Whether you’re traveling within the U.S. or to a foreign country, you should take extra precautions to stay safe. Distractions born of travel — such as taking in the sights, eating delectable food and exploring new cities — can increase your risk.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

These international and domestic travel safety tips will help you reduce your risk so you can enjoy your vacation and avoid trouble as much as feasible. Here’s how to travel safely — ranging from actions that can be implemented on the fly and ones that require a bit more preparation.

1. Digitize important documents

Your wallet or purse is filled with important documents that criminals can exploit. Leave unnecessary items at home (like your Social Security card) and make copies of everything else you would need in an emergency, like prescriptions, a backup credit card (so you can at least make a digital purchase in a pinch) and your passport.

Take a picture and upload them to a secure folder on the web. This way, if anything is stolen, you can easily take steps to reduce the damage that criminals can cause. You can easily call the bank to cancel debit and credit cards and request a new ID from the embassy. You can also use a secure digital vault system like 1Password or LastPass to store these documents.

2. Minimize how much cash you carry

It is important to have a little cash when traveling, but most retailers accept credit cards, even abroad. Not having cash minimizes your wallet’s value to a thief, and you can dispute unknown charges from a card. Just make sure to carry a card that has no foreign transaction fees when traveling internationally.

3. Look less like a tourist

The more you dress and act like a local, the less risk there is from criminals targeting you as a tourist. Adapting your style to that of the locals, walking with confidence and keeping maps hidden can help you blend in. When using directions on your phone, only look at it briefly while walking.

Further, familiarize yourself with the city and your route before leaving the hotel. If you do need to look up directions for an extended period of time, consider stepping into a store or cafe to do so, rather than staying outside.

4. Share your itinerary with someone you trust

Whether you’re traveling alone or with others, share your itinerary with someone you trust back home. Check in once a day to let them know that you’ve made it to your next destination or back to your hotel. These small steps increase your safety during travel.

It’s also wise to create and share a safe word so that family or friends would know if you’re in trouble, even if the conversation seems normal to someone else who may be listening. You can take this a step further and consider sharing your live location with a trusted friend or family member via your smartphone.

5. Research travel advisories for destinations

According to the U.S. Department of State, “conditions can change rapidly in a country at any time.” Its website keeps a continuous list of travel advisories in destinations around the world. While these advisories don’t always mean that you shouldn’t travel, they do help make you aware of the potential conditions you’ll find when you arrive, or areas to avoid.

Check the State Department website before making travel plans, and again before you depart. Somewhere that may have been safe when you booked your trip may have deteriorated since then.

6. Sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, is a free service from the State Department that allows citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates. The information that you provide also makes it easier for the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

7. Notify credit card companies of your travel plans

Because you may be traveling to cities outside your normal spending patterns, let your bank know your dates and destinations of travel. Many banks allow you to notify them via your online banking portal.

This will minimize the potential of the bank locking your account due to perceived fraudulent transactions, which could leave you stranded.

Additionally, consider bringing a backup credit card.

8. Be careful with public Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi can open your devices and sensitive information to hackers. Using a VPN service is one of the best ways we know of to stay safe in an airport, when exploring your destination or at your hotel. VPN services create a secure connection to protect your personal information when browsing the internet or using web-connected apps on an open connection.

Security.org, a security product review site, conducted a study in June 2020 and found that just 31% of U.S. internet users use a VPN service for public Wi-Fi connections. That means almost 70% of public Wi-Fi users are at risk of being hacked.

9. Get travel insurance

To improve both your physical and financial safety, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy ahead of your trip. This safety net is helpful in avoiding out-of-pocket expenses for emergency medical treatment, trip delays, cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage or evacuations.

Most policies will reimburse travelers for unused accommodations, transit or activities that were nonrefundable but had to be canceled for a covered reason. Similarly, if your luggage is lost by an airline or train company, you’ll likely get reimbursed through the baggage protection on your policy. Plus, if your policy has emergency medical coverage, you won’t be hit with a huge bill for medical attention overseas (where your U.S.-based health insurance is likely not useful).

Some credit cards come with built-in protections, whereas others don’t — in the case of the latter, you will need to purchase a stand-alone policy.

If finding ways to travel safely is your goal …

Now that we’ve shared some tips on how to travel safely, you can travel with more confidence and less risk. Though implementing most of these tips has little or no cost, they may take time to set up. Investing the time to increase your travel safety will be well worth it if you can avoid dangerous situations that can interrupt or ruin your next trip.

We’ve rounded up some of the best family vacations that everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — will love.

