Vacation safety tips for travelers

(ARA) - Across the country, the birds are chirping, leaves are blossoming on trees, and the snow that accumulated over a long, hard winter is finally gone. For many Americans, this means it's time to begin planning spring and summer vacations away from home. With all of the excitement of traveling, home safety can be relegated to the back seat. It's important to take safety precautions, however, and you can keep these tips in mind to help make your trip a success.

Take care when packing: Don't leave your packing until the last minute. If you're traveling to a foreign country, it's generally a good idea to carry valuables on your person rather than checking them. Whether you're leaving the country or not, always take prescription medicine on board in case your bags get lost. Finally, lock all luggage with TSA-approved security devices to prevent break-ins.

Wrap your bags: Most major airports offer plastic wrapping services for less than $20 a bag. Utilizing this extra security measure makes illicit tampering with your luggage much more difficult to pull off, greatly reducing the chance of a break-in while in transit. This step also decreases the likelihood of your luggage getting ripped or stained while in cargo storage.

Don't forget about your home base: Much of the planning for a vacation involves finding lodging away from your primary residence, so it's no surprise that many people forget about home security when they leave for a trip. Consider installing a home alarm system to both deter criminals and defend against intrusion, as well as to help protect your home from fire or water damage.

Copy your important documents: Each year, thousands of Americans lose their passports while traveling abroad. Always an unpleasant experience, the process of dealing with the repercussions is made much easier when you can show proof of citizenship in the form of a photocopy of your original document. Also leave a photocopy at home with someone you trust for reference.

Contact your bank and credit card company: Having your cash and credit card access restricted while you're in another country can cause some serious headaches. Before you leave on your trip, talk to your banking institutions and let them know when and where you're vacationing. They'll make a note in your file to clear your travel expenses, even if they look unusual.

Have a neighbor take in your mail: Home security depends a great deal on the appearance of an occupied home. Have someone you trust bring in your mail and newspapers to avoid giving a criminal the impression that your home is ripe for the picking.

Consider travel insurance: Like any form of insurance, travel insurance seems like a waste of money ... until you find yourself needing it. By purchasing a policy, you'll be protected in the event of baggage loss or death in the family, and you'll be able to file a claim and recoup your losses. Be sure to write down the serial numbers of any electronics you take with you; this can go a long way toward improving your chances of a successful resolution with the insurance provider if they are lost or stolen along the way.

Vacations are an excuse to get away from the stresses of life at home, so it's important to do everything you can to avoid a problem that could interrupt your trip. By following the tips above and operating using basic common sense, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes along with a successful, hassle-free vacation.

Courtesy of ARAcontent