2019 Spring Break

The International Center wants to wish you a wonderful Spring Break!  Spring Break is from Monday, March 18, 2019 through Sunday, March 24, 2019.

If you will travel outside the U.S. during this time consider taking enhanced precautions, prepare for an emergency, and follow standard travel advice.

This post provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.

Take Enhanced Precautions

• Spring Break in Mexico. Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during Spring Break. While the vast majority of travelers have safe and enjoyable trips, Spring Break travel can sometimes include unforeseen problems.  Read the Security Alert from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to learn more about identified risks and recommendations for this Spring Break.
• Many popular holiday travel destinations still have a risk of Zika.  Check the CDC’s Zika Travel Information page to find out if there is a risk of Zika at your destination and how to protect yourself and others during and after travel.
• Travelers to certain parts of South America and Africa are at risk for yellow fever. Learn about the current outbreak of yellow fever in Brazil, limited availability of yellow fever vaccine in the U.S., and preventative measures you can take if traveling to an area at risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Some countries have reported outbreaks of influenza (flu) this season. It’s not too late to get your yearly flu shot.  Check the CDC Influenza (flu) page to learn more about prevention actions you can take.
• There are outbreaks of measles and mumps in popular destinations around the world. In the United States, most measles cases result from exposures during international travel. Make sure you are up to date on the MMR (measles, mumps, & rubella) vaccine.  Check the CDC Measles Webpage for Travelers to learn more about prevention actions you can take.
• Cruise ship travel presents a unique combination of health concerns. Travelers from diverse regions brought together in often crowded, semi-enclosed environments on board ships can facilitate the spread of person-to-person, food borne, or waterborne diseases.  Check the CDC Cruise Ship Travel page to learn more about prevention actions you can take.

Standard Travel Advice

• Be transportation smart
  • Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
  • Follow these tips to minimize your risk of being injured in a car crash while you’re on vacation.
  • Only use licensed and regulated taxis or rideshare services. Do not get into a vehicle with a stranger.
• Be water smart
  • Traveling can provide the opportunity to enjoy many water-related activities, but there is also a risk of injury or illness. Travelers, even expert swimmers, may not be aware of the water risks and features at their destination which increases the risk of drowning.  Learn more about water safety.
  • Take warning flags on beaches seriously.  Don’t drink and swim, and don’t swim alone. Check CDC Water Safety Abroad
• Stay healthy
  • Check CDC health notices for your destination.
  • Get proper nutrition, stay hydrated, and follow food and water safety guidelines. Visit the CDC Food and Water Safety page.
  • Consider prudent choices when it comes to alcohol, altitude, and other scenarios that can inhibit judgement.
  • Prevent mosquito bites. Visit the CDC Avoid Bug Bites page. Use insect repellents.  Find the repellent that is right for you.
  • Follow the CDC advise on: Traveling Abroad for the Holidays, and  Travel to Mass Gatherings.
  • Use sunscreen. Keep your eyes protected; wear sunglasses, even in snow.
• Obey the local laws. Do your research before you go!
  • Don’t purchase, use or import/export drugs.  Many U.S. citizens overseas are arrested for pursuing this kind of activity, and the U.S. State Department/Embassy will not bail you out.
  • Avoid participating in demonstrations and other political activities. Don’t stay to observe, nor take pictures.
• Be cautious
  • Don’t reveal personal information and plans when talking to strangers.
  • Avoid overt displays of money or wealth.
  • If someone or something seems suspicious, contact local authorities as soon as possible.
• If you are an international student
  • Make sure your most recent I-20 has a valid travel endorsement. If needed you may submit the travel endorsement requests in iComet to receive a new I-20 with travel endorsement before you travel. You may also visit the ISSO during express advising to have your current I-20 endorsed for travel. For further information visit the Traveling Outside the U.S. webpage.

   

Prepare for an Emergency

Know how to get local alerts, warnings or emergency updates while at your destination

In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. Access diverse information sources.

• If traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, register your trip in ISOS to receive alerts and download the ISOS assistance app.
• Enroll in the U.S. Department of State STEP program if a U.S. Citizen, or to a similar program with your home country embassy at your destination.
• Search in the appropriate Country Information sheet for local sources of alerts and warnings and subscribe to them.
• Learn how your hotel will provide you with alerts, warnings and instructions in case of emergency.
• Learn what local TV or radio stations to follow for information or official instructions as they become available.

Know how to get emergency assistance abroad

Emergencies can happen at any time, determine who you will call first, second, third, etc.

• If traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, get Emergency or Travel Assistance by calling ISOS 24/7 to +1-215-942-8059.  Identify yourself as a UT Dallas faculty, staff or student.
• If traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, review your employee or student insurance information.  Otherwise, obtain insurance that can cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and unexpected expenses such as trip interruption or lost luggage.
• Have with you at all times the phone number of your travel and emergency assistance provider.
• Search in the appropriate Country Information, and have with you at all times the:
  • Local phone number equivalent for 911, and the
  • U.S. Consulate or Embassy phone number for emergencies.

Know who are your emergency contacts back home

• Determine who you want to be contacted in the event of serious injury, illness, or death.
• Make sure all your emergency contacts know what your wishes are in the event of your serious injury or death.
• Ensure your emergency contacts can get in touch with each other and with key contacts, such as the U.S. embassy at your location.
• Ensure your emergency contacts have your trip and activities itinerary.

Know how to get in touch with your emergency contacts back at home

• Get an international call plan for the time you will be abroad.
• Have your emergency contacts phone numbers in your mobile device.
• Determine alternate ways of communicating with your emergency contacts.

This post provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.

Wishing you safe travels!

International Risk and Safety