5 Things NOT To Do when Traveling for the Holidays

Posted by vpfsnews on December 9, 2009 at 9:15 PM

Are you among the nearly 40 million Americans who will be traveling for the holidays this year?  A lot of planning goes into those holiday escapades, we know!  But, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the season, it's common to let a very important thing slip from the forefront of our minds -- safety.

 

I don't mean to be a Grinch, but push those visions of sugarplums dancing to the side for just one moment, please, and give some thought to the following list of things NOT to do when traveling for the holidays. 

 

5 Things Not to Do When Traveling for the Holidays

Tips provided by Value Place's Bob Creech, Sr. Vice President of Safety and Security

 

1.   Don't Wing It 

It sounds like a great idea to whisk your loved one off for a secret holiday vacation or whimsically hop in the car and drive several hours to visit grandma, right?  Spontaneity can be a good thing, but not when it comes to travel plans.  While you don't need to broadcast your plans to the world or have every detail plotted out, you should at least do the following before hitting the road:

Tell at least one person:  Whether you're flying or driving, share your travel itinerary with someone in case there is an emergency.  Be sure your friend has your contact information, knows the route you're taking, and has the name, address and phone number of the place where you'll be staying.  

 

Know your destination:  Have maps, phone numbers and addresses handy, and pre-program them into your cell phone or GPS.  Don't wait until you're on the road to ask for directions.

 

Pack a safety kit:  If you don't already have one in your car, put one together before you leave.  Click here for a list of items to include in your kit, and don't forget to pack your cell phone charger!  It's also a good idea to bring a list of the phone numbers of your credit card companies, insurance representatives and bank, as well as your vehicle's license plate and VIN numbers.  If your wallet or car goes MIA, you'll need this information.

  

2.   Don't Be Too Nice

It is the season of good cheer, but certain acts of kindness can get you into trouble.  For instance, if someone in a parking lot asks you for change for a $5, politely say you don't have it and keep walking!  Never pull out your wallet or open your purse in a situation like this, or it could quickly be snatched.  Same goes for your cell phone.  It's never wise to let someone "borrow" your phone regardless of the "emergency" they are having.  Offer to place a call for them.

 

3.   Don't Let Your Guard Down

Staying healthy and safe while traveling can be as simple as trusting your senses.  We are much more perceptive than what we give ourselves credit for.  If a situation doesn't seem quite right, it probably isn't.  Get out of it by walking, running or driving away.  A few other things to keep in mind are:

Never open your hotel door for a stranger, even if the person claims to be hotel staff.  Call the front desk first and ask if they sent someone to your room.

 

Never leave valuable items in plain sight inside your vehicle.  Even an empty box or bag can be tempting for a thief. 

Don't touch your face or food before washing your hands.  When you travel during the winter, you are much more likely to come into contact with flu or other viruses that can ruin your festivities.  Keep a mini bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you, and use it often.

 

4.   Don't Leave Obvious Signs that You're Gone

Tell a friend or neighbor that you're leaving town.  Ask if they'll pick up your mail and newspapers, or have the delivery held until you return.  Don't leave them pile up!  This is one of the first things thieves look for, especially in rural areas.  It's also a good idea to plug a lamp into a timer so it switches on in the evenings.  This gives the appearance that you're home.  Also, if you have a Facebook, Twitter or other social media account, do not post messages that let people know that you're out of town. 

 

 

 5.  Don't Select a Hotel Based on Price Alone

Value Place is a low price leader in the lodging industry, and knows that affordable rooms are very important to our guests.  But safety is even more important.  We go to great measures to surpass industry standards in security and cleanliness.  We recommend you do your research before making a reservation at any hotel to see how it measures up in these safety areas:

 

Location:  Is the property in a safe area of town.  Check it out yourself online on Google Maps.

 

Lighting:  Is the parking lot well lit?  Are the common areas inside the hotel well lit? Are there security cameras?  All of these things significantly enhance the safety of a property and deter theft.

 

Room Entry:  Only stay in hotels that have interior room entry, meaning the doors of the rooms open to a hallway inside the building.  Rooms with exterior entries are prime targets for thieves.   

 

A little travel safety prep work can make all the difference between having a holly jolly Christmas and feeling like you got a lump of coal in your stocking.

 

Looking for more travel safety information? Check out the Value Place Blog entries on:

Hotel safety tips and ways to keep your vehicle and valuables safe.

 

Top reasons for staying at Value Place when traveling for the holidays

 

Best wishes for a joyous and safe holiday season from all of us at Value Place!