Generally, the answer is a resounding yes. Violent crime in Croatia is rare, and overall crime levels are quite low, making it extremely safe to travel to Croatia. The U.S. State Department has given Croatia its lowest travel advisory level, Level One, indicating that you should “exercise normal precautions” when traveling.

Still, there are a few Croatia travel warnings that you should be aware of before arriving in this Balkan nation. As in most popular tourist destinations, pickpocketing and petty theft are common, so make sure to take the normal precautions, including keeping your wallet and phone in your front pocket and investing in a slash-resistant purse or backpack.

Also, some political tension does remain from the Croatian War of Independence, which, from 1991 to 1995, secured Croatia’s freedom from Yugoslavia. This means that occasional racially or ethnically motivated crimes do occur, according to the U.S. State Department. In addition, the threat of terrorism exists across all of Europe, but the U.S. government considers Zagreb a ”low-threat” area

It’s also good to keep in mind that Croatia sits on an earthquake fault and is subject to occasional minor seismic events. In recent years these have not been severe.

Tips for Staying Safe in Croatia

• Know where you’re going and when. Avoid dangers in Croatia by steering clear of certain parks at night, forgoing Zagreb’s shady strip clubs, staying away from political demonstrations, and doing all you can to thwart pickpockets wherever you go.
• Road safety can be an issue in Croatia, so drive with caution, if you drive at all. Beware of untrustworthy taxi drivers, as well as thieves who target travelers on trains and buses. And if you’re headed out to hike in Croatia’s forests, consult with a guide first, since the weather can be unpredictable.
• There are certain regions in Croatia where unexploded landmines are an ongoing danger. If you find yourself traveling off the beaten path, watch for posted warning signs, avoid ditches and open fields, and don’t veer off paved roads. If you’re in doubt about where you’re headed, don’t hesitate to ask locals for safety advice.

Safe Places—and Places to Avoid—in Croatia

Before we elaborate on the safest parts of Croatia, it’s worth answering a common question: “Where is Croatia?” It’s located on Europe’s Balkan Peninsula and bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Its coastline runs along the Adriatic Sea.

When looking at Croatia’s map and deciding where to go, keep in mind that there are some mildly dangerous places. In general, Zagreb has a higher risk of petty crimes that target travelers—especially pickpocketing—than Croatia’s other cities. Steer clear, especially, of the area around the seedy Zagreb Bus Terminal, and avoid Ribnjak Park and King Tomislav Square after dark.

Zagreb’s strip clubs are not safe for travelers. Violent fights are common, as are scams that involve egregiously overcharging tourists for drinks, sometimes by thousands of euros. When a customer complains about the exorbitant bill, bouncers bully him into paying with threats of violence.

Croatia’s nightclubs and bars (the non-strip variety, too) are also notorious for overcharging, so check your bill before paying and stick to reputable venues recommended by mainstream guidebooks. As with any destination, be careful at nightlife venues as drink and food spiking is common. This practice targets male travelers, too, with the intent of robbing them once they’re drowsy. So watch as your drink is being made, never leave your food or beverage unattended, and don’t accept cocktails from strangers.

Be particularly vigilant for pickpockets and other thieves on Croatia’s popular beaches along the Adriatic coast—go experience them, by all means, but know that many of these tourist towns see an uptick in petty crime over the busy summer months.

Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings in Croatia; though most are peaceful, they can occasionally turn violent or otherwise dangerous. If you find yourself in an area where an event like this is taking place, follow instructions from local authorities.

If you’re looking for Croatia’s safest places to visit, Zagreb’s Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and Lower Town (Donji Grad), both known for great restaurants and museums, tend to be very safe for travelers, though tourists should still be on high alert for pickpockets. Medvednica, the mountain overlooking Zagreb, and Medvedgrad, a preserved fortress, are very safe, both by day and by night, and are worthwhile destinations. According to one recent report, the safest place in Croatia is the beautiful, quiet Dalmatian town of Sinj, near Split; it’s followed by the towns of Dakovo, Pozega, Samobor, and Krizevci. Split and Dubrovnik made the top 15.

