Staying Safe While on Vacation
By Marlene Gundlach | July 15, 2008
When you are traveling, keeping your family safe when in an unfamiliar place takes forethought and planning.
Before You Leave
Before you leave for vacation, be sure to make your house looked lived in while you are gone. Buy timers for some of your lights so they go off and on at various times during the evening. Stop your mail and newspaper services, or, have a trusted neighbor retrieve them for you. If a week’s worth of newspapers are laying in your driveway, that is a sure sign of an empty house.
As far as your vacation itself, be careful to plan ahead and follow-up on any reservations that you have made. There is nothing worse than getting to a hotel in a strange location and finding out you don’t have a room. Make a copy of your trip itinerary and leave it with a neighbor or family member. Be sure to include names of hotels and numbers, along with corresponding dates. This makes it easier for people to contact you in case of an emergency at home. If you do not return home on schedule, it is also easier for family to backtrack and find out where you might be.
Hitting the Road
If you are traveling by car, make sure to complete any routine car maintenance before departure. Change the oil, check all fluids, and be sure your tires are in good condition and inflated properly. It is better to take these steps now, than find yourself stranded on the side of the road in a strange location. Check that you have your registration information and proof of insurance with you at all times in case it is needed.
Pay careful attention to the speed limits as you enter new states. Laws regarding use of headlights also vary from state to state, so check those differences before you hit the road. Pack your car for an emergency with a first-aid kit, flashlight, a blanket, and an empty gas can. Flares and a can of tire sealant may also come in handy if you have car trouble.
Vacations can be hectic and if you lock your keys in the car, you will need a spare. Purchase a magnetic key case and hide a key on your car, or keep a spare on you at all times. If you have a cell phone, check that you will have coverage as you travel. For tips for staying safe while traveling by car, visit the car safety page.
Hotel Safety
If you stop at a hotel overnight, it is a good idea to unpack as much as possible from your car, especially valuable items like DVD players, game systems, cash, or jewelry. Anything left out in the open will be a draw for someone to break into your vehicle.
As you get off the plane or are getting onto a shuttle service, do not share your hotel plans with strangers. It is safer not to share this information with a potential criminal.
Once at the hotel, don’t let your belongings out of sight. Even if you have a bellhop carry your bags, walk with them to ensure your bags are not compromised. When you leave your room for the day, do not leave cash or valuables behind. Ask if the hotel or your room has a safe. It is best to not bring expensive jewelry along on vacation for this reason.
When you are in your room, be sure your doors are locked at all times. If a staff member is at your door and you did not call for them, do not hesitate to call the front desk to confirm why they are at your door. Many criminals will pose as hotel workers to gain access to rooms. There is a tactic criminals use called a push-in. When a guest is opening the door to their room, they are pushed in from behind and the criminal follows them into the room. To avoid this, look around before opening your door. If someone is coming down the hall, just wait until they are well past you before using your room key.
Familiarity with Your Surroundings
When traveling to an unfamiliar area, be sure that you do your research in advance. Often times, one wrong turn can land you in an unsavory end of town. Having a GPS system or at least current maps will help you travel safely in your new surroundings. Do your research on the Internet of popular places to visit and look for sites that have comments or ratings on attractions. These can be useful when planning your itinerary.
When you are traveling with your family, you are often more relaxed as your enjoy your time away. Don’t completely let your guard down and leave yourself vulnerable; you could easily find yourself the victim of a crime.
ATM Safety
ATM machines are a financial lifeline for most of us; however, using them safely is the key. Be sure to memorize your PIN. If you need to write it down don’t keep it in your purse or wallet, or write it on the back of the card itself. It is important to wisely choose the location of your ATM. There are many locations available, today, such as grocery stores and busy thoroughfares, rather than an unsafe, isolated ATM. If you must use an outdoor machine, avoid using it at night. Be aware of your surroundings and the possibility of someone loitering around the location. Watch for bushes or anything that would make a good hiding spot for a would-be attacker.
Whenever possible, take someone with you when you visit an ATM. Have your card ready when you get to the machine. Be sure no one is looking over your shoulder when you enter your PIN. Do not stop to count your money while out in the open. Wait until you get to a more secure location before checking your transaction. If you are suspicious of anyone in the area, it is best to cancel the transaction and walk away.
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