Traveling abroad or away from where you are familiar poses challenges, especially when faced with a SHTF moment or a moment of escalating political or social upheaval.

Remember how quickly Ukraine plummeted into chaos? It was relatively stable and then, in a matter of days, mass protests kicked off to give us what we have today.

These tips will help you prepare for a similar event and to be able to bug out before you get stuck – or worse.

Get Visas

Obtain visas for neighboring countries or common initial stops that airlines make directly from your location. Make sure that you can get on a plane and into the next country with minimal difficulty. The same applies if you plan on escaping by land or sea. Have your ducks in a row long before you travel to your destination.

Get Ahead of the Curve

If you sense that things are deteriorating before an imminent crisis develops, get out of there without delay. Remember that airlines, buses and trains will be loaded with frantic people as zero hour approaches. Consular services will be limited with respect to how much help can be offered to citizens in distress, and you will need to fend for yourself in most situations. Pay attention to warnings and be ready to be one of the first to leave. It’s always better to err on the side of caution instead of getting caught up in the ensuing chaos.
Have Plenty of Cash

Stash cash in money belts or other hidden places so that you won’t need to rely on ATM machines or wire transfer services. Have a blend of local as well as US currency on hand so that you will be able to pay for tickets, services and lodging if you are unexpectedly displaced. Keep in mind that many countries do not have robust banking services to the degree that we have here at home. Cash is still king in many popular international tourist and expat destinations, so have plenty of it on hand at all times.

As you can see, handling a SHTF moment abroad or even just away from your home environment is mostly awareness and preparation.

The best advice is to closely monitor where you are for signs of upheaval and if things start to escalate, have a plan to get out quickly – even if only for a short time before returning.

For other suggestions on how to deal with a SHTF moment abroad, take a look at Survival Kit.