How to Get Around Safely in Croatia

To answer the question of whether Croatia is dangerous, one must look beyond crime rates and onto the roads. Many governments’ Croatia travel warnings note that road safety can be an issue and recommend that travelers exercise caution when driving in Croatia. Many of Croatia’s smaller roads (especially in Istria and along the Adriatic Coast) are poorly maintained, lack guardrails, and get slippery when wet, warns the Government of Canada. If you find yourself in trouble and needing emergency road assistance, call +385 1-1987, a service that’s staffed by English-speaking operators. During the tourist season, English-language traffic information is broadcast at 98.5 FM.

As for taxis, avoid scams by only taking official taxis with working meters, and by familiarizing yourself with Croatian money so that you don’t get cheated with incorrect change. Uber is a good alternative in some Croatian cities.

Most forms of public transportation are fairly safe in Croatia, though you might want to avoid the aforementioned Zagreb bus terminal after dark. If you take the bus or train, guard your valuables, especially at night, making sure that your passport and other valuables are locked and secure.

In general, to decrease your chances of becoming a crime victim in Croatia, don’t display signs of wealth, don’t carry large amounts of cash, never accept anything from strangers, beware of pickpockets at all times, never leave valuables unattended (especially on the beach), and use your in-room hotel safe. The emergency phone number in Croatia is 112, though you can also 192 to reach the police specifically. If you need assistance, you can also reach out to your home country’s embassy.

Croatia’s mountains are beautiful, so many travelers come here to hike. If that’s your plan, make sure to seek expert advice from local guides, even if you’re embarking on what seems like an easy trek. The weather in Croatia’s mountains is fickle, even in summer, and temperatures can drop dramatically overnight. Solo hikers have gotten lost in the mountains, so join a group if you can. Call the emergency number, 112, if you need help.

If you’re headed to Croatia’s northern forests, take precautions against ticks (which can transmit encephalitis) and against fires, which are common in Croatia’s forests during the country’s hot, dry summers. Make sure cigarette butts are completely extinguished, don’t light barbecues, and don’t leave behind any trash. In the event of a forest fire, earthquake, flash flood, or other natural disaster, monitor media reports and follow local authorities’ instructions.

Landmine Dangers in Croatia

Some travel destinations have figurative minefields. Croatia has literal ones, littered with unexploded bombs, leftover from conflicts that ended back in 1995. Sadly, in the era since peace was declared, these dangerous remnants have killed and maimed hundreds of people.

Demining efforts are underway in the affected areas—including Eastern Slavonia, Brodsko-Posavska County, Karlovac County, Zadar County, and out-of-the-way parts of Plitvice Lakes National Park—but won’t be finished anytime soon. Until then, travelers should take warning signs extremely seriously: They’re usually in Croatian, with a skull and crossbones set in a red triangle.

If you find yourself in these dangerous areas—which, fortunately, tend to be far from Croatia’s big tourist draws—stay on paved roads, keep an eye out for the aforementioned warning signs, and avoid open fields, ditches, and the shoulders of roads. If you’re in doubt, you can always ask locals for safety advice.

The post How Safe Is Croatia? Warnings and Dangers Travelers Need to Know appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The recent high-profile kidnapping and murder of American tourists in Mexico have sparked fears and travel warnings around trips to the country, leaving travelers wondering if it’s safe to visit Mexico right now.

Tourists should keep in mind that Mexico is a large and diverse country. Advising someone against traveling to Cancún because of violence in Matamoros would be similar to warning against travel to New York because of an incident in California. To find out how safe an area in Mexico is before you book a trip, consult the US State Department’s Mexico Travel Advisory page for the most accurate and up-to-date travel warnings.

