Summertime is officially here and what better way to enjoy the warm weather and long nights than traveling across the world? Kids are on summer break, adults are on vacation, it’s a very popular time to travel. And although it is important to have fun, it is also incredibly important to remain vigilant. Here are a few safety and security measures you can take to protect yourself and your family while traveling abroad.
Beware social media
These days, everybody loves to post what they are doing on social media. From Facebook posts, to Instagram photos to tweets on Twitter, personal lives are shared 24/7. While sharing a photo of the sunset in Puerto Rico or posting a status of when you are leaving for vacation might sound like fun and innocent ways of letting your friends and family know where you are, it can unfortunately let other malicious people know where you are. By posting your whereabouts on social media, you can be setting yourself up for a home invasion. An empty house means an easy target. Taking hundreds of photos to remember your experience is fine, but just make sure that you do not post those photos online until after you return home.
Purchase a smart home security camera
Home security cameras are nothing new. They allow you to see exactly what is going on in your house when you are away. And while they were fantastic devices upon their creation, the 21st century has truly made home security cameras groundbreaking. With a smart home security camera, you can view your house anywhere, anytime. This way, if someone breaks into your house, not only will you have video evidence of it, you will also be able to see it in real time and alert the proper authorities as quickly as possible.
Don’t stick out
You’ve probably heard this tip before, but it deserves repeating. Make sure to blend into the crowd as much as possible. This may be your first time visiting a country or state that you’ve always dreamed of going to, but being obvious about it will clue in potential thieves and miscreants. Don’t walk around with a map, don’t look up at every building with tremendous awe and wonder, and limit the number of photos that you are taking. These are all things that will make you susceptible to an attack.
It is a big world out there. Enjoy it, but be safe.