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Travel Safe - Abroad: Find the Safest Places for Your Travel

Before traveling abroad it’s important to know what are the dangers in that area.

Travel safely and enjoy your holidays!

Click on the name of the country/city you’re traveling to:

Afghanistan

• Tamanrasset
• Buenos Aires
• Puerto Iguazu
• Puerto Madryn
• San Miguel de Tucuman
• Belize City

Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Belo Horizonte
• Florianopolis
• Porto Alegre
• Rio de Janeiro

British Virgin Islands

Burkina faso.

• Mississauga
• Niagara Falls
• Quebec City
• Thunder Bay

Cayman Islands

Central african republic.

• Punta Arenas
• Santiago de Chile
• Barranquilla
• Bucaramanga
• Santa Marta
• Manuel Antonio
• Puerto Viejo
• Santa Teresa

Czech Republic

Democratic republic of the congo, dominican republic.

• Las Terrenas
• Playa Rincon
• Santo Domingo
• Sharm el Sheikh

El Salvador

• San Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

• Addis Ababa
• Montpellier

French Polynesia

• Thessaloniki
• Guatemala City

Guinea-Bissau

• Port-au-Prince
• San Pedro Sula
• Tegucigalpa
• Navi Mumbai
• Thiruvananthapuram
• Sulaymaniyah
• Golan Heights
• Vatican City

Ivory Coast

• Montego Bay
• Spanish Town
• Kuwait City

Kyrgyz Republic

Liechtenstein.

• Johor Bahru
• Kuala Lumpur
• Petaling Jaya
• Aguascalientes
• Cabo San Lucas
• Chichen Itza
• Guadalajara
• Isla Holbox
• Isla Mujeres
• Mexico City
• Nuevo Laredo
• Piedras Negras
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Morelos
• Puerto Vallarta
• Queretaro City
• San Luis Potosi
• San Miguel de Allende
• Zihuatanejo
• Ulaanbaatar
• Bazaruto Archipelago
• Quirimbas Archipelago

Netherlands

New zealand.

• Christchurch

North Korea

• Kristiansand
• Panama City

Papua New Guinea

• Port Moresby

Philippines

• Quezon City

Puerto Rico

Republic of the congo.

• Cluj-Napoca
• Nizhny Novgorod
• Novosibirsk
• Saint Petersburg
• Yekaterinburg

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint lucia, saudi arabia, sierra leone, south africa.

• Bloemfontein
• Johannesburg
• Pietermaritzburg
• Port Elizabeth

South Korea

South sudan.

• Andorra la Vella
• Canary Islands
• Palma de Mallorca
• San Sebastian

Switzerland

• Dar es Salaam

The Bahamas

• Grand Bahama
• Harbour Island

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and tobago.

• Port of Spain
• Kairouan Medina
• Sidi Bou Said

Turkmenistan

United arab emirates, united kingdom.

• Newcastle upon Tyne
• Northern Ireland
• Peterborough
• Southampton

United States

• Gulf Shores
• Muscle Shoals
• Phenix City
• Casa Grande
• Lake Havasu City
• Sierra Vista
• Arkadelphia
• Bentonville
• Eureka Springs
• Fayetteville
• Hot Springs
• Little Rock
• Mountain Home
• North Little Rock
• West Memphis
• Bakersfield
• Chino Hills
• Chula Vista
• Garden Grove
• Huntington Beach
• Lake Forest
• Los Angeles
• Mission Viejo
• Moreno Valley
• Mountain View
• Newport Beach
• Palm Springs
• Rancho Cucamonga
• Redondo Beach
• Redwood City
• San Bernardino
• San Francisco
• San Leandro
• San Luis Obispo
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Clara
• Santa Clarita
• Santa Monica
• Simi Valley
• Thousand Oaks
• Victorville
• West Covina
• Breckenridge
• Colorado Springs
• Fort Collins
• Grand Junction

