A Close Call: Our Qatar Trip & What We’d Do If We Were Still There

A Close Call: Our Qatar Trip & What We’d Do If We Were Still There

“Have you seen the news?” my husband texted—while I was busy juggling summer camp drop-offs. I hadn’t—until I learned that, just two weeks after our visit, Al‑Udeid Air Base in Qatar was attacked.

My mind flashed back to our strolls through Doha, the beautiful market and desert sunsets. Then the unsettling “what if” hit: What if we were still there? What would we do?

When our family started traveling international several years ago, I educated myself on how to be prepared and put a plan into place.  Here’s my family’s updated “just-in-case” playbook—adapt for your own travels:

Before You Go

• Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy 

• Save embassy and emergency numbers:

  • Example: U.S. Embassy Doha: +974‑4496‑6000

  • U.S. Dept of State (overseas): +1 202‑501‑4444; U.S. toll-free: 1‑888‑407‑4747 

• Prepare a Trip Spreadsheet with itinerary, airline, lodging, planned activities and share with a friend or family member before your trip.

• Include a Passport Copies tab; email it to a trusted family member ahead of departure.

On Arrival

• Note the closest safe zones: interior spaces with few windows or designated shelter areas.

• Identify hotel emergency protocols: bomb shelters in Israel or tsunami checkpoints in Phuket, for example.

Stay Connected

• Enable STEP alerts and follow embassy social media.

• Keep your airline’s contact info ready—for flight changes or emergency evacuation.

If Tension Rises

• Shelter in place: stay indoors, await official all-clear .

• Update your family to confirm you’re safe.

• Follow embassy and local authority updates.

Post-Incident

• Check STEP for ongoing advisories.

• Be prepared to delay flight departures until normal services resume.

• Update your emergency plan based on lessons learned.

Why It Matters

We were fortunate to already be home and out of the region. But peace of mind during travel comes from preparation, not luck. Emergencies can be man-made or natural, from missile attacks to tsunamis.

If you're planning a trip, I’d love to help you build a custom emergency checklist and safety plan—no matter your destination.

Stay prepared, stay safe, and travel wisely.

—Ashley Malfitano
Founder, Miles Mindset