Title: Travel Safety Tips

Relevance: 

With the rise in both domestic and international family travel, it's more important than ever to equip community members with practical safety knowledge. According to the U.S. Travel Association, over 2.3 billion domestic trips were taken in the United States in 2023, and more than 62 million Americans traveled internationally. In Kentucky, over 75% of residents report taking at least one leisure trip per year, with most traveling by car to nearby states or destinations within the Commonwealth. Travel can pose risks related to health, and security—especially for those unfamiliar with new environments. This need for accessible safety information directly supports public health and family well-being.

Response:

The Big Blue Book Club's 6th session focused on Travel Safety. An interactive Travel Safety presentation was shared to offer simple, accessible, and actionable tips for travelers of all ages. The session covered topics such as preparing travel documents, identifying scams, avoiding GPS overreliance, and maintaining personal safety while traveling. Activities were integrated to keep participants engaged and motivated. Resources were provided in take-home materials, making the guidance easy to revisit. Participants were also encouraged to share their tips and questions, fostering a community-learning environment.

Results:

The in-person presentation reached over 15 participants in Lynch, KY, with an additional 300+ direct contacts through the shared video of the presentation. this presentation led to the development of the Travel Safety Tips Extension Publication Series, a multi-part resource including fact sheets on domestic and international travel, transportation-specific safety tips, and seasonal considerations. 

Public Value Statement:
Equipping community members with practical travel safety knowledge to support healthier, more confident communities, both at home and abroad.