Connecticut

• East Hartford
• Glastonbury
• Old Saybrook
• Southington
• West Hartford
• Wethersfield
• Windsor Locks
• Bethany Beach
• Delaware City
• Fenwick Island
• Greater Wilmington
• Rehoboth Beach
• Amelia Island
• Boynton Beach
• Cocoa Beach
• Coral Springs
• Daytona Beach
• Deerfield Beach
• Delray Beach
• Everglades City
• Fort Lauderdale
• Fort Pierce
• Fort Walton Beach
• Gainesville
• Jacksonville
• Lake Buena Vista
• Lake Worth Beach
• Marco Island
• Miami Beach
• Miami Gardens
• New Smyrna Beach
• Ormond Beach
• Palm Beach Gardens
• Palm Harbor
• Panama City Beach
• Pembroke Pines
• Pompano Beach
• Port St. Lucie
• Punta Gorda
• St. Augustine
• St. Petersburg
• Tallahassee
• West Palm Beach
• Winter Park
• Cartersville
• East Columbus
• Johns Creek
• Lawrenceville
• Peachtree City
• Peachtree Corners
• Sandy Springs
• South Fulton
• Stockbridge
• Tybee Island
• Warner Robins
• Kailua-Kona
• Princeville
• Coeur d'Alene
• Idaho Falls
• Arlington Heights
• Bloomington
• Bolingbrook
• Crystal Lake
• Des Plaines
• East St Louis
• Fairview Heights
• Granite City
• Mount Prospect
• Rock Island
• Tinley Park
• Crown Point
• Huntingburg
• Indianapolis
• Jeffersonville
• Martinsville
• Michigan City
• Noblesville
• Santa Claus
• Terre Haute
• Winona Lake
• Arnolds Park
• Bentonsport
• Cedar Falls
• Cedar Rapids
• Council Bluffs
• Estherville
• Fort Madison
• Marshalltown
• North Liberty
• Pleasant Hill
• Spirit Lake
• The Amana Colonies
• West Des Moines
• Coffeyville
• Cottonwood Falls
• Council Grove
• Garden City
• Junction City
• Leavenworth
• Overland Park
• Prairie Village
• Bowling Green
• Cumberland Falls
• Elizabethtown
• Harlan Tri-Cities
• Hodgenville
• Hopkinsville
• Jeffersontown
• Madisonville
• Nicholasville
• Shelbyville
• St. Matthews
• Baton Rouge
• Bossier City
• Farmerville
• Franklinton
• Lake Charles
• Natchitoches
• New Orleans
• Ponchatoula
• Prairieville
• Carrabassett Valley
• Kennebunkport
• Lewiston/Auburn
• Presque Isle/Caribou
• South Portland
• Ellicott City
• Germantown & Gaithersburg
• Silver Spring

Massachusetts

• Martha's Vineyard
• New Bedford
• Provincetown
• Williamstown
• Battle Creek
• Farmington Hills
• Frankenmuth
• Grand Rapids
• Mackinac Island
• Mackinaw City
• Sault Ste. Marie
• Sterling Heights
• Traverse City
• Brooklyn Park
• Detroit Lakes
• Fergus Falls
• Grand Marais
• Grand Portage
• International Falls
• Maple Grove
• Minneapolis
• Two Harbors

Mississippi

• Hattiesburg
• Holly Springs
• Pass Christian
• Blue Springs
• Cape Girardeau
• Chesterfield
• Creve Coeur
• Independence
• Jefferson City
• Kansas City
• Lee's Summit
• Maryland Heights
• Poplar Bluff
• Springfield
• St. Charles
• Ste. Genevieve
• Great Falls
• West Yellowstone
• Grand Island
• Nebraska City
• North Platte
• Scottsbluff
• South Sioux City
• Battle Mountain
• Blue Diamond
• Boulder City
• Burning Man in Black Rock City
• Carson City
• Incline Village
• Moapa Valley
• Mount Charleston
• North Las Vegas
• Searchlight
• Virginia City
• West Wendover

New Hampshire

• Hampton Beach
• North Conway
• Piscataquog
• West Lebanon
• Asbury Park
• Atlantic City
• East Orange
• Hamilton Township
• Jersey City
• Lambertville
• Long Beach Island
• Mountain Lakes
• New Brunswick
• Seaside Heights
• Upper Township & Ocean City
• West Orange
• Albuquerque
• Elephant Butte
• Silver City
• Truth or Consequences
• Cooperstown
• Greenport Village
• Lake George
• Lake Placid
• Long Island
• New Rochelle
• New York City
• Poughkeepsie
• Saranac Lake
• Saratoga Springs
• Schenectady
• Seneca Falls
• Shelter Island
• Sleepy Hollow
• Watkins Glen
• White Plains

North Carolina

• Chapel Hill
• Elizabeth City
• Kill Devil Hills
• Mooresville
• Morehead City
• Rocky Mount
• Statesville
• Winston-Salem

