Planning a holiday abroad for your family? Following a few vacation safety tips will make your vacation a trip to paradise.
The Money Factor
Avoid bringing large amounts of cash on a trip. If someone is watching you and notices a large stash of cash, you and your family may become a target for theft. Smaller amounts of cash can be divided among family members to pay for small expenses. Don't carry cash and credit cards in the same wallet. A fanny pack works best.
ATM cards let you withdraw cash on an as-needed basis. If you choose to use an ATM, check the surroundings and try to make withdrawals during business hours.
Credit cards or traveler's checks provide a more secure method of payment. Traveler's checks from a reliable bank or credit source are accepted virtually anywhere. Keep the serial numbers separate from the checks.
Credit cards offer a safety net in case the card is lost or stolen. Most credit card companies replace lost or stolen cards immediately via express or overnight mail. Before traveling abroad, check with your credit card provider and ask about policies for safe overseas travel.
Document What Is Necessary
A passport will be necessary to travel abroad. You should not bring birth certificates or social security cards belonging to you or your children. This will minimize the chance of identity theft while you and your loved ones travel away from home.
Car Safety
Avoid various tricks associated with driving. Opt for a practical rental car instead of something flashy. Thieves tend to target expensive vehicles. Likewise, do not leave expensive video equipment, cell phones or GPS navigators in plain sight inside your vehicle.
If something goes wrong with your car, proceed to a well-lit area or a service station and call for assistance.
Police vehicles have red or blue lights. Don't pull over if someone flashes their headlights.
Child-Proof Your Child
Parents need to pay close attention to their children when travelling. Place a safety card in your child's pocket or coat. This should contain your name, contact details, and hotel information, in case an emergency occurs.
By following a few safety tips, you can protect your children when you travel abroad as a family.
 | Here are some tips on vacation and travel safety for kids to get you started. It's great to head off on a family vacation, but you also want to make sure that you are safe throughout the trip. |
 | Safety rules established by vacation resorts are not a substitute for parental control, but between the safety features of the resort and the family rules, everyone should have an enjoyable experience. |
 | You need to make vacation safety part of the planning process. Simple planning before and during your family's vacation reduces potential problems, ensures memorable times and guarantees a safe return home. |
Summer is a great time for close encounters of the animal kind, whether at petting zoos, a local fair or an aquarium. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer the following advice for maximum safety and enjoyment around animal exhibits. |
It's essential to follow proper car safety if your kids are in tow. Most parents know the risks involved with motor vehicles. We know that everyone should be buckled up and that simply having kids with us is reason enough to take more care on the roads. |
