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Travel Emergency Encyclopedia
20 Emergency Scenarios · Warning Signs · Immediate Actions · What NOT to Do · Prevention www.travelplanet.cc
1. Passport/ID Loss
Definition: The loss or theft of a passport or ID card is one of the most common travel emergencies. Without valid documents, you cannot leave the country, book hotels, or cross borders.
Warning Signs / Recognition
- Passport is no longer in its usual place
- Bag or backpack has been opened or damaged
- Suspicious persons noticed nearby
- Hotel room has been searched
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Stay calm – search systematically (bags, hotel room, safe)
- Report the loss to local police – file a loss/theft report (important for insurance!)
- Contact your embassy or consulate – apply for an emergency passport/travel document
- Have copies of your passport ready – speeds up the issuance
- Inform the airline – if the return flight is affected
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not continue traveling without valid documents
- Do not cross borders illegally
- Do not skip getting a new passport issued
- Do not buy a fake passport
- Do not panic – emergency passports are usually issued quickly
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Save digital copies of your passport in cloud, email, and on your phone
- Keep physical copies separate from the original
- Store passport in the hotel safe – don't carry it daily
- Use a money belt or neck pouch
- Note passport number and issue date
📞 Important Contacts
- Embassy/Consulate: Save the emergency number of your home country
- Police: 112 (EU) / 911 (USA) / local number
- Foreign Office: Emergency hotline of your home country
2. Theft & Robbery
Definition: Theft (secret removal) or robbery (forcible taking) of valuables, money, documents, or luggage is a common travel risk – especially in tourist areas.
Warning Signs / Risk Situations
- Crowded places (markets, train stations, public transport)
- Distraction maneuvers (bumping, spilled drinks, fake help)
- Unattended luggage
- Open bags or backpacks
- Remote areas at night
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- In case of robbery: Do not resist – health comes before possessions!
- Notify the police and file a report
- Block credit cards immediately (central emergency number: 116 116)
- Replace passport/travel documents (see Emergency 1)
- Inform your insurance – submit a claim
- Note witnesses and take photos of the scene
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not resist in armed robbery
- Do not chase the perpetrator
- Do not wear valuables visibly
- Do not carry large amounts of cash
- Do not talk about valuables with strangers
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Distribute valuables – not all in one place
- Use money belts or hidden pockets
- Anti-theft backpacks with lockable zippers
- Use hotel safe for passport, money, electronics
- Choose well-lit routes at night
- Observe local conditions – don't provoke
3. Medical Emergency
Definition: A medical emergency is a sudden, life-threatening or serious health situation requiring immediate medical treatment – from heart attacks and severe injuries to allergic reactions.
Warning Signs – When to Act Immediately
- Severe chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- Sudden paralysis or speech impairment (stroke)
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling, breathing difficulty)
- High fever with confusion
- Severe pain after an accident
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Call emergency services – 112 (EU) / 911 (USA) / local number
- Provide first aid – recovery position, CPR, bleeding control
- Contact your insurance – 24h emergency hotline of your international health insurance
- Go to hospital or clinic or call an ambulance
- Have medication list and allergy card ready
- Inform relatives
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not self-diagnose with severe symptoms
- Do not hesitate to call emergency services
- Do not take unknown medications
- Do not go to an expensive private hospital without insurance coverage
- Do not risk language barriers – use a translation app
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Take out international health insurance with repatriation coverage
- Carry an emergency card with blood type, allergies, medications
- Assemble a travel first-aid kit with basic medications
- Research local emergency numbers in advance
- Check vaccination status before departure
📞 Important Contacts
- Emergency: 112 (EU-wide) / 911 (USA) / 999 (UK)
- International health insurance: Save the 24h hotline
- Embassy: Can help with finding hospitals
4. Food Poisoning
Definition: Food poisoning occurs after consuming contaminated food or beverages – caused by bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli), viruses, or parasites. It is the most common travel illness.