North Dakota

• Devils Lake
• Fort Ransom
• Grand Forks
• Valley City
• Cuyahoga Falls
• Port Clinton
• Westerville
• Yellow Springs
• Bartlesville
• Broken Arrow
• Midwest City
• Oklahoma City
• Weatherford
• Klamath Falls
• Lincoln City
• Pennsylvania
• Kennett Square
• Philadelphia
• Stroudsburg

Rhode Island

• Burrillville
• Little Compton
• Narragansett
• North Kingstown

South Carolina

• Folly Beach
• Hilton Head Island
• Isle of Palms
• Mount Pleasant
• Myrtle Beach
• North Augusta
• Pawleys Island
• Spartanburg
• St. Helena Island
• Sullivan's Island
• Summerville
• Travelers Rest
• West Columbia

South Dakota

• North Sioux City
• Sioux Falls
• Bell Buckle
• Chattanooga
• Clarksville
• Hendersonville
• Johnson City
• Jonesborough
• Lawrenceburg
• Murfreesboro
• Pigeon Forge
• Rogersville
• Sevierville
• Wears Valley
• Brownsville
• Corpus Christi
• Fredericksburg
• Grand Prairie
• Nacogdoches
• New Braunfels
• Port Aransas
• San Antonio
• Schulenburg
• South Padre Island
• Wichita Falls
• Salt Lake City
• West Jordan
• West Valley City
• Newport News
• Virginia Beach

West Virginia

Washington dc.

• Ho Chi Minh City
• Victoria Falls

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• Passports, travel and living abroad

Travel abroad

Includes the latest travel advice by country, your rights at the airport and getting help abroad

Plan your trip

• Foreign travel advice
• Driving abroad
• Drive abroad: step by step
• Get permission to take a child abroad
• Taking a vehicle out of the UK
• Getting married or registering a civil partnership abroad
• Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad

Enter and leave countries

• Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports
• Your rights at the airport
• Take cash in and out of the UK
• Global Entry: apply for faster entry to the USA

While you're abroad

• Help and services around the world
• Claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad
• Get your document legalised
• Register a birth abroad
• Get help if you're a victim of crime abroad
• Register a death

Return to the UK

• Bringing goods into the UK for personal use
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• Importing vehicles into the UK
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• For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents

Know Before You Go

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel abroad, you must comply with the document requirements for that country. For a list of Foreign Consular Offices in the U.S. visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Each individual arriving into the United States must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. Explanations and a sample declaration form can be found on the Sample Customs Declaration Form .  

Locate Port Information

CBP provides security and facilitation operations at 328 ports of entry throughout the country. Use this interactive map to find information specific to air, sea and land entries.  

Locate a Port of Entry  

Find answers at the CBP Info Center.

Top Travel Topics Top Import/Export Topics

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• For Travelers

Travel Overseas

This section provides information for international travelers about planning for your trip, returning home, navigating passenger processing. You can also find brochures about traveling overseas.

Travel Alerts

Travel Alerts are issued when short-term conditions that pose risks to the security of U.S. citizens.

Travel Warnings

Travel Warnings are issued when long-term conditions make a country dangerous or unstable and U.S. citizens should avoid or consider the risk of traveling to that country.

Preparing for your Trip

A passport is required for overseas travel. It is recommended to make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place. Carry your passport - do not pack it in your checked luggage. You must present it to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States.

Find out if you need to get a visa. United States citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit. If you have a visa, we recommend you make a copy and put it in a separate place. Carry your visa with you — do not pack it in your checked luggage.

Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP ) provide modified screening for pre-approved members, improve security by being more efficient during screenings at ports of entry.

Learn about the types of identification that are required for travel in the Western Hemisphere (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America). There are six types of acceptable documents for crossing US borders.

All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program document for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children.

• If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor.
• If the child is accompanied by only one parent, the parent should have a note from the child's other parent. For example, "I acknowledge that my wife/ husband is traveling out of the country with my son/ daughter. He/She/ has my permission to do so."
• If a single parent has sole custody, a copy of the court custody document can replace a letter from the other parent.

If bringing a dog, have a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccinations from a veterinarian in your country of residence. Prior to your trip, check with your airline for its rules on transporting animals – many airlines require a health certificate.

