While a local security company, such as JS Security Consulting, can keep an eye on your Nashville area home and business while you’re on vacation, there’s more to worry about while traveling than just what’s going on back home. Of course, it’s important to make sure you’ve made the proper preparations to keep your home or commercial property safe while you’re away, but keep the following tips in mind to keep yourself, your traveling companions, and the things you bring with you safe while you travel abroad.
Before Traveling
If you’re traveling abroad, be it for fun or for business, you may be so excited about your destination that your mind is not even thinking about what to do beforehand in order to keep yourself and whomever else you’re traveling with safe. There are many things you can do before you even leave your home, such as scanning a copy of your passport in the event that it is lost or stolen, getting the proper vaccinations, and giving someone a copy of your itinerary. To be clear, we mean for you to give a copy of all of your vacation plans to someone you trust, such as Mom or Dad, not to the internet. Avoid posting your vacation plans on social media, as this can put you, your traveling companions, and your empty house back home at risk.
Have You Heard of STEP?
Interested in a service dedicated to your safety? The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service offered to United States citizens and nationals traveling abroad. When you enroll your trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate, you’ll benefit from pertinent information regarding destination safety conditions. Enrolling your trip also makes it easier for the US Embassy to contact you in the case of a natural disaster, civil unrest, or another type of emergency.
At Your Destination
Be Aware
One of the biggest mistakes you can make while traveling abroad is to ignore local culture and local happenings. Before you go and while you’re there, be sure to keep up to date on local social media and news outlets to avoid walking into a potentially dangerous situation. For example, you may not be aware of the political gathering/demonstration happening near a tourist-friendly shopping center and accidentally walk right into it, putting yourself and your companions at risk.
Blend In
If I’m a local pickpocket searching for an oblivious tourist; who do you suppose I’m going to target, the woman dressed in a similar fashion to other locals or the guy wearing socks with sandals and sporting a fanny pack? If you look like a tourist, you run the risk of being targeted by local thieves and conmen. Try to keep your appearance, if not local, then at least toned down in order to blend in better with the locals.
Keep Track of Your Belongings
By this, we mean if your things are out in the open, your eyes need to be on them. A thief may use many tactics to distract you from your stuff, such as a two-man team. While one distracts you, the other relieves you of whatever belongings he can. Children, as well, can make talented and unsuspecting pickpockets. To avoid becoming the victim of a pickpocket, conman, or another type of thief, keep your cash separate from your credit cards, don’t let anyone distract you from your person or your belongings, and remain alert throughout your trip.
We hope these tips help keep you safe while you’re traveling abroad! Are you worried about the safety of your home or commercial property while you’re away? Contact our Nashville security company, and ask us about our property surveillance services.