Region controls emergency numbers, units and regional notes – independent of language.
Tip: choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog. Free, no account.
Printable handbook
Travel and expeditions
Well prepared for remote regions
SurviveBetter · As of 2026-10-12 · 26 entries
Preparation, communication and precautions for trips far from infrastructure.
01 · Preparation · Expert review pending
Checking travel documents and securing copies
A lost or expired passport can end a trip before it starts – or cost a lot of time abroad. If you check validity and entry requirements in good time, keep copies separate from the originals and carry important numbers on paper, loss or theft can be resolved much faster.
Entry requirements (minimum passport validity, visa, certificates) change and differ by nationality. Use only current information from the destination country or your own foreign ministry, not old travel reports.
Store digital copies only encrypted or in protected storage. Unencrypted scans on a lost phone make identity theft easier.
Materials
Copies of travel documents
Document folder (waterproof)(optional) – Waterproof sleeve for originals and copies
Cash reserve(optional) – Small reserve, kept apart from the wallet
Steps
1
Check validity
Check the expiry dates of passport, ID card, driving licence and any visas. Some countries require validity beyond the end of the trip – check current information from the destination country or your own foreign ministry.
2
Clarify entry requirements
Clarify visa requirements, transit rules, health certificates and rules for children (e.g. consent letters when travelling with one parent) early. Processing times can be long.
3
Make copies
Copy the passport data page, visas, driving licence, insurance documents, booking confirmations and card-blocking numbers. Keep one paper copy in your luggage separate from the originals and leave one with a trusted person at home.
4
Protected digital copy
Store scans encrypted so they can be retrieved even without your own phone. A spare passport photo makes applying for replacement papers easier.
5
Emergency numbers on paper
Write the destination's emergency number, the nearest embassy or consulate, the insurance emergency line, card-blocking numbers and a contact at home on a card and carry it on your person.
6
Carry originals securely
Carry originals close to the body and not together with all cash and cards in one place. Check regularly on the way that everything is complete.
7
In case of loss
Report loss or theft to the local police and keep the confirmation, have cards blocked and contact the responsible embassy or consulate about replacement papers. The copies speed this up.
Common mistakes
×Checking passport validity only at the airport
×Copies in the same pocket as the originals
×All emergency numbers only in the phone
×Unencrypted scans in public cloud folders
×Forgetting documents for children
Limits and risks
–No information on specific countries' entry requirements – these change
–No legal advice on visas or residence rights
Sources
[1]
Auswärtiges Amt, Deutschland: Krisenvorsorgeliste ELEFAND (Elektronische Erfassung von Deutschen im Ausland)
[2]
U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Checking travel insurance: what is really covered?
Treatment or repatriation abroad can be very expensive. Before travelling it pays to look specifically at the terms: does the cover apply in the destination, for the planned activities and for pre-existing conditions? Is medical evacuation included? What is the insurer's emergency number?
In a medical emergency first call the local emergency number (112 in the EU); inform the insurer as soon as possible afterwards.
Materials
Copies of travel documents
Steps
1
Clarify existing cover
Check what health insurance, credit cards or existing policies cover abroad.
2
Scope
Does cover apply to the destination, trip length and all travellers?
3
Activities
Are planned activities such as mountaineering, diving or motorcycling included or excluded?
4
Medical
Check pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, medical evacuation and search-and-rescue costs.
5
Note the emergency number
Save the policy number and the insurer's 24-hour emergency number on your emergency card and phone.
6
Leave at home
Leave a copy of the policy with a trusted person at home.
Common mistakes
×Assuming regular health insurance pays for everything
×Not reading exclusions
×Not carrying the emergency number
×Not declaring pre-existing conditions
Limits and risks
–No product or tariff recommendations
–No legal advice
Sources
[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel
Hurricanes, monsoon rain, earthquakes, wildfires, heat or tsunamis are possible at many destinations, often seasonally. Knowing the official travel advice and regional warning systems before the trip, and how to behave locally, lets you react correctly faster in an emergency.
On site the instructions of local authorities apply. Follow evacuation orders immediately.
Check your foreign ministry's travel advice before and during the trip; it can change at short notice.
Steps
1
Official travel advice
Read your foreign ministry's travel advice, including the section on natural hazards and climate.
2
Check the season
Find out whether the trip falls in a storm, rainy, heat or wildfire season.
3
Local warning systems
Find out how the region issues warnings (sirens, apps, radio, SMS) and which local emergency number applies.
4
Learn the behaviour
Review the basic rules for the main hazards, e.g. earthquake, tsunami, flood.
5
On arrival
Look at the accommodation's escape routes, higher ground and assembly points. Consider registering with your foreign ministry.
Common mistakes
×Relying only on weather apps
×Ignoring the season
×Not understanding warnings in a foreign language
×Ignoring evacuations for convenience
Limits and risks
–No country-specific hazard assessments
Sources
[1]
Auswärtiges Amt, Deutschland: Krisenvorsorgeliste ELEFAND (Elektronische Erfassung von Deutschen im Ausland)
[2]
U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
[3]
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
Plan for flight cancellation and being stranded at the airport
Strikes, storms, volcanic ash or technical problems can cancel flights at short notice. Carrying medication, charger and a change of clothes in hand luggage, storing booking data offline and knowing where rebooking and passenger rights are handled keeps you able to act.
Always carry essential medication in hand luggage, with a reserve for a few days of delay.
Passenger rights differ by departure point, airline and country. In the EU, Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 governs assistance and compensation for cancellation and long delay; check details with the responsible bodies.
