Whether you travel regularly for work or you are planning a spring vacation, travel safety should be a priority. While you don’t want to dwell on the “what-ifs,” it is important to be prepared for the worst should something not go according to plan. Here are a few things to keep in mind while traveling:
Keep a form of ID. Two forms is even better! It is already a habit to keep your drivers license on you – and this shouldn’t change even when you are on vacation. In addition, you should consider keeping an alternate form of ID as well. Making a copy of your passport and emailing it to yourself will allow you to pull up a digital copy should you lose your driver’s license or be asked to provide an additional form of identification.
Be Aware. This sounds like a no-brainer, but it is easy to let down your guard when you are vacationing. Be watchful of the happenings around you. Avoid people or places that give you a bad feeling and trust your instincts. Also, always know your escape route. Whether in a hotel room or in a restaurant, know where you can go to find safety in an emergency situation.
Avoid Animals. Many of us are animal lovers. Although that stray dog or wild monkey may look harmless, animals can feel threatened when approached and this may cause them to react in an unfavorable manner. An animal attack could result in disease or injury to both parties involved, so it is best to keep your distance and admire from afar.
Have an emergency contact. Choose someone that you trust who is not traveling with you. Leave them your itinerary so that they know where to find you if an emergency happens at home. Put their contact information into your wallet if you always carry it with you, or even in your phone under the name “in case of emergency.” This will help others know who to contact in case you are involved in an emergency situation. Also, if you make it a point to check in with them every day they can be instructed to contact authorities if the appointment isn’t kept.
Don’t post about it. Social media keeps us connected to our friends and family, but it can also allow those we don’t quite know or trust a window into our lives. Posting that you are going on vacation or posting real-time photos while you are on vacation can tip intruders off that you are gone. This makes your home an easy target for burglaries. Instead, keep mum about your vacation plans on social media – this is especially important to relay onto kids. Once you are home, you can post the pictures that you took and reflect on the memories. Also, remember your emergency contact? Ask if they are willing to check on your home daily to ensure that all is well.
Thinking about what could go wrong on vacation isn’t very relaxing, but it is important to plan ahead for these situations. If you find that you are in an emergency, you will be thankful that you are prepared – much like insurance! Your friends at Miller-Schuring are happy to help you plan for the worse while always hoping for the best!
