USA Today Interviews The Resiliency Initiative’s President and CEO, Andrea Davis, on Travel Safety.

“Register your trip at step.state.gov,” said Andrea Davis, president and CEO of the Resiliency Initiative, a global consulting company focused on crisis management and risk mitigation planning. “Print out contact information for the local U.S. embassy closest to your destination.”

Davis offers these tips before traveling outside of the U.S.:

• Research the destination in the CIA Factbook. Make note of any cultural sensitivities.

• Consider the list of necessary vaccinations in each country.

• Review your health insurance to ensure you have coverage, if not, consider purchasing international medical insurance. One company she uses is GeoBlue, but there are several good carriers available.

• Send your itinerary with detailed contact information to a friend or family member.

• Notify your credit card company and cell phone carrier.

• Know the local currency.

• Travel in groups and use a bag with a strap that goes across your chest.

• Bring photocopies of your passports and prescriptions.

• Bring a backup charger for your phone.

• Know the number to call in an emergency. It is not 911 in most countries.