Partying Safely

Engaging in social activities abroad like visiting nightclubs, bars, attending festivals, and other similar activities can be a memorable experience. Learn more about some potential risks and how you can reduce the risk of incidents. 

Important UTD guidelines for travel abroad 
  

• Obtain Travel Authorization: Obtain authorization prior to departure. 
• Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s STEP program to get alerts for your destination. 
• Register Your Trip: Register your trip prior to departure. 
• Save the On Call contact to your phone. Call 24/7 for travel and emergency assistance. 

Before Your Trip 

• Assess destination risks: Understand local laws and customs related to alcohol and partying. 
• Create an emergency communications plan to help you manage emergencies while abroad. 
• Know Your Insurance: Review your UTD coverage benefits for university travel abroad. 

During Your Trip 

• Emergency Services and Travel Assistance – Have a list of emergency contacts and local medical facilities for your destination. UT Dallas travelers can get travel and emergency assistance by calling On Call International 24/7 at +1 (978) 651-9722. 
• Transportation
  • Plan how you’ll get to and from the location. Get a sense of the route. 
  • Use official taxis, rideshare, or other trusted transportation.  
  • Do not hail taxis from the street and avoid public transportation. 
  • Travel in groups. 
  • Do not ride with an impaired driver. 
  • Avoid traveling in ferries and speedboats after dark. 
• Alcohol use
  • Drink responsibly or not at all.  
  • Alcohol impairs judgment and decision making.  
  • If you are impaired, you are more vulnerable to theft, assault, and manipulation. 
  • Keep an eye on your drink at all times to prevent spiking. 
  • Don’t accept drinks from strangers. 
  • Be cautious of methanol poisoning, which can occur in some countries. 
  • Don’t drink and swim. 
• Drug use
  • Avoid illegal substances to prevent legal trouble and health risks. 
  • Be aware that drug laws vary by country, and penalties can be severe. 
  • Drugs can impair your judgment and decision making.  
  • If you are impaired, you are more vulnerable to theft, assault, and manipulation. 
• Venue safety
  • Choose safe venues and be aware of emergency exits. 
  • Avoid venues that seem overcrowded or unsafe. 
• Stay in groups
  • Stay with trusted friends and look out for each other.  
  • Have a plan for what to do if someone gets separated from the group. 
  • Do not leave behind a friend who seems impaired. 
  • Avoid conflicts and violence.  
  • Stay calm and walk away from any potential altercations. 
  • Drink water regularly to stay hydrated, especially if consuming alcohol. 
  • Be wary of accepting drinks or invitations from strangers. 
• Theft prevention
  • Leave your valuables in a secure location at your lodging.  
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. 
  • Use a money belt or hidden pouch to keep your belongings safe. 
  • Use ATMs during daylight hours and at safe locations. 
• Scams
  • Be cautious of scams and overcharging. Always check prices before making purchases. 
  • Use reputable vendors and avoid deals that seem too good to be true. 
  • Be aware of common tourist scams in the area you’re visiting. 

After your trip  

• Monitor your health for any signs of illness: Be aware that you may have been exposed to illnesses during your trip. Monitor your health for symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, or any other unusual signs. 
• Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctors to address any health issues that came up during or after your trip. 

Resources 

• CDC Traveller’s Health – CDC.gov – U.S. guidance on health risks, vaccination recommendations, and preventive measures for travelers.  
• CDC Food Safety – CDC.gov – Guidance on foods That Can Cause Food Poisoning. 
• U.S. Department of State (DOS) – travel.state.gov – Check the latest safety levels, local laws, and health risks for your destination. 
• International Risk and Safety website. 
• Traveler Toolkit. 
• Special Reports. 

Informative pages from other governments. Please note that not all the advice in these pages will apply to U.S. travelers. 

Top tips for partying safely – smartraveller.gov.au – Know what you can do to reduce your risk of things going wrong. 

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