If you’re one of the rare DU students traveling abroad for spring break, officials suggest you leave a travel itinerary with friends or family and check travel warnings to see if your destination has any tourist warnings.

According to travel.state.gov, travelers can register their trips with the State Department at travelregistration.state.gov to help ensure they can be reached in case of a family emergency or if disasters strike the travel area.

Some safety tips from travel.state.gov include:

• Stay in large hotels.
• Check whether your health insurance covers you abroad.
• Be cautious in areas where you may be more easily victimized (crowded subways; elevators, tourist sites, marketplaces and festivals).
• Beware of scam artists and pickpockets.
• Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going.
• Do not allow visitors into your room.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Make two copies of your passport identification page.
• Do not wear valuable or expensive-looking jewelry.
• Do not bring your Social Security card.
• Familiarize yourself with the local laws: You can be arrested for actions that may be legal or considered minor infractions in the United States.

According to the U.S. Department of State Web site, most students traveling abroad will have “safe and enjoyable adventures,” but even the best-planned trips can go wrong. U.S. consular personnel, who know about local government agencies and available resources, are available for any American citizen who becomes a victim of a crime.