Traveling to other parts of the country or overseas can be unsettling for even the veteran traveler. As a parent, it is even more imperative to be responsible so that your family has a safe vacation and return in one piece.
How do you insure the safety of your family? With planning and a few extra steps, vacation travel can be fun and secure. Here are a few tips to get your started.
Avoid the tourist look
We hear this every year, but how many times do we get in that hot vacation spot and forget. Unfortunately, there are criminals who wait to take advantage of tourist. You are easy prey when being distracted with the normal tourist stuff. So put away the maps, travel guides and souvenirs when in public areas. Be aware of the area you are in and plan before you leave the hotel your schedule.
Take a picture
The great thing about the new cell phones is the camera capability. The most important thing is to take a picture every day of your family. This way you have a current picture and a picture showing what clothes they are wearing that day. If something was to happen you would be able to provide a visual help in a matter of seconds.
Secure Valuables
Don’t pack every credit card you own. Don’t pack every high-tech item either. If you bring valuables such as jewelry or gadgets, make sure you have a place to secure them such as a hotel safe. Also, make copies of your travelers’ checks, credit cards and leave them with a friend that could fax them to you or report them stolen in case of an emergency. Take pictures of valuables before leaving in order to file claims if stolen.
Hotel Safety
Make sure your hotel is a secure hotel. Read reviews online to insure it is in a safe area. Make sure your doors open to an inside hallway as opposed to the outside. Make sure the door has a lock that only can be locked from the inside as well as a peephole to see out if someone knocks.
Know the Neighborhoods
This is one of those issues that is imperative. Always map out your routes before leaving for the day so that you do not end up in a bad area. Ask the locals or check out online to find areas that are not so good areas to be in. This is not being discriminatory, it is prioritizing your family’s safety. The great thing about technology is that the majority of the information is a click away. Do your research and know the town inside and out before you ever step foot in the area.
Blend In
This goes back to not acting like a tourist. Rent cars that are not too flashy. I can’t tell you how many friends I have had that have gone to Hawaii and rented a nice red convertible. Each time, the contents of their trunk were wiped out. One close friend had the rude awakening the first stop on their honeymoon. You want to blend in with traffic.
Be Careful Using Names
This is common sense for the town you live in. Kids are gullible and some sick people are just waiting and listening for you to yell out their name. Kids tend to believe adults who know their name so don’t let the whole city know your child’s name. Refrain from wearing clothing with names on it as well.
These aren’t hard steps, but they can mean the difference in a safe, fun time and a miserable one. So take the extra time before you go to prepare and be secure.
