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Here’s What to Do If You Get Stranded Abroad—And How to Prep Ahead of Time Just in Case

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news lately, you know there are conflicts occurring around the globe. The killing of a Mexican cartel leader on Feb. 22 saw violence escalating throughout the region of Jalisco, where tourist hot spots Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are located. Six days later, the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, which retaliated with attacks on both Israel and U.S. allies.

Air space was closed. More than 20,000 flights were canceled. And travelers in the region were scrambling to get home. It probably goes without saying, but if you’re planning to travel in the near future, you need to have a contingency plan in case you’re abroad and suddenly can’t get home.

We talked to experts in the field to help you navigate this tricky travel situation. Read on for their advice on how to prepare for the scenario in advance and what steps to take if you’re currently stranded.

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What to do before your trip

Getting stranded overseas may seem like an unlikely scenario, but as the thousands of travelers stuck in Mexico and the Middle East will tell you, better safe than sorry. “The best time to prepare for getting stranded abroad is before you ever leave home,” says Suzanne Morrow, the CEO of InsureMyTrip, an online travel insurance marketplace.

There are several things she recommends you do from the comfort of your home—well before you fly. Trust the pros: They can make all the difference later on if your plans go awry.

Enroll in STEP

First things first: Before you travel out of the country anywhere during these tumultuous times, the U.S. Department of State recommends registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, also known as STEP. “It allows you to receive real-time security updates and makes it easier for the embassy to contact you in an emergency,” says Morrow.

Share your itinerary

Make sure someone at home knows your whereabouts. James Henderson, the CEO of Healix International, a global travel risk-management company, advises everyone to share their travel details with their colleagues, friends and/or family before leaving on a trip.

Make copies of documents

On your pretravel checklist: creating backup copies of your most important documents, including your passport, visa and prescription labels. You can scan the hard copies or snap pics on your phone. The State Department recommends leaving a copy with a trusted friend, carrying a copy with you and stashing the third copy on your phone.

“Even small preparations, like keeping copies of key documents and planning alternative routes, make a meaningful difference in fast‑moving situations,” says Henderson.

Save key phone numbers

Add government-assistance phone numbers to your contacts so they’re easily accessible in an emergency. First up: Save the Department of State’s 24-7 Task Force numbers, which you’ll use if you need consular information or assistance. If you’re calling from abroad, dial 1-202-501-4444; from the U.S. or Canada, call 1-888-407-4747.

Download key apps

Start by downloading WhatsApp if you don’t already have it, then follow the “U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens” channel. The State Department also encourages travelers to follow it on social media, so make sure you have those apps on your phone as well.

If you download any travel apps, fill them with your emergency contact details. While you’re at it, set up emergency contacts on your smartphone (via Medical ID on an iPhone’s Health app or the Personal Safety app on an Android phone).

Book flexible travel plans

“Start by building flexibility into your trip,” says Morrow, “and review airline and hotel cancellation policies carefully.” It’s best to book refundable airfare and hotel rooms. Yes, you may pay a little more up front, but you’ll receive a full refund if you cancel.

Invest in travel insurance

Haven’t left home? Now is the time to buy travel insurance. Once you’re traveling, you are no longer eligible for it. You also won’t qualify for coverage if a war has been declared—this is what the travel insurance industry calls a “known event.”

It may sound like a waste of money (you’re already shelling out for vacation!), but travel insurance can be key in an emergency. “Travel insurance doesn’t arrange evacuations,” says Morrow, “but many plans include 24-7 emergency assistance services that can help you understand your options and navigate next steps.”

Depending on your plan, it can also reimburse you if you have to evacuate before your trip ends. “If you’re concerned about instability, whether that’s in parts of Mexico, the Middle East or anywhere else, consider adding Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. CFAR typically reimburses 50% to 75% of prepaid, nonrefundable costs, but it has to be added shortly after your first trip deposit, and you must meet eligibility rules,” she explains. “There is also Interrupt for Any Reason (IFAR), which allows you to cut your trip short for any reason and receive a portion of your unused trip expenses.”

Morrow points out that both CFAR and IFAR are optional add-ons with qualification requirements.

What to do if you’re stranded in a foreign country

“If your plans go sideways while you’re abroad, take it step by step,” advises Morrow. “The key is staying calm, staying informed.”

Get to safety first

Before you do anything else, “get to a secure location,” says Henderson.

This is Morrow’s first step too. “If plans unravel—whether that’s a canceled flight, sudden airspace restrictions or local movement limits—the first priority is always personal safety,” she says.

Monitor State Department alerts

Once you’re in a safe place, start monitoring official alerts. You can do this on the State Department’s International Travel website, which provides links to individual countries’ information pages. It’s also helpful to check the social media accounts (such as Instagram and Facebook) of the State Department.

Contact the embassy

Staying in touch with the nearest embassy is key, “as consular teams can advise on shelter‑in‑place guidance, documentation issues or evacuation options,” adds Henderson.

Remember those 24-7 Task Force numbers you saved before your trip? Here’s where they come in handy. You can also find the nearest embassy from this list and call directly.

Keep in touch with your airline

When you’re in a safe spot, reach out to your airline. “They control rebooking and waivers,” Morrow says.

If commercial flights become limited, she suggests keeping in touch with your nearest U.S. embassy in case repatriation flights are announced. Organized by the government, these flights bring home travelers stranded abroad.

Save your receipts (and everything else)

It may not seem like a priority in the moment, but as you change, adjust or cancel your plans while creating an exit strategy, it’s important to keep a paper trail of everything you’re doing. “Document and keep everything: cancellation notices, receipts, screenshots,” says Morrow.

These items can help you get reimbursement down the road from both your primary airline and hotel as well as from your travel insurance.

Help at a glance

Call the U.S. Department of State 24-7 Helpline

  • From abroad: 1-202-501-4444
  • From the U.S. and Canada: 1-888-407-4747

Monitor these official channels

Let’s face it: Getting stranded abroad for any reason can be overwhelming. But if you’re quick to take action and vigilant about monitoring official alerts and communications, the process will be much smoother and safer.

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About the experts

  • Suzanne Morrow is the CEO of InsureMyTrip, an online travel insurance marketplace. A retired U.S. Air Force Captain specializing in military intelligence, she’s been with InsureMyTrip for 10 years.
  • James Henderson is the CEO of Healix International, a global travel risk-management company.

Why trust us

Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

How to Stay Safe While Traveling Solo

The Safest Place to Travel in the World

How to Handle Flight Downgrades

The post Here’s What to Do If You Get Stranded Abroad—And How to Prep Ahead of Time Just in Case appeared first on Reader's Digest.



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