Additional reporting by Megan Johnson

State Department Travel Warnings: Mexico

The State Department’s website warns that “Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.”

The State Department has also escalated advisories for several Mexican states due to an increased risk of crime or kidnappings.

The State Department has a “Do Not Travel” warning for the following regions of Mexico:

Do Not Travel

• Colima state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Guerrero state due to crime.
• Michoacan state due to crime.
• Sinaloa state due to crime.
• Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping.

The State Department advises travelers to “reconsider travel” to the following states:

Reconsider Travel

• Baja California state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Chiapas state due to crime. 
• Chihuahua state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Guanajuato state due to crime.
• Jalisco state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Morelos state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Sonora state due to crime and kidnapping.

Some popular tourist destinations, like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are located in states with less elevated warning levels. Quintana Roo, for example, has the State Department advisory of “Exercise Increased Caution” which is the same warning level as France, Italy, and Germany.

Two states in Mexico, Campeche and Yucatan, have the State Department’s lowest warning level, “Exercise Normal Precautions.” 

Mexico Safety Tips

No matter where you travel in Mexico, there are some basic safety tips that everyone should follow.

Taxis

Only use a reputable taxi service, such as one booked through your hotel, a legitimate taxi stand, or a ride-sharing app. The State Department warns, “Mexico experiences robberies, typically in cities, in which abductors force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release. Perpetrators commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers.”

Alcohol

Never accept a drink from a stranger and never leave your beverage unattended. Reports of criminals drugging tourists’ drinks to assault or rob them are fairly common in Mexico, and can happen even at your resort.

Be cautious of the types of drinks you order. The State Department says that there have been incidents of counterfeit alcohol being sold in Mexico, and cautions, “Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.”

Share Your Itinerary

Share your itinerary with close friends or family (and not on social media, which could make it easier for criminals to find you), so that they can alert authorities if you go missing. 

Before your trip, register with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that will help the State Department get in touch with you in the event of an emergency. Enrollees will also receive important safety alerts from the Embassy about safety conditions in their destination country.

Health

Before visiting Mexico, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website to determine if you have all the recommended vaccines and prescriptions for your trip.

Tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled beverages and avoid raw fruits and vegetables (unless you can peel them yourself). Skip the ice in your drinks, and use bottled water to brush your teeth. 

Mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika and Dengue are prevalent in Mexico, so take precautions to avoid getting bitten.

Swimming

Exercise caution when entering the water in Mexico, as undercurrents and rip tides are common at beaches. Be especially careful if swimming in an area without a lifeguard.

Choose Your Hotel Wisely

Phillip Ballard, an Executive at HotelPlanner, and a former anti-terrorism and Pentagon Force Protection Officer, recommends “booking as nice a hotel as you can afford in the popular business/entertainment district.” Ballard explains that these hotels will likely be safer due to a more visible police presence.

Driving

The State Department advises against driving on highways at night in Mexico due to poor road conditions and a high crime risk.

Keep a Low Profile

As soon as you arrive in Mexico, Ballard advises travelers to keep a low profile. “Criminals will often spot American tourists the minute they deplane. Don’t wear or say anything that identifies you easily as an American tourist.” Ballard recommends travelers leave flashy jewelry and other valuables at home to decrease the chance of theft. 

Know What to Do in Case of an Emergency

The emergency services number in Mexico is the same as in the United States (911). Purchase travel insurance before you go to cover you if you need medical care. Save the locations of the nearest hospitals and the US Embassy into your phone if you need help.

Download the Guest Assist app if you are traveling to Quintana Roo. The app, provided by the Mexican government, offers provides emergency resources for tourists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexico safe for tourists in 2025?

Safety varies significantly by region. Popular tourist areas maintain similar safety levels to European destinations, while certain states require extra caution or should be avoided.

Which Mexican states are safest for tourists?

Campeche and Yucatan maintain the lowest U.S. State Department warning levels, making them among the safest regions for tourists.

