Suite101

SAFETY FIRST


© Lain Ehmann

When you're on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of your family. Here are some tips you can use to make your trip stress- (and crime!) free. Some of this information is from the American Hotel and Motel Association's pamphlet, "Traveler Safety Tips:"

1. Don't answer the door in a hotel or motel room without verifying who it is. If a person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and ask if someone from their staff is supposed to have access to your room and for what purpose.

2. When returning to your hotel or motel late in the evening, use the main entrance of the hotel. Be observant and look around before entering parking lots.

3. Close the door securely whenever you are in your room and use all of the locking devices provided.

4. Don't needlessly display guest room keys in public or carelessly leave them on restaurant tables, at the swimming pool or other places where they can be easily stolen.

5. Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.

6. Don't invite strangers to your room.

7. Place all valuables in the hotel or motel's safe deposit box.

8. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

9. Check to see that any sliding glass doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked.

10. If you see any suspicious activity, please report your observations to the management.

11. Never leave your children alone in the hotel room if you wouldn't leave them unsupervised at home. The hotel or motel can be an even more dangerous place than the familiar surroundings of your house.

12. Review emergency procedures with your kids - what to do and where to go in case of an emergency such as a fire.

13. If your hotel has a pool, make sure it cannot be accessed easily by young children. Don't rely on the gate, though - gates can be propped open or otherwise circumvented. Keep an eye on your kids at all times.

14. If you have infants or toddlers, carry simple babyproofing materials (outlet plugs, doorknob restraints, etc.) with you.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be able to truly relax and enjoy that vacation. After all, you deserve it!

For even more ideas on family travel, see the online courses
Travel Planning at http://www.suite101.com/course.cfm/18488...
Family Travel at http://www.suite101.com/course.cfm/18576... and
Archaeological Vacations at http://www.suite101.com/course.cfm/18626/

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