Travel creates rich and rewarding experiences with memories that can last a lifetime. For the most part, the world is a pretty safe place for travelers, but bad actors exist, and this can turn a stress-free trip into a real spoiler. Being aware of your surroundings, using common sense, and taking some precautions can go a long way. The #1 mistake most people make is not researching their destination and the risks. Your safety is your responsibility that you must own and make time for. It’s part of preparing for your vacation. We want your trip to be fun and memorable in a good way! Here are some tips and gadgets recommended by Sunset Vacations through pure experience.
Smart tracking devices. Apple AirTags are about the size of a half-dollar coin and can be placed in any backpack, suitcase, or purse. An app on your phone connects to the device, which allows you to know its location. Placing an AirTag in your carry-on bag is especially important since it’s likely to contain must-have items such as medication, cash, and your passport. If luggage gets lost, forgotten, stolen or sent to another city, you can easily discover its location and share it with an airline employee or the police. For about $50 you can get 4 tags + holders. We highly recommend.
Sturdy luggage tags for ALL your bags. It’s worth making the small investment in durable, anti-theft luggage tags for all your checked and carry-on bags. Forget the paper tags at the airport counter that easily break off, significantly lowering the chance of recovering your suitcase. Additionally, folks often overlook the need to attach a tag to bags they carry onto the plane. It’s common for overhead storage to fill up, resulting in bags being checked at the last minute. Amidst the hustle, it’s smart to have your bags tagged and ready to go beforehand. We also recommend placing your contact information somewhere within your bags as well.
Portable chargers and travel adapters. We rely on our phones for nearly every transaction whether it’s to board a plane, purchase a ticket, view our itinerary, or store important phone numbers. Don’t assume an outlet/USB will be available to recharge your phone when its battery is low. A portable charger contains several phone charges’ worth of juice, so you won’t have to worry about a dead phone when you most need it. Just make sure your portable charger is fully charged before leaving home. Remember to always pack portable chargers in your carry-on. Because they contain lithium batteries they CANNOT go in your checked bag. While many hotels now have USB ports for phones, it’s still a good idea to invest in a well-made plug adapter to keep all your devices working when traveling outside North America.
Small flashlight. Exploring a new place is exciting, but you never know when you’ll need to find your way in the dark. This has happened to me. So now we choose to carry at least one LED headlamp that will light up our surroundings hands free. Whether you’re dealing with a hotel power outage or traveling to a remote location, compact flashlights and headlamps are easy to pack and are brighter than your phone’s flashlight. The phone flashlight drains your battery quickly which you want to avoid at any cost. A flashlight is a simple, handy tool when you require it.
Carbon monoxide detector. This is particularly important if staying somewhere through a third-party rental app such as Airbnb or VRBO (we don’t recommend renting direct from owners). Other countries don’t have the same safety standards as the U.S. and do you really want to rely on a property owner to have a well-maintained HVAC system. Carbon monoxide is otherwise undetectable and dangerous.
Pack smartly. It’s important to avoid over packing. Not only is an overstuffed suitcase inconvenient to lug around, it may send a signal to bad actors that you’re a tourist carrying valuables. Instead of bringing books and a laptop, consider packing a multi-function device such as a tablet. Travel-sized toiletries, including in your checked luggage, can reduce your bag’s weight considerably, as can other luggage organizers such as packing cubes (which I love). Finally, if your hotel or ship offers laundry service, consider bringing fewer clothes and instead pack a laundry bag.
Unfortunate incidents can happen to anyone at any time. These fixes are inexpensive and will give you peace of mind and enable you to better navigate unforeseen issues when they arise. If you have additional items that you recommend around safety planning, we’d love to hear them! Follow us and leave a comment on our Facebook page.
My goal is to simplify travel-planning through an equal exchange process where I acquire your ideas and expectations for your trip relieving you of the worry, hassle, stress and time that accompanies Do-It-Yourself planning.