Returning Home

Find out what is prohibited or restricted before you pack for your trip. Products that would harm community health, public safety and domestic plant and animal life are restricted from entering the United States and are subject to seizure by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency .

Other considerations for packing:

• Carry only medication needed for the trip in its original container. Do not pack it.
• Carry only the jewelry needed for the trip. Do not pack it.

Navigating Passenger Processing

When planning connecting flights to or from the United States, allow at least two hours between flights. Allow time for CBP processing that must be completed at your first port of entry.

If entering the United States by air or sea, you will receive en route a CBP Declaration Form 6059B and, if you are not from a Visa Waiver Program country, a CBP Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record . Complete all sections of the forms.

Review the CBP Inspection Process before your travel. Listed below are general steps for the inspection process.

• On your U.S. arrival, go to the primary CBP passport control area. The CBP officer will ask to see all of your travel documents and the completed CBP forms. The officer may refer you for a secondary screening.
• Proceed to baggage claim to pick up luggage.
• Go to the CBP customs inspection checkpoint and show your declaration to the CBP officer, who may examine your bags and refer you for a secondary inspection.
• Pay duty, if applicable.

Traveling Overseas Resources

These resources can help navigate traveling overseas. 

• Know Before You Go – Regulations for International Travel
• International Travel Tips – Online resources for common questions about international travel
• Welcome to the United States – A Guide for International Visitors
• Import/Export Forms – Travel documents and forms
• Ports of Entry (Air, Land, Sea) – Locate the ports of entry into the United States
• How Do I - For Travelers

What Are the Pros and Cons of Traveling Abroad?

Find Out Whether International Travel Is Right for You

Visiting another country can reward you in many ways, but you will also encounter issues you would not face at home. Here are some points to consider as you think about traveling abroad.

What's in It for Me?

• History - There is something special about standing where history happened. Whether you want to take a photo from Catherine the Great’s doorstep at St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace or walk along the Great Wall of China, there is an unmistakable thrill that comes from being where history was made.
• World Cultures - Some travelers want to immerse themselves in another culture, trying everything from local foods to traditional sports. If you would like to travel like a local, choose a “home base” and rent an apartment or cottage where you can buy groceries, take walks, experience festivals and hang out with the neighborhood denizens. You will come away feeling you have really learned about your chosen city or region.
• Food Adventures - For some vacationers, it’s all about the food. You might want to taste all the dishes you have seen on an episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern or learn how to make veal marsala. If culinary adventures appeal to you, consider combining your trip abroad with cooking lessons or a wine tasting tour.
• Sense of Accomplishment - Travel can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with the language, customs and cuisine of your destination country. For some travelers, that’s part of the fun. When you unscramble the dinner menu or finally board the right bus, you will feel an adrenaline rush and a sense of pride.
• Dream Destinations - Perhaps your grandfather told you stories about Lake Como or played Hawaiian traditional music for you, and those experiences inspired you to consider traveling abroad. If you can supply an answer to “I’ve always wanted to visit (blank) because..." in five seconds or less, consider crossing a border or two during your next trip.
• Learning Experiences - According to the American Society on Aging, your brain continues to make new cells and establish nerve connections throughout life. For this to happen, you must exercise your brain. Combining travel with learning experiences can keep your brain as healthy as the rest of your body.
• Wonders of the World - Some travelers like to make lists of related destinations – such as the New 7 Wonders Of the World – and visit each place on their list. If you are looking for a worldwide travel project and climbing the Seven Summits isn’t your thing, a visit to each of the New 7 Wonders of the World could be just the project you’re looking for.
• Family Connections - Many travelers decide to visit their ancestors’ homeland on their first trip abroad. Genealogy is an extremely popular hobby, and there is nothing quite like doing your research on-scene . You might see the buildings your ancestors lived in or meet a distant cousin. Finding new information about your ancestors and immersing yourself in their culture will add new dimensions to your family history research.

What Problems Could I Encounter While Traveling Abroad?

