112918 – Winter Break: Christmas & New Year Celebrations

Christmas and New Year are undoubtedly a time of celebrations. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December, although some countries have different Christmas traditions and celebrations could take place over a longer period of time. New Years’ Eve is celebrated in many countries on the 31st of December and the celebrations go on past midnight and into New Year’s Day, 1st of January. However, not all countries celebrate New Year on the same day, and the time of New Year celebrations could vary for different cultures based on the calendars they follow.

If you will travel abroad this upcoming Winter Break, consider the following recommendations from the U.S. Department of State, the CDC, and International Risk and Safety at UT Dallas.

Research your destination

• Review country information for information on safety and security risks, passport, visa and vaccination requirements, local laws, money matters, and health, safety and security.  If not a U.S. citizen check directly with the country’s consulate in the U.S. for visa information.
• Monitor Travel Health Notices and health information for health and medical risks.
• Review ISOS medical, travel, and road risk ratings.

If traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, additionally:

• Request a trip review to obtain tailored safety and security advise for your trip.
• Determine if your destination requires risk authorization, and request it if needed.

Health

• Talk to your doctor about vaccines and medicines recommended for your destination.
• Verify you have overseas medical insurance and repatriation / evacuation insurance. 

If traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, additionally:

• Review insurance information

Get ready to go

• Expect significant travel congestion. Many people are traveling during this time.
• Make photocopies of your itinerary and travel documents, including your passport, visa, itinerary, hotel confirmation, airline ticket, driver’s license and credit cards.
• Pack Smart. Pack light, make sure you are not carrying banned items or substances, and have vital documents within reach.
• Pack a travel health kit.

If traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, additionally:

• Follow the Traveler Guidelines to meet UT Dallas international travel requirements.

During your trip

• Be transportation smart. Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
• Reduce exposure to illness. Check the Stay Healthy and Safe section at the CDC webpage for your destination.
• Prevent mosquito bites. Visit the CDC Avoid Bug Bites page.
• Follow food and water safety guidelines. Visit the CDC Food and Water Safety page.
• Follow the CDC Healthy Occasions for Holiday Health and Safety Tips
• If traveling to cold climates, follow guidelines for cold climates. Visit the CDC Travel to Cold Climates
• Follow the CDC advise when Traveling Abroad for the Holidays
• Follow the CDC advise for Travel to Mass Gatherings.

If traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, additionally:

• If you feel sick, or need travel assistance contact ISOS 24/7

After your trip

• The CDC’s getting sick after travel webpage lists some of the common health issues travelers might experience after returning home.
• If you feel sick, visit your doctor and let them know about your trip.

Wishing you safe travels!

International Risk and Safety