Whether you’re hitting the road or soaring through the skies this festive period, keeping things safe and smooth during your travels is key. Read on to find out how you can have a worry free holiday journey this Christmas.
Secure Your Home
First things first, before you leave, make your home look lived in. Set timers for lights, ask a neighbor to collect mail, and double check all windows and doors are locked. A secure home means you can enjoy your holiday worry free. If you have smart home devices, these are brilliant for turning lights on and off while you’re away from home and can give the illusion that someone is there. Smart cameras can detect motion and alert you too, they’re not very expensive and are well worth the investment.
On the Road
When you’re hitting the road, pack more than just gifts. Pack up in some blankets, snacks, and a first aid kit, so if your car decides to breakdown on you, you’ll be safe waiting for help. If you’re driving, use GPS to navigate but have a map in the car as well, just in case. Consider signing up for roadside assistance as if you do happen to break down you have peace of mind that the company will come and collect you and take you back to safety, it’s a lot cheaper than having to pay for emergency breakdown fees when they happen too. Before you set off, do some basic checks of your car- fuel, tyres, fluids and more. Any accident lawyer will tell you how road accidents are so much more common at this time of year, so take steps to avoid becoming a statistic.
Planes, Trains, and Delays
Airports can be crazy during the holidays. Plan for delays by arriving early. Weather can be tricky, so check the forecast. If your flight does get delayed, stay chill – bring a book or some games to pass the time. Triple-check that you have your essential documents – passport, tickets, and ID. Keep them secure but easily accessible. Losing these could quickly cut your trip short.
Hold on to Your Luggage
The thought of losing luggage fills most of us with dread, we all need our creature comforts and if you’re relying on things like medication etc then it’s even more of an issue. Use colourful luggage tags to easily spot your bags, and make sure suitcases are padlocked shut if you’re travelling by plane.You can use Airtags or Tile tags as a cheap and easy way to track your baggage if you want some extra peace of mind, but pack some extra essentials in your carry-on, just in case your checked luggage decides to take its own adventure.
Avoiding Thieves
Thieves like the holidays too, but not in the same way. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like airports and bustling markets. Invest in a secure bag or backpack to keep your stuff safe. Cross body bags are good as they can’t be snatched and you can keep a close eye on the zip compartment by your hand so that no one tries sneaking anything out.
Health and Hydration
Travelling can be exhausting. Stay hydrated, wash your hands often, and get enough sleep to keep those holiday bugs at bay. Pack any necessary medications and a small first aid kit for those little bumps in the road. Keep an eye on the weather forecast for your destination too, as dressing appropriately keeps you comfortable as well as safe, if you’re staying in a cold location then plenty of warm layers, thick socks, gloves, hats and scarves are a must. Don’t forget warm, waterproof boots.
Keep Your Devices Charged
Phones, tablets, and cameras are useless without battery power. So keep chargers handy, and invest in a few portable phone chargers in case you’re caught short- especially if you’re on a long journey. A fully charged device means you can capture those holiday memories, navigate using your phone’s maps, check timetables and more all without worrying about a dead battery.
Stay Informed and Check Travel Advisories
Before you go away, check for any travel advisories or restrictions and stay in the loop with what’s happening in your destination. Save emergency numbers in your phone, know where the nearest hospital or urgent care is in case of unexpected health hiccups- i’s always better to be prepared. Before booking accommodations, do a bit of research and read reviews, check for amenities, safety reviews and ensure it meets your needs. A comfortable and safe place to rest your head can make a world of difference.
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