• Language Difficulties - Learning a few words in another language can be a daunting experience. If language barriers bother you, but you would still like to visit another country, consider traveling with a tour group.
• Increased Cost - Transportation costs add up quickly. If you want to travel to another country, you may discover that transportation costs use up a large portion of your budget. Save money by booking a tour or cruise through a travel agent who has access to promotions and discounts.
• Poor Accessibility - Some destinations are not wheelchair-friendly. Elevators are narrow, important places do not have elevators or wheelchair ramps and curbs lack cuts. Subway travel might prove difficult – long staircases are a hallmark of subway stations – so you will need to check on elevator availability and learn how to request assistance before you travel. Check with a travel agent who specializes in accessible travel to find the best destinations for persons with your particular disability.
• Dietary Issues - If you like to eat certain types of food – meat and potatoes, for example – expect to pay a premium for the meals you prefer when you travel abroad. Dietary restrictions and food allergies may present special problems. Wherever you travel, bring along a menu translation card or dictionary so you can discuss dining options with the wait staff.
• Safety - While you can avoid most travel-related crimes by wearing a money belt, securing your valuables in hotel safes and staying away from high-crime areas, safety is still an important concern. You will need to identify safe places to stay and learn how to avoid scams and pickpockets .
• Passport Problems - If you are traveling on the spur of the moment, you might not have time to get a passport. As soon as you think you might want to travel abroad, find out how to apply for a passport and start the application process.

How Can I Minimize Problems and Still Travel Abroad?

If you do not want to plan every detail of your trip, consider an escorted tour or international cruise. An independent tour, where the tour operator handles travel logistics but does not hold you to a set itinerary, might help you deal with details while giving you more schedule flexibility. Traveling with an experienced companion could be a cost-conscious way to see the world with a readily available helper.

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How to Travel Abroad

Last Updated: May 25, 2023

This article was co-authored by Amy Tan . Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000. This article has been viewed 69,410 times.

Traveling abroad can be a strikingly simple endeavor when you're prepared. Do your research and study the destination; plan your itinerary and arrange the logistics; and pack for the weather, culture, and activities that you expect. Read on for more specific tips on successfully traveling abroad.

Researching a Destination

• Don't be afraid to rip it up and staple together only the pieces you need. A well-kept guidebook might make a nice souvenir, but it may not be worth the extra weight of carrying around information that you don't need.

Allyson Edwards

"Download Google Maps for the area you’ll be traveling while you have WiFi," adds travel expert Allyson Edwards. "You can then use it offline in case you’re stuck in a remote area and need to navigate your way back."

• The infamous #64 bus in Rome, for instance, is popular with pickpockets because it's the only bus in Rome that hits all of the popular tourist destinations. It's usually packed with tourists, and thick with thieves.
• Know what each local coin and bill is worth. For example, in Panama, everything is tied to the US dollar, so money comes in the same size, denomination, and material. In the UK, you'll find 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2 coins, as well as 5, 10, 20, and 50 pound notes. By knowing your denominations and specifying how much you are handing over, you can help avoid another common scam: intentionally incorrect change.

Planning Your Itinerary

Keep a copy of your passport somewhere safe. Allyson Edwards, travel expert, tells us from experience: "A paper, color photocopy of your passport is valid about 99% of the places you’d otherwise use a driver’s license. When I got my drivers license stolen abroad, I used a copy of that in lieu of my U.S. driver’s license when I went to bars or went shopping."

• Think about staying in an apartment if you'll be in one place for more than half a week. Hotels can be expensive, and you can often get much better deals renting someone's home. Furthermore, this approach might give you a more authentic idea of what it's like to live in a given city.
• Consider a Bed and Breakfast or a self-service vacation rental. This last type of accommodation can help save money, as they're often cheaper than hotels, and you'll save money by buying your groceries and cooking there instead of going out to eat.

• Trains can be relaxing over long distances. Consider taking night trains – in theory, you can sleep on the train and awake as the train pulls into your next destination!
• If you plan to rent a car, look into insurance requirements. Consider applying for your international driver's license.
• Ferries are a solid option for crossing water. They are usually cheaper than another plane ticket, with better food.

Packing Effectively

• If you are still struggling with what to pack, you can find an online rough guide with the essentials and basics. When you are all packed, take out you passport and any other travelling documents and keep them with you in a separate bag with your purse/wallett and phone, so it all stays together.

• A few classic pieces that are easily mixed and matched and a knowledge of how to use the local laundromat can save you money on overweight baggage fees.
• Know the common dress codes for your destination. For example, if you're visiting the Vatican, women will need their shoulders covered.

