Let’s face it- no one wants to worry when they are on vacation. However, life happens whether we are on vacation or not, and taking proper precautions can prevent the loss of precious downtime and finances. Following are the top 10 ways to be safe while traveling across the United States.
Write Information Down
Before traveling, take the time to write phone numbers and contact information for emergency contacts or any other relevant entity. Keep this information in a safe place. In the event that your cell phone is lost or stolen, you will still be able to access the people or places that are important.
Leave an Itinerary
Give a trusted friend or relative a copy of your travel itinerary, especially if traveling alone. This way if something happens, they will be able to alert the proper authorities.
Avoid Showing Cash or Valuables
Avoid allowing others to see the amount of cash you are carrying or any valuables that might tempt a potential thief. Consider keeping a smaller amount of cash separate from the rest; that way you aren’t pulling it all out in the open every time you need to pay for something. Also, be aware of using your cell phone in crowded areas- thieves are known to grab cell phones from the hands of unsuspecting individuals and take off with them.
Copy Important Documents
Anything that you will need to have when traveling should be duplicated and kept in a safe place. Copies of passports, driver’s licenses, or birth certificates should all be on file or saved as a picture in case the original is lost or stolen during your travels.
Research Ground Transportation
Whenever possible, research how you will be traveling from one place to another. If it is a taxi or bus service, look into their safety records and reviews. For car rentals, Jason Chalik, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer says, “Make sure you check out the vehicle before driving away in it. Check for proper turn signals, headlights, brakes, seat belts, and for tires that are in good shape. Additionally, be sure to restrain children in the proper car or booster seats.”
Review the Escape Route in the Hotel Room
Although all hotels are required to post one, most visitors hardly notice the escape route in their hotel room. However, an emergency situation could require knowledge of multiple exits. It is best to know what these exits are ahead of time, as it could be life-saving in the event of an emergency.
Confirm Hotel Visitors
USA Today recommends that travelers not let people into their room until they have called the front desk and verified their identity. Criminals have been known to pretend to be a hotel worker in order to get inside rooms, so it is best to play it safe and make sure they are who they say they are.
Know What’s in Your Wallet
In the event of a theft, it is important to know what credit cards are in your wallet, which accounts they are, and who to call to cancel those cards. Although it may sound like common sense, some individuals carry more credit cards on vacation than they would if they were at home. Consider writing some basic information about the cards in your wallet and keeping it in a safe place in the event you need to access it later.