10 Things Every Family Should Do Before Going on Holiday
Going on holiday should be exciting. Whether you're travelling abroad, taking a family cruise or enjoying a break closer to home, the last thing you want is to spend your holiday worrying about security.
A little preparation before you leave can make a big difference.
Here are 10 simple things every family should consider before travelling.
1. Research Your Destination
Before you travel, spend some time learning about your destination.
Find out about the area surrounding your accommodation, local transport, emergency telephone numbers and any areas visitors may be advised to avoid.
Knowing your surroundings before you arrive can help you feel more confident and prepared.
2. Make Copies of Important Documents
Keep copies of important documents such as passports, travel insurance information, booking confirmations and emergency contact details.
Consider keeping secure digital copies as well as paper copies stored separately from the originals.
If something is lost or stolen, having this information available can make dealing with the situation much easier.
3. Don't Advertise That Your Home Is Empty
It can be tempting to tell everyone on social media that you're about to leave for a two-week holiday.
But publicly announcing that your home will be empty isn't always a good idea.
Consider waiting until you return before sharing certain holiday photographs and information publicly.
4. Secure Your Home Before Leaving
Before setting off, check your doors and windows carefully.
Cancel or redirect deliveries where appropriate and avoid obvious signs that nobody is home.
If you have someone you trust nearby, consider asking them to occasionally check the property while you're away.
5. Talk to Your Children About Safety
Children should know what to do if they become separated from you.
Depending on their age, teach them your name, telephone number and where they should go for help.
When visiting busy attractions, beaches, airports or shopping areas, agree on a meeting point in case your family becomes separated.
6. Think About Security When Choosing Accommodation
Price, location and facilities are important when choosing somewhere to stay, but security deserves consideration too.
When you arrive, familiarise yourself with entrances, exits and emergency escape routes.
Check that the locks on your accommodation work properly and report anything that concerns you.
7. Protect Your Valuables
Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables while sightseeing.
Keep passports, money, cards and important documents secure, and don't leave valuable items unnecessarily visible in your room or vehicle.
When a safe or secure storage facility is available, consider whether it is appropriate for your belongings.
8. Be Careful With Public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, cafés and restaurants can be convenient, but public networks may not always be secure.
Be particularly careful when accessing banking or other sensitive accounts.
Also make sure your phone, tablet and other devices are protected with passwords, PINs or biometric security.
9. Have an Emergency Plan
Nobody expects something to go wrong on holiday, but knowing what to do beforehand can save valuable time.
Keep appropriate emergency contact details available and make sure family members know what to do if there is an emergency.
Having a simple plan can prevent confusion when quick decisions are needed.
10. Make Security Part of Your Holiday Planning
Travel security shouldn't mean being frightened or suspicious throughout your holiday.
The objective is quite the opposite.
Good preparation can allow you to relax and enjoy your trip knowing that you've taken sensible precautions to protect yourself and your family.
Preparation Can Make All the Difference
Most people spend a great deal of time planning flights, accommodation, activities and what they're going to pack.
Security deserves a place on that checklist too.
My Family Travel Security Guide takes you through the journey from preparing to leave home, travelling to your destination and staying in your accommodation, through to returning home safely.
It is designed to give ordinary travellers practical security information that can become part of their normal holiday preparation.
Before your next trip, make security part of the journey — not an afterthought.
For more advice on safe family holidays, international travel safety and preparing for unexpected problems, see our travel risk management page and our Travel Security and Safety Guide.
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