Do I need special insurance for traveling to Mexico?

Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover potential medical emergencies and trip interruptions.

What should I do in case of an emergency in Mexico?

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy, and use the Guest Assist app in Quintana Roo.

Additional Resources

• U.S. State Department Mexico Travel Advisory
• CDC Mexico Travel Health Notices
• Mexican Tourism Board Official Website
• STEP Registration Portal

Remember that while these safety concerns are real, millions of tourists visit Mexico safely each year by following proper precautions and staying informed about their specific destination’s current situation.

The post Traveling to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know: A Comprehensive Guide to the Safety Warnings and Precautions You Should Take Before Visiting Mexico appeared first on SmarterTravel.

She said that about five minutes into the flight, there was a “loud bang noise,” and she looked “to the side and [saw] the ceiling hanging down over two passengers. The flight attendants did not notice, and nobody rang the call buttons.” After a few minutes, the flight attendant took a picture and showed it to the pilot, who said it “wasn’t a big deal and they could keep going.” 

O’Malley said it looked like the little air vents fell, but there were “little plastic tubings that definitely looked like they might be part of the oxygen system, too,” hanging down. No announcement was made, and the crew “seemed to not really care.” O’Malley, however, was unsettled and anxious the whole flight. She was surprised they did not turn back to fix it and just took the chance that it “knocked out the emergency oxygen to those seats or that side of the plane.” 

Ceiling Panel Falls During Porter Airlines Flight

O’Malley stated she typically avoids Porter, as the plane interiors “leave a bit to be desired” and remind her of “an old school bus or public transit and are very cramped.” However, she finds Toronto International a tricky airport to navigate, so she chose instead to fly out of Billy Bishop in Toronto, connecting in Ottawa on Porter. She now will take her chances with Toronto International to avoid Porter Air at all costs. 

We contacted Porter Airlines about the incident and were told that the “overhead panel cover needed to be re-secured. This is a minor requirement and not safety-related, so the Captain chose not to make an announcement. When the aircraft landed, the panel was secured, and the aircraft returned to service.” 

What To Do When Part Of the Plane Breaks Mid-Flight

So, what should happen when parts of the plane appear to break mid-flight? We’ve created a step-by-step guide for what to do when something breaks on an airplane. 

1. Don’t Panic

This may seem easier said than done, but try not to panic and worry other passengers. Remain calm and inform those who need to know first, which brings us to number two. 

2. Tell A Flight Attendant

This may seem obvious, but apparently, it isn’t, as no one pressed the call button when part of the ceiling fell. However, flight attendants can quickly assess the situation and determine whether it is an emergency. They can ask the pilot if it is more unusual (like the ceiling falling). 

3. Follow Instructions

The crew will know if something is an emergency or an inconvenience. If they tell you not to worry, don’t. If they ask you to return to your seat, do so. In this situation, the crew will definitely know more than you do, so listen to what they tell you to do. 

4. If Oxygen Masks Deploy, Use Them

Like the crew’s instructions, the oxygen masks deploy for a reason. If something happens on your plane that causes them to drop, utilize them, even if it seems unnecessary. (And, of course, put yours on first before helping others.) 

5. Don’t Try to Fix Whatever Broke

          If it’s a mechanical issue with your seat (like a broken tray table or recline mechanism):

• Return seat to upright position if possible
• Avoid forcing broken components, which could cause further damage
• Ask to be re-seated if the issue affects safety or comfort

For issues with overhead bins or storage compartments:

• Don’t try to force them closed
• Allow crew to secure items properly
• Accept alternative storage solutions offered by the crew. 

Remember that modern aircraft are designed with multiple redundant systems for safety. Most mechanical issues that might occur during flight are not safety-critical, and the crew is well-prepared to handle them.

The post What To Do If Something Breaks On Your Plane Mid-Flight appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If you’re planning a trip to Denmark, Italy, or the United Kingdom, the U.S. State Department urges you to exercise increased caution. In September, these popular European vacation destinations had their warning levels elevated due to the risk of potential terrorist attacks.

