Millions of people travel over the summer, some taking road trips, visiting other states, and checking out international destinations. While many people are focused on having fun or exploring, safety should be at the top of every traveler’s priority list. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a trip and forget about the necessary preparations to ensure everyone’s safety. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping people safe, regardless of the destination.
"Whether looking at accidents that can happen on vacation or the increased risks for crime, it's an issue that needs to be considered," said Rhiannon Taylor, sales and marketing manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “While nothing is absolute in being able to provide protection, there are some good measures people can take to increase their safety.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over a focused two-year period, 1,500 U.S. citizens died from non-natural causes while visiting foreign countries. This does not include those who were injured, victims of crimes, or those who experienced such incidents traveling domestically. The leading cause of death while visiting a foreign country is motor vehicle crashes, followed by homicide, suicide, and drowning.
Keep these travel tips in mind, no matter your destination:
Prepare ahead. Before the trip, learn about the place you will be visiting. This includes checking the laws, understanding health risks, and knowing your rights. For international travel, check if you need special cellular service access and obtain the phone numbers to the closest U.S. Embassy and local emergency services. Be sure to share the itinerary with someone who is not traveling so they have an idea of where you will be and when. Download offline maps and tools that can be used for navigation when there is no internet access. It is wise to alternate payment methods, including using cash, credit, etc.
Keep copies. Make copies of all necessary documents so that if the originals are lost or stolen, you will have access to the required information. Additionally, consider taking an RFID-blocking pouch, which can help prevent digital skimming and theft.
Check advisories. Those traveling internationally should be aware of the government’s recommendations regarding those destinations. Information on travel alerts for various countries can be easily obtained from the U.S. General Service Administration website. That will provide helpful information about what citizens should know about the crime and risks in the areas they plan to visit. Additionally, the CDC offers health-related notices for travelers, which can be accessed online. This will provide information about disease outbreaks and information on staying healthy. Be sure to take hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes along for public spaces, and verify that vaccinations are up to date before the trip.
Be water-aware. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for those who are visiting an area that offers water recreation opportunities. A lack of familiarity with the water conditions, including how to navigate things like rip currents, poses a significant safety risk, even for experienced swimmers. To help stay safe, never engage in water activities under the influence of alcohol, swim near a lifeguard, and use a personal floatation device when boating.
Transporting safely. To get around safer when traveling, always remain alert, get enough sleep, avoid using alcohol before driving or biking, use seat belts, and only take taxis with seat belts. Those who are biking should always wear a helmet.It is also a good idea to take a first aid kit along, as well as a carbon monoxide detector that can be used in the hotel room or place where you will be staying.
Safer adventure activities. People often engage in adventure activities while traveling, such as kayaking, mountain biking, rafting, etc. These activities carry a level of risk. To help reduce the risks, always choose a reputable company to work with and use a helmet for those activities that allow for one.
Use caution. While relaxing is a goal for most people on vacation, it is essential to stay aware and exercise additional caution. This is especially so in crowds, subways, train stations, etc. Avoid places that are less traveled and off the beaten path, as there is strength in numbers. Always be aware of your surroundings, and do not leave fellow travelers alone. Enable the ’Find My’ feature on devices so they can be located if the device is lost or stolen.
“When it comes to crime, we have to focus on prevention,” said Taylor. "By planning, we can help reduce some risks and enjoy our trip more."
The Alcatraz East Crime Museum will provide open access to the Natalie Holloway Resource Center through July 2025. The online resource center provides information regarding crime prevention. The center is in memory of Natalie Holloway, who disappeared on May 30, 2005, after failing to return from a trip she took to Aruba to celebrate graduating from high school. On October 18, 2023, Joran van der Sloot confessed to killing Holloway.
The museum features over 100 exhibits and interactives and four temporary exhibit spaces, with many famous items on display, including Al Capone’s rosary, Ted Bundy’s dental molds, and Charles Manson’s acoustic guitar. This top museum is open daily at 10 a.m.. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available for an additional fee for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team building, or other special events. To get a discounted rate for groups of 15 or more, complete the online form and allow up to 72 hours for confirmation. For more information about tickets, discounts, temporary exhibits, and all the museum offers, visit the site: https://www.alcatrazeast.com.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum has updated its board of crime experts, which includes Derwin Bradley, a retired master police officer; James R. Knight, a crime writer; Robin Maynard, a certified crime scene investigator in Florida; Derek Newport, a law enforcement veteran who worked for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 20 years; and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who presided over the notorious case against Casey Anthony, among others.
