Safety | Travel

Elena boarded her plane with a clear conscience and a healthy stomach. By respecting the local produce and the borders she crossed, she wasn't just protecting herself—she was protecting the environment and the food supply back home. To help you prepare for your next trip,

Just as Elena was about to buy the fruit, she remembered the briefing from her travel group: isn't just about what you eat, but what you carry across borders. That innocent mango could be home to invasive pests like the Oriental fruit fly, which can devastate entire agricultural industries if brought back home.

A list of you can take through airport security? TRAVEL SAFETY

: She even made sure her hiking boots were clean of any farm soil, which can harbor highly contagious animal diseases like foot-and-mouth.

: Even though the greens looked fresh, she avoided raw salads and cut-up fruit platters that might have been washed in unsafe local water. Elena boarded her plane with a clear conscience

She decided to enjoy the fruit right there in the plaza, knowing that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at the airport would likely seize any fresh produce she tried to pack. Even often face strict regulations to prevent the spread of diseases. The Traveler’s Golden Rule

Later that day, while packing for her flight to California, Elena double-checked her bags. She knew that bringing prohibited items—even by accident—could lead to for a first-time offense. That innocent mango could be home to invasive

: She ordered her drinks without ice, knowing that freezing doesn't kill most waterborne bacteria. Packing for the Flight