The holidays are a time for travel. While it’s nice to see friends and family near and far, it also means you’re at risk for accidents, lost belongings, and things going wrong at home while you’re away. What should you do to prepare? If you follow the five tips below, you will be well on your way to a safe trip and a happy return.
1. Secure your home
While your biggest concern may be that you and your immediate family are safe on the road, you also need to secure your home while you are away. Although many crime rates remain stable throughout the year, property crimes are increasing between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Thieves know that people are busy, distracted and often away from home, and they plan their robberies accordingly.
Today’s technology allows you to put together a security system piecemeal if you don’t want to invest in a full home installation. Adding longer screws to your strike plate and door jam will make your home more difficult to break into, and so will the hardware. Even novice DIYers can do this, potentially preventing burglaries as such crimes require speed. Many thieves will quickly move on to the next property if they discover that your doors and windows are secured.
You also insulate your pipes protects against other expensive damage that may take place during your absence. Keeping your heater set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving the faucets dripping, and keeping the sink cabinet doors open can help prevent frostbite.
2. Plan your route and leave an escape plan
Regardless of the length of your drive, leave your itinerary with a trusted party, such as the relatives you plan to visit. If you don’t arrive or don’t check in as planned, they know to contact the authorities.
Plan your route carefully and use apps like Waze to avoid roadworks. The fatalities in the work zone are responsible for this 10% of traffic congestion and 24% of delays. The most direct route is not necessarily the best. Is there an alternative, perhaps a route that takes you past a beautiful destination or an interesting museum that you have always wanted to visit?
Consider taking your car to the mechanic for an inspection or giving it away a thorough one again before you hit the road. Check the belts and hoses for signs of wear and replace if necessary. Examine the battery cables for signs of corrosion, check the fluid levels, and consider an oil and filter change if it’s close.
3. Check your insurance coverage
If you think the roadside assistance you have with your regular insurance policy will help you in the area you are visiting if you call another state home, it is best to Read your policy carefully. Some coverage only covers a certain number of kilometers from your home base. You’ll still get a hefty bill if you break down 100 miles away and have to tow your car to a mechanic in your city.
Instead, contact your insurer first and ask about a rider you can add to renew your policy. If the company you are dealing with does not offer such coverage, consider a third-party service, such as AAA, for additional peace of mind.
4. Wear the right gear
The right equipment makes every trip easier. If you’re going on a road trip, make sure you have:
- Copies of your driver’s license, registration and insurance
- A toolbox with triangles, a jack, torches, a spare tire and headlight, a ratchet and socket set, several wrenches, a screwdriver, a hammer, spare antifreeze and engine oil
- A first aid kit
- A spare blanket, games for the child and snacks and treats for pets
- Enough water for everyone on board: 1 gallon per passenger per day
The right equipment also makes staying in hotels safer. Consider investing in a portable security lock that fits over the deadbolt and prevents outsiders, including staff, from opening the door. You can also find doorstops that will wake you up if someone tries to enter while you’re sleeping.
Make sure you have the proper paperwork when traveling with your furry friends. While not all properties require proof of vaccinations, some do, and you don’t want to find yourself unable to find accommodation due to missing documents.
5. Check and double check
Finally, start packing early and double-check that you have remembered everything, such as your contact lens solution, case, and prescription medications. Review your itinerary, consider what could go wrong and take proactive steps, such as bringing the right equipment, to create greater peace of mind and have a safe trip.
Ensure a safe journey home during the holidays
If you are one of the many driving home during the holidays, you want to be assured of a safe journey. Taking steps to secure your home and stay safe on the road will improve your peace of mind and give you the confidence that you have the right equipment and knowledge to deal with the unexpected.
Author biography
Oscar Collins is editor-in-chief of Modded, where he writes about health and fitness. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for regular updates on his work, and subscribe to Modded Minute for more!
