Travel tips to stay safe while on spring break vacation
WTOL 11 reached out to a travel expert to learn helpful safety tips to use for families and young adults who typically go on spring break vacations.
TOLEDO, Ohio — Everyone has heard the same tips about how to stay safe during spring break:
Don’t post about your trip on social media until after you return, be sure to redirect your mail while you’re gone so it doesn’t pile up giving thieves a sign no one is home; and make sure a trusted friend or neighbor is keeping an eye on your home.
However, Travel Concierge Phyllis Bixler, also known as The Travel Genie, has been working with Cruise Planners as a franchise owner for a little over a year. She said there are five big tips she always follows. These are what she herself, as well as her clients, are encouraged to use every time during vacation.
- Carry hydration packets just in case; drink from an insulated cup with a lid.
– Bixler said dehydration is one of the biggest issues people suffer from while on vacation, so taking precaution to keep your electrolytes up is key.
– Anyone, not just young women, can be a victim of having something put in their drink. By having a lid on your cup, it makes you harder to take advantage of. - Use cash or credit cards to pay for things while out on vacation.
– Using debit cards makes you more susceptible to a thief getting access to your money. If you don’t plan on using your funds, leave most hidden in your locked room. - DO NOT leave all your belongings hidden in your car.
– There will be tell tale signs as you exit the car when you’re on vacation. Even if you hide your items in the car, thieves can be watching and waiting for you to leave. They may take the chance of rummaging through your car to take your stuff, especially if you’ve parked in a large venue like an amusement park, zoo or theater. - Leaving a resort should be planned in advance.
– While taking local transportation could be easier or cheaper, not everyone has your best interest at heart. The resort wants you to come back and continue to spend their money. Chances are much higher they’ll protect you more than local transit. - Avoid public spaces that are not well populated and have a buddy.
“We think the idea of a moonlit walk on the beach sounds so romantic, right? But, it actually targets you, because you’re not hyper vigilant whenever you’re on that walk. So, it targets you for crime,” Bixler said.
She explained being proactive about your safety isn’t paranoia, it’s proper planning. Other suggestions to make sure you’re safe while traveling is to talk to a travel agent to learn how travel insurance can help in more ways than people think.
Bixler said the insurance can cover loss due to illness or injury, lost luggage, some passport issues, travel mishaps and more.
“We tend to think, ‘Oh we’re on vacation! It’s just time to relax. We’re having a great time.’ But, everybody knows you’re having a great time. Bixler said “Criminals know that you’re relaxed and you’re not being vigilant. They’re taking advantage of you.”
For those traveling outside of the country, it’s best to register, before you leave, with the State Department. She said any type of political issues, problems with your passport, other troubles can be reported to the department and that can make the transition back home easier if needed.
While Bixler does not believe you’re in greater danger leaving the country for vacation versus staying stateside, if you plan and use common sense you would when you’re not on vacation, but visiting a more crowded area.
It’s best, she said, to be vigilant, alert and aware of your surroundings. The same goes for local customs of the area your visiting, know the do’s and do not’s so you’re not breaking laws or caught in troublesome situations.
For more tips and tricks on safe traveling, click here to connect with Phyllis Bixler.
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