Safety Tips To Keep In Mind When You’re On Vacation
For many vacationers, safety is one of the last things on their minds. Vacation is time to rest, recharge and relax – not worry and stress. Unfortunately, there are always plenty of things that can go awry, so it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and keep your personal safety in mind, especially when you’re traveling to an unfamiliar place.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when you’re on vacation:
Don’t broadcast your travels. You don’t really want perfect strangers to know you’re away from home, do you? Advertising your empty house is essentially sending out an open invitation to anyone with less-than-ideal intentions. As tempting as it may be to post photos throughout your trip, it’s best if you can save it for later, once you’re back at home. This is one rule it’s important for the whole family to follow.
Make sure someone knows where you’re at. While you certainly don’t want to advertise your adventures to the world, you do want one or two people back home to know where you’re going, who you’re with, and when you’re expected to return. Leave these details with a trusted friend or family member in case they’re needed.
Make copies of all important documents. Don’t run the risk of losing your only copy of your passport, government-issued ID, insurance cards, or other important documents you’ll need while you’re traveling. Make a copy to leave in your luggage – and leave another copy with a friend or family member back home, just in case.
Don’t be flashy. If you’re more well-off than the local population, it probably isn’t a great idea to flaunt it. Tourists are often an easy target for thieves and criminals, so do what you can to minimize your likelihood of becoming a victim. Leave fancy jewelry, expensive electronics, and other valuable items safely at home – or, if you have to bring them along, in a hotel safe.
Wear a money belt. Money belts might seem a little silly, but they’re a lifesaver when you’re traveling in areas prone to pickpockets. These belts allow you to carry your cash, credit cards, and other valuables under your clothes, making it virtually impossible to lose track of. If you know you’re going to find yourself in busy crowds, on public transit, or in other situations where you’re surrounded by lots of strangers, a money belt is a smart investment to make.
Know your area. You don’t need to memorize a map of the city, but it’s a wise idea to take a look and get your general bearings. It’s always smart to know where the nearest hospital and police station are located – if an emergency strikes, you’ll waste time scrambling to find those details.
With a little prep work and awareness, you’ll find it isn’t hard to stay safe when you’re on vacation.
What steps do you take to keep your family safe when you travel? Leave a comment and let me know!
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