Traveling Abroad: No laughing matter Published Feb. 26, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Being stationed in Europe, surrounded by a multitude of countries rich in culture and history, one can't help but want to explore abroad. But with these explorations can come great risk, if American military members and civilians don't take the proper precautions. "The potential for Team Aviano members to become victims overseas, both intentionally and collaterally (in the wrong place at the wrong time) is ever present," said Bill Trevino, 31st Fighter Wing antiterrorism officer. "Pre-travel planning for security is absolutely necessary when traveling overseas." Mr. Trevino noted that often times people don't realize the potential risks that are involved with traveling into countries where domestic dangers are prevalent. Major incidents such as the attacks in Mumbai, India, in November; the unrest in Greece over police killing a Greek teenager in December and the protests in several European countries at Israeli Embassies over the Gaza Strip conflict are prime examples of domestic dangers U.S. travelers should be knowledgeable on. Surrounding the Greek riots, the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece, gave sound advice that correlates to all U.S. overseas travel, said Mr. Trevino. "American citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstration," said U.S. Embassy officials. "American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times." Mr. Trevino said the most critical step in making travel arrangements is to conduct research on the area you are planning to visit and register with the U.S. Department of State Travel Web site. "Whenever travel to other overseas countries is involved we strongly recommend Team Aviano use the U.S. Department of State Travel Web site to determine if any travel or security warnings (sometimes referred to as 'warden messages') are in effect, to get emergency contact information for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and to get information on areas where crime rates or other personal security risks may be identified," he said. The U.S. Department of StateTravel Web site is located at www.travel.state.gov, with country specific warnings located at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html. Mr. Trevino recalled one of his colleagues who recently registered on the Web site before traveling to Israel and immediately received a travel warning about recent events in regard to the Gaza Strip and what precautions she should take. "This is just a small example of the benefits of the State Department's site," said Mr. Trevino. "Registering under the site and conducting pre-travel security arrangements can only benefit the traveler and his or her family." The Aviano Antiterrorism Office provides the following general travel precautions to American citizens traveling abroad: - Be aware of your surroundings and cautious of your conversation while utilizing public transportation and facilities. - Avoid planned gatherings or demonstrations and maintain awareness of your surroundings. - If you happen to come upon a demonstration, remain calm and leave the area. - Try to be inconspicuous. Do not draw attention to yourself. - Travel in small groups (never alone) and vary your movements. - Notify your chain of command of travel plans and ensure they have an accurate means of contacting you. - Stay away from high risk areas. - Know emergency numbers and potential safe areas. - Carry a cell phone if possible. - Safeguard your passport and ID card at all times. - If in a travel status and an incident occurs at your destination or any location on your itinerary, inform your unit of your status as soon as possible. - Check for further travel advisory messages from the U.S. Department of State Embassy or Consulate for the country in question at one of the following links: State Department: http://www.state.gov/ Embassy: http://usembassy.state.gov/ Current Travel Warnings: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html Country Specific Warnings: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html For additional travel tips, click here for the 31st FW Antiterrorism and Force Protection Overseas Travel tri-fold.