If you are a retired boomer like Mary Ann and I, then you are probably doing 4 or 5 trips a year now that you have the time. Travel while you can is our motto.
Having no children or relatives at home, we do wonder how secure things will be while we are gone on one of our trips. With Summer trips coming up, it is a perfect time to think about this and do some planning.
This morning I saw this:
Some AARP Tips on How to Travel Safe This Summer
- Protect your home: Unplug all major electronics and lock all your windows. Also, have a friend keep an eye on your home. If something goes wrong have a home repair service on speed dial. AARP members get 20% off HomeServe USA home repair plans. A security system can also add a little peace of mind. If you don’t have an alarm system now is the perfect time to buy one, AARP members get 20% off ADT installation and $2 off monthly monitoring.
- Protect your finances: According to a survey on identity theft 18 percent of respondents said they have had sensitive information lost or stolen while they were traveling. More than a quarter (27 percent) of all respondents said they brought their Social Security cards with them on their trip. One suggestion is for travelers leave their valuables in their hotel room in a secure location. Only bring what you need. Also, be wary of putting your personal information in public computers, many record key strokes. If you are still concerned, AARP members can get 13 percent off custom ID protection through AARP Identity Theft Protection.
- Plan ahead: Make copies of your travel documents. Buy travel insurance in case you need to cancel your trip or something gets lost. Also, make sure you have access to a phone while traveling in case of emergencies. Mostly importantly, tell a close friend your travel arrangements. Make sure this person can deal with any emergency situation.
These are good tips that may help us baby boomers during our travels. Be prepared and have a safe Summer!
Robert and Mary Ann Fowler
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Another great travel trip is to only let a few people know that you are going away. If everyone knows that you won’t be home for an extended period of time there is a higher chance of someone breaking in!
These are some great tips. In your travels have you booked any vacation rentals? If so are there any safety tips you would look at for a vacation rental before you booked them? Thanks!
Thanks…Great information Robert
Going on vacation can be enjoyable but likewise stressful when you leave your home alone, even if it is protected. As you pointed out, there are many security measures you can take to keep your home safe as you travel, such has installing a home alarm system. While this is helpful, I would add that keeping a private safe with valuables locked in it is very beneficial as well. That way, should someone unsavory break into your home, they are much less likely to take any of your important documents or particularly valuable items.