The Travel Advisory for each country was raised from Level 1: Exercise normal precautions to Level 2: Exercise increased caution. The State Department warns that in these destinations, “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.”

If you do decide to travel to Denmark, Italy, or the United Kingdom, the State Department advises following these safety tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in your destination on social media to receive important updates.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Several other European countries are already at a Level 2 Travel Advisory, including:

• Albania
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• France
• Kosovo
• Serbia
• Spain
• Turkey
• Germany

The post US Increases Travel Warnings for Three European Countries appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The U.S. Department of State has just raised its travel advisory for Germany to Level 2: Exercise Increase Caution due to the risk of terrorism. “Terrorist groups keep planning attacks in Germany,” says the State Department’s advisory. “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations and transportation hubs.” 

The State Department warns that Germany’s markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, large events, schools, airports, and public areas are potential terrorist targets. 

The previous travel advisory level for Germany was Level 1: Exercise Increased Caution, and it was raised to Level 2 on May 1. A  number of other popular European destinations, including Denmark, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, are already at a Level 2 travel advisory.

If you’re traveling to Germany, the State Department recommends taking the following precautions:

1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist locations and crowds
2. Monitor local media to learn about any potential dangers or emergencies
3. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and to help the U.S. government locate you in case of an emergency
4. Identify safe places, like police stations and hospitals, to go in case of an emergency

The Canadian government also issued a travel warning for Germany in March, advising its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” if traveling to the country. 

The post US Raises Travel Warning for Major European Country appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Uncooked rice can contain a bacteria called Bacillus cereus, which can sometimes survive the cooking process. According to FoodSafety.gov, if rice is not kept at 140 degrees when it is left out for two hours or longer, any remaining bacteria can multiply and make you sick if you eat that rice.

Symptoms will set in quickly (anywhere from 30 minutes to 15 hours after eating) and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. You’ll be sick for about 24 hours if you fall victim to Bacillus cereus.

Bad Buffet Warning Signs

I asked Janilyn Hutchings, a Certified Professional in Food Safety, what signs to watch for at a buffet to make sure the food you’re eating is safe. Hutchings advises to look for these three red flags:

1. Food that’s supposed to be hot isn’t hot.
2. Food that’s supposed to be cold is thawing or melting.
3. Buffet workers put new food on top of old food instead of replacing an entire container of old food with a new container of fresh food.

Which Foods Should You Avoid at Buffets

Rice falls into the category of Time or Temperature Control for Safety Foods (TCS). According to Hutchings, these are foods that have high carbohydrate and protein levels, are neutral or slightly acidic, and contain moisture. Other foods in this category that you’re likely to find on the buffet include sliced melons, cut greens, and meat.

The post The Surprising Item You Should Skip at the Buffet to Avoid Getting Sick appeared first on SmarterTravel.

That doesn’t mean you should let fear hold you back from planning a trip on your own—it just means you should take a few extra precautions. Follow these ten tips for solo travelers to help protect yourself when away from home.

Check Your Hotel Room

The first thing solo travelers should do after checking in to a hotel (even before checking for bed bugs) is sweep their room to make sure there are no intruders. Leave the door to your room open while you quickly and thoroughly check any potential hiding spots. 

Where to look:

• Under the bed
• In the closet
• In the shower
• Behind floor-to-ceiling curtains

Pack a Doorstop 

A number of hotel employees have access to keycards that will open any room on the property. Mistakes happen and another guest could be given the key to your room. Or, the lock on your door simply might not be functional. All of these scenarios are reasons why you don’t want to solely rely on your hotel room’s door lock to keep you safe.

As a secondary layer of security, pack a doorstop or a doorstop alarm that can be used to prevent anyone from opening your door from the outside. The doorstop alarm will also alert (and everyone around you) you if someone is trying to get in. 

