The holiday season is here and here are some of our top holiday travel tips

• Pack light – we can always get by on less than we think we need to bring and it gives you the chance to purchase & splurge on some items while on your trip
• Arrive at the airport early
• Download a travel app for destination recommendations, maps & tips to stay organized
• Make copies of all important documents
• Make your bags stand out – opt for a color that isn’t traditional, use colored ribbon or a unique luggage tag
• Purchase travel insurance
• Bring a pen – you may need one to fill out customs forms
• Earplugs & a sleeping mask – makes catching some sleep on a plane much easier
• Bring Ziploc bags – to store wet swimsuits & dirty clothes
• Purchase a portable travel charging station to charge all your devices at the same time
• Pack a few bungee cords to secure a broken suitcase if it happens & if you are on a cruise, you can use it to hold open your balcony cabin door
• Pack dryer sheets – they repel bugs! Just rub them on your clothes & tuck one in your pocket to ‘refresh’ when needed
• If you will be transporting gifts, make sure they are unwrapped in case TSA needs to inspect them. Full TSA holiday travel rules & tips.

Do you have holiday travel tips you would like to share? Email us to share your top tips

Just like at home you need to be aware of your surroundings when you travel. We have put together a list of our top travel safety tips that you can use wherever you go.

1. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times & use judgement when talking to strangers.
2. If approached by someone on the street asking if you dropped something, such as a piece of jewelry, politely say no and keep walking. This is an ongoing scam in Europe and one that you need to be aware of.
3. Don’t draw attention to yourself. Try to blend in & don’t wear flashy or expensive jewelry.
4. Make copies of important documents, such as your passport. Bring a copy with you and keep it separate from your originals and leave a copy at home with a family member or friend.
5. Be wary of public wi-fi. Don’t access your credit card providers website or banking information using public wi-fi as your information can be stolen by hackers.
6. Safeguard your hotel room & belongings. Keep your door & windows locked and make it look like you are in your room while away by placing the do not disturb sign on your door. Keep your blinds and curtains closed.
7. Enroll in the STEP program
8. Check current travel advisories & warnings at the U.S. State Department
9. Take a photo of your passport information page on your phone to have just in case it is lost or stolen.
10. Know the telephone number and address of the closest U.S. Consulate or Embassy where you will be traveling.
11. Lock up your valuables in your hotel room safe even when you are there.
12. Purchase travel insurance.
13. Email your itinerary to friends/family.
14. Don’t share too much with strangers. Social media is a great thing but don’t post too many details of your next trip online as criminals can be monitoring these networks and don’t share your accommodation details with the local shop owner for example.
15. Let your bank and credit card companies know where you will be traveling so they don’t lock you out from using your own cards.
16. Hide emergency cash and don’t flash money around.
17. Look closely at ATM machines before you use them. If there are any signs of tampering, find another machine to use.
18. Don’t place anything in your back pockets.
19. Pack a basic first aid kit.
20. Trust your instincts! If it doesn’t feel right or safe, go with your gut and remove yourself from the location or situation.

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