5 Safety Tips for Holiday Travel

Getting away for the holidays is always a relief from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but it’s still important to remember safety during your adventure. The last thing you want is to suffer from an injury or incur damages while you’re gone, which could lead to a long road of personal injury claims and legal battles. Planning ahead can save you from that headache and optimize your ultimate holiday fun. Here are five safety tips for holiday travel you shouldn’t miss out on.

1. Don’t Forget What’s at Home

You might be so thrilled to escape that you forget to leave your home protected during your vacation. Make sure your home security system is up and running before you leave. Check that all alarms are functioning properly and that you can monitor it even when you’re not there. Some people try to take advantage of the vacant houses left behind by holiday travelers.

2. Leave Valuables at Home

Leave all your major valuables at home, including cash. Stick to plastic as your main means of payment while you travel. If you’re flying, keep everything that matters, including wallet, ID, passports, etc., on your person and not in a checked bag. Consider the possibility that your bag might get lost along the way and that there’s nothing inside you absolutely can’t part with.

3. Plan Ahead 

This applies to everything. If you’re driving, plan your primary route and backup routes in case the first doesn’t work out. Have an emergency kit in the car in case you break down, and have your car inspected before hitting the road. Know how to drive safely in adverse conditions, or plan places to stop in the event of bad weather.

4. Let Someone Know Where You’re Going

It’s always a good idea to let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be there in the case of an emergency. A third party can start looking for you or contact police if you don’t return when you were supposed to.

5. Research Before Departure

The best way to be prepared for your travel excursion is through research. Understand where you’re going, what it’s like, what the culture is, and if there’s anything you should know before setting foot in your destination.

The last thing anyone wants is something to go awry during their vacation. If an accident leaves someone hurt, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer in Des Moines, IA, like from Johnston Martineau, LLP, to see what can be done.