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8 Travel Safety Tips for the Season Ahead

May 2, 2019

Summer is around the corner, but travel season this year is already well on its way, thanks to the strong dollar and a solid U.S. economy.

Nearly 100 million — four in 10 U.S. adults — are planning to take a family vacation in 2019, according to a recent AAA survey.

Nearly 100 million U.S. adults are planning to take a family vacation in 2019. If you’re among them, keep yourself safe with these eight travel safety tips.
CCIG’s Matt Genova.

With more disposable income, it’s no surprise that Baby Boomers are among the more prolific travelers, expecting to take four to five leisure trips this year. About half will travel in the U.S. while the balance will travel both domestically and abroad, to places such as Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and the Middle East. GenXers and Millennials also are expected to hit the road, though not in quite the same numbers as Boomers.

Regardless of which generation you represent, if you’re traveling this year, keep yourself and your family safe with these eight travel safety tips:

  1. Keep your documents to yourself

Keep your important documents on your person at all times while traveling. Scan your passport, driver’s license, visa, and itinerary before you go, store them in a secure location, and leave a copy with a friend or family member.

  1. Rent a car only if you’re familiar with the area

Otherwise, use only registered taxis. Understand your car insurance policy and the country’s requirements.

  1. Minimize your exposure to crowds

This is typically impossible in you’re visiting the Colosseum, but for the rest of us, it is wise to minimize the amount of time you spend in lines, public shops, and crowded areas like tourist attractions and public transportation.

  1. Leave your valuables at home

You probably don’t need your fine jewelry and watches with you when you’re traveling. It may be better to leave them at home, so you don’t risk losing them or becoming a target for criminals.

  1. Wait to post photos or updates on social media

Posting updates while you’re traveling will just alert criminals back home that you’re not around (and your home may be easier to access). Keep those photos and other posts for when you get home.

  1. Stay in smaller, boutique hotels instead of large ones

Large marquee hotels can be more conspicuous. Trying to blend in is your best bet, and smaller establishments will allow you to do that better. Also, make sure you don’t discuss your plans with hotel staff or other guests you don’t know.

  1. Use ATMs in secure locations only

Be sure to call your credit card providers before you go, to make sure you can use your cards when you travel. And, plan ahead so you know how much money you’ll need – so you don’t end up taking too much.

  1. Make sure you have the insurance you need

You may need anything from auto insurance and personal liability, if case you get into an accident when driving a rental car, to identity theft resolution services, if you misplace your passport or credit card. Regardless, it is wise to go over your insurance coverage with your agent before you travel, to make sure you’re fully protected if something happens.

Matt Genova is the Personal Lines and Programs VP at CCIG. Reach him at Matt.Genova@thinkccig.com or 720-330-7936.

CCIG is a Denver-area insurance brokerage with personal and business insurance clients in all 50 states. We do more than make sure you have the right policy. We also help you lower your long-term cost of insurance with our risk and claims management expertise and a commitment to service excellence.

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