Materials
Power bank
Medication supply(optional)
Copies of travel documents(optional)
Steps
1
Pack hand luggage
Medication, charger and power bank, change of clothes, toiletries, snack, empty water bottle, documents.
2
Data offline
Booking reference, airline contact, insurance number and lodging offline and on paper.
3
Notifications
Subscribe to the airline's flight information by app or SMS.
4
Rebook in parallel
On cancellation queue at the desk while also using the app or hotline.
5
Keep receipts
Keep confirmations of the cancellation and receipts for food, hotel and transport.
6
Inform contacts
Inform relatives, lodging and employer if relevant about the delay.
Common mistakes
×Medication in checked luggage
×Flat battery
×Only waiting at the desk
×No receipts
Limits and risks
–No legal advice
–No compensation amounts
Sources
[1]
European Parliament and Council of the European Union (2004): Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights
An unfamiliar car in an unfamiliar country: tyres, lights, spare wheel, warning equipment and how to operate hazard lights, headlights and wipers should be clear before driving off. Equally important: the rental company's breakdown number, fuel type and locally mandatory equipment.
Do not drive off with obvious defects (tyres, brakes, lights, warning lamps on the dashboard); ask for another vehicle.
Mandatory equipment, daytime light requirements, vignettes and child-seat rules differ by country – check local rules.
Materials
Mobile phone
High-visibility vest(optional)
Warning triangle(optional)
Steps
1
Walk around
Photograph damage; check tyres for tread and damage; test lights.
2
Equipment
Locate spare wheel or repair kit, jack, hi-vis vest, warning triangle and first-aid kit – as available or required.
3
Controls
Find out hazard lights, headlights, wipers, handbrake, fuel cap and fuel type before driving off.
4
Numbers
Save and note the rental company's breakdown and accident number.
5
Child seats
Check child seats yourself and install them according to the instructions.
Common mistakes
×Picking up in the dark and checking nothing
×Using the wrong fuel
×No rental emergency number
×Not documenting damage
Limits and risks
–No legal or contract advice
Sources
[1]
Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (United Kingdom): The Highway Code
Hiking abroad: sort out rescue, emergency numbers and insurance
Abroad, emergency numbers, rescue organisations, trail markings and sometimes cost rules for rescues are different. Before the trip clarify: how do I reach local rescue, does my insurance cover search and helicopter rescue, where is the nearest hut or settlement, and who knows when I plan to be back?
In an emergency call the local emergency number (112 in the EU). Some countries and regions also have separate mountain rescue numbers – check official sources beforehand and save them in your phone.
In some countries search and rescue operations, including by helicopter, may be billed. Check whether travel, health or membership insurance (e.g. of an alpine club) covers this – terms differ greatly.
Unfamiliar terrain, heat or altitude often have a stronger effect than expected. Set a turnaround time and keep to it.
Materials
Mobile phone
Power bank(optional)
Topographic map
Signal whistle(optional)
Emergency card (contacts and health details)(optional)
Steps
1
Research local rescue
Note emergency numbers, the mountain rescue organisation, weather and avalanche services of the destination from official sources.
2
Check insurance
Read whether search, rescue, helicopter and repatriation are covered and whether there are altitude or activity limits. Save the insurer's emergency number.
3
Leave a route plan
Give route, timetable, turnaround time and latest alarm time to a contact person or your accommodation.
4
Be able to give your location
Be able to read coordinates on your phone, carry a map, note trail numbers and landmarks.
5
Know the signal
Know the alpine distress signal (six signals per minute, one minute pause) and hand signals for helicopters.
Common mistakes
×Dialling your home emergency number abroad
×Assuming trail markings are unambiguous
×No insurance cover for rescue
×Telling nobody
Limits and risks
–No information on costs or insurance in specific countries
–No mountaineering technique
Sources
[1]
ICAR – International Commission for Alpine Rescue: International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) – recommendations and information (organisation website)
[2]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Reading travel advice and registering with your foreign ministry
Many countries offer their citizens voluntary registration before or during a trip abroad. In natural disasters, unrest or evacuations, the embassy or consulate can then inform and reach those registered. Together with the official travel and safety advice, this is one of the simplest precautions.
Registration is not a promise of rescue. What embassies and consulates can do is limited; in acute danger use the local emergency number and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Travel and safety advice is updated continuously. Re-read it before and during the trip, especially when there is news of severe weather or unrest.
Materials
Mobile phone(optional) – For alerts and the ministry's app, where offered
Copies of travel documents(optional)
Steps
1
Read the travel advice
Read your own foreign ministry's official travel and safety advice for the destination: security situation, natural hazards, health, entry, local laws.
2
Register where offered
Check whether your country offers registration for travellers (examples: the German Federal Foreign Office's crisis preparedness list, the US State Department's STEP) and enter travel dates, locations and contact details.
3
Note contact details
Note the address and emergency number of the responsible embassy or consulate and the local emergency number on paper.
4
Inform a contact person
Give a person at home your route, accommodation and copies of documents and agree when you will check in.
5
Update on the way
When the route changes, update the registration and your contact person. After returning, deregister the trip if the scheme provides for it.
6
In a crisis
Follow the instructions of local authorities, watch for messages from the embassy or consulate and contact relatives as soon as it is safely possible.
Common mistakes
×Reading travel advice only once months before departure
×Registering with an outdated phone number
×Waiting for embassy help instead of calling emergency services
×Telling no one at home about the route
Limits and risks
–No statements on what help a specific embassy provides
–No list of all national registration services
Sources
[1]
Auswärtiges Amt, Deutschland: Krisenvorsorgeliste ELEFAND (Elektronische Erfassung von Deutschen im Ausland)
[2]
U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
A breakdown, a traffic jam in a snowstorm or a closed road can cost hours. A small basic kit in the vehicle – warning equipment, light, warm clothing, water, food, a charger – and a vehicle prepared for winter make such situations much safer.
