Holiday Travel Safety: What to Know and How to Plan

Holiday travel brings excitement and the chance to reconnect with loved ones, but it also introduces unique safety challenges that travelers should prepare for. From crowded airports and festive events to unpredictable weather and increased theft risks, the holiday season requires extra vigilance. Planning ahead, staying aware of your surroundings, and taking simple precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, whether you’re traveling across town or across the globe.

Pre-Travel Considerations
A pre-travel checklist is essential for ensuring a safe, smooth, and stress-free holiday journey. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, having a checklist allows you to focus on enjoying the trip rather than scrambling to fix preventable issues.

Key factors include:

• • • Check the weather and pack accordingly.

    • Confirm that key items, like travel documents, medications, and emergency contacts are in place.

    • Confirm availability of rideshares, rental cars, and public transport at destination.

    • When packing gifts, use gift bags with tissue paper (checkpoint friendly!) and pack them in your carry-on for security.

    • Download Google Translate Language if needed and Google Maps of the destination location.

    • Buy Virtual Privacy Network (VPN) for any public WiFi usage

Personal Safety
Personal safety during holiday travel is especially important due to crowded venues, heightened distractions, and seasonal risks. Staying alert in busy areas, securing valuables, and avoiding isolated or poorly lit locations can help prevent theft or harm. Preparing for emergencies, protecting your digital information, and securing your home while away are also key steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Large crowds:

• • • Stay aware of your surroundings: Know exit routes, avoid bottlenecks, and watch for signs of panic or crowd surges.

    • Keep a safe position: Stick to the edges of crowds, move with the flow, and protect your personal space.

    • Travel light and smart: Wear secure clothing, carry essentials only, and avoid distractions like phones.

    • React calmly in emergencies: If you fall, protect your head and chest; stay composed and move away from danger when possible.

    • Secure belongings: Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and snatch-and-grabs, are common in large crowds. To avoid this, travelers should maintain a heightened awareness of their personal belongings as well as patrons surrounding them when traveling.

Weather considerations:

• • • Excessive snow, ice, or rain can cause delays: Be sure to look up weather forecasts at the departure and arrival locations of your trip.

    • Pack appropriate clothing: Hypothermia and severe discomfort can potentially be avoided with proper planning.

    • Know cancellation policies: If your transport is affected by weather delays or cancellations, have a back-up plan (or two) in place for alternative lodging, transport routes, etc.

Holiday events:

• • • Markets and festivals: These events surrounding popular holidays have the potential to be targets for attacks.

    • Religious services: Maintain knowledge of the customs and appropriate dress surrounding religious observances so as not to stand out and cause disrespect.

    • Fake charities and donation scams: Common during the holidays and often request untraceable money using pressure tactics and vague information.

Want to Learn More?

At On Call International, our services are designed to provide comprehensive security assistance and support tailored to the unique challenges of holiday travel. Whether your travelers are attending seasonal events, navigating crowded airports, or traveling to destinations with increased risk during the holidays, our experienced team is here to help.

Contact us today to learn how we can help secure your holiday travels and protect what matters most.

About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common accident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 30 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.