Expert Q&A

• Don't stress. If you stress you can't concentrate. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 1
• Know how much your journey will cost in advance. Take care not to overspend on your trip. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1
• Take a language book. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://travel-made-simple.com/how-to-research-and-plan-a-trip/
• ↑ Amy Tan. Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers. Expert Interview. 5 March 2020.
• ↑ https://gizmodo.com/how-to-travel-internationally-for-the-very-first-time-1683522112
• ↑ https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/research-solo-travel-destinations/#maps

About This Article

If you want to travel abroad, start by making sure your passport is up to date and won’t expire less than 6 months after your trip. You’ll also have to apply for a visa if it's a requirement for the country you’re visiting. Then, make an appointment with your doctor to get any vaccines you need for the country you're traveling to. Additionally, organize international health insurance so you're covered if something goes wrong. Next, decide whether you'd rather book a hotel or an apartment for your accommodation. For tips on how to pack for going abroad, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Urgent £900 warning issued to anyone travelling abroad this summer

H olidaymakers are being urged to avoid a common blunder that nearly half of Brits make, which could leave them thousands of pounds worse off. It turns out people are 24 times more likely to jet off than driving without insurance.

The oversight might stem from the fact that driving without insurance is illegal, whereas travel cover is optional, yet it exposes travellers to substantial financial risks. Aviva, which offers travel insurance through Nationwide's FlexPlus current account, reveals that the typical claim amounts to £900.

But should someone become gravely ill while overseas, the costs can skyrocket. Such claims may reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.

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Despite these potential costs, a Nationwide survey found that 44% of Britons have travelled without insurance. Marta Edwards, Head of Current Accounts at Nationwide Building Society, commented: "Holidays are our time to switch off and relax. Most claims are minor, but if you fall seriously ill or have an accident while abroad, the costs can run into tens or in some cases hundreds of thousands of pounds."

"Having adequate cover in place provides peace of mind that in the event something does go wrong you are protected. And unlike car insurance, just because travel cover is an optional expense, it shouldn't make it easier to ignore. The risk isn't worth it.", reports the Mirror .

A recent survey revealed that the primary reason for individuals purchasing travel insurance was to ensure protection in case of illness while abroad. Other concerns included potential trip cancellations, theft, and issues with flights or luggage.

Nationwide advises travellers to secure their travel insurance as soon as they book their holiday, given how quickly circumstances can change. They also emphasise the importance of understanding what is covered as a standard in a policy and what may require an upgrade.

For instance, it's crucial to inform your travel insurance provider about any existing medical conditions for anyone included in the policy. Failure to ensure adequate coverage could result in declined claims.

Nationwide's research indicates that nearly one in six (17%) confess to never reading the terms and conditions of their travel insurance.

Nationwide's FlexPlus3 packaged current account, priced at £13 per month, offers a range of benefits including worldwide family travel insurance with a comprehensive level of cover as standard. Additional perks include breakdown cover and mobile phone insurance for the entire family.

Travel | Cincinnati Open: Watch top-tier tennis without…

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Travel | Cincinnati Open: Watch top-tier tennis without traveling abroad or breaking the bank

If you’re no more than an occasional tennis fan — the kind who tunes in for the finals at Wimbledon or the French Open — you’ve probably entertained idle dreams of jetting overseas to see Coco Gauff or Novak Djokovic play in person. Probably not in this lifetime, you realize.

But you can get the same cast of athletes on court just by driving a few hours from Chicago. One of the premier events of the professional tennis tour takes place each August just outside Cincinnati. Yes, Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati Open, formerly known as the Western & Southern Open, is among a tier of tournaments ranking just below the majors — the Australian Open, Wimbledon, the French Open and the U.S. Open — where virtually all the top players compete.

Last year, it featured not only Djokovic and Gauff, who hoisted the winners’ trophies, but 2023 Wimbledon champ Marketa Vondrousova, 2024 Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, and American Taylor Fritz, who raised his profile by winning a title while being featured in the Netflix documentary series “Break Point.” Also there were this year’s French Open champions, Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz.

Except for those nursing injuries, the Cincinnati tournament has just about everybody who’s anybody — and everybody who will eventually be somebody.

This isn’t just a tournament. It’s more like a festival of tennis, with plenty of food, music and other diversions. It features a relaxed, intimate environment that brings fans close to the players at a price well below the cost of even the U.S. Open in New York — for which, by the way, Cincinnati offers a superb preview.

It takes place at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, a drive of less than five hours from Chicago. The facility, about 22 miles north of downtown Cincinnati, features 21 courts, including a center court with a capacity of more than 11,000.

