Your thought have turned to VACATION and having fun and taking a break from your day to day routine. The word “vacation” must be everyone’s favorite word and with good reason. There are lots of things to do and think of when planning for time away. Here is a short list of things to know before you go.

. Learn as much about your vacation spot as you can. Have adequate maps, attraction information, and the like before you go. Take along any phone numbers or addresses that relate to where you are going so that you are not scrambling around for information when you need it. Utilize a travel agency if making in-depth plans.

. Clean out your wallet / purse so you are only carrying things that you will need on your trip. For example, travelers checks and one multi-purpose credit card are easier to keep track of then lots of cash and several cards. Make copies of your ID and credit cards, (front and back), so if you do lose something you can report it correctly right away Also, if you won’t be using your car / house keys, leave them behind in a secure location.

. Take a telephone with you. If renting a car, ask to rent a phone if you don’t have one. Most car rental agencies offer that option. Always have a phone and know the area code and phone number of that phone and numbers you might need.

. If you do rent a car, make sure you write down the make, model, license and VIN

number so if it is stolen you have that info. Do not keep that information inside the car when unattended. Also, know what car rental agency you are using.

. Mark your luggage clearly and lock it if possible. Do not leave luggage, bags, etc, in vehicles where they will be visible to others. Keep items of value in your hotel room at night rather than in your parked vehicle. Thief’s like hotel parking lots full of goodies.

. If flying, make sure you know about your ground transportation options. They vary in type and price, so make these decisions ahead of time if you can. Don’t get into cars, cabs, shuttles, etc. that are not legitimate businesses.

. Travel restrictions may be in effect for certain destinations. Consult a travel agent if you are heading to a destination that may be in question. Pay attention to travel warnings or advisories that may be in effect. Err on the side of caution.

. Choose hotels carefully. The surrounding area should feel comfortable to you - if not, don’t stay there. Check out the hotels security features and use safety deposit boxes or room safes if you need to.

. If lost, seek assistance from legitimate sources such as hotel employees, restaurant

workers, police officers, etc. Avoid depending upon strangers to help you out.

. Always be aware of your surroundings and remember that every city has good / bad places and people. Some criminals prey on folks who are on vacation - this can happen anywhere!

. If using a hotel pool, do not leave items of value unattended. For example, your room, key, ID, and money can quickly disappear while you swim. This goes for the beach, too! Also applies to health clubs, massage areas, etc - anywhere you will be separated from your belongings for a period of time.

. Be careful about ordering pizza from your hotel room. Many pizza “vendors” work out of home garages and do not have any health certifications at all. These vendors thrive in hotel areas and place flyers under your door.

. Do not keep your money, travelers checks and credit card in one place. Keep some separate so if you do lose some, you won’t lose it all. Keep a stash of emergency cash - not for souvenirs, but for emergencies!

. Check the Internet for more vacation safety tips. You can find safety information that applies to what you will be doing, such as taking a cruise, that you probably have not thought of before. Remember that your vacation destination is not going to brag about safety problems so sometimes you have to do your homework.

. Ask others who have been where you are going if they have any advise to pass along. Traveling wisely is something you will be glad you did. Make sure it is not something you wish you would have done! Oh, don’t forget your camera and video recorder!