Traveling is one of life’s great pleasures. The chance to get out and explore the world beyond our spheres can teach us so much about other cultures and people around us. Whether you prefer to travel just a few hours down the road or across the country, millions of people every year look for different places to visit and experience every year.

While most people will think about the positives of travel such as new experiences, cool views, and exciting encounters with other cultures, the reality is that a lot of planning goes into going on a trip.

Something that often gets overlooked in terms of traveling is safety. So much time is spent worrying about accommodations, transportation, attractions, and other things that being safe is often pushed to the back of the mind.

There are circumstances around us that we cannot always control that can lead to accidents or physical harm. As you head out on the road to discover a new place, keep these safety tips in mind.

Have Someone You Trust Keep an Eye on Your Home

Many home robberies occur when people are out of town, specifically around the holidays. One of the worst experiences could be returning from a fun vacation to find that your home has been broken into. The first line of defense may be a good security system, but it can sometimes be helpful to have someone you trust to keep an eye on your property. Whether it is a neighbor you know well or a nearby family member, trusting them to watch the property can give you peace of mind while you travel and could prevent some issues that you wouldn’t want to come back to.

Sharing the Road

When you travel, you are probably going to be doing a good amount of driving. On highways, county routes, and local roads, it is important to be aware of local laws and traffic patterns. For long road trips, you will probably be sharing the road with some pretty large vehicles. The trucking industry is crucial to the economy, transporting goods across the country. These 18-wheelers and other trucks are not as maneuverable as smaller vehicles, so you must be careful when driving near them or passing them.

Practice defensive driving tips like keeping your head on a swivel and checking your mirrors consistently. Keep an eye on interchanges and other roads that are coming onto your current road. Be cautious when making left turns, especially if you have to cross in front of multiple lanes to do so. In the event of a car accident where you get injured, it is important to consider whether you have the bases for an injury claim.

This could help you win compensation to cover losses like property damage, medical bills, or lost income if another driver’s negligence causes the crash. If you get hit by one of the many trucks on the road, you can get in touch with a truck accident lawyer.

All these tips will help you stay safe on the road or secure your financial future in the event of an accident.

Tell Someone Else About Your Plans

Just like having someone keep an eye on your home can be helpful, you should also consider sharing your itinerary with a trusted friend or family friend. When someone knows where you will be traveling, this is an important safety net should something happen either at home or abroad.

It doesn’t hurt to share the address and number of your accommodations and any flight information. You never know when it will be important to have someone know where you have been and where you were going during your trip in the event of an emergency.

Avoid Wearing Flashy Jewelry

Tourists are often extremely easy to pick out in a crowd. Unfortunately, their enthusiasm for taking in the sights and sounds can make them easier targets for pickpockets. Trying to keep a low profile by not wearing flash jewelry is one way to stay safe while traveling so you don’t draw the attention of the wrong people.

Cross-Check Accommodations with Reviews

Finding places to stay is a critical component of any trip to a new destination. With the rise of Airbnb and similar services, people are no longer staying in hotels for every occasion. Before you head to your accommodations, it would be wise to check on some reviews of the location to make sure that it has a good reputation. See if there is a third-party site or trusted source where you can find reliable accounts of peoples’ experiences at this location.

Most Importantly, Beware of Vacation Brain

Traveling is exciting because it leads to new experiences. However, your enthusiasm for what’s going on around you sometimes can lead to letting your guard down, a defense that is naturally up when you are in familiar places. This affliction is a real symptom of being in a new place, so be sure to keep your wits about yourself and keep your safety at the front of your mind. Then, you’ll be able to enjoy the trip even more.