Why You Need a Crisis Plan Before You Travel
Preparedness = Peace of Mind

As a travel advisor, I’ve learned that while we often plan for the fun parts of travel—flights, hotels, excursions—it’s just as important to prepare for the unexpected. That’s why I always encourage my clients (and follow this advice myself) to create a crisis plan before any trip. Having a plan in place isn’t about being pessimistic—it’s about being smart, prepared, and confident when you explore the world.

Why a Crisis Plan Matters

Emergencies can happen anywhere:

• A lost passport in Paris

• A sudden medical issue in Bali

• A political protest that disrupts your itinerary.

• A natural disaster while you're on vacation. 

In moments like these, you don’t want to scramble. You want a plan you can follow calmly and effectively.

What Should Your Travel Crisis Plan Include?

1. Share Your Itinerary

Give a trusted friend or family member a copy of your full itinerary, including flights, hotel names, and any scheduled tours or cruise information. Include my contact information as your travel advisor, so someone always has a direct line to support.

2. Register with STEP

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) from the U.S. Department of State. This free program lets the nearest U.S. embassy contact you in case of local emergencies like natural disasters, civil unrest, or health issues.
Register for STEP here

3. Make Digital and Physical Copies of Documents

Keep digital and printed copies of:

• Your passport

• Travel insurance policy

• Airline tickets and cruise documents

• Vaccination records (if required)

• Credit cards (front and back)

Store these in a secure, cloud-based app and bring printed copies in a separate bag from the originals.

4. Know Local Emergency Numbers

Each country has different emergency numbers. You can check the U.S. State Department's US State Department Emergencies  to get the latest local details, including safety warnings and health information.

5. Download Offline Maps and Key Apps

I always download offline maps using  Google Maps Offline Download or Maps.me, along with apps like Google Translate, Currency Converter, and my airline’s app. If I lose service, I can still navigate and communicate.

6. List of Nearby U.S. Embassies

Check out the U.S. Embassy & Consulate Directory before you travel and note the addresses and phone numbers for each country you'll visit.

Travel Insurance is Non-Negotiable

A comprehensive travel insurance policy isn’t optional for me—it’s essential. It can cover everything from trip delays and lost baggage to emergency evacuation and hospital stays. I help my clients compare plans to match their trip and travel style.

Why Work with a Travel Advisor?

As a Travel advisor based in Houston, I provide no-cost, personalized planning services. From creating crisis plans to securing backup travel insurance, my goal is to ensure you're fully prepared, informed, and supported—before and during your trip.

Let’s Travel Smarter—Together

Whether you're planning a luxury cruise, European vacation, or multi-city tour, I’m here to help you build a travel experience that’s both inspiring and secure.

Helpful Links Recap:

• STEP Travel Enrollment (U.S. State Dept.)

• U.S. Embassy Directory

• Country Information from U.S. State Dept.

• Offline Maps – Google Maps Help