Vacation Safety Tips for a Holiday Abroad

Planning a holiday vacation abroad with your family? Follow these few vacation tips to make your stay safer.

Money Matters
1. Try and avoid bringing large amounts of cash on your trip. If someone is watching you and notices you’re carrying a large amount of cash, you and your family may become a target for theft. Instead, divide up smaller amounts of cash among your family members to pay for small expenses. Also, don't carry cash and credit cards in the same wallet, the best solution would be to wear some sort of fanny pack that is close to your body.

2. ATM cards are another alternative to carrying large amounts of cash because you can withdrawal cash on an as-needed basis. If you choose to use an ATM, beware of your surroundings and try to make withdrawals during business hours.

3. Credit cards or traveler's checks provide the most secure method of payment. Traveler's checks from a reliable bank or credit source are accepted virtually anywhere. But remember to keep the serial numbers separate from the checks.

4. Credit cards offer a safety net in case your card becomes lost or stolen. Most credit card companies replace lost or stolen cards immediately via express or overnight mail. Before traveling abroad, check with your credit card provider and ask about their policies for safe travels overseas.

Documentation
5. A passport will be necessary for your travels abroad. You should not bring birth certificates or social security cards belonging to you or your children with you. This will minimize the chance of identity theft while you and your loved ones travel away from home.

Car Safety
6. Opt for a practical rental car instead of something flashy, as thieves tend to target expensive vehicles. Also, don’t leave expensive video equipment, cell phones or GPS navigators in plain sight inside your vehicle.

7. If something goes wrong with your car, proceed to a well-lit area or a service station and call for assistance.

8. Police vehicles have red or blue lights. Don't pull over if someone flashes their headlights.

Child-Proof Your Child
9. Pay close attention to your children when traveling. Place a safety card in your child's pocket which contains your name, contact details, and hotel information, in case an emergency occurs.