Happy Holidays! Before you head out on your holiday travel plans, take some safety precautions to keep you, your loved ones, and your valuables safe.
Here are our top tips and insights to travel safely during the holidays:
Holiday Travel Safety Tips
Travel Safety on the Road
Bad weather, car accidents, and distracted driving all increase during the holiday season. Here’s how to best prepare for a safe road trip:
- Keep an emergency kit in your car in case of bad weather, like a snowstorm that shuts down a highway. Jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, cell phone charger, bottled water and non-perishable food are good items to keep on hand.
- Keep calm and focused while driving. Distracted driving and road rage can escalate dangerous weather or congested traffic. Stay alert, slow down, and keep a safe distance.
- Do some routine car maintenance. Check your tires for wear and air pressure, change your oil, and make sure everything is running smoothly.
- Always buckle up! If you have little children with you, make sure they’re properly fastened in their car seats. Remove any bulky jackets before buckling them up.
- If you’re driving into cold weather, brush up on how to drive in the snow or icy conditions. If possible, avoid driving until roads are clear.
- Make sure someone knows where you’re at and your route. Check in during stops to let them know you’re safe. Or there are apps that help you connect and keep track of loved ones on the move to make sure they’re safe.
Protect Your Home Before Your Holiday Travels
Before you leave, prep your home to reduce any risks. Some things to keep in mind before you take off:
- Double check everything is locked tight, including windows. Using Smart Locks can help you keep an eye on your home and make sure everything is locked even while away.
- Ask someone to check on your home. A family member, friend, or neighbor can keep an eye on things, such as bad weather incidents or suspicious activity.
- If you’re going to be gone for more than a few days, set up your home so it looks like you’re still there. For example, don’t let mail pile up and set a timer for your porch light to come on.
- Make note of the weather. If you’re leaving and the weather gets too cold, you don’t want your pipes to freeze and burst. Let water drip from your faucet and leave cabinet doors open. Have someone check on your home if possible.
- Never post on social media that you’re leaving for vacation. Save sharing your adventures for when you return home!
How To Keep Valuables Safe While Traveling
In 2016, Kim Kardashian was targeted in a frightening jewelry heist in Paris. Her $4 million dollar engagement ring, among other valuables, were stolen. The thieves later blamed her public and social media flaunting as a reason she was targeted.
While that’s an extreme example, it’s still best to safeguard your assets while traveling. Here are a few things you can do to keep them safe:
- Insure your valuables! It’s always smart to get coverage for the things that matter to you. Vault offers coverage for collections, such as jewelry, watches, and more. Request a quote.
- If you’re staying in a hotel, make use of the safe in your room.
- Don’t flash around your valuables or leave them out unattended.
- Bring only the cash you need while out shopping.
- Use anti-theft luggage and bags, and don’t put valuables in checked luggage when flying. Always keep them on hand in your carry-on or personal item.
- Never take jewelry or watches off in public spaces, such as washing hands or eating. Keep them on your person at all times.
But most importantly, we wish you safe travels, merry times, and a Happy New Year!
Related Products: Collections Insurance; Homeowners Insurance
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