Thanksgiving Travel Tips

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, many people are finalizing their travel plans.  They are planning car trips, airplane rides, places to take care of their dogs and other things, but there are a few things that most people overlook when it comes to safely and securely travelling away from home over the holidays.

If you're travelling by car, wear your seatbelt and require that all passengers do the same.  You would be surprised at how many people still don't wear their seatbelts.

Don't broadcast trip plans to people you don't trust.  This means don't post on facebook, twitter, OR put it on an answering machine or voicemail.  These are all places people can find out too much about you, and that information could lead you to be a target for a home break-in while you are away.  Only tell the people you absolutely trust what your plans for travel may be.

Make sure you have timed lighting inside and outside of your home while you're away.  Vary the times the lights are on and how many lights are on at one time.  This can cause a would be robber to think someone is home and therefore not target your home.  It is a very simple way to increase your home security.

Unplug unnecessary appliances while you are away.  This small task can greatly reduce the chances of a fire in your home.  It also saves on electrical bills - an added bonus in these economic times.

Make sure you are well rested.  This is especially true if you are driving, but it also helps airplane travelers deal with unexpected moments without experiencing a mental breakdown.

Leave early.  Weather changes, more people travelling, and other unforeseen circumstances can require more time to reach a destination.  Factor in an extra hour or so for driving and leave earlier for the train station or airport this Thanksgiving so you won't be rushing at the last minute.

For those of you travelling by plane this Thanksgiving, make sure your full contact information is INSIDE of your bag.  You can place a 2nd tag on the outside with your name and email address, but not your home address.  An address on the outside of your bag makes things really easy for a thief to find out where you live and now he knows that you aren't home. 

Having your contact information on the inside of your bag also helps if the outside tag is lost and your luggage is mis-placed on the way to your destination.  It never hurts to cover all bases.

Pack an emergency kit for your Thanksgiving travel.

       For your car: radio/flashlights (hand crank or battery powered)                          blanket
                         first aid kit
                         bottled water
                         food
                         flares
                         maps, GPS or iPhone for directions
                         coloring book & crayons for kids

For the airplane:   snacks                            
                          medications
                         coloring book & crayons for kids
                         empty water bottle that can be filled at fountains

These are just a few Thanksgiving travel tips that may make your holiday more relaxing and easier for you.  If you use just one of them, your home and personal security will benefit.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!