Vacation season is upon us and traveling safely is just one aspect of the perfect trip. When it comes to staying safe on your summer vacation, there are plenty of hazards that you need to take into consideration. Whether you’re headed overseas or on a road trip, take a look at these summer travel safety tips to make sure you enjoy your getaway in the best way possible.
1. Check for Travel Advisories
Especially when it comes to international travel, it’s important that you really do your homework on the areas you plan on visiting. Check the State Department’s travel advisories which have specific posts for each country around the world. Recognize that conditions change rapidly so make sure you check more than once. Along with your travel advisory research, make sure you know and understand the different laws and regulations for your destination.
2. Have Emergency Contacts at Home
Once you have a travel plan in place, make sure to tell a trusted friend, relative, or neighbor and leave your schedule with them. This is an important safety step, especially if you’re traveling by yourself. Make sure to check in often to let them know where you’re going, if you change your plans, and when you reach your destination. That way if you don’t check-in, they know that something has gone wrong.
3. Purchase Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will be your saving grace for those unexpected moments. From lost luggage to medical coverage, travel insurance is an important element for safe travels. There are various plans you can purchase that will meet your specific travel needs. A great reason to obtain coverage is, for example, you need to cancel a non-refundable part of your trip, it can generally help you recover some of those costs.
4. Be Sun Smart
This tip is incredibly important if you’re heading out on a sun-filled vacation. Even if you’re with adults and not children, you need to remain cautious about sun exposure—especially if you’re drinking in the sun. Recognize how quickly you can get dehydrated, how harmful the sun can be to your skin, and how dangerous too much sun time can be. Be sure to pack and reapplyyour sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and do what you can to limit the risk of heatstroke.
5. Buddy Up
As many of us know, staying in pairs or groups is much safer than being alone. Employ this vacation safety tip when you’re heading to the bars, using public restrooms in busy areas, or getting on public transportation. You’re sure to feel a lot safer if you stay with a buddy during these times.