Warning Signs / Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea (often watery or bloody)
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Fever and chills
- Weakness and dehydration
- Headache
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Drink plenty of fluids – water, electrolyte solutions, tea (use electrolyte powder from the pharmacy for severe diarrhea)
- Eat bland food – crackers, rice, banana, grated apple
- Rest – don't overexert the body
- For severe symptoms (bloody diarrhea, high fever >39°C, severe dehydration): See a doctor or go to hospital
- Medications – electrolytes, possibly activated charcoal, antibiotics only if prescribed by a doctor
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not eat dairy products, fatty or spicy food
- Do not drink alcohol or coffee
- Do not simply take anti-diarrheal medication – the body is expelling the pathogens
- Do not use ice cubes from unsafe water
- Do not ignore it – severe cases can be life-threatening
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Drink only boiled or bottled water
- Avoid ice cubes in countries with unsafe water
- Peel fruit – "Cook it, boil it, peel it or forget it"
- Eat only well-cooked food
- Wash or disinfect hands regularly
- Choose street stalls with high customer turnover
5. Traffic Accident
Definition: A traffic accident abroad – whether as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian – presents particular challenges: language barriers, unfamiliar legal situations, and insurance questions.
Warning Signs / Risk Factors
- Unfamiliar traffic rules and signs
- Left-hand traffic in some countries
- Poor road conditions
- Alcohol at the wheel (also by other drivers)
- Fatigue on long drives
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Secure the accident scene – put on a reflective vest, set up warning triangle
- Care for the injured – provide first aid, call emergency services
- Call the police – mandatory in many countries for accidents with injuries
- Fill out the accident report – European Accident Report (if available)
- Take photos – accident scene, damages, license plates
- Contact your insurance – car insurance, travel insurance
- Do not sign an admission of guilt – especially in a foreign language
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not commit hit-and-run – it's a criminal offense
- Do not sign an admission of guilt
- Do not pay cash for damages without a receipt
- Do not leave the accident scene without police (in case of injuries)
- Do not make statements you don't understand
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Study the traffic rules of the destination country in advance
- Take out comprehensive insurance with international coverage
- Get an International Driving Permit (if required)
- Drive defensively – especially in unfamiliar areas
- No alcohol at the wheel – not even in moderation
- Check the rental car thoroughly – brakes, tires, lights
6. Lost Luggage
Definition: The loss or delay of checked baggage by the airline – one of the most common travel annoyances. The suitcase arrives late, is damaged, or is completely lost.
Warning Signs / Risk Situations
- Transfers with short connections
- Flight delays and cancellations
- Multiple airlines on one trip
- International flights with many pieces of luggage
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Report immediately at the baggage carousel or at the Lost & Found counter
- Fill out a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) – important for compensation!
- Keep the reference number – for online tracking and inquiries
- Leave contact details – hotel address, phone number
- Buy necessary items – toiletries, underwear (keep receipts!)
- Inform your insurance – baggage insurance
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not leave the airport without reporting
- Do not throw away receipts for replacement purchases
- Do not give up – many suitcases reappear within 48 hours
- Do not pack valuables in checked luggage
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Put important items in carry-on – medications, documents, electronics, change of clothes
- Use a distinctive suitcase – colorful straps, stickers
- Luggage tags with current contact details
- Take photos of your suitcase – for identification
- Prefer direct flights – fewer transfers
- Put an AirTag or GPS tracker in your suitcase
7. Flight Cancellation/Delay
Definition: Flight delays and cancellations are among the most common travel problems. Depending on the cause and route, passengers are entitled to compensation under EU Regulation (EC) 261/2004.
Warning Signs / Risk Situations
- Bad weather conditions (storm, snow, fog)
- Strikes (pilots, air traffic controllers, ground staff)
- Technical problems
- Overbooking
- Holiday periods and high passenger volume
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Get information at the airline counter or via hotline
- Check alternatives – rebooking, other airlines, train/bus
- Demand care services – meals, drinks, hotel for long delays
- Claim compensation – up to €600 under EU law
- Keep all receipts – boarding pass, booking confirmation, receipts
- Inform your insurance – travel insurance
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not accept substitute services you don't understand
- Do not waive your right to compensation
- Do not throw away receipts
- Do not simply accept when the airline offers no help
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Book flexible tickets when possible
- Travel insurance with flight cancellation coverage
- Choose early flights – fewer delays in the morning
- Prefer direct flights
- Plan time buffers for connections
8. Natural Disaster
Definition: Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires can abruptly interrupt travel and be life-threatening.
