As the chill of winter gives way to bright sunshine and the sound of birds chirping, it's possible you're one of the millions of Americans planning to travel internationally in 2025. Nearly 2 in every 5 Americans planned international travel last year, with the majority of these trips occurring between the months of May and September.
Spending a week immersed in local sights, sounds and cuisine may sound enticing, but unfortunately, international travel also comes with some unseen risks. With an always-changing socio-political landscape and new risks emerging each day, it's important to be aware of potential hazards when planning a trip.
If you're a high-net-worth individual, you may be a prime target if you let your guard down. But don't fear – we want to help you prepare your next international excursion with these important safety tips.
International Travel Safety is a Growing Priority
According to the 2023 Virtuoso Luxe Report, when luxury travelers were asked to prioritize their considerations when planning international travel, safety and security ranked second only to exclusive experiences when booking luxury international travel, with 78% of respondents listing it as extremely important.
The Resonance Consultancy’s 2023 U.S. Luxury Travel report agreed with these findings, saying that security concerns “significantly influence” destination selection for 76% of high-net-worth American travelers, with many avoiding locations due to apparent safety concerns.
Partner with a reputable travel agency known for catering to the needs of high-end clients. Such agencies can handle details discreetly and ensure your accommodations and transport align with enhanced security standards.
Some travelers even employ security consultants before selecting their travel destination, who can provide professional risk assessments and help plan safe travel. Working with a specialist ahead of time can ensure your personal safety from pre-travel through your return, and can identify tactics unique to your specific itinerary.
Research Your Destination
You don't need to be fluent in the local language to have a safe, fun and rewarding experience abroad. However, it's a great practice to at least learn the most important common words and phrases: think hello, goodbye, yes, no, help, police, bathroom.
This isn't just for practical reasons – it's also to help you fit in. Former CIA officer Mark Laine keeps his advice simple: "Don't act like an arrogant jerk." It sounds simple, but one of the biggest aspects of remaining safe abroad is simply blending in. Don't give anyone a reason to target you by calling attention to yourself.
Even more important: familiarize yourself with local culture, customs and regulations. We've all heard – or even witnessed – the American who doesn't even try to blend in with the local culture. Some common, everyday gestures that we take for granted here in the States may be deemed offensive in certain parts of the world. If you're already drunk and belligerent, you're not likely to be given the benefit of the doubt and may have just labeled yourself as a target.
Other important tips:
Don't bring items that are prohibited in your chosen destination: some medications, including contraceptives, may be banned in a certain jurisdiction. Religious items, certain literature, even alcohol – these items could put you at risk, depending on where you're traveling.
Visit the U.S. State Department website for current travel advisories, restrictions and background information. Research threats and tactics used by the local criminal population, which may vary from place to place. Doing some lead work ahead of time can increase your awareness if you're being targeted in what may otherwise seem like an innocuous interaction.
Don't assume you can trust the locals: even police and housekeeping. You don't have to be paranoid, but be smart about the information you choose to share with others, the access you give them, and the help you choose to receive. Trust your instincts – if something feels off, it probably is.
Here are some helpful resources that can help you research potential threats in your intended destination ahead of time:
Be Discreet
Don't bring your expensive jewelry or watch, don't flaunt your cash and consider dressing in a way that makes you look like you belong.
Another tip: stay off social media. You may want to share records of your travels, but that can wait until you return home. Don't broadcast to your connections that you're out of the country, no good can come from that, and you can't always control who sees your posts – or who you can fully trust with that information.
At the Hotel
Another expert, Tracy Walder – a former CIA officer and FBI special agent – recommends avoiding private rented properties because you’re trusting a person you don’t know – and you have less control over the overall environment when renting a house or apartment, versus a hotel or resort property.
Book hotels or rentals that provide advanced security measures such as 24/7 surveillance, guards and secure, gated access. However, even with these considerations in place, you can never be too careful.
Walder's advice: when staying at a hotel, request a room between the third and sixth floors. This ensures you're off the ground level, which is more easily accessible from inside and out. But it keeps you low enough that it's easier to escape the property in a hurry, and is accessible from the outside in case of fire evacuation.
Use the deadbolt, the security lock, and consider bringing your own portable door lock and doorstop.
Don’t open your door for anyone you don’t recognize, even if they look like a hotel employee. Always call the front desk to verify they’re actually part of the service staff.
Have an escape plan: know how many doors are between your room and the nearest stairwell. You need to be able to get there quickly when disoriented, in the dark, or if the corridor is filled with smoke.
Avoid the stairs unless absolutely necessary. Most crimes occur in isolated, secluded, low-visibility spaces.
Out & About
If you're traveling with children, snap a photo of each of them before leaving the hotel each day. That way, if you do get separated, you have a record not only of what they look like, but exactly what they are wearing that day.
Hire professional security transport services, especially in high-risk areas. These services include vetted drivers who are familiar with the area and can navigate away from unsafe situations. If you do have to take a cab, negotiate the fare before getting in the vehicle – and always ensure you're getting in a certified, regulated, licensed taxi. Informal taxis or minibuses can be extremely dangerous.
Before departing one destination for another, discuss all logistics with your family or travel party. Have a plan for regrouping if you get separated. And don't bring anything with you that isn't necessary – there's no reason to travel with extra cash on hand, you're only making yourself a bigger target.
One more expert tip: Keep a throwaway wallet in your back pocket with some light cash. That way, if you do get robbed, you have something to give away that doesn't contain all your money, your ID or other important documents.
Health & Medical Precautions
Consider investing in comprehensive travel insurance that covers international emergencies. Speak to your advisor about your options, they can help you identify a trusted partner and establish clearly understood terms and conditions. Work with your travel agency to identify reputable, accredited hospitals around your area of stay in the event of a medical emergency.
Technology
Work with your phone carrier ahead of time to ensure you’ll have adequate, consistent coverage, the ability to access local networks and a data plan. This ensures you can communicate with your travel party, local authorities if needed, and that you can access GPS/maps on your phone.
Store important contact information into your phone – hotel and rental car phone numbers, safe taxi phone numbers, the U.S. embassy phone number, and any other numbers you may need to access. It’s a good practice to also write these numbers down in case your phone is lost or stolen.
Maintain strict privacy protocols, including use of a secure VPN. Avoid connecting to unsecured public wifi networks, and use RFID-blocking technology to prevent unauthorized access to your phone, credit cards and even your passport.
Final Thoughts
Traveling doesn’t just come with perks of comfort and exclusivity; it also demands a high level of responsibility and precaution.
By implementing these safety measures, you can significantly mitigate risks and ensure that your international adventures aren't just memorable – they're also safe and secure. Always stay informed, prepared, and aware of your surroundings.
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