Packing and Security Tips for Holiday Peace of Mind
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Going away on a holiday is the best, whether you’re off on a solo adventure or taking the family. In the excitement of the escape, it’s as easy to overlook home security precautions as it is to overpack, so it’s worth spending time on both.
Photo by Link Hoang on Unsplash
Make a Packing Checklist
Create a packing checklist so you don’t forget essential items. Things to go on the list could be:
- Travel documents including banking details.
- Medications.
- Clothing appropriate for the destination’s weather and planned activities.
- Chargers and power packs.
- Toiletries.
- Toys and games for the kids enroute.
Your list will differ, of course, but try and include everything you think you’ll need. There are some things you can buy while you’re away such as toiletries and even alternative clothing. When you’re deciding on clothes to take, set everything out on the bed before you pack so you can check and make sure you’re not taking too much or too little.
It’s a good idea to go for versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, is easy to wash and quick to dry, needing no ironing or pressing. When you’re packing, roll clothes instead of folding them to save space, and put the heaviest stuff in first to help distribute the weight evenly.
Secure Your Luggage
Invest in sturdy and reliable luggage with built-in locks or use separate luggage locks to secure your bags. This applies to carry on baggage as well as the items you’ll place in the hold when flying.
If you can, avoid displaying expensive branding on your luggage. Lots of us love stylish designer items, though, so just be aware they might attract the wrong kind of attention. Protect your expensive bags with luggage straps so they’re even harder to get into.
Keep Valuable Items Safe
Keep valuables on you rather than packing them, including cash, passports, jewellery, and other important items. There are plenty of ways to carry valuables without necessarily advertising them, including money pouches or belts and even underwear for men and women that have secret pockets.
How far you feel you need to go to keep yourself and your valuables safe depends on your personal feelings, but you could also consider travel locks or doorstops for hotel rooms. For items you need to keep secure without carrying them around everywhere, use a hotel safe.
Be Careful Online
It’s tempting, and often preferable, to use public Wi-Fi but remember it’s often not secure. Resist using them in the same way as you would your home internet. Be especially careful if you need to access banking networks. You could consider a virtual private network (VPN) if you’re prepared to do the homework and research. A second option is to use your mobile data when you’re doing anything sensitive online but that doesn’t guarantee security either. Always make sure you’re not being watched.
At the same time, think carefully before you reveal too much about where you are and what you’re doing on social media, especially in real time. You could, instead, wait until you get home or alternatively set up a private group if you want to share with close friends or family. It’s probably best not to broadcast too widely that you’re away from home. Here are some more tips for social media safety while you’re away.
Safeguard Your Home
Let your neighbours know you’re going away and ask if they’ll keep an eye on the place for you. You could also give neighbours you trust a spare key if you need plants watering or mail picking up off the floor.
If you can, try to move valuable items out of sight of windows. You could consider renting a storage unit for your most precious items. Other ideas for home security include using timers on lights so they come on in the evening, especially in areas of the house such as the hallway or upstairs landing, which won’t illuminate an empty room.
Check Your Insurance
Make sure your home insurance is valid even while the property stands empty. For short periods it probably will, but it’s best to make sure.
And while travel insurance is sometimes considered an expense too far, it’s wise to protect yourself for unexpected events such as cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost property. Read the small print to understand any exclusions so you know you’re covered where you need it.It might feel like a lot, especially as this isn’t a definitive list, but most of the points are quick to action and can make all the difference in a pinch. Whether you choose self storage for your precious items, you carry valuables with you or trust your friends and neighbours to watch over your home front, addressing security and packing properly helps your holiday be the best one ever.
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