Warning Signs / Precursors
- Earthquake: Animals behave unusually, ground tremors
- Tsunami: Sudden water retreat from the beach, strong earthquake
- Hurricane: Weather warnings, strong wind, dark clouds
- Volcano: Smoke, ash, tremors
- Flood: Heavy continuous rain, rising water levels
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Take local warnings seriously – radio, TV, warning apps, loudspeaker announcements
- Follow evacuation orders – don't waste time
- During an earthquake: Get under a sturdy table, door frame, away from windows
- During a tsunami: Immediately flee inland or to higher ground
- Contact the embassy – register for evacuation
- Inform your insurance
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not stay on the beach during a tsunami warning
- Do not take photos or videos – get to safety first
- Do not use elevators (during earthquake/fire)
- Do not spread panic
- Do not drive into disaster areas without instructions
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Check travel advisories from your Foreign Office before departure
- Monitor weather forecasts
- Create an emergency plan with meeting point and escape route
- Travel insurance with natural disaster coverage
- Emergency kit – water, food, flashlight, power bank, first aid
- Register with your embassy (e.g., ELEFAND in Germany)
9. Political Unrest
Definition: Political unrest includes demonstrations, uprisings, strikes, riots, or armed conflicts that can endanger the safety of travelers.
Warning Signs / Risk Factors
- Political tensions before the trip (follow the news)
- Demonstrations and gatherings
- Military presence and roadblocks
- Curfews
- Travel warnings from the Foreign Office
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Avoid gatherings – demonstrations, rallies
- Stay in the hotel during acute unrest
- Contact the embassy – situation report and evacuation options
- Heed travel warnings – plan departure if necessary
- Inform family – share your location and situation
- Keep emergency luggage ready – passport, money, water, medications
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not photograph or film demonstrations
- Do not take political sides
- Do not enter risky areas
- Do not listen to rumors – only official information
- Do not wear valuables visibly
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Check travel advisories before departure
- Travel insurance with political evacuation
- Register with the embassy
- Follow local news
- Plan escape route and meeting point in advance
10. Credit Card Loss/Theft
Definition: The loss or theft of credit or debit cards can lead to financial problems and fraudulent charges. Quick action is crucial.
Warning Signs / Risk Situations
- Unauthorized charges on the account
- Card no longer in the wallet
- Suspicious transactions (SMS notification)
- Skimming at ATMs
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Block the card immediately – central emergency number: 116 116 (worldwide)
- Contact the bank – report unauthorized charges
- Inform the police – file a report (for insurance)
- Request a replacement card – or use alternative payment methods
- Check online banking – review all transactions
- Activate cash reserve
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not hesitate to block the card – every minute counts
- Do not write down your PIN anywhere
- Do not keep all cards in one place
- Do not leave cards unattended
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Take multiple payment methods – credit card, debit card, cash
- Save blocking numbers in advance
- Keep cards separate
- Inform your bank about your travel – otherwise the card may be blocked
- Check limits and adjust if necessary
- Set up mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
11. Serious Illness Abroad
Definition: A serious illness during travel – from malaria and dengue fever to cardiovascular problems – often requires specialized medical care and possibly repatriation.
Warning Signs / Symptoms
- High fever >39°C (especially in malaria areas)
- Persistent pain that doesn't improve
- Severe shortness of breath or chest pain
- Changes in consciousness
- Bleeding that won't stop
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- See a doctor or go to hospital – no self-treatment
- Contact international health insurance – 24h hotline
- Documentation – collect all findings and prescriptions
- Check repatriation – if medically necessary
- Inform relatives
- Have medication list and allergies ready
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not self-treat with unknown medications
- Do not ignore symptoms and continue traveling
- Do not risk language barriers – use translation help
- Do not pay for expensive treatments without insurance consultation
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Check vaccination and malaria prophylaxis before departure
- International health insurance with repatriation
- Travel first-aid kit with important medications
- Health check before the trip
- Research local health risks
12. Altitude Sickness
Definition: Altitude sickness (AMS – Acute Mountain Sickness) occurs due to oxygen deprivation at altitudes above 2,500 meters. It can range from mild symptoms to life-threatening forms (HAPE, HACE).
Warning Signs / Symptoms
- Headache (most common symptom)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite and sleep disturbances
- Shortness of breath during exertion
- Confusion and coordination problems (severe form)
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Stop ascending – stay at the current altitude
- Drink plenty of fluids – water, tea (no alcohol)
- Rest – avoid physical exertion
- Painkillers for headache (ibuprofen)
- If worsening: Descend! – at least 500–1,000 meters
- Medications: Acetazolamide (Diamox) as prescribed by a doctor
- For severe symptoms: Call emergency services immediately, administer oxygen, descend
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not continue ascending with symptoms
- Do not drink alcohol
- Do not ascend alone
- Do not ignore symptoms – they can become life-threatening
- Do not take sleeping pills
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Slow ascent – no more than 500–700 meters per day above 2,500 m
- Plan acclimatization days
- Drink plenty of fluids – at least 3–4 liters per day
- Eat light food
- Medication prophylaxis (acetazolamide) after medical consultation
- Build good fitness before the trip
13. Drowning Danger
Definition: Drowning is one of the most common causes of death while traveling – caused by strong currents, rip currents, overconfidence, alcohol, or lack of swimming skills.
