Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere — even on vacation.
To help prepare for unseen disasters, it’s a good idea to compile a list of emergency contacts. And having a family emergency plan tailored to your travel destination will make it easier to navigate any difficult situation.
Here’s how to ensure your next vacation is safe and sound for everyone.
Erika Recommends
- VisitorsCoverage
Emergency medical and travel assistance plans for families. - World Nomads
Travel insurance tailored to adventurous families. - Allianz Travel Insurance
24/7 support for medical, travel, and logistical emergencies.
Why You Need Emergency Contacts
Do you really need to add an emergency contact list as an extra to-do to your already-packed pre-travel list?
Yes, and here’s why:
- Faster access to help: Reduces response time during medical emergencies or travel disruptions
- Navigating unfamiliar locations: Ensures you know who to call for assistance in foreign countries
- Peace of mind: Provides a clear action plan, reducing panic during emergencies
READ MORE: Travel Insurance and Safety Tips for Family Vacations
Essential Emergency Contacts to Know
Back home, grandma and your pediatrician may be at the top of your emergency contact list, but you should adjust your list to your specific location when traveling.
- Local emergency numbers: Know the equivalent of 911 in your destination (e.g., 112 in Europe). That way, you can access emergency support as quickly as possible.
- Your travel insurance provider’s hotline: Save the 24/7 support number for claims and assistance.
- Nearest embassy or consulate: You never know if you’ll need your local embassy or consulate for passport replacement or other legal emergencies.
- Nearby medical facilities and pharmacies: Research and save the names and addresses of trusted hospitals near where you’ll be staying.
RELATED: How To Find a Family-Friendly Doctor on Vacation
Creating a Family Emergency Safety Plan
While one parent may be in charge of creating the emergency plan, it’s helpful to get the whole family involved in the execution of that plan.
Assign roles and responsibilities
Maybe one parent takes the lead on making the emergency plan, while the other manages documents, logistics, or communications.
Being clear on who is in charge of what helps lessen confusion during difficult situations.
Teach kids what to do in emergencies
Of course, parents take the lead in any sort of emergency their family may experience. That being said, don’t leave your kids in the dark about how to navigate travel troubles.
Have your little ones memorize your phone number, hotel address, and how to call for help.
Establish meeting points
Identify safe spots at your destination in case family members are separated — this will help you all avoid panic and reunite sooner.
Alongside having a safe spot to meet near your hotel, you should also plan daily meetup spots when on tours. For example, if you get separated in a museum, instruct your kids to meet you at the customer support desk or the gift shop.
Safety Essentials to Carry During Family Travel
Don’t let your fear of overpacking stop you from bringing some key safety essentials.
You can always stock up on extra sunscreen or toothpaste at your destination, but vital documents and emergency supplies will be harder to come by on the fly.
Copies of important documents and information
Have both digital and hard copies of any important documents and information you require for a smooth trip. If you lose a physical copy of insurance cards or itineraries, you’ll be happy you have a digital backup readily available.
Or if your phone is stolen when you are out and about, having your hotel address written down can be a lifesaver.
Contact cards for each family member
Give each member of your travel party (including kids) a card with emergency numbers and hotel information.
That way, if anyone gets separated from the group, they can seek help much more effectively.
First aid kit and emergency supplies
Accidents happen, especially with little ones running around in a new place.
Pack a first aid kit and emergency supplies with essentials like bandages, medications, flashlights, and power banks.
Common Emergency Scenarios and How to Respond
Hopefully, all your past travel experiences were nothing but smooth sailing.
But if you haven’t encountered a disaster while traveling before, you may not realize which emergency scenarios are most common and how you can best prepare for them.
Lost passports or documents
Losing a passport or other important travel documents is any globetrotter’s biggest fear. Know how to contact your nearest government office for replacements.
If you don’t know how to get to your local embassy or consulate on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help — your hotel concierge will be able to connect you.
You should also know how to notify your insurer if this happens. Don’t forget to store a digital version of any other documents you need, in the event you no longer have the physical copy.
Medical emergencies
If any member of your travel party is experiencing a medical emergency, call local emergency services immediately to seek help.
Once they are safe, notify your travel insurance provider about the incident. They can identify what support resources you have available to you and how to file a claim.
RELATED: Understanding Travel Insurance for Kids
Natural disasters or evacuations
Should an evacuation occur due to a natural disaster or other major incident, follow local authority guidelines and contact your local embassy or consulate for support.
If you bought travel insurance, use your emergency assistance benefits for rebooking or evacuation assistance.
FAQs About Family Travel Safety
How do I find my embassy or consulate in a foreign country?
If you have access to the internet, you can search online for your country’s embassy website or use the U.S. State Department’s embassy finder tool. You can also ask hotel staff or local authorities for guidance.
Does travel insurance provide assistance during natural disasters?
Most travel insurance covers natural disasters, such as emergency evacuations or trip interruption costs. Review your policy to understand coverage details, including emergency medical aid and transportation options during a natural disaster.
Should kids carry their own emergency contact information?
It’s a great idea to have your kids carry a card with emergency contacts when traveling. This card should include parents’ phone numbers, local contacts such as the hotel and police, and embassy information.
How do I handle emergency contacts in a different language?
For any trip to a country where you don’t speak the language, write down emergency contacts in the local language. You can use translation apps or ask locals to translate key phrases.
Having your emergency contact information clearly written in the native language will make it easier to get proper assistance. At a minimum, include the addresses of your hotel and local consulate or embassy.
TL;DR: Keep Your Family Safe Abroad
Having a clear emergency safety plan and contact list at the ready can help your family prepare for a variety of travel challenges.
Before traveling, create a master emergency contact list with local emergency numbers, the nearest embassy, and nearby hospitals. Give everyone in the family a contact card with these details, and teach kids what to do if they get separated from you.
And keep your travel insurance provider's number handy — they're your go-to for everything from lost passports to medical emergencies.
Was there an issue with your flight?
We read the fine print so you don't have to! Take our Flight Rights Quiz to learn more about the compensation the airline may owe you if your flight was delayed or canceled!
Learn With Erika
- Free Travel Secrets Workshop
- Learn how to use the fine print to book your next vacation practically for free with Erika's step-by-step system
- Free 5 Day Investing Challenge
- Learn how to get started as a beginner investor and make your first $10,000
- Free 5 Day Savings Challenge
- Discover how you can save $1,000 without penny pinching or making major life sacrifices
- Join Erika Kullberg Insiders
- Ask investing questions, share successes and participate in monthly challenges and expert workshops
. . .
