| Deciding Whether To Go - Research the Facts | | | | maintains a list of civil aviation authorities, airlines |
| While each individual must choose what's right for | | | | and aircraft that do not meet certain safety |
| each individual situation, Via Her has compiled a list | | | | criteria, and hence, are banned from operating in |
| of tips to help you make an educated and | | | | and over EU airspace. Whether you're an EU |
| informed decision. | | | | citizen or not, make sure the civil aviation |
| Check with Consular Bureau | | | | authority of the country you're considering |
| The first step in planning any international journey | | | | traveling to and/or your proposed carrier isn't on |
| is to check with your country's consular bureau | | | | this list! |
| for any official travel alerts or warnings. To | | | | Travel Arrangements |
| ensure the most up to date information, Via Her | | | | While most business travelers use a travel agency |
| recommends cross-referencing the consular | | | | or corporate booking services, Via Her |
| bureau sites of at least two countries: | | | | recommends taking a couple of extra steps to |
| - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs | | | | increase travel safety and peace of mind. |
| - Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada | | | | Obtain worldwide travel and medical insurance |
| - France Diplomatie | | | | Consider enrolling in an international travel and |
| - UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office | | | | medical program. Most U.S. medical plans do not |
| - US Department of State | | | | cover international health services provided, and |
| Keep in mind there are significant differences | | | | not all foreign hospitals accept credit card |
| between travel alerts and travel warnings. For | | | | payments. A good plan will cover emergency |
| instance, some alerts advise travelers of the | | | | travel, medical and security assistance, and, in |
| potential of natural activities, such as earthquakes | | | | extreme instances, medical evacuation (which, |
| and hurricane seasons. In more extreme | | | | without insurance, can cost upwards of $50,000). |
| instances, travel warnings advise against traveling | | | | Register with your country's consulate |
| to a specific area (e.g. Gaza Strip), or an entire | | | | We highly recommend registering with your |
| country (e.g., Iraq, Afghanistan). | | | | government's consulate in the country you are |
| Research the country-specific consular briefings | | | | visiting. Consular officers can provide a number of |
| for the following: | | | | services In the event of an emergency, such as |
| - Travel warnings for your specific destination and | | | | replacement passports, and in extreme instances, |
| or the surrounding region. | | | | physical security and evacuation. This is also a |
| - Political stability and upcoming elections. | | | | great opportunity to reconfirm your entry |
| - Risks posed by criminal and/or terrorist activity. | | | | documentation (e.g., passport, visas, work |
| - Any country/region specific issues relative to | | | | authorization permits) is up to date. |
| assaults against women. | | | | Visit your doctor to obtain vaccines and |
| Investigate region specific medical issues | | | | prescription drugs |
| The Center for Disease Control (CDC)'s Travelers' | | | | Your doctor should provide you with the |
| Health offers information to assist travelers | | | | appropriate vaccines and medication |
| decide the vaccines, medications, and other | | | | recommended by the CDC's Travelers' Health |
| measures necessary to prevent illness and injury | | | | organization necessary to prevent illness and |
| during international travel. | | | | injury during international travel. Don't forget to |
| Know the airline and country's aviation safety | | | | ask for refills for any prescription medication you |
| record | | | | take today - it may not be as easy to obtain in a |
| The European Union Transport Commission | | | | foreign country. |