A vacation can be an excellent opportunity to see the world and spend some relaxing time with loved ones. However, it’s important to take proper precautions. If you’re planning to head to a major tourist destination, it’s vital to realize that tourists are often seen as easy targets by criminals. Take the time to read through the following tips so you and your family can have a safe and enjoyable vacation.
If you have a home security system, it’s a good idea to give a house key and your alarm code to a relative or trusted friend so he or she can occasionally stop by and check on your home while you’re away. This is also a good way to prevent your mailbox from filling up, and may also deter criminals from realizing your family is gone and your house is empty.
Some people think keeping the curtains shut tight will keep would-be thieves from peering inside and casing the house, but doing so could also prevent a patrolling officer from seeing an attempted break-in. Keeping lights on to appear as though you are home is not a good strategy either. Anyone watching your home will think it’s odd that your lights are on all night. Keeping them on for too long is not only dangerous for your electric bill but also a possible fire hazard.
Water damage is a major concern for many homeowners, and cold weather can also cause pipes to freeze. If you arrange to have someone visit while you’re gone, ask them to check your faucets to make sure your water is running. Frozen pipes can burst, resulting in very costly damage. Additionally, since you won’t be home for a while, the damage can be even more expensive thanks to water sitting while you’re gone.
Finally, one last precaution to safeguard your home should be to unplug your appliances. If a lightning strike causes a power surge, keeping your devices unplugged will protect them. This will also help keep your electric bill down while you’re away, as many modern appliances like televisions and computers continue to draw power even when they are powered off.
Going on vacation usually means souvenirs and shopping for many people, so you should only pack essential toiletries, changes of clothes, and any devices you may need. It’s also a good idea to refrain from taking large amounts of cash. Large quantities of cash could be an easy grab for a skilled pickpocket, and relying on credit or debit cards is a much safer way to pay. Most modern money cards allow owners to turn their cards on and off through a smartphone app in case they are lost, so be sure to investigate whether your financial institutions provide any such services.
Packing lightly will also help you during travelling. It’s much easier to keep track of your belongings if you pack lightly, and expensive-looking luggage could be a temptation to any nearby thieves in or around airports and other travel hubs.
Some vacationers will open a safe deposit box for their trip. This can be a great way to store valuables safely during travel. For example, if you’re travelling halfway around the world, losing your wedding ring in a foreign country can be devastating, and chances are good that you won’t find it before it’s time to leave. Consider leaving expensive jewelry and other valuables in a bank vault until you return.
During your travels, take care not to “flash your cash” or display expensive jewelry or other items. If you take your car on vacation, make sure you do not leave any valuables like laptops or cameras in plain view.
Travelling to unknown territory can be exciting, but it’s important to always try to err on the side of caution. Tourist hotspots may be prime targets for criminals, but they may also be on the lookout for unwary tourists who wander off the beaten path. Follow these tips and tread carefully for a safe, pleasant vacation.