At JomsVikings Protection and Security LLC, we are committed to helping people stay safe in their day-to-day lives and we know that making even the smallest adjustments can have a HUGE impact on your overall safety. As such, we are starting an ongoing series of tips and thoughts about general safety.
Post pandemic, travel for business and leisure has made a huge comeback. Airports are bustling, hotels are full, and people are constantly searching for the next great adventure, and we can certainly understand why. However, resort areas are becoming more enticing targets for criminals, as they see people so focused on winding down that they neglect any sense of awareness about their surroundings.
This month, we want to offer a few reminders about travel safety and security. We realize that taking a few simple steps can help you and your loved ones stay safer and, perhaps, avoid becoming victims as you enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Travel security is such an in-depth subject, we could actually fill volumes with “best practices”, but here are our Top 5 Travel Tips.
1. Research the safety status of destinations before traveling and avoid high-risk locations
The safety situation in any location could change multiples time a day. While we may have visited a certain locale in the past, our favorite resort may have been compromised since our last visit. Investing the time to do a little research is our best course of action.
2. Consider options within the United States
Recently, some of the more popular destinations for travel have become very dangerous. As such, many of our clients are opting for domestic locations as a way to stay a bit safer. While no destination can be guaranteed safe, language barriers create an extra level of risk and vulnerability. For instance, having no fluency in Spanish would make you even more exposed on a trip to Mexico. Couple that with the crime levels that are constantly reported, and considering a tropical destination within the US might be the best option.
3. Stay alert and aware of surroundings
Awareness leads to avoidance. While we are here for a relaxing time, burying our heads in the sand can leave something else exposed (anatomically speaking). Situational Awareness is not as difficult as it sounds. We all have a built-in level of intuition that tells us when things just aren’t right. The key is making sure we do not ignore that intuition.
Overconsumption of alcohol will immediately reduce our inhibitions. It also makes us feel more open and friendly. We talk louder, and we share things that others in our immediate area can hear. Limiting alcohol intake can help us stay in tune with our surroundings, and keep us from missing key indicators.
4. Hit the brakes on social media
As tempting as it is to share every moment and every photo, save it until you return home. And make sure that the kids do the same. Do you really want to tell the world that you are not home for the next week, that your house is empty, and that all your valuables are open for the taking? The photos and stories will be just as intriguing the following week, when you are safely back at home.
5. Consider toning it down a notch
Flashy jewelry, upscale clothing, highline rental vehicles and flashing cash can all bring unwanted attention. You never know who might be paying attention, and what information the people you are engaging with might be passing along to a criminal-in-waiting. We recommend using digital payment options whenever possible. Most point of sale systems accept Apple Pay and other digital payments. This allows you to carry smaller amounts of cash, which can be used for tips, street vendors, etc. It also allows you to keep your wallet/purse out of view.
Final thoughts…
Having a plan and taking preventive measures can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime while traveling. It takes effort to gather information, and you may end up avoiding a locale that you really want to visit. The payoff is that you and your loved ones will be in a much better position for a safe, trouble-free travel experience. Regardless of the destination, getting safely home has always got to be your top priority! We would welcome the opportunity to discuss our full list of best practices and be a resource for you. In the end, we want people safe. A few “tricks of the trade” could make all the difference. Remember…The fight you always win, is the fight you never have!
This blog is brought to you by JomsVikings Protection and Security LLC.