After a breakdown on fast roads, staying next to the vehicle is dangerous. Put on a high-visibility vest, switch on hazard lights, leave the vehicle if possible and wait behind the crash barrier or away from the carriageway, and secure the scene as local rules require.
During severe weather warnings for snow, freezing rain or storm, the safest journey is often the one not taken. Check warnings and road condition reports before departure.
Mandatory equipment (warning triangle, high-visibility vest, first-aid kit, winter tyres, snow chains) and the related rules differ between countries and sometimes regions – check local rules.
Materials
Vehicle emergency kit
High-visibility vest – One per person is sensible
Headlamp / flashlight
Wool blanket / duvet – Or a sleeping bag in winter
Dry spare clothing – Hat, gloves, warm layer
Power bank
Non-perishable food(optional)
Snow shovel(optional) – Compact shovel for winter trips
Steps
1
Check mandatory equipment
Check the mandatory equipment for your own country and all transit countries and stow it within reach – the high-visibility vest inside the cabin.
2
Pack the basic kit
Headlamp with spare batteries, blanket or sleeping bag, warm clothing, water, non-perishable food, charging cable and power bank, first-aid kit, gloves, a list of breakdown-service and emergency numbers.
3
Add for winter
Ice scraper and brush, compact shovel, snow chains where appropriate (practise fitting them beforehand), jump leads, antifreeze in the screen wash.
4
Prepare the vehicle
Check tyres for condition and suitability for winter conditions, have the battery, lights and wipers checked. On trips in winter regions do not run the tank nearly empty.
5
Before departure
Check weather warnings and road conditions, tell someone your route and expected arrival, clear windows, lights and roof completely of snow and ice.
6
Drive to conditions
On snow and ice reduce speed considerably, increase following distance greatly, steer, brake and accelerate gently. Bridges and shaded sections can be icy when the rest of the road looks clear.
7
Check regularly
Check the kit twice a year: batteries, shelf life of water and food, first-aid kit, completeness.
Common mistakes
×High-visibility vest in the boot under the luggage
×Fitting snow chains for the first time in a snowstorm
×Scraping only a peephole in the windscreen
×Driving into winter areas with a nearly empty tank
×No warm clothing because the car is heated
Limits and risks
–No legal information on mandatory equipment or winter tyres
–No driver training
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Winter Weather
[2]
Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen
Stranded in a vehicle: snow, cold, carbon monoxide
If you are stuck in snow or a traffic jam, staying in the vehicle is usually safer than walking in a snowstorm. The greatest hidden danger is carbon monoxide: if the exhaust pipe is blocked by snow, exhaust can enter the cabin. Keep the exhaust clear, run the engine only briefly, ventilate slightly, dress warmly and stay visible.
Carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless. With the engine running, the exhaust pipe must be clear of snow. Headache, dizziness, nausea or drowsiness can be signs of poisoning: switch the engine off, get fresh air immediately, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).
Leaving the vehicle on foot in a snowstorm is dangerous – orientation and strength are lost quickly. Only walk if safe help is visible and close or if the vehicle itself is in danger.
Intense shivering, confusion or slurred speech are warning signs of hypothermia. Call emergency services and warm the person with all available dry layers.
Materials
Vehicle emergency kit
Wool blanket / duvet
Dry spare clothing
Snow shovel(optional) – To keep the exhaust clear
Headlamp / flashlight
Mobile phone
Steps
1
Assess and call for help
If anyone is injured or in danger, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) and give location, road, direction of travel and number of people. In a traffic jam without an emergency, listen for radio announcements.
2
Stay in the vehicle
As a rule, stay in the vehicle. If you must get out briefly (e.g. for the exhaust), do not go far and watch for traffic.
3
Keep the exhaust clear
Before each start check that the exhaust pipe and the area behind it are clear of snow, and check again regularly during continued snowfall.
If the exhaust cannot be kept clear reliably, do not run the engine.
4
Use the engine sparingly
Run the engine only intermittently to warm up, with a window on the sheltered side opened a crack. Ready.gov gives about 10 minutes per hour as a guide. This also makes fuel and battery last longer.
5
Stay warm
Put on all available layers, hat and gloves, use the blanket, huddle together. Light movement of arms and legs helps, without sweating. Drink and eat something regularly.
6
Stay visible
Tie a brightly coloured cloth to the antenna or window; at night switch on the interior light briefly while the engine is running so the battery is not drained. During snowfall keep the roof and lights clear.
7
Watch each other
Do not let everyone sleep at the same time; pay particular attention to children, older people and those with medical conditions. Call for help immediately at warning signs of hypothermia or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Common mistakes
×Running the engine continuously while the exhaust is snowing up
×All windows fully closed with the engine running
×Setting off on foot in a snowstorm to find help
×Draining the battery with lights and fan while the engine is off
×Wearing only light clothing because a short trip was planned
Limits and risks
–No treatment of hypothermia or frostbite – call medical help
–Engine running-time guidance is orientation, not a guarantee
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Winter Weather
[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Prevention guidance
[3]
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Wilderness Medical Society) (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2019 Update
[4]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Evacuating by road: route, fuel, hazards on the way
In an evacuation many people travel at once, roads may be closed, flooded or congested, and fuel stations fail. Leaving early, using the routes named by the authorities, having a full tank and never driving through flooded roads gets you there more safely.
Never drive through flooded roads or underpasses. Water depth and current cannot be judged, the road may be washed out, and even shallow moving water can sweep vehicles away. Turn around.
