Preparing For a Safe Vacation

With vacationing season hot on our heels, knowing how to have a safe vacation is important. Regardless of where you travel, staying safe can be easy without sacrificing the quality of your travels. Following a few easy steps before and during the vacation will insure you have the time of your life, but that you return home in one piece.

One important thing to remember to insure your own safety is to follow your gut instinct. If that tour guide gives you the willies or makes you feel uncomfortable, do not feel obligated to use that tour guide. Go with your gut feelings and you will have taken the first step to insuring your own safety and the safety of those you love. Remember, do not let your vacation be spoiled because you did not follow what you knew was right and avoid what you thought was wrong.

Here are a few tips that will insure a criminal does not foil your well thought out plans!

Before Leaving Home

Do not hide any keys outside. If you need to leave a key, leave a key with someone you trust such as a house sitter or a neighbor.

Contact or visit the local postal service and have your mail put on hold. In addition, let any publications such as the local newspaper know you will need a hold on the service.

Buy inexpensive timers for a couple lights in your home. Set the timer to go off at night. An alternative would be to set your television to turn on automatically every evening and turn off in the morning.

Have a friend, family member, house sitter, or neighbor check on the house daily.

Leave your travel plans with a friend or family member. Check in regularly. Let this person have your phone number too.

Be sure to check all the locks on doors, gates, windows, etc. before finally departing.

On The Road

Avoid carrying cash if at all possible. Traveler's checks are good. In addition, securing your wallet or billfold in a safe place can prove extra safe.

Do not stop to ask strangers along the road for directions.

Always keep your vehicle's doors locked and secured.

Do not stop for motorist stranded. Call for help.

Should your vehicle breakdown, raise the hood and place a white cloth or bandana on the antenna. Keep the family together in the locked car until official help arrives.

If you get lost, do not look lost. Stop for directions at a local gas station or law enforcement agency.

At Your Destination

Always lock your vehicle regardless of how long you stop.

Pick a place to meet should the family get separated.

Never let anyone in your room without positive and appropriate identification.

Never carry excess cash.

Know where fire escapes, elevators, and other emergency devices are located.

Have a plan with the whole family in case of an emergency.

Ask for areas of town to avoid while you stay.

Report criminal or suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.

Never leave children unattended.