4 Security Tips for Summer Travel

The year 2021 might be the year that people desire to get out of the house for a summer vacation the most. After social distancing and other restrictions, we could all use a little relaxation. Nothing can snap you back quicker to reality than a security issue during your trip, however.

From properly securing suitcases to taking extra precautions with your home’s security system, there are several ways to add peace of mind to your summer trip. Here are four of them.

Make sure luggage is secure.

There are more ways to secure your suitcases than you might think. For starters, monitor your bag at all times and ensure you’re the one packing or unpacking it. Locks and zip ties are other essentials. Finally, keep anything that is valuable on your person, if possible. Securing luggage is all about control, so don’t let strangers have access to it.

Install surveillance at home.

You’ll want to make sure your house is secure as well, so consider investing in some form of video surveillance. This could be as big as a full-blown security system, or it could be as small as a video doorbell. The more security precautions you take at home, the more peace of mind you’ll have while you travel away from home.

Track and lock your cars.

If you’re driving to your destination, your automobile will be another area of concern. If you don’t already have one, consider installing a tracking device or app on your car so you know where it is at all times. (Pro tip: you might be able to do a free trial during your trip.) Also, make sure that you can properly secure your vehicle—all locks should be working, windows should create a seal when rolled up and no valuables should be visible from outside the vehicle.

Have a spare key on hand.

Finally, whether it’s your suitcase, your home or your car, it’s always a good idea to have a spare key on hand. A duplicate key can mean the difference between being stranded in an unwanted area of the country and getting back on the road immediately. Plus, the locks for your suitcase might be cut by security and your neighbor might need access to your home during an urgent event. For both your suitcase and residence, a spare key is a smart idea for summer travel.