Follow the instructions of authorities and emergency services. Do not drive around barriers; shortcuts on side roads can lead into closed or dangerous areas.
Keep away from fallen power lines and do not drive over them. If your vehicle touches a line, stay inside if possible and call emergency services.
Materials
Vehicle emergency kit
Backpack – Pre-packed go bag
Document folder (waterproof)
Topographic map(optional) – Or a paper road map
Battery or crank radio(optional) – Car radio or battery radio for announcements
Power bank
Steps
1
Plan ahead
Know at least two routes to a safe destination outside the hazard area (relatives, friends, emergency shelter) and mark them on a paper map.
2
Fill the tank
When an evacuation seems likely, fill the tank or charge the vehicle. During an evacuation, fuel stations may be closed or overwhelmed.
3
Leave early
Leave immediately when told to evacuate; leaving earlier avoids traffic jams and dangerous conditions. Take the go bag, documents, medication and pets.
4
Use official routes
Follow the routes named by the authorities, even if the navigation device suggests otherwise. Keep the radio on.
5
Avoid hazards
Do not drive through water, keep away from power lines, turn back at smoke, damaged bridges or fallen trees and choose another route.
6
Inform your contact
Tell your out-of-area contact your departure, route and destination – by text message if calls do not get through.
7
Return only when cleared
Return only when the authorities allow it, and watch for damaged roads, lines and buildings.
Common mistakes
×Waiting with a half-empty tank until the order comes
×Driving through a flooded dip
×Driving around barriers
×Relying only on the navigation device
×Leaving too late to pack belongings
Limits and risks
–No information on regional evacuation routes
–Does not replace instructions from the authorities
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Evacuation
[2]
NOAA National Weather Service (USA): Turn Around Don't Drown
[3]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Make A Plan
Fire safety in hotels and lodging: know your way out
In unfamiliar lodging you do not know the escape routes – at night and in smoke you will hardly find them. Two minutes after check-in are enough: find two exits, count the doors to the stairwell, put key and torch by the bed. In a fire never use the lift.
In a fire do not use the lift/elevator. Take the stairs.
Before opening, test the door and handle with the back of your hand. If hot or if smoke comes through, do not open: stay in the room, seal the gaps, call the emergency number and signal at the window.
Smoke is the main danger. In smoke, move low or crawl where the air is clearer.
Materials
Headlamp / flashlight(optional)
Mobile phone(optional)
Steps
1
Read the escape plan
Look at the plan on the room door, note your position and both escape directions.
2
Walk the route
Walk to the nearest and second-nearest emergency exit. Check that the door opens and the stairwell is clear.
3
Count doors
Count the doors between your room and the exit and note which side it is on.
4
Prepare by the bed
Put the room key, phone, torch, glasses and shoes within reach.
5
When the alarm sounds
Take the alarm seriously. Test the door, take the key, close the door behind you, leave by the stairs, report at the assembly point.
6
If the route is blocked
Go back into the room, seal door gaps with wet towels, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) and give your room number, signal at the window.
Common mistakes
×Assuming the alarm is a test and waiting
×Using the lift
×Trying to take luggage
×Going back to fetch something
×Jumping from a great height
Limits and risks
–No information on building codes
–No firefighting
Sources
[1]
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
[2]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
A lost passport is annoying but solvable. The usual steps are: report the loss to local police, contact your own country's embassy or consulate, apply for a replacement or emergency travel document and block stolen cards. Copies and emergency numbers speed everything up.
Only use the embassy's official contact details (e.g. from your foreign ministry's website). Beware of intermediaries promising "fast passports" for money.
Which documents are issued, how long it takes and what it costs is set by each country – check with your own mission.
Materials
Copies of travel documents
Mobile phone(optional)
Cash reserve(optional)
Steps
1
Search calmly
Check lodging, vehicle and recently visited places; ask the lost property offices of hotel, railway or airport.
2
Police
Report the loss or theft to local police and ask for written confirmation.
3
Embassy or consulate
Contact your country's embassy or consulate; ask about appointments, required documents and fees.
4
Block cards
Have stolen bank and credit cards and SIM cards blocked immediately.
5
Replacement document
Apply for a replacement or emergency travel document with copies, police confirmation and passport photos.
6
Arrange onward travel
Inform the airline, tour operator and insurer; where visas apply, also the host country's immigration authority.
Common mistakes
×Carrying no copies
×Passport and copies in the same bag
×Trusting unofficial intermediaries
×Forgetting the police report
Limits and risks
–No country-specific procedures or fees
Sources
[1]
U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs: Lost or Stolen Passports
[2]
Auswärtiges Amt, Deutschland: Krisenvorsorgeliste ELEFAND (Elektronische Erfassung von Deutschen im Ausland)
Breakdown on the motorway: stopping and getting out safely
On fast roads the biggest risk is not the breakdown itself but passing traffic. Stop as far to the side as possible (on the hard-shoulder side), switch on hazard lights, put on a hi-vis vest while still in the car, get out on the side away from traffic and wait behind the crash barrier. Warning triangle and details according to local rules.
Do not stand on the carriageway or between the car and traffic. No repairs on the traffic side, including tyre changes – call the breakdown service.
Whether and where a warning triangle should be placed is regulated differently; in some countries it is discouraged on motorways. Check local rules and only place it if it can be done safely.
With injuries, a collision or if the vehicle is stopped in a dangerous place: call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).
Materials
High-visibility vest
Warning triangle
Mobile phone
Vehicle emergency kit(optional)
Steps
1
Hazard lights and coast
Switch on hazard lights and roll as far as possible onto the hard shoulder or an emergency bay; turn the wheels away from traffic.
