The holidays are a time for travel. While it’s lovely to see friends and family near and far, doing so also means risking accidents, lost items and things going wrong back at home in your absence. What should you do to prepare? Following the five tips below goes a long way toward ensuring a safe trip and a happy return.
1. Secure Your Home
While your main concern might be keeping you and your immediate family safe on the road, you also have to secure your house in your absence. Although many crime rates remain steady throughout the year, property crimes increase between Thanksgiving and New Year. Thieves know that people are busy, distracted and often away from home, and they plan their heists accordingly.
Today’s technology allows you to assemble a security system piece by piece if you don’t want to invest in a full home installation. Adding longer screws to your strike plate and door jams makes it harder to break into your home and only as much as the hardware. Even novice DIYers can do it, potentially preventing break-ins, as such crimes require speed. Many thieves will quickly move on to the next property if they find your doors and windows secured.
Additionally, insulating your pipes protects against other expensive damage that can occur in your absence. Leaving your heat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, letting faucets drip and keeping sink cabinet doors open can prevent freezing.
2. Plan Your Route And Leave A Flight Plan
Regardless of the length of your drive, leave your itinerary with a trusted party — like the relatives you plan to visit. If you don’t arrive or check in as planned, they know to contact the authorities.
Plan your route with care, using apps such as Waze to avoid construction. Work zone fatalities account for 10% of roadway congestion and 24% of delays. The most direct route isn’t necessarily best — is there an alternative, perhaps one that takes you past a scenic destination or interesting museum you’ve always wanted to check out?
Consider taking your car to the mechanic for an inspection or giving it a thorough once-over before hitting the road. Check the belts and hoses for signs of wear and replace them if necessary. Examine the battery cables for signs of corrosion, check your fluid levels and consider an oil and filter change if it’s nearly time.
3. Check Your Insurance Coverage
If you think the roadside assistance you have with your typical insurance policy will help you in the area you’re visiting if you call another state home, it’s best to read your policy carefully. Some coverage only extends a certain number of miles from your home base. You’ll still end up with a hefty bill if you break down 100 miles away and must tow your car to a mechanic in your town.
Instead, start by contacting your insurer and asking about a rider you can add to extend your policy. If the company with whom you deal doesn’t offer such coverage, consider a third-party service such as AAA for added peace of mind.
4. Carry The Right Gear
The right gear makes any trip easier. If going on a road trip, ensure you have:
- Copies of your license, registration and insurance
- A tool kit including triangles, a jack, flares, a spare tire and headlamp, a ratchet and socket set, various wrenches, a screwdriver, a mallet, spare antifreeze and engine oil
- A first-aid kit
- A spare blanket, games for the kid and snacks and pet treats
- Sufficient water for everyone aboard — 1 gallon per passenger per day
The right gear 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 doorstop screechers that wake you if anyone tries to enter while you slumber.
Ensure you have the right paperwork if traveling with your furry friends. Though not all lodging establishments require proof of vaccinations, some do, and you don’t want to be unable to find accommodations due to missing documents.
5. Check And Double-Check
Finally, begin packing early and double-check that you remembered everything — like your contact lens solution and case and prescription medications. Review your itinerary, consider what could go wrong and take proactive steps, such as carrying the right gear, to create greater peace of mind and to have a safe trip.
Ensure A Safe Trip Home For The Holidays
If you’re among the many driving home for the holidays, you want to ensure a safe trip. Taking measures to secure your homestead and stay safe on the road improves your peace of mind and gives you the confidence of knowing you have the right equipment and knowledge to handle the unexpected.
Author Bio
Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at 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!