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How to Stay Safe When Traveling Abroad - With recent terror threats from Yemen-based al-Qaida members, the United States and a host of other nations issued a global travel warning. But what about those Americans who are already abroad or who are planning on traveling? Keep reading for a list of ways to remain safe while traveling abroad, including ways to notify family members of your travels, how to get in contact with U.S. embassies and more.  —Dominique Zonyéé (Photo: Image Source/Getty Images)

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 Some Countries Are Safer to Visit Than Others - Travel warnings are issued when the U.S. State Department finds that they may not be able to secure Americans’ safety or when the government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate. There are 35 countries on the U.S. travel warning list. Travelers should always check the list here prior to booking travel. (Photo: REUTERS/Pilar Olivares)

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Safety Begins Before You Travel - Make sure to avoid packing clothing or items that could potentially label you a target in that country. If you are traveling to a conservative country, try to pack long sleeves and less revealing clothing. Search the Internet for what to wear to get an idea of how to blend in. (Photo: G & M David de Lossy/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: G & M David de Lossy/Getty Images

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Sign Up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program - Prior to embarking on your trip, you should sign up with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs. Registering your trip with STEP will help the U.S. government contact travelers if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. (Photo: Stockbyte/Getty Images)

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Track Checklist - Make a travel checklist so that you can remain organized with copies of your passport, travel itinerary and all other things related to your trip. Be sure to leave a copy of your flight information, hotel or hostel information, and photocopies of your passport with the emergency contact listed on your STEP registration or with someone whom you trust. (Photo: Tom Grill/Getty Images)

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How You Can Find Safe Hotels and Hostels - Prior to booking your flight, it is imperative that you research not only the amenities and rates at hotels, but also pay close attention to their locations. Another way to check if the hotel or hostel is in a safe area is by researching the destination and reading reviews from other travelers on trusted sites such as Hotels.com, Hostelbookers.com or Expedia.com.. (Photo: John Warburton-Lee/Getty Images)

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How You Should Pack - Packing light is always best. With fewer bags you are able to move faster and have less items to worry about being lost or stolen. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images)

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What to Leave at Home - Items such as irreplaceable family heirlooms, expensive jewelry, unnecessary credit cards and other important information such as your Social Security card should not be taken abroad. (Photo: kyoshino/Getty Images)

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Should You Bring Cash? - Traveling with cash is sometimes inevitable. However, traveling with an abundance of cash is not recommended. You should limit your cash based on a daily allowance. You can also carry travelers’ checks and two major credit cards.(Photo: Jitalia17/Getty Images)

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Check Your Passport - Make sure your passport is up to date, signed and filled out properly. Fill out all of the emergency information, bring extra copies of passport photos and make photocopies of your passport information page. If your passport is lost or stolen, this will also make the replacement process easier. (Photo: William Andrew/Getty Images)

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Know Where the U.S. Embassies and Consulates Are Located - There are 294 U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. Before visiting another country, it is important that you research where the embassy is located in the country in which you are visiting. As a result of recent terror threats, the U.S. has shut down 21 diplomatic facilities worldwide. (Photo: REUTERS/Nir Elias)

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 Learn About the Laws and Customs  - Once you enter another country, you are subject to its laws and regulations. Before leaving American soil, you should always research the laws and customs of the country you are visiting. In order to find out about other countries, you can refer to your local library, travel agent, consulate or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. (Photo: Fuse/Getty Images)

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Get Notified of a Crisis - By enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), you will be automatically notified of a crisis and/or emergency. The Facebook and Twitter accounts for the U.S. State Department are also good sources of information. If you are not enrolled in STEP, then you can contact the embassy via telephone: U.S.-based telephone number at 1-888-407-4747 (from overseas +1-202-501-4444). In the event that Internet or phone are not options, refer to local television and radio broadcasting.  (Photo: U.S. Department of State)