2
Put on the vest in the car
Put on the hi-vis vest before getting out.
3
Get out on the safe side
Everyone gets out on the side away from traffic. Hold children's hands; leave animals in the vehicle if they cannot be safely held outside (follow local guidance).
4
Behind the barrier
Go behind the crash barrier or onto the verge, at a distance from the vehicle, slightly back against the direction of travel.
5
Secure according to local rules
Place the warning triangle only if required or recommended and safe to do; walk behind the barrier while doing so.
6
Call for help
Use the breakdown service or emergency roadside telephone; give your location via distance markers, junctions or phone location.
Common mistakes
×Staying in the car when you can get out safely
×Getting out on the driver's side towards traffic
×Hi-vis vest in the boot/trunk
×Changing a tyre on the traffic side yourself
×Walking back along the carriageway
Limits and risks
–No binding legal information
–No breakdown repair
Sources
[1]
Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (United Kingdom): The Highway Code
[2]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Travelling with children: emergency card and a plan for separation
At stations, airports, beaches or festivals children get lost easily. An emergency card with a contact number in their pocket, a current photo on the parents' phone, an agreed meeting point and a simple rule ("Stay where you are and ask a parent with children or someone in uniform/at a till") help to reunite quickly.
If a child is missing and not found quickly, immediately inform staff, security or police and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU). Do not search alone for long.
Do not write the name and address visibly on clothing or backpack; carry the card in an inside pocket.
Materials
Emergency card (contacts and health details)
Mobile phone
Steps
1
Emergency card
Put a card with first name, parents' phone number (with country code), any allergies or conditions and lodging in the child's pocket.
2
Take a photo
Take a photo of the child in the day's clothes every morning.
3
Meeting point
When arriving somewhere new, agree and point out a clearly visible meeting point.
4
Practise the rule
Practise with the child: stay put, do not go off with anyone, seek help from staff, uniformed people or parents with children, show the card.
5
Learn the number
Older children memorise a parent's phone number.
6
If it happens
One adult stays at the last known place or meeting point while the other immediately informs staff or security.
Common mistakes
×Phone number only stored in the child's phone
×Name visible on clothing
×No meeting point
×Searching alone for too long
Limits and risks
–No procedure for abduction cases – call the police immediately
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Make A Plan
[2]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
If the phone is flat, stolen or locked, all numbers are suddenly gone. A small paper card with emergency contacts (with country codes), the local emergency number, embassy, insurer, lodging and allergies and essential medication helps you and those helping you.
Do not write down passwords, PINs or full card numbers.
Look up the local emergency number of the destination in advance; in the EU it is 112.
Materials
Emergency card (contacts and health details)
Copies of travel documents(optional)
Steps
1
Contacts
Two emergency contacts with international dialling codes, including one outside the destination country.
2
Local numbers
Emergency number of the destination country, embassy or consulate, lodging.
3
Insurance
Policy number and the insurer's 24-hour emergency number.
4
Health
Briefly note allergies, important conditions and medication; also in the local language if possible.
5
Keep it
Keep the card in the wallet or passport; a copy in the luggage. Many smartphones also offer emergency information on the lock screen.
Common mistakes
×Numbers without country codes
×Digital only
×Outdated contacts
×Sensitive login data noted
Limits and risks
–Not a formal medical ID in a legal sense
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Make A Plan
[2]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
At night visibility and reaction time are limited, fatigue increases and on lonely roads help is far away. Start rested, take regular breaks, fill up, know the route and dead zones and tell someone your planned arrival – or move the drive to daytime.
Drowsy driving is dangerous. With yawning, heavy eyelids or microsleeps stop immediately in a safe place and sleep. An open window or loud music does not help reliably.
At dusk and at night expect animals on the road. Adjust speed; risky swerving can be more dangerous than a collision – follow local guidance.
In an accident or emergency call the local emergency number (112 in the EU); emergency calls often go through other networks when your own has no signal.
Materials
Vehicle emergency kit
Headlamp / flashlight
Mobile phone
Power bank(optional)
Topographic map(optional)
Steps
1
Check if necessary
Can the drive happen in daylight? If so, postpone it.
2
Route and gaps
Check the route, fuel stations and dead zones; download offline maps; fill up.
3
Tell someone
Share the route and planned arrival with a contact and agree when they should raise the alarm.
4
Breaks
Take regular breaks; traffic rules such as the UK Highway Code recommend breaks roughly every two hours. Swap drivers if possible.
5
Lights and visibility
Keep windows and headlights clean; use high beam but dip in good time for oncoming traffic.
6
In a breakdown
Secure the vehicle, make it visible, stay with it if safe; do not set off on foot into the unknown at night.
Common mistakes
×Setting off after a long day
×Entering remote areas on a near-empty tank
×Telling no one
×Walking off at night to look for help
Limits and risks
–No driver training
–No country-specific rules
Sources
[1]
Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (United Kingdom): The Highway Code
[2]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Winter Weather
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Safety on ferries and boats: briefing, life jackets, muster station
On ferries, excursion boats and small craft the first minutes after departure matter: listen to the safety briefing, locate life jackets and the muster station and on small boats wear the life jacket. Better not to board overloaded or obviously unsafe boats.
Do not board boats that are obviously overloaded, carry no life jackets or set out in a storm.
Cold water can trigger cold shock with uncontrolled breathing. If you fall in: first float on your back, calm your breathing, then call for help.
In an emergency follow crew instructions; do not jump on your own initiative unless the vessel must be abandoned.
