By: Doug Parisi, Director of Training
With many starting to travel again, there are new safety precautions people should take given COVID.
Here are 11 tips to ensure your long-awaited travel plans aren’t interrupted.
- COVID Enforcement Isn’t Your Responsibility
If you find someone not following the mask rules, inform someone who is in charge. Don’t risk being detained or removed due to an altercation with a stranger.
- Don’t Rely On Technology For Your Itinerary
We are dependent on our smart phones for almost everything. Low batteries, lost phones or no signal can disrupt your plans. Before you leave home, print your dates, times, confirmation numbers, locations, and contact information for all your travel. Rental cars, airlines, hotels, and tourist attractions can help you recover lost information. Share this information with friends and family.
- Don’t Risk Your Safety For The Perfect Photo
Selfies have resulted in unnecessary injuries.
- Don’t Make Your Vacation Public Until You Return Home
Posting on social media announcing a trip informs people your home is vulnerable, since no one is around.
- Let Your Financial Institution Know You Are Traveling
Monitoring charges on credit cards is common today. If your credit card company/financial institution doesn’t know you are traveling, it could result in extra scrutiny on your account due to out of state charges. If your financial institution can’t contact you about out of state charges, it might result in charges being declined while you’re away.
- Back Pockets Are Horrible Place For Valuables
Wallets, passports and valuables should be kept in secure spots, such as cargo or in front pockets. Minimize your wallet or have an alternate wallet just for travel.
- Travel With A First Aid Kit
A small one for air travel or a larger one for road trips. Don’t rely on emergency services in the short term. Secure wraps, tourniquets, bandages, and hemostatic agents, which can all save lives. This is a must for any cross-country travel.
- Be Aware of State Laws
If you are driving through a state, make sure you know the state laws for securing your weapon or speaking to an officer if you are stopped. Violations can be met with fines, confiscation of the weapon or even arrest.
- Have Cash On Hand For Emergencies
Don’t use unfamiliar ATMs. Many travelers have been scammed by recording devices or card readers. When possible, use credit cards to minimize the amount of cash on your person.
- Secure Your Items In The Hotel Room Safe
Too many people hide belongings in suitcases. This is a known practice that is easily thwarted. Instead, secure your treasured items in the hotel room safe to be extra safe.
- Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Situational awareness is critical when traveling. Be aware of cars or people who may be following you. Trust your instincts when you start to feel unsafe.
