3 Easy Steps to signing up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The U.S. State Department has created as part of their travel safe and healthy website a program called Smart Traveler Enrollment Program or STEP.
I would have called it the Smart Traveler Emergency Program. Because the purpose of the program is to assist U.S. Citizens caught in a disaster or emergency situation abroad. It is a bit tricky to register so I will share with you my experience.

This program is for short term international travel or for U.S. Citizens taking up residence in a foreign country, which is pretty cool.

This is the registration link;



Keep these number handy when traveling;

CONTACT OVERSEAS CITIZENS SERVICES:
From within the U.S. 1-888-407-4747
From outside the U.S. 1-202-501-4444

To register for the STEP program, click on the link above.
The trick is to register about a week at the most two weeks before your departure date.
Information of your travel will then stay fresh in the mind of the STEP computer program. I make that suggestion because I found it easier to organize my list of pre- travel reminders that way.

To give feedback on this program contact- CAIBRS@state.gov. Don't contact me about this, there is not really much I can do, except voice my opinion by blogging.

Create an account and password, the usual stuff.

Site has a template for sending travel groups information in to the STEP program.
Next register your travel information. Here is a list of information you will need;

Itinerary, including:
Destination country
Arrival dates
Departure dates
purpose of travel
Personal Contact information.
Closest US Embassy to destination country.

Link to a list of U.S. Embassies World Wide.


Then register your personal information

What I did not see on the registration is an " Emergency contact" number or next of Kin or anything like that. So keep your cell phones charged up when traveling. I am unsettled by lack of a loved ones emergency contact information.

Healthy and safe travels,

Nurse G

UPDATED: 6 Tips for Healthy Travel

Travel Healthy with these 6 travel tips:

My first post was me making a transition from Wordpress back to blogger.
I fixed the spacing and I am so glad you came back to read this post.

Just for being a good sport about my being human and all, I have added an additional two travel tips for you. So this article is 8 tips for the price of 6!

I love a good deal- don't you?

1. Carry an updated copy your travel immunization records and leave a copy at home with a loved one. Iphone apps are available for storing your medical information or you can store a copy of your travel immunizations on a USB drive.

2. Check with your medical insurance company and check travel health coverage. More than likely, they offer little or no coverage for travel out side of the United States.

3. Travel Medical Insurance is a MUST. It is not the same as your medical insurance.I have heard more than one story in this past week about travelers using their travel medical insurance.

4. If your flight is over 5 hours, be aware there is a risk for DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) or blood clot in the leg, which could easily travel to the lungs and cause major medical problems, or death.

You may be at risk for a blood clot especially with the following;

A. Recent surgery.
B. Been diagnosed with DVT in the past.
C. Blood clotting problems.
D. A smoker

If you are at risk be sure to take frequent stretch/ walking brakes on the plane and at the airport. Talk to your doctor about additional precautions to take before and during travel.

5. If you happen to become sick during travel, you can contact the local US Embassy or Consulate if you need further assistance. The number is 1-888-407-4747 if calling from the U.S. or Canada.

6. Pack a Travel Health Kit. If you don't have time to pack a kit or find the cost of purchasing separate bottles of medication daunting. We offer My Travel Health Kit® which includes all of the following items.

A travel health kit needs to include the following over-the-counter medical and prevention items;
A. Pain relief
B. Motion sickness
C. Anti-Acids
D. Bandaids
E. Aspirin
F. Sun Screen
G. Insect Repellant
H. Travelers Diarrhea relief
I. Sleeping Aid
J. Sinus tabs
K. Cold medicine
L. Cough drops
M. Allergy relief
N. lip balm
O. Antibiotic ointment
P. Anti-fungal cream
Q. Condoms

tip 6.5
Also pack a water bottle with a micro filter, to protect yourself from travelers diarrhea.

7. If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you. Pack medicines and extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available in case your checked luggage is lost. To be extra secure, pack a backup supply of medicines and an additional pair of eyeglasses in your checked luggage.

8. If you have allergies, reactions to any medications, foods, or insect bites, or medical problems, wear a “medical alert” bracelet or necklace. You may also wish to carry a letter from your physician explaining required treatment should you become ill potentially and cannot communicate.

Healthy Travels,

I really gave you 8.5 for the price of six! Thanks for reading this blog, I have much, much more information to share on travel health and look forward to hearing from you.

Nurse G