For most of the tournament, players can be seen practicing or competing on any of the fan-accessible courts from morning to night. This year’s main field includes 56 men and 56 women in the main singles draw. Next year, it will expand to 96, going from nine days to 12.

Go to an NFL or MLB game, and you’ll likely be far removed from the athletes. Here, you may literally bump into a top-ranked pro who is strolling between the locker room and the court. The Fan Zone offers autograph sessions and interviews with players, as well as comfy Adirondack chairs and giant TVs showing the action on the main courts.

With so many players taking part, the array of choices can be dizzying. Unlike some tournaments, this one features both men and women. But that’s just one of the choices facing spectators. There is also: Singles or doubles? The promising youngster or the proven veteran? The early rounds, when anything is possible, or the later ones, when match winners vie to keep advancing? Adding to the challenge is that these contrasting matches may be taking place simultaneously.

But you can have it all, and on the same day. One pleasure of tennis tournaments is the freedom for fans to move from one match to the next when the urge strikes. If a player who catches your interest is taking the court at the same time as another player you want to see, you can scratch both itches, watching one match for a while before migrating to the other. If a contest proves dull, you can seek out a livelier one.

Last year, it looked as if the 2024 tournament might be the last one in the heart of the Midwest. After the tournament was purchased by the financial services firm Beemok Capital, officials in North Carolina tried to lure the new owner to Charlotte by offering to build a lavish new tennis facility. But the fears were soon put to rest. In October, 2023 champions Djokovic and Gauff popped up on X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce: “Your wonderful tournament is staying in Cincinnati — and it’s going to be bigger and better forever.” Part of the deal is an investment of some $200 million to expand and upgrade the venue.

This year, the Open will follow the Summer Olympics in Paris, prompting organizers to delay the customary Saturday kickoff to Sunday, Aug. 11. The men’s and women’s singles championship matches are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 19.

The ticket options are fairly simple. You can buy a reserved seat in Center Court, which also grants you access to every other court. Or, on the day of the session you’re attending, if Center Court has sold out, you can go to the box office to buy one of a limited number of grounds passes, good anywhere but Center Court. Multiday packages sell out months in advance.

For day sessions, doors open at 10 or 11 a.m., depending on the day, and matches begin an hour later; for night matches, doors open at 5 or 6 p.m., also an hour before play commences. A separate ticket is required for each session. At most courts, seating is first come, first served.

There are plenty of hotels within a few minutes’ drive, including Marriott, Residence Inn, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn. Parking is free at unpaved lots for ticket holders. Parking at the premium Diamond Lot is $200 per day.

The venue features an outdoor food court with such options as Cincinnati-style chili, sushi, salads, tacos, pizza, gourmet coffee and ice cream. There are several bars scattered around the venue, along with a wine garden. Food court lines can be long around meal times. One way to avoid them is to wait until a match begins on Center Court, drawing fans back in.

This being the Midwest in summer, fans should be prepared for blazing sun, heat and humidity. Shade is scarce in the stands, so hats, sunscreen and frequent hydration are recommended. A seat cushion is a good accessory, because many courtside seats are metal benches.

The bigger problem can be rain. Play is suspended at the onset of precipitation and doesn’t resume until the showers end, courts are dried off and players warm up, all of which takes time. If the forecast looks soggy, you will want to bring an umbrella, as the available shelter can be oversubscribed by the huddled masses. When rain goes on for hours, matches are postponed, sometimes until the following day. If a session is canceled, you may qualify for a rain check, but it’s usable only for the next year’s tournament.

If weather washes out a day session, you can seek out other Cincinnati attractions. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center features exhibits on forced bondage, including what has been called “the only known surviving rural slave jail.” The Cincinnati Art Museum has an exhibition running till Sept. 8 that features four bronze figures sculpted by Auguste Rodin. The William Howard Taft National Historic Site is the birthplace and boyhood home of the 27th president and the 10th chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

But in good weather, you can give your full attention to tennis, admiring Djokovic’s bulletproof backhand, Gauff’s dazzling foot speed, Ons Jabeur’s confounding drop shots and more. And you may get a long look at a player you’ve never heard of who, in a year or two, could capture a Grand Slam title.

The Cincinnati Open offers an embarrassment of riches. If you’re a tennis fan, it’s hard to beat. If you’re not — well, it could make you one.

Steve Chapman is a freelancer.

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