Materials
Life jacket / buoyancy aid
Signal whistle(optional)
Headlamp / flashlight(optional)
Steps
1
Before boarding
Assess the condition and load of the boat; with small operators ask about life jackets.
2
Briefing
Follow the safety briefing or signs attentively, even if they seem routine.
3
Jackets and muster station
Locate the life jackets (including children's) and the muster station; walk the route from cabin or seat once.
4
Wear it on small boats
On small open boats put on the life jacket and fasten it correctly; children always.
5
When the alarm sounds
Grab warm clothing, life jacket and medication and go to the muster station; follow crew instructions.
Common mistakes
×Ignoring the briefing
×Children without a fitting jacket
×Wearing the jacket unfastened
×Trying to save luggage before people
Limits and risks
–No boat handling or seamanship
–No information on national regulations
Sources
[1]
International Maritime Organization (IMO) (1974): International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended
[2]
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), UK: Respect the Water – Float to Live
If a train stops on open track or in a tunnel, the train is usually the safest place. Tracks are deadly: other trains, conductor rails and overhead lines. Leave only on staff instructions or if there is immediate danger inside the train (fire, smoke). Water, a snack, warm clothing and a charged phone make long waits bearable.
Never step onto the tracks on your own. Trains may run on adjacent tracks, conductor rails and overhead lines may be live – even if your own train has no power.
With fire or smoke in a carriage: alert staff (emergency intercom, emergency brake as explained on the signs in the carriage), move into another carriage and close doors behind you. Follow staff instructions.
When and how to use the emergency brake or emergency door release differs between railways and countries. Read the signs in the carriage.
Materials
Mobile phone(optional)
Power bank(optional)
Headlamp / flashlight(optional)
Dry spare clothing(optional)
Steps
1
Wait for announcements
Stay seated, follow announcements and displays. If there is long silence, contact staff via the intercom or in person.
2
Ration supplies
Ration water, food and battery. Lower screen brightness, use mobile data only when needed.
3
Look after others
In heat or cold, look after children, older and ill people; report needs (medication, water) to staff.
4
Evacuation
Leave only when instructed. Limit luggage to essentials, keep hands free, follow staff in the direction given and stay together as a group.
When getting off, the drop from the train is often high and the ground uneven: slowly, facing the train, with help.
5
Arrange onward travel
Ask the rail company about replacement transport, passenger rights and accommodation; keep receipts.
Common mistakes
×Forcing doors open and walking along the tracks
×Pulling the emergency brake in a tunnel without reason
×No water on hot days
×Draining the battery with videos
Limits and risks
–No information on passenger rights in specific countries
–No technical details of emergency brakes or doors
Sources
[1]
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
[2]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Cruise ship emergencies: take the muster drill seriously, follow the crew
On large ships everything in an emergency depends on order: every passenger has a muster station, shown during the safety drill (muster). Anyone who knows it, has walked the route once and goes there calmly with warm clothing, medication and a life jacket (if instructed) when the general alarm sounds makes the crew's job easier. Do not search cabins for relatives – agree a meeting point beforehand.
When the alarm sounds do not use lifts; take stairs and signposted escape routes.
Follow only crew instructions. Do not go to lifeboats on your own or return to cabins.
If you see someone go overboard: shout "man overboard", keep the person in sight and point at them, throw a lifebuoy if within reach and alert the crew immediately.
Materials
Life jacket / buoyancy aid(optional)
Medication supply(optional)
Dry spare clothing(optional)
Steps
1
Attend the muster drill
Follow the safety drill or video attentively and register at the muster station if required.
2
Know the route
Walk two routes from the cabin to the muster station; note stairwells and signs.
3
Know the alarm signal
Under SOLAS requirements the general emergency alarm usually consists of seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast; follow the exact announcement on board.
4
When the alarm sounds
Take warm clothing, sturdy shoes, medication and the cruise card; take or put on a life jacket only as instructed. Go to the muster station quickly but without running.
5
Family
Agree beforehand: wherever you are, go straight to your own muster station. Report missing relatives to the crew instead of searching yourself.
Common mistakes
×Skipping the muster drill
×Running to the cabin first to fetch luggage
×Leaving children at the kids' club without knowing the procedure in an alarm
×Leaning or climbing over the railing
Limits and risks
–No seamanship or lifeboat handling
–No information on individual operators
Sources
[1]
International Maritime Organization (IMO) (1974): International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended
[2]
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), UK: Respect the Water – Float to Live
Preventing theft and scams while travelling – relaxed, not paranoid
Most crimes against travellers are pickpocketing and tricks, not violence. A few habits are enough: split money and cards, carry valuables close and discreetly, put a hand on your bag during distractions (crowds, "help", spilled drinks), politely decline unsolicited offers. If robbed: hand over valuables, do not resist.
When threatened or robbed, do not defend anything. Money, phone and bag are replaceable. Then get to safety and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or police.
Do not leave drinks unattended and do not accept open drinks from strangers.
Use cash machines inside banks or in busy, well-lit places where possible and cover your PIN entry.
Materials
Cash reserve(optional)
Copies of travel documents(optional)
Mobile phone(optional)
Steps
1
Split
Daily money at hand, reserve and second card separately (lodging, inner pocket). Passport in the safe, copy with you where locally permitted.
2
Carry
Bags in front or at the side with the opening towards your body; phone not in back pockets; at tables secure your bag to your leg or chair.
3
Recognise distraction
Crowds, bumping, petitions, "stains" on clothing, pushy helpers at machines: stop briefly, hand on valuables, step away.
4
Check offers
Book taxis and tours via official stands or your lodging; agree prices in advance; politely decline under pressure ("only now!").
