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Domestic Travel Considerations

Domestic Travel Considerations

October 16, 2019

Common sense is a key to smooth travel.

Student travel groups often work with a SYTA member tour operator, whose expertise and presence guides the way. While there are many benefits to having a tour leader accompany your group, you may also need to lead.

Consider these tips, to help keep domestic travels running smoothly.

Be aware of your surroundings. Be confident. Be alert.

  • Always act as though you know where you’re going. If you find yourself lost or confused, seek an authoritative person for help.
  • Avoid public demonstrations or other civil disturbances.
  • Monitor your belongings. Use inside pockets or a cross-body bag wrapped across your chest, not outside pockets, fanny packs or handbags.
  • Do not list your home address on your luggage tags.
  • Do not wear name tags in public—or turn them so your name faces away.
  • Wear clothing with inoffensive text or images.

Stay safe and secure.

  • Check domestic travel alerts before and during travel. | Department of Homeland Security | TSA
  • Lock doors and windows where you’re staying.
  • Be inconspicuous. Do not wear expensive jewelry.
  • Do not divulge personal information to strangers.
  • Do not draw attention to any nationality or perceived entitlement.
  • Do not get into a vehicle or otherwise go with strangers.
  • Stay in groups, or with an assigned buddy.
  • Do not leave electronics or other devices unattended.
  • Exercise caution when withdrawing cash from an ATM. Do not do so alone.
  • Guard your identification and credit cards.
  • Expect the unexpected. Be prepared and be flexible.
  • Review your itinerary, repeatedly.

Ensure good behavior.

  • Discuss your students’ code of conduct and expectations.
  • Prohibit use of alcohol and illegal drugs.
  • Prohibit use of profanity, vulgarity and obscenity.
  • Make students aware of local cultural differences that may affect them.
  • Do not tolerate teasing of other travelers, physical bullying and violence.
  • Do not tolerate behavior that endangers the health and safety of others.
  • Make it clear that inappropriate or illegal behavior may result in the student being returned home.

And always, ensure that every member of your group carries a list of emergency contacts and phone numbers for all people who will be traveling with you.

Safe travels!

Courtesy of Teach & Travel.

This article originally appeared in Teach & Travel.