Preparing an emergency plan for travelling as a woman

Schritt für Schritt

1. Inform a trusted person of your travel plan
2. Save copies of passport and bookings digitally
3. Note insurance details and emergency number
4. Note the address of the Swiss representation on site
5. Carry a second means of payment
6. Agree regular check-ins

Checkliste

• Travel plan sent to a trusted person
• Passport copy digital and on paper
• Insurance number noted
• Insurer's emergency number saved
• Address of the representation noted
• Second card or cash
• Medication list with you
• Phone with charger

Agreeing with a trusted person

Give someone at home your travel plan with flights, accommodation and contact details. Agree when you will get in touch and what happens if you ever do not. This brings calm for both sides. The plan does not have to be a long document. One page with the most important details is perfectly enough.

You do not have to write every day. A fixed rhythm, such as a short message in the evening or every two days, is enough. Also decide from when your trusted person may worry and take action.

Also share your insurance number, the name of the tour operator and the telephone number of your accommodation. That way someone can act in an emergency without having to search first.

Documents and copies

Save copies of your passport, visa, booking confirmations and insurance in a protected digital folder. Also take a paper copy, which you keep separate from the original. Cloud storage that can be reached from any device helps if your phone is lost.

Note your bank's telephone number for blocking cards and check whether your cards work in the destination country. If necessary, tell your bank about the trip.

Keep cash and cards in two different places. If a bag is lost, you have a second option until you have arranged a replacement. A small emergency sum in cash, kept apart from your purse, has saved many a trip.

Insurance and help

Check whether your travel insurance covers illness, repatriation and cancellation, and read the terms once in full. Note the 24-hour number and the policy number in an easily accessible place. Also ask whether your credit card includes insurance benefits, and note what is covered there.

The Swiss representation in the destination country is the point of contact in emergencies. You will find the address and telephone number at the FDFA (EDA). Save the details on your phone and on paper.

Check the current status with the FDFA and the FOPH (BAG) shortly before departure. Travel advice and health recommendations can change, and it is worth reading them again. Many travellers register on the FDFA's online platforms, where available. Ask at eda.admin.ch about the current options.

Health and medication

Take the medication you need in sufficient quantity in your hand luggage and keep a list with the names of active ingredients. Some preparations are restricted in certain countries, so check this in advance. A note with allergies and an emergency contact in your purse helps those assisting you quickly.

A small travel first-aid kit with a painkiller, plasters and remedies for stomach trouble belongs in every piece of luggage. Discuss the selection with your doctor or at the pharmacy. Plan medication for one to two days more than necessary in case the return journey is delayed.

Note allergies and important information in the local language and in English. That way helpers can react quickly, even if you cannot speak yourself.

What to do when problems arise on the road

Stay calm, find a busy place such as a hotel, café or shop and ask for help there. Then call your accommodation or insurer and describe the situation.

In the event of theft, report the loss to the police and block cards with the bank immediately. A police report is usually needed for the insurer. Photograph receipts and note the date and place.

Do not hesitate to accept help if you feel uncomfortable. It is not a sign of weakness but of good sense to seek support early. Breathe and take one step at a time. A clear plan takes much of the weight out of the moment.

Support with planning

In the [planning call](/m/women-only/planen) by video call, we go through your plan and add contact details and advice. That way you end up with a clear document for the road.

We tell you the local contacts for the trip you have booked and clarify who can be reached in case of delays or changes. That is part of careful planning.

Good preparation takes little time and makes the trip easier. Once you have made the plan, you can reuse it for every further trip. Many women report that they feel calmer on the road when they know everything is sorted.