It is often said that vacations are the best opportunities for families to connect and create lasting memories. However, for that to happen, everyone should return from the family holiday safe, healthy and satisfied. This can only happen when the trip is planned carefully and all the risks minimized. Naturally, when traveling with your family, you can’t predict every single problem that might arise. There will always be circumstances beyond your control, but you can at least lower the chances of mishaps occurring. To remind you of some of the potential problems and how to prevent them, we’ve prepared this list of tips.
Travel Insurance Is A Must
It’s a good idea to get a travel insurance, since it’s a small price to pay for your peace of mind. Many things can go wrong, especially if you enjoy “off-the-beaten-track” family trips. Having a travel insurance will help you not worry about the costs, which can sometimes be really high. However, make sure the possible services are included in the plan.Equally important is the fact that if you have to cut your trip short or cancel it due to illness or injury, travel insurance will help you get back the money you spent, particularly on an organized trout, either through a refund or an insurance payout.
Back Up Important Documents
You should definitely scan the originals of your documents and save copies in a range of digital locations, such as email, cloud storage or memory stick. Ideally, you should have at least two printed copies of all relevant documents like passports, visas, driver’s licenses, plane tickets, etc. Since many accommodations offer secure storage, we advise you to rent a safe in the room or a safe deposit box at reception and leave your sensitive travel documents there and take the photocopies with you instead.
Beware Pickpockets
Many tourists have been victims of local pickpockets who prey on those who are not careful when it comes to carrying their wallets, purses and backpacks. So, make sure you don’t keep anything valuable in your back pockets or in your backpack, because that is where pickpockets can take it most easily. Also, consider buying a stylish carbon wallet, which can hold all your cards and provides a wireless theft protection thanks to RFID blocking.
Keep The Phone Charged
It’s vital that every responsible family member has a mobile phone with them at important times. You may need to split up or one of you may get lost, so you need to get in touch with them as soon as possible, before panic sets in. Also, you can use it to get an Uber or Lyft, navigate around the place or take photos. It’s important to keep it charged and, ideally, have a power-bank. If international roaming is too expensive, get a local SIM car or buy a cheap phone from the nearest gadget retailer.
Pick Safe Accommodation
If you’re using Airbnb, Booking or other platform for finding accommodation, make sure you check out the reviews and pay attention to what people say about safety. This applies to both the accommodation and the area in which it’s located. Feel free to ask the owner or even the hotel about the safety measures they have in place.
Think Before Sharing
It’s natural that you want to fill your social media accounts with pics and videos of your vacation, but we urge you to think twice. Namely, when posting online you’re telling everyone where you are, where you’re going and what you’re doing. Someone might use the info about your vacation to rob your house while you’re enjoying yourselves.
Keep A Record Of Important info
You should make a list containing all telephone numbers and addresses of important places in the destinations you’ll visit, such as police stations, hospitals, embassies and consulates. This is particularly important if you don’t know any locals and don’t speak their language. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary with someone you trust at home, so that they know your whereabouts in case of emergency.
The fewer reasons to worry you have, the more likely you’ll be to have a wonderful time on your family vacation. Remember that safety comes first and plan your holiday to make sure you’re prepared from the moment you close your door at the start of your trip to the moment you unlock it on your return.
Author Bio
Diana Smith
is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in business and marketing related topics.
In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