Warning Signs / Risk Factors
- Red or yellow flags on the beach
- Strong waves and currents
- Rip currents (backwash into the sea)
- Alcohol near water
- Unsupervised children
- Unknown waters
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Alert lifeguards – call emergency services
- In a rip current: Do not swim against the current – swim parallel to the shore!
- Throw rescue aids – life ring, rope, stick
- Only enter the water with rescue training – otherwise you endanger yourself
- Calm the drowning person and grab from behind
- After rescue: First aid, recovery position, CPR if necessary
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not play hero – don't enter the water without training
- Do not swim against the rip current
- Do not drink alcohol before swimming
- Do not swim alone in unknown waters
- Never leave children unattended
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Swim only in supervised areas
- Heed flag warnings – red = no swimming!
- Learn to recognize rip currents
- Use life jackets for children
- No alcohol near water
- Check water depth and currents
14. Animal Bite/Sting
Definition: Animal bites and stings – from dogs, snakes, scorpions, jellyfish, or insects – can cause infections, poisoning, or allergic reactions. In tropical countries, there is also a risk of rabies.
Warning Signs / Symptoms
- Bite wound or sting site visible
- Severe pain, swelling, redness
- Nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath (after snake bite)
- Allergic reaction (hives, breathing difficulty, circulatory problems)
- Numbness or tingling
- Fever and swollen lymph nodes (with rabies)
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Clean the wound – wash with water and soap
- Disinfect and cover with sterile dressing
- For snake bites: Immobilize, keep affected limb lower, call emergency services!
- For allergic reactions: Antihistamine, possibly EpiPen, call emergency services
- For suspected rabies: See a doctor immediately – rabies vaccination is life-saving!
- Identify the animal – important for treatment
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not suck out or cut open the wound
- Do not apply a tourniquet
- Do not move the affected limb (for snake bites)
- Do not apply home remedies
- Do not skip rabies vaccination – rabies is almost always fatal!
- Do not touch or feed wild animals
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Keep distance from stray animals
- Wear closed shoes in risk areas
- Use insect repellent (malaria, dengue, zika)
- Do not reach into tall grass
- Consider rabies vaccination for risk areas
- Carry a first-aid kit with disinfectant
15. Sunstroke/Heat Stroke
Definition: Sunstroke (direct sun exposure on the head) and heat stroke (overheating of the entire body) are serious heat-related illnesses that can be life-threatening.
Warning Signs / Symptoms
- Sunstroke: Headache, dizziness, nausea, red hot head
- Heat stroke: Body temperature >40°C, hot dry skin
- Confusion, impaired consciousness
- Circulatory problems, fainting
- Cramps, rapid pulse
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Get into the shade immediately or into a cool room
- Cool the body – wet towels, fan, cold water
- Elevate the head (for sunstroke)
- Drink plenty of fluids – water, electrolytes (no alcohol, no coffee)
- For heat stroke: Call emergency services – this is a life-threatening emergency!
- Loosen tight clothing
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not stay in the blazing sun
- Do not drink alcohol – it causes additional dehydration
- Do not take a cold shower (too rapid cooling stresses the circulation)
- Do not ignore the symptoms
- Do not continue physical exertion
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Avoid midday sun (11 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- Wear sun hat and light clothing
- Drink enough fluids – 2–3 liters per day
- Use high SPF sunscreen
- Plan shade breaks
- Protect children especially
16. Missing Person
Definition: When a travel companion – child, partner, friend – suddenly goes missing, quick and systematic action is crucial. This is especially critical for children and elderly persons.
Warning Signs / Risk Situations
- Crowded places (markets, train stations, festivals)
- Disorientation in children or seniors
- Alcohol or drug use
- Language barriers
- Unfamiliar surroundings
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Search the last known location – call out loudly, look around
- Ask people nearby – passersby, shops, staff
- Notify the police – file a missing person report
- Have a photo of the missing person ready
- Inform the embassy – especially for children or seniors
- Contact hotels and hospitals
- Inform family at home
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not panic – act calmly and systematically
- Do not search alone for too long – involve police early
- Do not start search operations without local help
- Do not stop searching – don't give up even after hours
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Agree on a meeting point – in case you get separated
- Equip children with emergency wristbands (name, phone number)
- Enable phone tracking (Find My Friends, Google Maps)
- Have photos of all travel companions on your phone
- Write down hotel address and name and give to everyone
17. Arrest/Detention
Definition: An arrest abroad – whether due to misunderstanding, traffic violation, drug possession, or political reasons – is a serious emergency. The legal situation can differ greatly from your home country.