5
After a loss
Block cards and SIM, get a police report for insurance, contact your mission if the passport is lost.
Common mistakes
×Everything in one bag
×Valuables unattended at the beach
×Phone on a street-side café table
×Resisting a robbery
×Refusing all contact out of fear
Limits and risks
–No self-defence
–No information on crime levels in specific countries
Sources
[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel
[2]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Natural disaster abroad: follow local authorities, send a sign of life
Earthquake, hurricane, flood or wildfire at your holiday destination: first follow the instructions of local authorities, the hotel or tour operator – warnings, evacuations, shelters. Then send a short sign of life to relatives, contact your own embassy or consulate if you need help and inform your insurer. Do not travel to disaster sites on your own.
Instructions from local authorities and rescue services take priority, even in a foreign language. Follow evacuation orders immediately; with a tsunami warning or strong earthquake at the coast, move immediately to higher ground or inland.
With injured people or acute danger, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU). The embassy is not a rescue service.
Networks are often overloaded after disasters: short text messages instead of calls, save battery.
Materials
Mobile phone
Power bank(optional)
Copies of travel documents
Cash reserve(optional)
Medication supply(optional)
Steps
1
Before
Know the hazards and season at the destination, note the country's warning apps or official channels, register with your foreign ministry, pack an emergency bag.
2
Protect yourself during the event
Follow the relevant basic rules (e.g. earthquake: take cover; flood: go higher; wildfire: avoid smoke) and the instructions of authorities and staff.
3
Sign of life
Short message to an agreed contact at home: "We are safe, location, next update at …". Use social media safety check or people-finder services if available.
4
Embassy or consulate
If needed (injury, lost documents, problems leaving) use your foreign ministry's crisis hotline or contact details.
5
Departure
Clarify with tour operator, airline and insurer; do not drive through closed areas on your own.
Common mistakes
×Going to the beach to watch the tsunami
×Ignoring warnings because you are "just a visitor"
×Phoning for hours and draining the battery
×Driving into danger zones to take photos
×Evacuating without documents
Limits and risks
–No information on assistance by specific states
–Not a substitute for the entries on individual disasters
Sources
[1]
Auswärtiges Amt, Deutschland: Krisenvorsorgeliste ELEFAND (Elektronische Erfassung von Deutschen im Ausland)
[2]
U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
[3]
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
[4]
U.S. National Weather Service (NOAA): Tsunami Safety
[5]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Health preparation starts weeks before departure: medical or travel-medicine advice on vaccinations and risks at the destination, enough of your own medication in hand luggage, suitable health insurance abroad and a small travel medical kit whose contents are agreed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Which vaccinations, preventive measures and medicines make sense depends on the destination, the season and your own health. This belongs in medical or travel-medicine advice, not a general packing list.
Some medicines are subject to special rules or bans on entry. Ask the destination country or its embassy in advance and carry a doctor's certificate.
In case of high fever, shortness of breath, severe pain or impaired consciousness on the way, seek medical help immediately or call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) and inform the insurance emergency line.
Materials
Medication supply – Your regular medication with a reserve
First-aid kit (household) – Compact travel version
Copies of travel documents – Including insurance proof and medication list
Steps
1
Get advice
Get medical or travel-medicine advice a few weeks before the trip: vaccinations, prevention, risks at the destination. Some vaccinations need several appointments.
2
Check insurance
Clarify whether treatment abroad and repatriation are covered. Note the policy number and the insurer's emergency number.
3
Your own medication
Take regular medication in sufficient quantity plus a reserve in its original packaging in your hand luggage, with a list of active ingredients and a doctor's certificate where appropriate.
4
Agree the medical kit
Agree the contents of the medical kit with a doctor or pharmacy, matched to destination, duration and fellow travellers (e.g. children). Dressings and plasters almost always belong in it.
5
Prevention on the way
Pay attention to drinking water and food hygiene, sun and heat protection, and mosquito protection where advised.
6
Carry information
Note blood group (if known), allergies, medical conditions and emergency contacts on a card and carry it with your documents.
Common mistakes
×Getting advice only a few days before departure
×Medication only in checked luggage
×No certificate for medicines with import restrictions
×Not checking health insurance abroad
×Medical kit not matched to travellers and destination
Limits and risks
–No vaccination or medication recommendations
–No treatment instructions
Sources
[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel
[2]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Where drinking water and food hygiene are unsafe, travellers' diarrhoea is common. Thoroughly cooked food served hot, water from sealed bottles or self-treated water and consistent hand hygiene reduce the risk. No method offers complete safety.
With blood in the stool, high fever, severe pain, signs of dehydration, or with diarrhoea in infants, pregnant women or older people, seek medical help; in an emergency call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).
Ice cubes, tap water for brushing teeth and raw, unpeeled food can also contain germs.
Materials
Soap / detergent
Portable water filter (hollow fibre / membrane)(optional)
Chlorine tablets (NaDCC) for drinking water(optional)
Steps
1
Find out in advance
Use travel health advice and travel guidance on water quality.
2
Water
Use sealed bottles, boiled or self-treated water – including for brushing teeth.
3
Food
Prefer freshly cooked food served hot; peel fruit yourself; be careful with raw salads, raw eggs, unpasteurised milk and buffets that have stood for long.
4
Hands
Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet; hand sanitiser as a supplement on the go.
5
With diarrhoea
Drink plenty; carry oral rehydration solutions as advised by a travel health service. Watch for warning signs.
