Be Smart When Traveling Abroad

If cheap airline tickets for military personnel transport you to a foreign land, take special steps to ensure your safety. Members of the military have the potential to become victims of theft and other crimes, sometimes even more so than civilians. By keeping safety in mind before and during the trip, they reduce their risk.

Prior to departing, military personnel should register their travel plans with the U.S. Department of State. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is free and enables the traveler to be contacted due to a family emergency back in the U.S. or a crisis in the discounted airline ticket destination. Registration can be done online and the Department of State will not release the information without written consent.

Registration can also take place at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate after arriving at the destination. If a family member must reach the traveler due to an emergency, the individual can pass a message through the Office of Overseas Citizens Services. This office will then contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in the destination country, which will pass the message to the traveler.

Before departing, service members should make sure their passport is valid, signed, and the emergency contact page is completed. A copy of the passport data page, travel itinerary, and visa (if required) should be left with an emergency contact. This makes it easier for someone in the U.S. to reach the traveler in an emergency.

Medical insurance coverage should be in order for all travelers in the party. Each insured should verify that the insurance policy is valid overseas and applies to emergency costs like medical evacuation. If this is not the case, supplemental medical insurance should be considered. Once military personnel have this in order, they should click here to find a military discount airline ticket to the desired destination.

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