It's common for many families and individuals to go on a trip for the holidays. However, holiday travel can only be enjoyable if it is safe. To make sure that your holiday travel plans are glitch-free and pleasurable, here are personal safety tips you might want to consider:

Be aware of your surroundings

If you're going on holiday travel, remember that there are probably thousands of other people who, like you, also have the same idea. When traveling or driving, make sure you are not distracted. If you're driving to your destination, for example, avoid loud music, toys, bags and gadgets that may present aural or visual interference.

Know whom to call in case of an emergency
Have emergency numbers ready. If you have a mobile phone, save these numbers or write them down for easy access later, in case you need them.

Arm your children with important personal safety tips
If you're traveling with children, make sure they are safe and secure during the trip. List down emergency numbers they could call and teach them what to do in case they get separated from you.

Be road-ready
If you'll be driving to your destination for holiday travel, check your car. Have spare tires, extra gas and necessary tools. Check weather reports and traffic volume in areas you expect to pass. Map out your route and identify exit points or alternate routes.

Don't pick up hitchhikers
The holidays are times that most people use to traditionally offer gifts or favors. Just make sure that one of those favors does not include allowing hitchhikers into your car. While many hitchhikers are probably harmless and just truly need a ride someplace, you really can't be sure about some of them. To ensure your personal safety during holiday travel, just be on the safe side.

Be patient
Expect a holiday rush of passengers and fellow travelers. This means you'll have to contend with heavy traffic, planes filled to capacity and fully booked hotels. Factor in delays caused by bad weather or mechanical problems and you can imagine the kind of things you will have to put up with.

Avoid losing your temper at other passengers or lashing out at service personnel. You could get into an argument or a fight that could cause you physical harm.

Protect what you leave behind
The excitement of going on holiday travel might cause you to overlook one vital thing: to ensure that the home or apartment you leave behind is safe. Prior to going on a trip, make sure that your home has sufficient locks and/or alarms and is protected from fire or burglars. That way, you'll still have a place to go home to after a holiday trip.

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