Travel safety is important, whether you’re traveling internationally or domestically. Recently, the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning for anyone going to Jamaica. Whenever I travel, I register my trip with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP.
According to to the State.gov website, registering for STEP lets you:
- Get real time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country.
- Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy.
- Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there’s an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.
Now, some people might think this is very “Big Brother” and I get that. But I appreciate knowing that if there was an emergency, my government knows where I am and can help me get back home in a (hopefully) timely manner.
STEP is free, entirely voluntary, and open to all U.S. Citizens and Nationals. And registering is super simple!
So, for your next international trip, think about your travel safety and consider signing up for STEP.