Stay Safe When Traveling

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and thus, the unofficial start of the summer. Many people like to go on fun summer trips and vacations to relax and unwind from the daily stresses of life. Unfortunately, thieves know summertime is prime vacation time, meaning unoccupied homes ripe for invasion. However, if you prepare and enlist the proper security measures, you can put your mind at ease. Here are some things you should do to ensure your property (and you) are safe and secure.

Before You Leave
Preparations should begin before you even leave for your trip.

• Inform a trusted neighbor about your travel plans and ask them to keep an eye on your property. Or enlist a loved one to check in on your home periodically while you’re away. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police.
• Lock all of your windows and doors, including doors leading to the garage and second story windows.
• Halt mail and newspaper delivery while you’re away. A tell-tale sign that nobody is home is a stack of mail and newspapers, along with garbage cans left at the curb. You can contact your newspaper carrier and the post office to temporarily hold your mail, and ask a trusted neighbor to bring your garbage bins in.
• Put your yard tools away. A ladder, rakes, and even patio furniture can all be used to gain entry to your home.

At The Airport
Airports are often busy and filled with people rushing to get around. You must keep a close eye on your luggage at all times, even once you board the plane.

• If you’re traveling alone, try to befriend someone in line. This could be someone who could assist you in keeping an eye on your luggage at the counter or going through security.
• If you are traveling with your laptop, put it on the x-ray belt last. That way, it will come out after your carryon luggage and hopefully around the time you are cleared (you don’t want your laptop out in the open unattended for too long).
• Once you board, you can either put your luggage under the seat in front of you, or in the overhead bin across the aisle from you. Both of these places are within your view so you can make sure that nobody is opening your luggage.

While On Vacation
Once you’ve arrived at your destination safely, don’t put your guards down just yet.

• Refrain from sharing too much information on social media. Even if you have the strictest security settings on your social networks, hold off on posting photos and “checking in” just in case.
• Share your itinerary with friends and family at home. In case something happens, this information can come in handy. Let them know your plans as well as departure and arrival routes and times.
• Keep cash and credit cards in separate places. Never carry your credit cards, cash, and passport at the same time – keeping these things apart may help you in case of pickpocketers. Keep some cash in your wallet and stash the rest in a pocket or money pouch. Utilize the safe in your hotel room (if available) and leave the majority of your cash there – only bring what you need for the day.
• Make copies of your passport before you leave. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or family member at home and take the other copy with you. When you’re out and about on vacation, take the copy with you and leave the original in a hotel safe until you travel again.

When it comes to traveling, you can never be too careful. Want to share your own safety tips with your traveling peers? Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

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