How To Prepare For A Natural Disaster While Traveling In 6 Easy Steps

When planning a trip, we’re focused on planning for the fun parts of our vacation. But are you also planning for if a natural disaster occurs while traveling?

Many don’t plan for a natural disaster and this is a huge travel planning mistake. I’ve had several friends who’ve experienced horrific accidents or natural disasters while traveling, but fortunately most were prepared.

With the most recent earthquake in Bali, it has me thinking about my own safety as I’m scheduled to be in Bali in two weeks. This also got me worrying about my loved ones. Do they know how to handle a natural disaster while traveling? Do you?

That’s great if you already know how to manage if a natural disaster occurs. For those of you who don’t, here are few tips for how to handle a natural disaster while traveling:

Travel Insurance

Like health insurance, you never know when you’ll need it, but you’re glad to have it when you do. If you get nothing else from this list of tips on how to handle a natural disaster while traveling, this is the most important one.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Enroll in STEP before your vacation starts. This is a government service that helps keep you informed when a natural disaster occurs. In addition, it helps the local Embassy contact you in case something happens while you’re in the country.

Important Documents with You

Take pictures of important documents and phone numbers and keep them on your phone. You may not be able to access the Internet so it’s important to be able to easily access information for your travel insurance, travel concierge, and the local embassy.

Stay Calm!

It’s not always easy to stay calm, but you must try. Losing it in these moments can literally impact your safety.

Make a Plan

If you’re traveling with others, set a prearranged meeting location in case of an emergency. This will help you locate the rest of your group in the midst of a natural disaster.

Create a Family/Friends Tree

Once you’re out of immediate danger, find a way to contact at least one person back home to let them know you’re safe. I recommend having a point person who can let others know you’re safety status. That way you can save your phone battery if the power is out.

Again, I pray you never have to experience a natural disaster while traveling. However, if you do, at least you’re now prepared.

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Let us know what other tips you have for preparing for a natural disaster while traveling!