Don’t Accidentally Give Out Your Room Number

Solo travelers should be careful not to let strangers know where exactly they are staying. When you check in, make sure the front desk employee doesn’t say your room number out loud (have them write it on your key card envelope instead).

If you’re ordering at a hotel bar or restaurant and want to charge something to your room, write your name and room number on the check rather than saying it verbally if others are in earshot.

Don’t Let Others Know You’re Traveling Alone

You don’t have to be totally honest with pushy strangers striking up a conversation with you. If you’re feeling uncomfortable about someone asking you if you’re traveling alone, invent a friend or spouse who is “just taking a nap in the room” or who you’ll be meeting later. 

Request a Room on a Higher Floor

Hotel rooms on the first floor offer an easy second entry point (through the window) for intruders. Request a higher floor to reduce break-in risks when traveling alone. 

Leave Your Itinerary With a Trusted Friend

As a solo traveler, someone should know where you are just in case something goes wrong—even if they aren’t on the trip with you. Leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted friend or family member back home. 

This is especially important if you’re planning on activities such as hiking on your vacation—always let a friend or even the hotel concierge know where you are going (with specifics, such as what trail you’re taking) and what time you’re expected to return, so they can raise the alarm if you don’t come back.

All travelers, solo or not, should register for the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before going abroad so that the embassy can reach them in the event of an emergency. 

Loud is Better Than Polite

Always trust your intuition while traveling. If you feel uncomfortable and think that someone is following you, or if someone is harassing you, you want to attract a crowd who can intervene. 

The State Department advises travelers, “If you do find yourself in an unsafe situation, be loud and draw attention to yourself to deter unwanted actions/attention. Being safe is more important than being polite.”

Spend a Little Bit More on Safety

A solo traveler’s budget should always have a little bit of extra cushioning. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’re forced to make an unsafe choice because you can’t afford to do the smart option. 

For example, if you don’t have a lot to spend on transportation, you may be tempted to walk alone at night in an unsafe neighborhood rather than taking a cab.

Research Your Destination

One of the best ways to stay safe as a solo traveler is by blending in. Before you travel, research your destination to figure out what locals wear—if you’re headed somewhere where people typically dress modestly, you’ll definitely call attention to yourself if you’re wearing short or tight clothing. 

You’ll also want to do your research on local scams, dangerous areas to avoid, and whether public transportation is safe to take by yourself. The most reliable place to find this information is  the State Department’s country-specific travel pages. 

Watch Your Drinks

Solo travelers are prime targets for drink-drugging crimes. Perpetrators may slip drugs into the beverages of travelers to knock them out, and then rob or assault them. Never accept a drink from a stranger, and always watch your drink, especially at a crowded bar or restaurant. 

Although it’s fun to enjoy a local cocktail on vacation, it’s best to moderate your consumption so you can remain aware and alert.

The post Top 10 Safety Tips for Solo Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Unlike with travel-sized toiletries, which are replaced after every guest, these large bottles are shared between travelers, and simply refilled as needed. Is it safe or sanitary to use these bulk toiletries? 

We recommend erring on the side of caution and bringing your own reusable travel-sized containers filled with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. The large, refillable bottles found in hotel rooms can often be opened by anyone, and previous travelers could have easily tampered with them, adding unsavory contents such as bodily fluids or bleach to the shampoo for the next unsuspecting guest. 

Even if the containers are locked down and can only be opened by a housekeeper, using the shared toiletries is still not very sanitary. 

Dr. Charles Gerba, a professor of virology at the University of Arizona, warns, “Bacterial growth is an issue with refillable dispenser use for soap and shampoos. Most of our studies have been on hand soaps, but we also did studies on shampoos in hotels—all of which can grow bacteria to large numbers.”

These refillable containers may not be cleaned thoroughly between uses. If anything, housekeeping probably quickly wipes them down when they clean the shower. It would be rare for these large containers to be emptied and cleaned frequently.

