Institutions

Post last updated on 8/22/2016. Preparing for a study abroad program can be both exciting and overwhelming—and for the members of the LGBT community, there may be some unique concerns and challenges as they embark on their international journeys. While most LGBT travelers won’t encounter any issues abroad, the better prepared they are, the less… Read more »

Mumps and Travel: How To Prevent It and What To Do If You Get It

Similar to measles, mumps is a contagious disease that is spread when infected people cough, sneeze, and even talk. Mumps remains a common disease in many parts of the world, including regions in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific—and also in industrialized countries like the UK and Japan which do not routinely vaccinate against the… Read more »

Common Travel Scams (And How To Avoid Them!)

Heading overseas for a conference? Spending your summer semester abroad? Or maybe you’re turning a week long business trip into a bleisure trip for the whole family. Regardless of your destination or the purpose of your visit, there’s always a chance you could find yourself a target of local crime. Here’s a list of some… Read more »

Travel Health Update: Zika Virus Q+A with Dr. Wheeler

Zika is still all over the news and is obviously a big concern for people, including those headed to the Olympics this summer. The virus is spreading rapidly, and the frequent updates are hard to keep up with. Check out our latest interview with our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Robert Wheeler, to help separate ‘fact… Read more »

Travel Etiquette Around the World: Cuba

Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, has been the topic of controversy since an embargo was put in place by the United States in 1960. And while jumping on a plane for a beach vacation to Cuba is still out of the question, under new regulations, more Americans are now able to experience a… Read more »

The Sharing Economy: 5 Essential Safety Tips for a Safer Ride

Getting a ride wherever and whenever you need it has never been easier thanks to sharing economy services like Uber and Lyft. But this ease and simplicity also presents some risks, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Read our tips below to keep yourself safe when using sharing economy services when you travel. 1. Wait in a… Read more »

4 Things NOT to Take Home from a Trip

It’s hard enough remembering to re-pack all the essentials when your trip is over. But did you know that bringing back the wrong things could actually spell BIG trouble? Unfortunately, many travelers are unaware they may be packing items that could lead to major issues—not just when they get back to the U.S, but also… Read more »

Personal Safety: 5 Common Sense Tips for Travelers

Whether you’re away on business, studying abroad or even vacationing with your family, personal safety should always be top of mind. And with a little common-sense, vigilance and preparation, you can dramatically reduce your exposure to safety issues during your trip. Check out our five tips for staying safe, no matter where your travels take… Read more »

Studying Abroad in Our New World: Safety Tips for Your Students

Post last updated on 10/24/17. On September 14, 2017 the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide travel alert cautioning U.S. citizens of possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Clearly, there are far more travel risks now than ever before. Many students will still choose to study abroad during their college years, so… Read more »

What Makes a Well Prepared Study Abroad Candidate?

We recently hosted a webinar, Mitigating Travel Risks with University Policies and Procedures, in conjunction with URMIA, as part of their Risky Business Week. In this webinar our Chief Security Officer, Jim Hutton, discussed the characteristics of a well-prepared study abroad candidate and what universities can do to help mitigate risks when students travel abroad…. Read more »