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In a significant step toward enhancing student travel safety worldwide, Travel Guard, a global leader in travel insurance and assistance services, has unveiled its new Depart Smart™ initiative. This comprehensive program is designed to equip students, parents, and educational institutions with essential safety training and resources for international trips.

With more students embarking on study-abroad programs and school-sponsored journeys, Travel Guard’s initiative aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with global travel and provide practical solutions to mitigate them.

A Digital Hub for Student Travel Safety

This initiative’s core is a dedicated microsite featuring engaging video tutorials illustrating real-life travel risks and best practices. The site offers expert advice on critical topics, including:

Safe accommodations: Choosing secure housing options that prioritize safety.
Transport considerations: Understanding risks associated with public and private transportation.
Beach and nightlife safety: Making informed choices to avoid common travel pitfalls.
Emergency preparedness: Creating contingency plans for unexpected situations.

This initiative underscores Travel Guard’s recognition that many students travelling abroad lack experience navigating potential dangers, particularly when balancing tight budgets with safety considerations.

Honouring a Legacy: The Depart Smart™ Mission

The Depart Smart™ branding pays homage to the work of Sheryl Hill, who founded the nonprofit Depart Smart after losing her son, Tyler, to a preventable incident while on a study-abroad trip in 2007. Hill dedicated her life to ensuring other families wouldn’t face similar tragedies by advocating for improved safety education for students travelling overseas.

Recognizing the alignment between Hill’s mission and Travel Guard’s commitment to global travel safety, the company has taken the reins to expand her work.

“We were deeply inspired by Sheryl’s advocacy for student travel safety and are honoured to carry on her vision,” said Rhonda Sloan, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing at Travel Guard. “Educational travel can be a life-changing experience but comes with inherent risks. We want students to have the knowledge and tools to travel confidently and safely return home.”

Providing Peace of Mind for Students, Parents, and Educators

Beyond student-focused training, the Depart Smart™ program provides crucial guidance for parents, educators, and trip organizers.

For students: The initiative encourages young travellers to take proactive steps in research and planning, ensuring they make informed decisions about accommodations, transportation, and activities.
For parents: The resources outline how families can work with trip organizers, discuss potential risks, and ensure their child is fully prepared for international travel.
For educational institutions and chaperones: Schools and trip leaders are given tools to implement adequate safety protocols and ensure student well-being during travel experiences.

Setting a New Standard in Travel Safety

As a leading travel insurance provider, Travel Guard is reinforcing its role as a safety advocate by integrating Depart Smart™ into its suite of services. The initiative is part of the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive protection and educational resources that empower travellers worldwide.

Understanding travel risks and taking preventative measures can mean the difference between a rewarding experience and a crisis for those planning an international study trip. Travel Guard aims to make these journeys safer through informed decision-making and well-prepared travellers.

For more information on Depart Smart™, travel safety resources, and Travel Guard’s full range of insurance products, visit www.travelguard.com.