Are you ready for a vacation? Vacations are important to your physical and emotional well-being. You do not have to take an expensive trip to an exotic locale; but you do need to recharge your personal batteries occasionally, if only for a day or two.

A change of scenery can give you the boost you need to keep perspective and a sense of humor. Vacations should be a time for fun, relaxation, and putting your worries aside. A fun trip away from home also should be a safe one, and a little planning can make a big difference.

Before You Leave Home

To discourage thieves and other criminals, try to make it appear that you are still home. An overflowing mailbox, empty driveway, and darkened windows are signs of an unoccupied house.
Stop your mail, deliveries, and newspapers or have a neighbor pick them up for you. Make arrangements to have your grass mowed, plants watered, leaves raked, or snow shoveled while you are away.

Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway. Consider putting lights and even a radio on timers that will simulate your normal activity patterns. Leave your curtains, shades or blinds in their normal positions.

Never leave a message on your answering machine that indicates that you are out of town. Make certain that you lock all of your doors and windows; and if you have a security system, activate it.
Make arrangements for care of family pets. Finally, let a trusted neighbor know where you are going, when you are to return, and how you can be reached in case of an emergency.

Health Concerns on Vacation

If you will be leaving the country, check with your physician or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about immunizations you may need. Most vaccinations take time to become effective and some vaccinations are administered in a series of doses; so plan at least four-six weeks in advance, if possible.

Prepare for special health concerns, such as diabetes, allergies, or asthma. List the medications and medical supplies (such as an inhaler or glucose meter) that you will need and check them off as you pack.

If flying, pack your medicine and supplies in a carry-on bag rather than in checked luggage. You also will want to have the contact information for your general practitioner, specialists, and pharmacist with you on your trip.

Depending on the severity of the health concern, you may want to establish contact with a physician at your destination or gather information on medical facilities that will be available if an emergency arises. Ask your physician for advice.

Safe drinking water and food may be a concern if you are traveling outside of the country. Should you find yourself traveling in a part of the world where you are unsure about the safety of the water and food, take precautions. Avoid brushing your teeth, drinking water, or putting ice in your beverages. If you find yourself in a situation where you must drink local water, follow recommendations for boiling water or using water purification tablets.

Restrict your beverages to those that are canned or bottled. In some parts of the world, you should avoid eating unpeeled produce, raw foods (such as fruit), salads, and food from roadside stands because these may have been washed in unsafe water or not washed at all.

Some travelers are prone to motion sickness. Your doctor can advise you about medications to treat motion sickness. If traveling by car, eat a light meal before traveling, sit in the front seat and open a window, avoid reading or looking down, and make frequent stops.

Safety on the Road

When you travel by car, plot your route ahead of time. Keep in mind that roads and exit numbers change, so use a current map or global positioning system (GPS).

When possible, stick to main roads and keep at least a half a tank of gas in your car at all times. If you must exit the highway for gas or a bathroom break, try to do so in daylight, and stop at a busy place near the exit.

Be wary of carrying cash and use travelers’ checks when possible. If you must take cash avoid showing it to others, and bring only the credit cards you will need. It is best to leave valuables at home, but if you bring any with you, check them into the hotel’s safe.

When you reach your hotel park in a well-lit space, preferably near your room, remove valuables, and lock the car. When you make your reservation, ask for a room that does not have an adjoining room (unless your family or traveling companions need both rooms).

When you check in, ask for the hotel’s business card and carry it with you during your vacation, so if an emergency arises, you will have it available. Avoid taking the stairs to your room; the elevator is safer. When you get to your room, look for fire escapes, stairs, and elevators, and review emergency and fire procedures with your family.

Have Fun!

You should always be mindful of dangers to avoid when traveling; but with a few precautions and special steps, you can be safe and stay healthy on your trip. Enjoy your vacation. Remember to plan ahead and you will have fun, stay healthy, and return safely!

Marna Holland
Parent Educator, Asheville, NC, City Schools Preschool, and Instructor, Western Carolina University

Baptist Health Care Services, www.baptistonline.org/health/healthieryou/safety/VacationSafety.asp

Louisiana State Police, www.lsp.org/safety_tips3.html

Travel Safety, www.healthatoz.com, type ‘travel safety’ in search window

Tucson Police Department, tpdinternet.tucsonaz.gov/crimeprevention/vacation_safety.html