Use these tools to stay safe during international travel

SALT LAKE CITY — International travel can be dangerous, but there are steps tourists can take to stay safe.

Before traveling to a different country, tourists can check the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory.

The advisory provides a level of potential danger on a scale of one to four.

Level one advises travelers to exercise regular caution, such as wearing sunscreen.

Level four is a strict do not travel warning. These warnings factor in weather, crime, political unrest and what’s going on in other parts of the world.

There’s also a tool called STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. STEP allows tourists to register with the U.S. Embassy.

Doug Wren is the president of the travel company Wren International. He said travelers can register where they plan to be. The program uses phone numbers, citizenship status and other information to keep people safe during international travel.

“So, if something were to happen, they [STEP] would know you’re there,” he said. 

Additionally, Wren said tools like STEP helped the U.S. government know how many Americans were in Israel when the war escalated.

Devin Oldroyd contributed to this story.

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