Common mistakes
×Forgetting ice cubes
×Brushing teeth with tap water
×Using sanitiser instead of washing when hands are visibly dirty
×Ignoring warning signs
Limits and risks
–No medication recommendations
–No treatment instructions
Sources
[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel
[2]
World Health Organization (WHO) (2006): Five Keys to Safer Food Manual
[3]
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Wilderness Medical Society) (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Water Disinfection for Wilderness, International Travel, and Austere Situations: 2019 Update
Heat and cold at the destination: take the first days carefully
Anyone flying from winter into the tropics or the other way round is not used to the new climate. The body needs days to adapt to heat; protection from cold comes mainly from suitable clothing. Plan the first days with short stages, plenty to drink, shade and breaks, and know the warning signs of heat or cold illness.
Confusion, altered consciousness or collapse in heat may indicate heat stroke: call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) immediately, move the person into shade and cool them.
Strong shivering, clumsiness, confusion or apathy in cold indicate hypothermia: protect from further heat loss and call for help.
Young children, older people, pregnant women and people with cardiovascular disease or certain medications are especially at risk in heat.
Materials
PET bottle (clear, max. 2 litres)(optional)
Dry spare clothing(optional)
First-aid kit (household)(optional)
Steps
1
Plan the first days gently
Do not schedule strenuous tours on the day of arrival; increase exertion gradually over several days.
2
Use the time of day
In heat, move activities to the cooler morning and evening hours, shade and rest at midday.
3
Drink regularly
Drink throughout the day and watch urine colour; with heavy sweating also take in salt through meals. Mind local water quality.
4
Dress appropriately
Heat: light, loose clothing, hat, sun protection. Cold: layers, hat, gloves, dry spare clothing, wind and rain protection.
5
Watch for warning signs
Treat headache, dizziness, nausea, severe exhaustion (heat) or shivering, numbness, clumsiness (cold) as a signal to stop – also in fellow travellers.
Common mistakes
×A full programme on the first day
×Drinking only when thirsty
×Alcohol as "refreshment" in the heat
×Cotton clothing in cold wet weather
×Leaving children waiting in the car
Limits and risks
–No treatment of heat or cold illness
–No altitude acclimatisation (separate topic)
Sources
[1]
World Health Organization: Heat and health (fact sheet)
[2]
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Wilderness Medical Society) (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Heat Illness: 2019 Update
[3]
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Wilderness Medical Society) (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2019 Update
Jet lag and travel fatigue: no important decisions while exhausted
After long flights and time zone changes, attention, reaction and judgement are often impaired for days. So: avoid driving on the day of arrival if possible, no risky tours, no important contracts. Daylight, meals and sleep on local time help the body clock; medication for jet lag only after medical advice.
Drowsy driving is dangerous. After overnight flights or a long journey, pick up the rental car after a sleep if possible or use a transfer.
Do not take sleeping pills or melatonin on your own – interactions and rules differ by country. Get medical advice; also clarify timing of regular medication across time zones with a doctor.
Materials
Earplugs and eye mask(optional)
PET bottle (clear, max. 2 litres)(optional)
Steps
1
Before
Depart rested. For large time differences, shift sleep times slightly towards destination time a few days before, if feasible.
2
On the way
Set your watch to destination time, drink enough, keep alcohol and caffeine moderate, sleep if possible when it is night at the destination.
3
Day of arrival
Eat and sleep on local time, get daylight during the day, short naps instead of long daytime sleep. No driving and no risky activities when exhausted.
4
Postpone decisions
Put important decisions (route choice, contracts, money) on the next rested day if possible or cross-check with fellow travellers.
Common mistakes
×A long drive straight after an overnight flight
×First mountain tour on arrival day
×Trying to fall asleep with lots of alcohol
×Sleeping through the whole first day
Limits and risks
–No medication recommendations
–No treatment of sleep disorders
Sources
[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel
Travelling with medication: documents, hand luggage, customs
Regular medication belongs in hand luggage, in original packaging, with a reserve for delays and a doctor's certificate (ideally also in English) giving the active ingredient names. Some medicines – such as certain pain, sleep or ADHD medicines – are strictly controlled or banned in some countries. So check the rules of the destination and transit countries with official bodies before travelling.
Import rules for medicines differ greatly; some medicines common at home can be banned or require a permit at the destination. Check the rules of destination and transit countries with their embassy or health authority.
Discuss dosing times across time zones (e.g. insulin, hormonal contraception, anti-epileptic drugs) with a doctor beforehand. Do not change the dose on your own.
Medicines bought abroad may be counterfeit or dosed differently. Buy only in pharmacies and compare active ingredient and strength.
Materials
Medication supply
Copies of travel documents(optional)
Emergency card (contacts and health details)(optional)
Steps
1
Make a list
Note all medicines with active ingredient, strength, dose and timing; copy in luggage and digitally.
2
Check rules
Ask the embassy or health authority of destination and transit countries whether medicines are allowed, limited in quantity or need a permit. Within the Schengen area there is a special certificate for certain controlled narcotic medicines – ask your doctor or pharmacy.
3
Doctor's certificate
Certificate on the need for the medication, active ingredients and dose, ideally in English, mentioning syringes and devices if carried.
4
Pack
In original packaging in hand luggage, reserve for some extra days, part of the reserve separately. Refrigerated items in a cool bag; show liquids and devices at security – ask airline and airport about their rules.
5
At the destination
Protect medicines from heat (do not leave them in the car). If lost, see a local doctor or pharmacy with the active ingredient list.
Common mistakes
×Medication only in checked luggage
×Loose tablets in unlabelled boxes
×Only brand names noted
×Forgetting the transit country's rules
×Insulin in a hot car
Limits and risks
–No information on rules of specific countries
–No medication advice
Sources
[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel