From medical and security emergencies to more common concerns like a delayed flight or missing passport–here at On Call, every phone call (or live chat, text, or email!) we receive is an opportunity to help someone get prepared for travel or solve a problem while they’re away. Read our latest global emergency assistance snapshot for
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Monthly Risk Spotlight: July 2023
AMERICAS Strong El Niño Event Expected for 2023 Often misunderstood and globally impactful, El Niño, the naturally occurring phenomenon that warms the waters off the Pacific Coast of South America, is due to begin this year and will likely have major effects across the globe. Under normal circumstances, the Pacific experiences a consistent movement of
Read MoreOff the Beaten Path Travel: Considerations & Advice From On Call’s Chief Medical Officer
Whether it’s for work, school, or volunteer assignment – people inevitably travel to places off the beaten path, and with that, comes a certain degree of risk – particularly when traveling to destinations with limited resources. This article from our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michelle Nathan, is aimed at sharing insights with organizations on how
Read MoreAsk the Travel Emergency Expert: How to Plan for Smoother, Safer Travels With On Call’s Kristin Toth
Before something goes amiss on your next trip, consider taking some expert travel planning advice from On Call’s Kristin Toth, who specializes in these ‘go-wrong’ scenarios. As the Vice President of Operations, Kristin oversees all of On Call’s Global Emergency Assistance Teams who are responsible for helping people with their travel problems, day in and
Read MoreThe Risk Intelligence Toolbox: Streamlining the Travel Decision-Making Process
Navigating an increasingly uncertain global risk climate can be challenging—particularly for those responsible for fostering a safe and rewarding environment for students, faculty, and staff abroad. Luckily, intelligence can play a critical role in making sound decisions even during the most complex circumstances—allowing organizations to avoid ‘analysis paralysis’ while identifying the best path forward. In
Read MoreMonthly Risk Spotlight: June 2023
AMERICAS Second Attempt at South American Integration In a continent historically divided among itself, where political ideologies can manifest in extreme shifts to the right or left side of the political spectrum and where regional rivalries are plentiful, there is an ongoing, revitalized attempt to create a South American regional block. If successful, a South
Read MoreTravel Assistance 101: What to Do When Your Flight is Cancelled or Delayed
A canceled or delayed flight can be stressful for anyone from first-time flyers to even the most seasoned travelers. However, the good news is, that there are tips and tricks that anyone can have in their ‘travel assistance toolboxes’ to help minimize the impacts from these setbacks. On Call’s Global Response Center receives several of
Read MoreCommon Travel Safety Scams and How to Avoid Them
We travel for many reasons, but meeting and interacting with people of other cultures surely tops most lists. Most of the time, these interactions are quite positive and rewarding – but sometimes, travelers can find themselves victims to scammers who love to prey upon travelers. Learn more about some of these most common travel safety
Read MoreMonthly Risk Spotlight: May 2023
AMERICAS Haiti’s Crisis: A Humanitarian Disaster in the Western Hemisphere In a country where elected officials are not elected, the police are ineffective and outgunned, and the ports and major highways are controlled by gangs with more influence and power than the central government, it is hard to imagine what a more cliche Hollywood dramatized
Read MoreTravel Risk Management 101: What You Should Know About Crisis Response Exercises
Is your organization prepared to effectively handle an incident abroad? Crisis response exercises (CREs) help organizations evaluate emergency response procedures, identify areas for improvement, and foster a collaborative attitude amongst those responsible for supporting their travelers abroad. Regularly engaging in these exercises is invaluable in helping to create a safe and supportive environment for your
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