Whether you’re going on a luxurious vacation or traveling for work, keeping your personal items secure is always a concern.
Here are some tips to secure your home while you’re away and secure the belongings you bring with you, too.
Pay attention to your security settings
To set up two-factor authentication, simply enter your username and password in your password manager.
After that, your email provider or social media
Safety and security are top priorities for travelers. Take the time to inspect your home for broken or loose locks, alarms and lights.
DOUBLE CHECK LOCKS AND WINDOWS
In the whirlwind of preparing to leave for your trip, don’t forget to double check your home’s entries and exits. Unused doors such as interior garage doors or sliding glass doors can slip your mind, but these exits can put your home at risk when you are away. Check window locks to ensure that they are fully closed as well.
LEAVE ON LIGHTS OR TURN ON PROGRAMMABLE LIGHTS
Avoid leaving your home looking as though it is abandoned, as this can make your home a target. Leave on lights strategically inside or outside your home to give the illusion of movement inside. You can also opt to install programmable lights that can automatically turn on at certain times of day, at sunset, or at intervals that you set.
INSTALL CAMERAS
If you haven’t already, consider installing cameras at exterior points of your home. A well-placed camera can capture an expanse of your home and enable you to check the footage at regular intervals. Visible cameras can make your home less of a target to bad actors, and give you peace of mind when you are away.
ASK A FRIEND TO CHECK IN
There’s nothing better than having eyes on your home while you are away. Ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to check in on your home while you’re traveling. This may mean picking up mail or packages, caring for pets, or simply spending some time inside each day to ensure that nothing is amiss.
SECURING YOUR BELONGINGS WHILE TRAVELING
There’s no greater inconvenience than losing your luggage – nothing, perhaps, except having your belongings stolen. No matter the type of luggage you carry, you have options to keep them secure while maintaining your peace of mind.
BECOME AN ORGANIZED PACKER
It’s hard to know what’s been tampered with in your luggage if you don’t know where everything is. Create a packing list digitally or on paper that includes everything you have packed (this can also be helpful when preparing to pack!). When unpacking, you’ll know if you’re missing anything right away. Staying organized also ensures that random searches by TSA are less messy. Take advantage of luggage organizers or separators for different types of items in your luggage.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX WHEN PACKING VALUABLES
If you need to stow away valuable or sentimental items in your luggage, get creative with how you store them. If your luggage is tampered with, misplaces, or even stolen, it may be possible to protect your most personal belongings. You may try hiding valuables in unexpected places, such as in makeup bags, emptied toiletries, hollowed-out books, or other not-so-easily-identifiable storage spaces.
GET FAMILIAR WITH TSA-APPROVED LOCKS
In your efforts to fully secure your luggage, avoid choosing luggage locks that could land you in trouble with TSA. When flying, use locks that can be opened with a universal master key. You can also check the TSA website for a list of approved lock styles. If you choose a lock style that is not allowed, you risk having your luck cut or your luggage further examined, which could result in damages to your property.
MAKE YOUR LUGGAGE STAND OUT
One of the simplest ways to avoid having your luggage stolen is to make it easy to spot. Choosing vibrant patterns, having your luggage customized, and attaching name pendants are just a few ways you can make your luggage stand out and avoid catching the eye of bad actors who are looking to blend in. Even in a busy airport, train station, or hotel, you can feel more secure that your bags will be easy to spot and easy to keep with you.
TRY USING A TRACKER
You track your phone or smart devices when they’re away, why not do the same with your luggage? Installing a tracking device on your luggage means you’ll always know its location – ideal for situations where you will be separated from your bags. Many trackers connect to smartphone apps or websites that make it easy to keep tabs on the tracker. Should your luggage be lost, you’ll be able to track it down with greater ease.
PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE
One tried-and-true way to ensure your valuables are covered while traveling is to purchase travel insurance. You can purchase short-term policies on yourself and your goods in case of emergencies while traveling – something not often offered by airlines. You may be required to pay a deductible, and coverage amounts vary. Check out a variety of policies to determine what might be best for your unique situation.
KEEP PERSONAL ITEMS CLOSE
One of the best ways to protect your belongings is to keep them on you. If you’re carrying cash, sentimental items, or other personal valuables, your wisest choice is to keep them in your carry-on when you fly. Remember to keep them out of sight and close at hand.
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