Include the necessities when you are packing for a trip. For instance, if you take medication, pack enough medication to last beyond the duration of your trip. This is necessary so that you do not run out of medication if your return trip should be postponed or delayed. Always try to pack light to make it easier to move about. If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair so you will have an alternative if one should get lost. Also, do not put important documents like your passport in luggage which you intend to check in so that you will not lose them if the luggage should get lost or stolen.
Carry a minimum amount of valuables and do not dress to display affluence by wearing very expensive jewelry. Doing this will draw the wrong kind of attention to you and make you a target for thieves. If you are going sightseeing, do not wear fanny packs or carry handbags which are obvious targets for thieves. The safest place to carry money or valuables like credit cards is in money belt or pouch worn under the clothing.
Try to avoid eating food which has not been fully cooked when you travel to areas where the hygiene is suspect. Be cautious about water when you are outside the U.S.; drink bottled water or water which has been boiled and cooled. This precaution applies even when in the shower and brushing your teeth. Another potential source of contaminated water to look out for is ice cubes which come with drinks at restaurants or bars.
Check with your medical insurance provider to find out about overseas medical insurance coverage. Find out if your policy covers emergency medical expenses, and if not, consider getting supplemental insurance. When you are in a foreign country, you are outside the jurisdiction of the United States and as such, subject to the laws of the land in which you are. This means you have to learn what the local laws and customs are and abide by them.