Planning a family vacation can be stressful. There’s so much to consider, from finding family-friendly accommodations to choosing a destination with activities that your whole crew will love. Thankfully, we’ve narrowed it down to seven types of family trips, so you can stop stressing and start getting excited about all the incredible memories you’ll make while traveling together.

Whether you’re planning an intimate getaway for your kids and partner or a multigenerational trip with your entire family, we’ve rounded up some of the best family vacations that everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — will love.

Set sail on a cruise.

With lots of family-friendly excursions and onboard activities, multiple options for dining, supervised kids’ clubs, and more, everyone in your crew can make the most of their vacation while spending time together on a cruise

Relax at an all-inclusive resort.

Like cruises, family-friendly all-inclusive resorts are a fantastic option for multigenerational travel because they have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a tropical escape in the Caribbean or a domestic resort with a fun, camp-like atmosphere, the best family resorts offer a range of activities that the whole family will love (along with kids’ clubs for the days when everyone wants to do their own thing). With meals, activities, and more included in one price, all-inclusives are an ideal family vacation for those seeking a totally relaxing getaway.

Hit the slopes.

Get outside and hit the slopes with your family on a ski vacation. With so many family-friendly ski resorts in the United States, you might be just a drive (or short flight) away from a great destination. Look for resorts with good ski school programs, terrain for all ski levels (and plenty of bunny slopes for beginners), and activities for all ages — Beaver Creek, Whiteface, and Park City Mountain Resort are among the country’s best.

Take a classic American road trip.

Hit the road with your crew in tow and check national parks and iconic roadside attractions off your family’s travel list. See the Grand Canyon and the red rocks of Sedona on a road trip through Arizona, ride down Route 66, or even drive across the country. Of course, if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to invest in some car organizers and stock their favorite snacks to make the journey as smooth as possible.

Visit the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”

The young and young-at-heart can’t resist a theme park vacation. Florida and California are home to some of the world’s best theme parks, and Disney World is really the ultimate theme park destination, with four amusement parks, two water parks, perfectly themed on-site hotels, and an expansive shopping and dining district. Rides and attractions for all ages, interactive dining experiences, and the unforgettable Disney magic will make this a trip to remember.

Soak up the sun on a relaxing beach vacation.

Families of all sizes love a low-key beach vacation. Whether you fly to the Caribbean to soak in turquoise waters at a five-star resort or rent a house somewhere on the coast of the continental United States, there’s a beach vacation for every budget and travel style. Hilton Head Island, the Florida Keys, and North Carolina’s Outer Banks are among the nation’s best island destinations.

Jet off to somewhere new.

Want to go a little further afield? Planning a family trip abroad can seem daunting, but the memories you’ll create while exploring a new part of the world together will last forever (and potentially inspire a lifetime love of travel for your kids). Learn about ancient history and snack on gelato in Rome, spot favorite animals and learn about conservation on an African safari, or go to the extremes of the Earth on a family-friendly Antarctica cruise. There are so many places worth traveling with kids, and wherever you go, you’ll give your children the opportunity to learn about culture and history through local experiences.

Make your fall camping trip about enjoyment, not endurance

For many people, camping is a pure summertime activity. Once the needles start to turn golden orange and the trails get strewn with leaves, camping equipment is carefully stowed away until the following summer. But the true outdoorsman knows that if you properly prepare yourself and your equipment, fall is the best time of year to hit the trail and get out in nature.

Fall camping calls for a little more preparation than a summer trip. You can’t just throw a sleeping bag on your back and head out into nature, knowing that it will be 70 degrees or more. But in return for this preparation, you get quieter campsites, picturesque sunsets, long nights sitting around the campfire, and best of all, no bugs. These camping ideas and tips will get you off the sofa and back outdoors this fall.

Find the right place to camp in the fall

If you were to open up your phone and search for “the best sites for fall camping near me” you would get hundreds of people’s opinions on what makes a great site for fall camping. But really, you need to decide what you want out of fall camping and then decide on the best camp spot. Do you want an open campground that you can stargaze from? Perhaps you want an enclosed woodland that you can shelter in and make yourself a survivalist retreat, or a raised area with views over forests and mountains.

Whatever your escape, there are plenty of ways to find out the best camping spots for fall, from internet searches, local outfitters, or guidebooks. But when you get to your fall camping site, there are some tips for picking your microsite, where you’ll hang out and pitch your tent. It’s even more important in fall to find higher and drier ground, as rivers swell quickly and pools fill with excess rainfall.

