Important Travel Resources Every Traveler Should Know

Travel is exciting, but smart travelers know that preparation makes all the difference. Before every trip, whether you’re flying across the country or exploring another continent, it’s important to know where to find reliable travel resources that can help you stay safe, informed, and stress-free.

From airport security updates to passport information and embassy assistance abroad, the right travel resources can save you time, prevent headaches, and give you peace of mind while traveling.

Below are some of the most important travel resources every traveler should bookmark before leaving home.

1. International Travel Checklist: Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, follow this 5-step checklist to prepare for your travel abroad.
2. USA Embassies & Consulates: If you lose your passport or face an emergency while traveling abroad, U.S. embassies and consulates can assist American citizens. Always know where the nearest one is before traveling internationally.
3. International Travel: The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides detailed destination-specific travel and risk information to allow U.S. citizens to make informed international travel decisions.
4. Travel Advisories: A Travel Advisory is a report from the U.S. Department of State that describes the risks and recommended precautions for U.S. citizens—not foreign nationals—in a foreign destination. 
5. Crime Tips: When you travel outside the United States, being prepared helps you avoid crime and be ready to respond if it happens.
6. High-Risk Areas: We suggest you do not travel to high-risk destinations. These places are dangerous. By visiting, you may be putting yourself at extreme risk, and we may have limited ability to help you.  
7. Scams: You can become the victim of a scam at home in the U.S. or abroad. There are many different types of scams, but they all share a common goal: taking your money.
8. Arrest or Detention Abroad: The U.S. Department of State, along with our embassies and consulates abroad, helps detained U.S. citizens and their families. We help within our authority and follow international, domestic, and foreign laws.
9. Emergency Financial Assistance for U.S. Citizens Abroad: If you’re a U.S. citizen facing a financial emergency abroad, there are several resources available to help. This guide outlines ways to get urgent financial support.
10. Missing U.S. Citizens Abroad: Locating and contacting a U.S. citizen abroad can be challenging when you have not heard from them. Here are some different ways you can try to get in touch.
11. TSA Tips: TSA incorporates unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, to accomplish our transportation security mission.
12. U.S. Customs & Border Protection: CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs provide expedited travel for pre-approved, low-risk travelers through dedicated lanes and kiosks.
13. CDC Tips: The CDC Travel site provides important health information for travelers, including recommended vaccines, health alerts, and safety tips for destinations around the world.
14. Travel Checklist: This checklist helps travelers prepare for airport security by outlining what to pack, what to leave out, and how to move through security smoothly.
15. TSA Cares: TSA Cares provides information on security procedures aimed to help passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and individuals needing additional assistance to better prepare for the security screening process. 
16. U.S. Travel Info: Learn about passports, travel documents for minors, and travel to, from, and within the U.S.