It’s so easy to get in vacation-mode and throw caution to the wind, eager to escape the daily grind. But remembering a few simple safety tips for travelers can ensure your entire trip isn’t ruined by one bad experience.
1. Don’t Post Your Location on Social Media: This many seem obvious to some, or unnecessary to others that think they can trust their friends, but it continues to be a huge problem in the US, and an open invite for burglars while you’re out of town. About Tech says, “The problem is that we never know who’s really looking at our information. Our friend’s account could have been hacked when they installed some rogue application or their creepy uncle might be using their account because they forgot to log out. For the sake of the safety of you and your family, there is some information that you should never post on Facebook.” The first of many important safety tips for travelers.
2. Don’t Leave Anything Valuable in Your Rental Car: Locals know what cars to target, and assume your traveling with expensive cameras, cash, and other valuables. Even if you’re heading down to the beach for ten minutes, remember these people are professionals waiting for that perfect moment.
3. Do Post Pictures of Yourself At Home While You’re Away: Muddy the water of your travel itinerary on social media by posting pictures of yourself at home, your dogs, or your husband mowing the front yard. Those who really need to know the exacts of your plans will already know them.
4. Never Leave a House-Key Under a Doormat or Flowerpot: Too many people make this incredibly simple mistake and give thieves easy access to their home. Make sure to lock windows, doors, and garages before you leave.
5. Do Give a Trusted Friend or Neighbor a House Key: Ask a friend to stop by a couple of times while you’re away to collect flyers, newspapers, and mail, and remind them to park in the driveway while they’re there.
6. Do Remember the Value of Your Identity: Never keep all of your cards, passports, and important documents together. Only take the bare necessities and lock the rest up in a safe box at home.
7. Avoid Eye Contact with Strangers in Crowded Places: Don’t respond to offers, sales gimmicks from intrusive salespeople, or children trying to get your attention, once they distract you, it’s easier for them to rip you off.
8. Do Check Your Bank Accounts From Secure Locations: Check your bank accounts before you go, while your away from a secure location, and as soon as you return to make sure there hasn’t been any suspicious activity.
9. Set Passwords, Auto-Lock, and Finding Devices on your Phone: Make sure that even if someone does steal your phone they can’t break into it and steal all of your information and contacts. Set a password and auto-lock before you go. Install an app like Find My iPhone just in case you lose it, and need to track it down before someone else does.
10. Do Invest In A Home Security System: Opt for home security systems that allows you to check on your home remotely via your smart phone, tablet, or computer. Nationwide suggests, As one of the best ways to keep thieves out of your home, “Install a Home security system – Deter thieves with noise or an automatic call to the police.” Keep these important safety tips for travelers in mind and remember to have fun, be safe, and please feel contact us for any additional information on installing a Home Security System.