Try to find some natural shelter where possible, and remember that cool nights down low can hit freezing up higher. Camping at altitude in the fall is serious business, and it’s often best to hit the heights during the day and retreat to lower levels overnight.

Get your sleep system right

Nearly every fall camping tip revolves around staying warm, and at no time is that more important than when you’re trying to sleep. Your camping sleep system includes everything from your tent, to your sleeping pad and sleeping mat. With cooler fall nights, it’s not uncommon to fall asleep feeling warm, only to wake up in the early hours of the morning when the temperatures plummet, to find that your nose and back are uncomfortably cold.

Your summer sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 30°+ is unlikely to keep you warm in the fall. Even a three-season sleeping bag may not be enough if you sleep particularly cold, but the addition of an insulated sleeping bag liner can make all the difference. Despite popular belief, you are allowed to wear clothes in your sleeping bag too. A set of dry thermal merino wool underwear is the best option if you want a truly cozy night in camp. Don’t forget to put a hat on, too.

Layer up

That merino wool underwear has more uses than just for sleeping. Layers are an essential part of staying comfortable around camp in the fall. Temperatures can still be warm during the day, but often drop quickly at night. Having the right layers to add will help to keep you warm and stop you from having to perform a full costume change in the cold just to get warm.

Wicking layers that keep your body dry will prevent your sweat from sitting against your skin and cooling down as the temperature drops. It’s important to focus on keeping your core insulated, as this helps to keep the blood flowing around your body. But don’t forget to add warm gloves and a beanie, as well as a few pairs of merino socks for those extremities, too.

Eat well

Fall isn’t the time to skimp on food. Staying warm is a full-time job for your body and requires a lot of extra calories. The best thing you can do for yourself is eat proper camping meals as this will provide your body with the energy to stay warm and hot food will start to heat you from the inside. Even a cup of coffee goes a long way in the morning to keeping you warm.

With so much extra time in camp in the fall, you have plenty of opportunities to get creative with your camp cooking. Try out new techniques, or cook on an open fire rather than a gas stove. If you’re not sure, try making a chili con carne at home — to heat up in camp — and wrap up a few potatoes in tin foil to bake on the fire. Voila. A simple and effective chili and baked potato meal, warm, hearty, and just what you need at camp.

Prepare for rain

Even if you check the forecast and pick the driest-looking day, chances are you’re going to get rained on at some point, so be prepared for camping in the rain. Fall is a good time to re-waterproof your tent — better to re-waterproof early than find out you missed the prime time. It’s also a good idea to get yourself a tarp and get familiar with how to set up different tarp shelters. You can add extra reinforcement to your tent, create yourself a vestibule area, or just set up a tarp for a kitchen and cooking shelter.

When the rain starts to fall, you may find yourself retreating under your tarp, or into your tent. Have a few other activities to hand, like board games, books, or a few episodes of your favorite series downloaded onto your phone. And don’t forget to bring extra charging blocks, or an off-grid power block to keep your electronics powered up.

Light up your life

From campfires to fairy lights, you need a source of light when you’re camping in the fall. Sunset often catches people out as it gets earlier by the day, so it’s a good idea to carry a small flashlight or headlamp with you from early evening. Stringing fairy lights around your camp can give it a homely feeling, and also be used to guide the way to your tent or kitchen setup, or create a perimeter of sorts. Having a lantern in your cooking area gives you a more ambient light, rather than the spot beam of a headlamp or flashlight.

Ultimately, though, the campfire is the quintessential camping element. It keeps you warm and provides light, and most outdoorsmen can recount tales of many hours sitting around watching the embers rise into the dark night sky. There really is nothing better. If you’re going to light a campfire, consider taking a fire pit to prevent charring the ground, and make sure you check out local guidance for the area you’re going camping. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the warmth.

Bring a survival kit

Things that could really ruin a camping trip are injuries, sickness, getting lost on hikes, and more, so packing a survival kit is a priority for your fall camping trip (or any camping trip). Here are some steps to take to put together a survival kit and the items to include.

Choose a container, such as a small backpack or duffel bag, and make sure it’s durable and waterproof. Next, add these essentials:

• Navigation tools (compass and map)
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen — fall still brings sunny days)
• First-aid kit
• Knife or multitool
• Toilet paper (can double as a trail marker)
• Fire starter
• Signaling devices (whistle or mirror)
• Bandana (can also work as a bandage or flag)
• Water purification tablets
• Duct tape
• Sewing kit
• Emergency blanket

After putting together your survival kit, label it with your name, contact information, and the date you created it. Store the kit in a safe place where you can easily access it, such as your car or home.

