Solo in Europe

Steve, I think Walt is asking what does his wife do if something happens to him and he is not reachable by phone - land line or cell.

This is a good question Walt, I'd like to know the answer too since my 20 yr old son is going to Europe next month.

Walt, when traveling, it is a good idea to have someone back home with a passport (within date). If there is an emergency, this person would be able to fly to the rescue. I agree with the cell phone recommendation incase you get stuck some place and won't be at your destination on time. If you show up missing, your wife should call the local police at your last stop (and perhaps the American Consulate closest to your location?).

I think Athena's advice to call the police at your last stop or the American consulate is good. Another idea is to carry a laminated index card on you - not in your wallet which could get stolen - with contact info in case you're not able to communicate the info yourself. Just a thought.

Thanks, all, for your advice. I believe in an ounce of prevention and taking Rick Steves advice.

My suggestions:

1) Give you wife a copy of your itinerary and hotel list with phone numbers. She should also have a copy of the closest American consulates to the places you'll visiting.

2) Carry some type of identification with information on who to call in case of an emergency. Make sure the card has your name, address, phone number, Nationality (the local authorities will call the consulate) and the name and phone number of someone back home. Email address is a good addition. The card should also have information on any medical conditions you may have plus medications you take.

3) A mobile phone is also a good idea if anything so your wife has piece of mind.

4) Get medical evacuation insurance. In case of something happening, this will take care of all expenses to get you home. You may also want to check on supplement health insurance. (While at your age its a good idea, many people of all ages take out the evacuation insurance.)

If there is a problem, and your wife calls the local police, chances are there will be a language problem and they will file a report. It's better if she calls the nearest American consulate. They will work with local authorities to find you.

And lastly, if she's really nervous, make arrangements to give her a signal every day that you are safe. Say call and hang up after one ring. Or if she emails, arrange to send her an email every day or two. Or even a quick text message.

Walt,

I also travel solo a lot of the time, and use a Cell phone and text messages to keep in touch with family back home. Sent text messages are about 69¢ each and received messages are FREE.

When I arrive in a new city, I send a message to let my family know where I am. My Itinerary is also available at home, should they want to call the Hotels directly.

If you and your wife presently have Cell phones with either AT&T or T-Mobile, using text will provide you with one possibility.

If you'll be travelling with a Netbook or Laptop, you could also send an E-mail each time you arrive in a new city. Many Hotels these days provide a computer for guests, so you could use that also.

Cheers!

I saw an interesting advertisement while watching the Tour de France this year. There is a website (roadid.com) where you can purchase a bracelet with emergency information. It's really intended for bikers and runner, but I think it could be useful in other situations. The bracelet has your name and emergency contact printed on it(I think it allows for two or three emergency contacts). If you traveling alone, it might not be a bad idea...

Let me just add to Linda's RoadID bracelet info.

There are two versions: one that allows up to seven lines of information; and a second that has the seven lines but also the address of a webpage that stores more detailed information.

Of course, the people attending to you have to understand the concept of the bracelet and website.

Thanks, folks for the many helpful suggestions. In addition to carrying more contact info on me, I signed up with the State Dept. at travelregistration.state.gov