What To Do If An Earthquake Hits While On Vacation

October 3, 2025

Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but if an earthquake strikes while you're away from home, things can change in an instant. Whether you’re lounging on a beach or exploring a bustling city, it’s important to know how to stay safe when the ground begins to shake.

1. Be Prepared Before You Travel

Before going on a trip, always ensure that your safety comes first. Start by learning the local emergency numbers in case you need immediate assistance. When booking accommodations, choose hotels that are built to modern safety standards and designed to withstand seismic activity. Pack a basic emergency kit with essentials like snacks, water, a flashlight, and first-aid supplies to help you get through unexpected situations. It’s also wise to consider travel insurance that covers natural disasters and emergency evacuation, giving you extra peace of mind during your trip.

2. Stay Calm and Drop, Cover, and Hold On 

When an earthquake strikes, stay as calm as possible and don’t let panic compromise your safety. If you’re indoors, don’t run outside, as falling debris poses a serious risk. Instead, drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over, cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk to protect yourself from falling objects, and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, mirrors, and anything that could shatter or fall. If there’s no shelter nearby, crouch in an interior corner of the room and use your arms to shield your head.

If you’re outdoors during an earthquake, quickly move away from buildings, power lines, trees, and streetlights, as these structures can collapse or drop debris. Find an open area, stay low, and wait there until the shaking stops.

If you’re in a vehicle, pull over to a safe, open space and stop. Remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking ends. Avoid parking under overpasses, near tall buildings, or on bridges, as these may be structurally unstable during and after the quake.

3. After the Shaking Stops

After the initial earthquake, expect aftershocks—smaller tremors that can occur minutes, hours, or even days later. Check yourself and those around you for injuries, and administer basic first aid if needed. Stay informed by following local emergency alerts or instructions from your hotel or authorities, and keep a charged phone or battery-powered radio on hand if possible. Avoid using elevators and steer clear of damaged buildings, as they may be unstable and unsafe.

An earthquake can strike without warning, but being prepared can make all the difference. By staying informed, remaining calm, and knowing how to respond, you can ensure your vacation is remembered for the experiences you enjoyed—not the panic you felt. In addition to safety precautions, having travel insurance offers essential protection. It can cover unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or emergency evacuations due to natural disasters. With the right coverage, you're safeguarded if plans suddenly change or a crisis occurs abroad. It’s a small step that provides peace of mind throughout your journey. For more information, visit https://plgic.ph/GTPP. 

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