The holidays are a great time to travel. While it’s nice to see friends and family from afar, doing so also means accidents, lost items, and problems at home can occur in your absence. What should you do to prepare? Following these five tips will go a long way in ensuring a safe trip and a happy return.
1. Protect your home
While your main concern may be keeping you and your immediate family safe on the road, you also have to protect your home while you’re away. While many crime rates remain stable throughout the year, property crime increases between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Thieves know that people are busy, distracted, and often away from home, so they plan their robberies accordingly.
If you don’t want to invest in a complete home installation, today’s technology allows you to assemble a security system piece by piece. Adding longer screws to strike plates and door jams can make breaking into your home just as difficult as the hardware. Even a novice DIYer can do this, potentially preventing break-ins since such crimes require speed. Many thieves will quickly move on to the next property if they find your doors and windows locked.
Additionally, insulating your pipes can prevent other costly damage that could occur while you are away. Setting the temperature to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving faucets dripping, and keeping sink cabinet doors open can prevent freezing.
2. Plan your route and leave a flight plan
No matter how long your drive is, leave your itinerary with a trustworthy party – such as a relative you plan to visit. If you do not arrive or check in as planned, they will contact the authorities.
Plan your route carefully and use apps like Waze to avoid construction. Work zone fatalities account for 10% of congestion accidents and 24% of delay accidents. The most direct route isn’t necessarily the best – are there alternatives that might take you past a scenic destination or interesting museum you’ve always wanted to visit?
Consider taking your car to a mechanic for an inspection or giving it a thorough inspection before hitting the road. Check belts and hoses for signs of wear and replace if necessary. Check the battery cables for signs of corrosion, check the fluid levels, and if they’re almost there, consider changing the oil and filter.
3. Check your insurance coverage
If you think the roadside assistance provided in a typical insurance policy will help you in the area you’re visiting when you call a government home in another state, it’s a good idea to read your policy carefully. Some coverage only extends a certain number of miles from your base. If you break down 100 miles away and have to have your car towed to a mechanic in your town, you’ll still end up with a hefty bill.
Instead, contact your insurance company first and ask about riders you can add to extend your policy. If the company you do business with doesn’t offer this type of coverage, consider using a third-party service like AAA to give you extra peace of mind.
4. Bring the right gear
The right gear makes any trip easier. If taking a road trip, make sure you have:
- Copies of your license, registration and insurance
- Tool kit includes triangle parts, jack, flares, spare tire and headlight, ratchet and socket set, assorted wrenches, screwdriver, mallet, spare antifreeze and engine oil
- first aid kit
- Extra blankets, children’s games, snacks and pet treats
- Provide plenty of water for everyone on board – 1 gallon per passenger per day
The right gear can also make hotel stays safer. Consider investing in a portable security lock that mounts to the deadbolt to prevent outsiders, including staff, from opening the door. You can also find doorstop screamers that will wake you up if someone tries to get in while you’re sleeping.
If traveling with a furry friend, make sure you have the correct documentation. While not all accommodations require proof of vaccination, some do and you don’t want to be unable to find accommodation because of missing documentation.
5. Check and double check
Finally, start packing early and double-check that you’ve remembered everything – like your contact lens solutions, boxes and prescription medications. Review your itinerary, consider where things might go wrong, and take proactive steps, like bringing the right gear, to give you greater peace of mind and a safe trip.
Make sure you get home safely from the holidays
If you’re one of the many people driving home for the holidays, you want to make sure your trip is safe. Taking steps to protect your home and keep our roads safe can give you peace of mind and give you the confidence to know you have the right equipment and knowledge to deal with the unexpected.
About the author
Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief of Modded and writes about health and fitness. Follow him on Twitter @TMModded Get regular updates on his work and subscribe to Modded Minute to learn more!
