Taking the family on vacation isn’t only an important family experience, but one which is also an investment of a lot of money and time. Therefore, you should do everything you can to keep this precious family time safe as possible while you’re all traveling. While you should still look out for a number of classic dangers, there are a number of new threats to a family while they’re on vacation that you should protect against as well.
Check out 5 Ways To Have Safe Travel With the Family tips listed below; which will allow you to concentrate on the joys of your family vacation, rather then the possible fears and risks.
Don’t Use Wireless
One of the major risks for every parent on a family vacation, regardless of where they visit, is identity theft. Millions of people’s identities are stolen each year, many of which are travelers who are using wireless Internet in an airport or through an Internet hotspot.
Thieves will set-up their own hotspots and people will log on, thinking it’s protected. When you enter important passwords, the thieves will then steal this information and drain bank accounts, leaving the travelers—perhaps you on your family voyage—stranded.
Our bags were packed ~
our trip to Melbourne in January!
And we did have names on the bags….but they were placed on the inside 🙂
Beyond not bringing your wireless devices with you, or using it at random wireless hotspots, travelers can protect themselves by signing up with an internet protection service like Lifelock. For just ten dollars a month, the service will guard your passwords and personal information. This is money well spent when it gives you peace of mind traveling with the family.
Know The Place You Are Going
While you may not have ever visited the location you’re headed to on this family vacation- you should still know it before you arrive. In other words, do research on the location, and learn what the dangers are, if any. This will vary from location to location, especially in certain foreign countries. However, the more familiar you are with the basic information about where you’re visiting, the better oriented you will be to where you want to be.
Flying To New Places ~
Love exploring new areas!
Never Give Out Credit Card Info Over Phone
One of the more popular scams that thieves have been using to steal from travelers on vacation is pretending to be hotel operators, calling a room of the hotel, and getting someone to repeat their credit card information over the phone. As trusting and relaxed as we become at hotels- it’s easy to see how these scams actually work on a regular basis. So just be sure to never give out your credit card information at any time while you and your family are traveling.
Valuables In Carry-On Bags
Never pack items you can’t live with out, are worth a lot of money, or mean something important to you in your travel luggage. As it will be out of your hands for an extended period of time when it’s loaded on the plane and loaded off the plane wherever you land- there is a high possibility that items in it could be stolen. If you can’t put your valuables into your carry-on to keep a watchful eye, then don’t bring them with you.
Never Include Your Address On Bags
Another small but important thing never to do is include your family’s home address on the bags. While the theory is your bags could be returned to you- if they’re lost. An address will also allow thieves to know exactly where your empty house is located. In this age of seemingly endless ways to communicate- all you need to include on your bag tag is name, email, and phone number.
About The Author ::
Cherie Gorden
Cherie worked for several investment companies thorughout college and now does freelance and editing for several financial blogs and forums.
Please Note :: This is a guest blog post! It was written for New Life on the Road 🙂
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