Warning Signs / Risk Situations
- Ignorance of local laws
- Drug or alcohol use (strictly prohibited in some countries)
- Traffic violations
- Photographing military installations
- Political activities
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Stay calm and cooperative – no resistance
- Ask the reason for the arrest
- Contact the embassy – this is your most important right!
- Do not make statements without legal representation
- Inform family
- Do not sign documents you don't understand
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not attempt to escape
- Do not make statements without a lawyer
- Do not attempt bribery
- Do not sign documents you don't understand
- Do not become aggressive or disrespectful
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Research local laws and prohibitions before departure
- No drugs – not even "soft" drugs
- Strictly follow traffic rules
- Do not photograph where prohibited (military, airports)
- Always carry identification
- Save embassy contacts
18. Hotel Fire
Definition: A fire in a hotel is a life-threatening emergency requiring quick and correct action. Smoke inhalation is the most common cause of death – not the flames themselves.
Warning Signs / Recognition
- Fire alarm or smoke detector
- Smoke smell or visible smoke
- Heat on doors
- Panic in the hallway
- Power outage
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Take the fire alarm seriously – act immediately
- Check the door – place the back of your hand on the door: Hot? Do NOT open!
- Crawl on the floor – smoke rises upward
- Hold a wet cloth over mouth and nose
- Use the emergency exit – NOT the elevator!
- Call emergency services – 112 / 911 / local number
- Warn other guests – knock on doors
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do NOT use the elevator
- Do not waste time packing
- Do not walk upright through smoke
- Do not open windows – oxygen fuels fire
- Do not panic
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Ask about the emergency exit at check-in
- Memorize the escape route from your room to the emergency exit
- Check the room for smoke detectors
- Prefer hotels with modern fire protection
- Do not smoke in bed
19. Terror Attack
Definition: A terror attack is a violent assault on civilians – by firearms, explosives, vehicles, or other means. Correct behavior in the first minutes can save lives.
Warning Signs / Risk Situations
- Gunshots, explosions, screams
- People fleeing in panic
- Suspicious persons or objects
- Vehicles racing into crowds
- Police and rescue operations
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS – "RUN, HIDE, FIGHT"
- RUN: If possible, flee immediately – take others with you, but don't hesitate
- HIDE: If escape is not possible – hide, lock the door, silence your phone
- FIGHT: Only as a last resort – defend yourself by all means
- Call emergency services – when it is safe
- Follow police instructions
- Inform family – once you are safe
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not stop to film or photograph
- Do not stay in crowds
- Do not spread false information
- Do not hinder the police
- Do not handle unknown objects
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Heed travel advisories – avoid countries with terror risk
- Avoid gatherings in risk areas
- Note emergency exits and escape routes in buildings
- Travel insurance with terror coverage
- Save emergency contacts
20. Pandemic/Epidemic
Definition: A pandemic or epidemic – such as COVID-19, influenza outbreaks, or regional diseases – can massively disrupt travel: border closures, quarantine, flight cancellations, and health risks.
Warning Signs / Recognition
- Official travel warnings and health advisories
- Symptoms of illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath)
- Border closures and quarantine measures
- Mask requirements and social distancing rules
- Curfews
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Follow health advisories – WHO, CDC, local authorities
- Follow hygiene rules – wear a mask, wash hands, keep distance
- If symptoms appear: Contact a doctor, get tested, isolate
- Contact the embassy – information on departure and repatriation
- Inform your insurance
- Plan flexible return travel – book flights early
❌ What NOT to Do
- Do not panic – remain calm and informed
- Do not spread misinformation
- Do not go into crowds without protection
- Do not ignore symptoms and continue traveling
- Do not skip quarantine rules
🛡️ PREVENTION
- Keep vaccinations current (including COVID-19, flu)
- Travel insurance with pandemic coverage
- Flexible bookings with free cancellation
- Bring hygiene items – masks, disinfectant
- Follow health advisories – before and during the trip
- Emergency supplies – water, food, medications
🚨 This emergency encyclopedia serves as orientation – in an emergency, always contact professional help!
Status: 2024 · All information without guarantee · Does not replace medical or legal advice
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