Security Best Practices for Holiday Travel 2025 

It's the busiest time of the year for travel, so it's important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings during the holiday season. From traveling best practices to potential security risks at your destination, we have a few tips to keep you safe this holiday season.

• Before traveling, review the country’s travel advisory as published by the US Department of State. Travel advisories alert travelers to continuous security risks and recent disruptions in the destination country. 
• If you are a US traveler, you can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive live security updates for any destination country on your phone. This also helps  the embassy or consulate contact you in case of emergency. 
• While on the go, avoid using public wifi hotspots. These networks can allow threat actors to spread malware to devices and threaten digital privacy. 
• Make sure to disable auto-connect on all devices, as this can  allow devices to connect to unsecured networks without your awareness.
• Bring your own charging port adapter. Public charging stations in airports might be convenient for long layovers, but their USB ports or integrated cables can be used to compromise your device. This is known as “juice jacking,” whereby threat actors steal personal data while your device is recharging. 

‍

Crime, Civil Unrest, and Terrorism

‍

Travel during the holidays can be hectic, so it is important to be prepared and maintain awareness when you arrive at your destination. Always be on the lookout for violent crime, property crime, and cyber-crime, as threat actors will seek to take advantage of the chaos. 

• Familiarize yourself with the security resources available at your destination. Does your accommodation have off-duty officers, private security, or any security at all? Is the local police force professional and reliable? What number should you call if you need to request assistance or report a crime?
• Keep a low profile, and avoid flashy jewelry, handbags, and watches. Don't leave bags unattended, and be careful when accessing electronics in public. Avoid placing passports and cell phones in outer pockets of backpacks, coats, or purses. 
• Do not discuss travel plans or room numbers around strangers, including resort or hotel staff. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers; threat actors may try to distract you in order to steal belongings.
• Monitor your destination’s news sources a few weeks before traveling and note any local holidays, planned protests, or other key events that could disrupt your itinerary. The local holiday schedule might differ from your home country’s, and without careful scheduling, you might encounter widespread closures or difficulty navigating transportation hubs. 
• Be flexible with sightseeing or other non-essential travel plans if there are protests.
• Be aware that popular holiday attractions, such as Christmas markets, places of worship, and public celebrations, are  target-rich environments for terrorists. Stay vigilant, and note the closest escape routes wherever you go.

‍

Natural Disasters, Health Crises, and Behavior Risks

‍

Health and safety issues can strike at any time without warning, and the holidays are no exception. Travelers should develop emergency plans to mitigate system shock in the wake of a health crisis or natural disaster. 

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions at your destination. While it might be snowing at home, the destination country could be at the height of its dry or wet season, which can entail flooding or wildfire risk. Cyclone season also coincides with the end of the year in some Pacific and Indian Ocean countries.
• Make sure your accommodation can withstand a disaster. If severe weather does become a problem, does your accommodation have a backup generator? Do you have enough fresh water if services are disrupted due to a natural disaster? Where is the country's embassy if conditions worsen?
• Be familiar with hospitals in the area. Note the contact information (address, phone number) for the closest hospital in case of a medical emergency. 
• Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations or equivalent for your destination. The CDC website will include relevant information about recent outbreaks, vaccine requirements, or other health risks. 
• Use proper judgment if buying street food in unfamiliar areas, or where sanitation is known to be lacking. Markets and fairs are important parts of the holidays in many countries, but food-borne illness can disrupt your travels and potentially put you in danger.  
• Before celebrating with a festive drink, take note of local ordinances on alcohol consumption and limits. Drink responsibly, as an intoxicated traveler is an easy target. 
• Review the Department of State’s Travel Advisories, which include local norms or laws that are frequently violated by foreign travelers. 

‍