“Coliform bacteria can survive in soaps and grow. We have noticed that when the containers are refiled the bacterial numbers decrease—probably because they do contain some antimicrobial—but then increase rapidly again,” explains Dr. Gerba.

The best way to be sustainable and safe? Bring your own reusable travel-sized containers of toiletries with you when you travel. You’ll know exactly what’s inside (and how clean they are).

The post Is It Safe to Use Refillable Toiletries in a Hotel Room? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Newer iPhones (the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15) have an Emergency SOS via Satellite feature built-in, which allows you to contact emergency services via satellite, even if no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage is available. If your attempts to call or text emergency services fail due to a lack of traditional connectivity, your device will automatically try to connect you through a satellite.

How to Use the iPhone Satellite SOS

The satellite SOS feature is only to be used in an emergency. Use it in scenarios where you would call 911, like a car crash or getting injured while hiking. 

To utilize the Satellite SOS service, you must be outside and have a clear view of the sky and horizon. Trees, mountains, and buildings can all block the connection. 

First, try calling the local emergency number to reach emergency services. Even if your normal cellular carrier network isn’t available, you might be able to make the call.

After an emergency call fails, an option will pop up where you can tap “emergency text via satellite.” Then follow these steps:

1. Tap “report emergency.”
2. Choose from the following prompts to describe your situation: Car or vehicle issue, sickness or injury, crime, lost or trapped, fire.
3. The iPhone will then ask you a series of questions based on your response, that can be answered using simple taps. You will be given the option to share your location and nature of your emergency with your emergency contacts. 
4. Follow onscreen directions to connect to a satellite. You’ll need to manually position your phone to help it lock on to a satellite.
5. Stay connected as emergency services asks you further questions over text.

Once you’re connected, your iPhone will start a text with emergency responders that shares any information you have provided (such as your medical ID), your location (including elevation), and how much battery life you have left. 

How to Use the iPhone’s My Location via Satellite Feature

For non-emergency situations, where you simply want to share your location with your contacts, you can use the My Location via Satellite feature on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. This feature is available in the Find My App. Tap the “me” tab and navigate to My Location via Satellite. Tap “send my location” and follow the steps to connect to a satellite and send your location. 

Before You Travel

Apple recommends watching the Emergency SOS Satellite demo at home in order to familiarize yourself with the process in case you ever need it. 

Make sure you have the most recent version of iOS installed on your phone. iOS 16.4 or later may be required to use the feature. 

Set up your iPhone’s Medical ID and emergency contacts, which the satellite feature can transmit to emergency services. You need to set up this information before going somewhere with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

How Much Does the iPhone Satellite Connection Cost?

The iPhone Satellite Connection is currently free. Apple has indicated that this will be a feature it may charge for in the future, but has not disclosed when that will start or how much it will cost.

Where Can You Use the iPhone Satellite SOS?

The iPhone satellite feature is currently available in: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.

The post How to Use the iPhone’s Satellite SOS When Traveling appeared first on SmarterTravel.

We’re not saying that you can’t strike up conversations and enjoy being on your own while traveling, but creating at least the initial illusion of a safety net with a fictional travel companion (who just happens to not be around at that moment) can help keep you safe.

Here are some situations we can think of in which this solo travel safety tip can come in handy:

• Fending off unwanted advances.
• An easy out with persistent sellers: (for example, “Oh, I can’t buy that without consulting my husband, but he’s back at the hotel. Maybe we’ll come back later”).
• An excuse not to join an activity that you don’t want to do—”Sorry, my friend is waiting for me at the hotel; I have to get back!”

If you want to go even further, embellish the story by picking up two room keys when you check in (you never know who might be watching).

Caroline Morse is a Senior Editor at SmarterTravel. Follow her adventures on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline and on Twitter @CarolineMorse1.

The post The One Lie You Should Always Tell While Traveling appeared first on SmarterTravel.