10 Travel Safety Tips

You canceled several vacations in 2020, but now life is returning to some semblance of normal and you can jet off to that tropical locale of which you’ve been dreaming — or finally conquer the crowds of Disney with the kids.

To really enjoy your journey, however, you want to ensure safety from the time you pack your suitcase until you return home, whether you’re traveling alone, traveling with kids, or finally taking that romantic getaway for two. Here are a few travel safety tips and ways you can protect your home while on vacation for seamless adventures this summer and beyond.

Hand over your itinerary

Whether you’re headed to a home in charming Charleston, South Carolina, a backpacking trip out West, or finally taking your dream vacation to Italy, make sure you keep a trusted friend or family member apprised of your plans. Flight numbers and times, road trip routes, and areas where you may be out of cell signal are all helpful in case of emergency. Also leave copies of your passports, drivers’ license, and any other important documents, such as a will or power of attorney with your trusted person.

Plan for your pets … and plants

Will you board your cat or dog, or would you prefer a pet sitter to come into your home? What about all those houseplants you cultivated during quarantine? And don’t forget about your 5-year-old’s fish! If you’re not traveling with your pets, make sure you remember to account for all the living creatures in your home.

Have a neighbor keep an eye out

Ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your house. Your neighbor will be familiar with the car and foot traffic patterns in your area, and can alert you or the proper authority to any suspicious activity around your home.

Keep tabs on your home from afar

Even if you’re abroad, you can still check-in. Smart home products allow you to control your lights and door locks. Security cameras let you drop in on your home. And that video doorbell can alert you to a package or help you keep tabs on your pet sitter or house sitter’s comings and goings.

Secure your home

You know to lock your doors, but it’s easy to overlook an unlocked window. In addition to making sure your alarm system is set, you’ll also need to minimize temptations for any would-be intruders. Put away lawn tools or other outdoor valuables, make sure shrubbery around porches, windows, and doors get trimmed back, and keep any indoor valuables out of sight and secured. Check out our full list of ways to protect your home while you’re on vacation.

Follow all health protocols

COVID-19 is still around, and while numbers in many areas have fallen as vaccination rates rise, continue to mitigate any health risks and follow CDC guidelines. After all, who wants to be sick on vacation? Sanitize and wash hands whenever possible, wear a mask indoors and on public transportation or airplanes, and social distance as much as possible.

Stay off social media

It’s tempting to tag your location when you’re snapping a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower or in the middle of Times Square, but resist the urge to share too much information on social media. Even if you think you have your Facebook or Instagram locked down, you may still be opening yourself up to unwanted attention. You can post all those gorgeous shots or status updates upon your return.

Separate your money

No matter where you’re traveling, make sure you’ve stashed cash and credit cards in multiple locations. A money pouch is great for international travel. A hotel safe is ideal for extra funds. If you’re traveling with multiple family members, let another person hold onto some of the money or credit cards.

Keep emergency information

What’s your plan if you’re traveling with an elderly relative and they slip and fall? Make sure you have copies of insurance cards and any medications on hand. Traveling with an allergic child may mean remembering to pack Benadryl and epinephrine along with a written medical plan in the event of a reaction.

Remain aware

Whether you’re lounging on a beach in Florida, hiking the Grand Canyon, or strolling the streets of Rome, always be mindful of your surroundings. Research the safety of your chosen destination. When you’re in a crowded space, stay off your phone, and keep your belongings close at hand. If you need more money, consider going to a grocery store over an ATM.

Travel safety ensures you’ll have a fun-filled getaway no matter where you’re headed this summer. Keep your home safe while you’re in vacation mode by contacting Brinks Home™.

Jason Stevens is a senior writer for Brinks Home. He is a "tech guy" who enjoys sharing home security and automation tips with others.