From Tunisia to Egypt and beyond, civil turmoil is something that can spring up with little warning and travelers are often caught in the heat of political strife with few options to get home. It pays to be prepared and it starts before you even leave your home.

Many savvy travelers, particularly those who travel around the world on business, are aware of the risks involved with traveling to certain parts of the world. Yet, not all travelers are prepared. We know that good information and knowledge are the keys to making good decisions when it comes to being safe while abroad. It begins with reading up on news and events at your destination before you depart.

Many countries provide travel advisories for their citizens. Though some may argue that advisories can be made for political reasons, they are still a good guide for travelers who are unfamiliar with their destination. There could be an impending election; or a series of labor strikes; or specific threats against the citizens of certain countries or employees of specific companies. The list of possibilities seems endless but with certain precautions, you can avoid the worst of these situations.

Check the [political] climate
Just as you would check the weather before heading to the airport, know the political conditions at your destination. If a situation in your destination country is becoming tumultuous, you may want to reconsider your travel plans.

Documentation
Obtaining proper documentation for travel seems elementary but some of our members have been refused transport on connecting flights due to lack of sufficient paperwork. Though we expect an airline to catch such anomalies before allowing a passenger to board their aircraft, it ultimately is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure all documents are in order. Arriving at a destination with an expired visa or unreadable passport can lead to more difficulties than you'd expect. Authorities at your destination may not be very accommodating, especially if you are from a country that is seen as unfriendly or even hostile to that nation.

Let others know where you will be
The U.S. State Department offers the following advice: Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver's license and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave one photocopy of this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you carry the originals.

Register with your embassy or consulate
It is wise to register your presence with your country's embassy or consulate upon arrival. Many agencies allow you to register online and provide your contact information should an emergency arise. Countries often arrange for evacuation flights for their citizens and registering is one way to avoid being left behind.

Know the laws and customs of your destination country
Any seemingly innocent activity like photography can turn into trouble if you are photographing something prohibited such as a military or government installation. If in doubt, ask before you snap any pictures of official buildings or transportation hubs. Also, do your best to blend into the local scene and avoid attracting attention. This includes what you wear. It is not uncommon for protesters to wear certain colors as a sign of solidarity.

Know your surroundings
You should know the locations of and directions to police stations, hospitals, embassies and airports. Avoid public transportation during riots unless you can be sure that the turmoil is localized. Public transportation and other places where large crowds gather can become targets for violence. This may include airports so it is best to call your embassy or the airport authorities to determine if it is safe to go there.

Keep some money with your documents
An emergency credit card and a small amount of cash should be kept with your passport. You should keep them where you can easily get to them if needed. Money may be necessary to get out of a bad situation and will be helpful in securing transportation out of danger or even getting past a roadblock.

Play it safe if you are stuck
If you are in your hotel, avoid watching activity from your window and try to obtain an inside room away from the exterior of the building in case there is gunfire or other type of attack. When booking your room ask for a room on a floor high enough away from the chaos down below but not too high to prevent an escape if there is a fire emergency or other need to evacuate. Typically, the 4th through 7th floors work best in this scenario. If you happen to be outside during mass protests or an uprising, don't play journalist. Taking pictures or documenting the event is risky. Journalists are often targeted in these situations.

Check your insurance coverage
It goes without saying that you should always read the fine print of any agreement. This is especially true if you have purchased insurance for trip cancellation or trip delay. Many policies exclude civil unrest and you may wind up footing the entire bill for your journey out of danger. Choose wisely and don't be shy about asking questions before you secure insurance.

More tips and information and travel advisories can be found through various government agencies. Some of the most well known are listed below. It is wise to check with your country's foreign affairs ministry or department if you are contemplating a trip to a foreign destination you are not familiar with.

• Australia: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Canada: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
• France: Le Ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes
• Germany: Federal Foreign Office
• New Zealand: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• United Kingdom: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
• United States: U.S. Department of State