With summer now fully upon us at the time of this writing, a lot of people are in vacation mode. Summer is when we hit our favorite beaches and go camping in the mountains. It is the season for lounging at the pool, taking the kids for bike rides, and embarking on those seemingly endless road trips from which future memories are made. But it can all be spoiled by just one security breach.
Unfortunately, we live in a world in which we can never take security for granted. There is always someone lurking around the corner, waiting for an opportunity to strike when a victim lets their guard down. Don’t be that victim. Read the tips for a safe and secure summer vacation below and implement those that you can. You will be happy you did.
Secure Your Home
It is important to secure your home whenever you are away – especially when you’re on an extended vacation. Before you leave, give your property a once over. Check all windows and doors to make sure none are damaged. Make sure all the locks are functioning properly. And of course, make arrangements for the mail, trash, etc. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on the place as well.
If you have the money in your budget, consider installing a home security system from a company like Vivint Smart Home. A professionally installed system gets you both the equipment and around-the-clock monitoring.
Before leaving for your summer vacation, make sure your home is secure. Lock all doors and windows, install a security system, and ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your property. You may also consider setting up automatic lights to give the impression that someone is home.
Also Read: A Reason Why People Love To Travel
Avoid Carrying Cash
Once you leave home, you need to protect yourself against threats on the road. A good place to start is avoiding cash. There are very few places in the world where you cannot use credit or debit cards, so avoid them and you will have no need to carry cash with you. Do everything with plastic and you’ll be safer.
While it’s important to have some cash on hand, it’s also important to avoid carrying too much. Consider using a credit card or debit card for purchases and keep a small amount of cash for emergencies.
Do carry with you the phone numbers of all your credit card providers. In the event that a card is lost or stolen, you’ll need to notify the appropriate provider right away. That will be harder if you need to search around for the number.
Keep Your Phone Hidden
So many Americans are careless with their phones. They leave them dangling half out of their pockets or sitting on a coffee shop table. Not only should you never leave your phone unattended, but it should also be kept hidden if you are not using it. There is no need to give criminals any opportunity to see your phone and want to steal it. Keep it out of sight and you keep it safer.
Use Trusted Transportation
When traveling, make sure to use trusted transportation options, such as licensed taxis or ride-sharing services. Avoid unmarked or unlicensed vehicles.
Keep a First Aid Kit Handy
Accidents can happen, so it’s important to keep a basic first aid kit handy. Include items such as bandages, pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescription medications you may need.
Don’t Be Careless on Social
One of the most foolish things people do while on vacation is used their social media accounts to tell the entire world. The rest of us get the fact that you want to share pictures and experiences. We get that you want to do so in real-time. But sharing is an open invitation to criminals. No one needs to know where you are and what you’re doing. Save all your posting for your return home. The pictures are not going anywhere.
Invest in Travel Insurance
Finally, traveling outside of the country is good motivation to invest in travel insurance. A decent policy that includes accident and illness coverage could make an enormous difference should you need to seek medical help while on vacation.
Invest in travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Make sure to read the fine print and understand the coverage offered by your policy.
Keep Important Documents Safe
Keep your passport, travel documents, and other important paperwork safe and secure. Consider purchasing a travel wallet or purse with RFID protection to prevent identity theft. Make copies of your passport and other documents and keep them in a separate location from the originals.
Your summer vacation deserves to be relaxing and enjoyable. That may not be the case if you don’t actively take steps to stay safe and secure. But now that you have some tips to try, you are on your way to possibly enjoy the best vacation ever. Get out there and have fun.
