Summer. Vacation.
For many, these two words bring visions of tiny umbrellas floating in brightly colored cocktails and watermelon smiles from ear to ear.
Before you get away from it all on your next vacation, here are some simple summer vacation safety tips to ensure peace of mind and health to you and your family.
Safety at Home While Away
Put Mail on Hold
A big pile of unopened mail and newspapers on your doorstep is the easiest signal for burglars to know you aren’t home. Go online and place your mail on hold.
It’s easy and well worth the two minutes it takes.
Trick Potential Intruders
No, you don’t have to go Home Alone style on this one, but light timers on your porch and inside rooms can create an appearance of being home while you're away.
Get Your Neighbors on Board
Ask one neighbor you can trust to keep an eye out for you. Maybe it’s someone who is home during the day who can keep an extra watch on your home.
Avoid Social Media
Checking in on flights to your destination just isn’t a good idea. You don’t need the world to know you will be gone and where you are traveling to. Wait till you're back to post pictures and humble brag about your time away.
Leave an Itinerary
If you are traveling to multiple locations, leave an itinerary with a close friend or relative in case of emergency.
Safety For Yourself and Family On Vacation
Make Copies
Make copies of your passports, credit cards, important identification information, including your medical insurance cards. Take one copy with you (pack it separately from the cards themselves) and leave one copy at home.
Luggage Tag Safety
Never write your address on your luggage tags. Just write your phone number.
Sunscreen + Sunscreen Lip Balm
Choose a sunscreen that protects against UV-A and UV-B radiation from the sun. Apply your sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply it often, especially after swimming. Don’t forget an SPF sunscreen lip balm.
Check for Ticks
If you are traveling to wooded areas, be extra cautious of ticks. The concerns about ticks are rising, as are the diseases they can spread.
Sunglasses + Hats
Make sure you wear both when you are out for long periods of time in the sun. Always wear sunglasses whenever you're outside during the day. Eyes are more sensitive than we might think.
Hydrate
You can never drink enough water, especially if you're traveling somewhere hot and/or humid. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up as much as possible during the day.
Wear Loose & Light Colors
If you know the heat is going to be excessive, avoid tight clothing and dark colors. Help your body avoid trapping heat by wearing white, loose-fitting cotton.
Practice Touch Supervision Near the Pool
Swimming pools are particularly hazardous for children under the age of five. It’s really tempting to enjoy a creative cocktail poolside while reading your new novel, but if you are traveling with children, keep an extra eye out around the water. The CDC recommends practicing “touch supervision,” where you can be close enough to reach the child at all times.
By following summer safety tips and procedures, you reduce the chances of having your good times spoiled. A prepared traveler is a happy traveler!