6 Spring Break Travel Tips

March is here, and we all know what that means: spring break is around the corner. Whether you’re planning an extravaganza abroad or a nearby getaway, follow these tips to help keep your family and belongings safe.

1. Do your research
   You don’t have to plan every second of your trip — after all, spontaneity can be one of the best parts of a vacation — but it’s always good to be prepared.Before booking anything ahead of time, ensure you have a clear idea of what’s expected. Scope out the general area in advance and read reviews of local restaurants and activity centers to make sure you get the experience you want!

   It’s also important to be familiar with travel regulations, especially if you’re heading out of the country. Laws are different across the world, and the last thing you need is a legal complication when all you want is to get away. A quick review of a local travel guide can make all the difference.

2. Set your budget in advance
   Vacation expenses can add up quickly. To make the most of your trip, plan a reasonable budget in advance — and stick to it! Some great ways to cut costs include buying your own groceries and reserving special attraction tickets ahead of time to take advantage of online specials.It’s important to create some wiggle room with a vacation emergency fund in case something goes wrong. This is money you don’t plan to spend, but will have available “just in case.” The amount you might need varies depending on your destination, but many experts recommend about half of what you’re spending on the entire trip should be allocated to an emergency fund.
3. Don’t advertise that you’re away
   We live in a world of social media, and it’s tempting to let all of your followers know how beautiful your beach or mountain getaway is. As criminals get craftier and online privacy settings become more muddled, the best thing you can do is resist the urge.Save the photo uploading for after you’ve safely returned. Not only will this help keep your home safe from thieves who might try to take advantage of your absence — it’ll also help you live in the present moment!
4. Find a house sitter
   Even if you don’t have pets who need to be looked after, a house sitter is a great idea to keep your belongings safe. Unshoveled walkways, overflowing mailboxes, and dark windows can attract thieves who perceive an easy target. By hiring someone to spend time in your home when you’re away, you can prevent intruders while ensuring you won’t have to deal with piles of mail or dead plants upon your return.If you can’t find a house sitter, let a few trusted neighbors know that you’ll be away and ask them to keep an eye on your home.
5. Pack carefully
   It can be nearly twice as expensive to purchase forgotten items once arriving at your travel destination than it is to buy them at home! Forgetting your swimsuit or sunscreen can eat into your travel budget quickly, leaving less room for the activities you want to enjoy.Avoid any packing woes by creating a packing list a few days in advance. This gives you time to remember all of your items before you leave to ensure nothing is missed.
6. Stay in touch
   As great as it is to get away, it’s important to stay in touch with a few trusted friends or family members when you’re gone. Let them know your tentative travel itinerary and when they can plan to hear from you next — if anything goes wrong, they’ll be ready to reach out right away.

Vacations are meant to be fun. Taking a few extra precautionary steps can help keep them that way! As always, if you have any questions about your insurance policies protecting your home and family while you’re away, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Sources:
HuffPost
Travel Channel
Family Vacation Critic