Here are some additional tips regarding your survival kit:

• Make sure all the items are in good condition and working properly.
• Replace any items that expire or get damaged.
• Test your kit regularly to make sure you know how to use all the items.
• Share your kit with your camping buddies, so everyone is prepared in case of an emergency.

Sri Lanka, 25th largest island in the the world, comes with a coastline hemmed with palm trees as far as the eye can see. When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Sri Lanka very much depends on which part you would like to visit.

Nestling on the southern tip of India between the Bay of Bengal and the Laccadive Sea, is the tropical island of Sri Lanka. It is the 25th largest island in the world and comes with a coastline hemmed with palm trees as far as the eye can see. Combined with temperatures that hover around 27°C (80°F) all year round thanks to its close proximity to the Equator, Sri Lanka has much to offer thalassophiles and sun worshippers – when it is not raining.

The island’s weather is dictated by two key monsoon seasons and, because they alternate, Sri Lanka can be seen as an all-year-round holiday destination. For when the eastern coast’s Arugum Bay is just too dangerous for surfing the Western coast’s sea off Kalpitiya with its prevalence of Blue Whales is hardly a shabby alternative. In short, there is always somewhere that’s dry throughout the year but plan your trip around these months to avoid washed-out beach days.

In a nutshell, the best time to visit the west and south coasts and hill country is from December to March, while the best weather on the east coast is from April/May to September.

October to March – best to visit west and southern coastline

Includes: Chilaw in the west, Galle in the south, and the capital Colombo in the south-west

Though temperatures are a fairly constant 27°–29°C year-round, this region experiences the Yala Monsoon Season from April to September. During this period the wettest months are April, May and June. Most of the beach hotels are in this region.

If you are looking to spend time on the beach get there during the months between October and March which promise the best weather – though a downpour cannot be ruled out.

If you fancy a dip in the sea then plan your holiday between January to March, when the sea is calm. Another perk is that during these months you are most likely to spot Blue and Sperm Whales.

Party-goers should get there in April for the Sinhala & Tamil Nadu “New Year” festival. This marks the end of Sri-Lanka’s harvesting season for the Sinhalese people. The festival typically lasts around a week and hosts an array of social and gastronomical events – plantain galore!

July marks the beginning of the traditional Esala festivals, with the first taking place in Kataragma. The festivals mark the commemoration of the first teachings given by the Buddha. Attend Kataragama’s event and you could witness whip crackers, elephants, Hewisi drummers and Borukakul Karayo stilt walkers.

Alternatively, August hosts the second of the Esala festivals, this time however taking place in the Kandy region. This festival specifically lasts ten days and, much like Kataragama, offers dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and lavishly decorated elephants for those who wish to take part. Be sure to try local delicacies on offer including Okra and banana flower.

It’s worth noting that Sri-Lankan schools are in full swing with their second term during May, June and July. So, should you be wanting a quiet or even child-free holiday, these are the best months to travel accordingly.

March – best time to visit the Central Hills

Includes: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

The Central Hills is a mountainous area located at the south-central part of Sri Lanka. The triangular shaped hilly area reaches heights over 300 m and covers around 20 per cent of the total area of the Island.

Because of its location and elevation, the Central Hills tend to be cool throughout the year and indeed much cooler than the coastal areas averaging about 15°C. January through to March tend to be the sunniest and driest time. The wettest months tend to be October and November.

Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka’s visas are divided into three categories: visas for business trips, visas for tourism and visas for transits. You can apply for your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)  online.

April to September – best time to visit Eastern and Northern areas

Includes: Eravur, Passikudah, and Trincomalee in the east and Habarana and Vavuniya in the north, and Trincomalee in the northeast

The ‘Maha’ monsoon season hits the Eastern and Northern areas from around November to March with the wettest months being November and December. So to avoid this get there between April to September.

August and September are generally dry and probably the best time to visit Sri Lanka for family holidays though it can get very hot and at this time rain showers are short and sharp.

Note: Get to Sri Lanka during school term, January to April when everything is naturally a lot quieter.

October and November – inter-monsoonal period

The inter-monsoonal period is highly erratic and severe flooding and thunderstorms could occur at any location at any time. On the bright side, this is the off-peak season in Sri Lanka so no crowds which is great as long as you don’t mind unpredictable downpours.

The Deepavali (Diwali) festival, which means “festival of lights” also takes place every year either in October or November depending on the Hindu Lunar calendar. It is a truly beautiful event where you can witness the glowing houses created by locals, try local cuisine and visit Kandaswamy Kovil, one of the most admired Hindu temples of Sri Lanka.