Travelling can be a relaxing way to escape the pressures of life, but when an emergency occurs, most people don’t even know the phone number of the local police department. And though every tourist has a bag packed with clothes, along with various toiletries, there are items that remain overlooked until they are needed. Fortunately, not all travelers face emergency issues, but those who do – could end up with a trip that causes a lot of stress, if they are caught unprepared. One of the easiest ways to handle emergency issues is to find out the local emergency numbers, before going abroad.
Most emergency numbers are short, for easy memorization. Of course, they can always be stored in the contact list of a cell phone, or written down and kept in a wallet. There are also less obvious numbers, which should be found in advance as well. If the traveler’s car breaks down, a towing company may be needed. If the vehicle is parked illegally by mistake and has been towed away, it might be necessary to call to find out where to pay the fines in order to get the car back.
There is also the possibility that the keys will get locked in the vehicle or lost. An emergency locksmith will be needed in this case, who can assist with car key replacement or car lockout. And there is one more number that is so obvious that most people don’t even bother to think of, which is the number of the hotel. Always know this number, for yourself and for anyone who may need to contact you.
Most emergency numbers can be found online, including:
- Police (local, traffic, highway, and even non-emergency numbers)
- Ambulance
- Hospital
- Fire
- Coast guard
- Search and Rescue
- Poison Control
Items to Carry
Most travelers remember to take their important documents, such as passports and driver’s licenses. They remember their clothes, shoes, and their shower accessories, and for women, a makeup bag is another top priority item. Other important things to have within reach (which don’t even take a lot of space) are the following:
- A list of phone numbers (and even the addresses) of the contacts listed above.
- Paper or a notebook, because one never knows when there will be a need to write something down
- Pens and pencils (is it even possible to write without them?)
- A first aid kit, containing various sizes of bandages and gauze, hydrogen peroxide, a small pair of scissors, tweezers, blister packs, a pain reliever (Tylenol, Advil, etc.), as well as an ample supply of any prescription medication. Accidents do happen, and it’s best to be prepared.
- A flashlight, as well as replacement batteries, for any mishaps at night.
- GPS and maps, especially when traveling by car in places you have never been to before.
- Extra passport photos, in case the original document is lost.
- A phrasebook or dictionary, for places where the majority of people don’t know English well.
- A cell phone charger, and any electric adapter or plug converters that may be needed (A double adapter is a good idea, for those who have two or more cell phones).
Fortunately, not every traveler eventually finds himself in need of a first aid kit or a car key replacement, so some of these items may not be needed. But when they are, they can spare the traveler many problems.
Adventures are wonderful, and traveling can provide much-needed relaxation and excitement, but only when things go smoothly. With these lists, anyone can have a marvelous trip they will spend years reminiscing about!