Vacations are great as long as you have peace of mind about your home's security while away. Break-ins often happen during vacation time because burglars realize no one is at home when families are away. They lie in wait and watch neighborhoods to find the perfect opportunity! Fortunately with a little extra effort, you can secure your home and enjoy a restful getaway. Use these ideas to deter burglars from your home.
Bright Lighting
Outdoor and indoor lighting can cause burglars to think twice about breaking in. Install lighting that you can control at every possible point of entry (doors, windows, garage, etc.). These areas should be well lit while you're away. Leave a couple of lights on inside as well. To save on energy, consider lights with motion detectors or photocell mechanisms. A well illuminated home will make burglars think someone's home or will at least force them to attempt a break-in with lights glaring all around them - many won't even attempt it!
Secure All Areas
Make sure your windows, doors, garage doors, basement entrance, fence gates, outdoor buildings, and other areas are locked with modern, theft-deterrent locks. Use deadbolts to secure doors. Make sure the window locks are locked all the way. Even if you checked all locks recently, check them again just before leaving on vacation to be sure. Also, avoid hiding keys around the house, even if you have a "good" hiding place. Burglars are familiar with many of the common hiding places and will often search for a key first. An alternative is to leave your spare keys with a trusted friend or relative.
Neighbourhood Watch
Ask a couple of trusted neighbours to keep an eye on your home for any suspicious activity. You might consider having a neighbour park in your driveway for a few days to give the appearance that someone is still home. Cancel mail and newspaper deliveries while away. Nothing gives it away more than several newspapers or lots of mail piled up in your box. Neighbours may also check your mail and newspaper if you don't want to cancel. If you'll be away for several weeks or more, be sure to keep up lawn maintenance while away (mowing, walkway and driveway shoveling for snow, etc.).
Home Security Systems
Choose a home security system with 24/7 monitoring services. This type of service will notify you of suspicious activity while you're away. Also, allow a trusted friend to have access to the alarm codes to turn off any alarms in case of a false alarm. If you're worried about burglars cutting the wires to your security system, consider a wireless security setup. You can even secure outdoor buildings with the wireless system to protect lawn equipment and tools.
Remove Your Valuables
It's a good idea to remove any valuables from your home while away. Place expensive jewelry, heirlooms, and other items in a safe or safety deposit box, or give them to a trusted relative to keep while you're away. Be aware that identity theft can occur as well. Store away any credit cards you don't plan to use. Even if you secure your home to the best of your ability, removing the valuables will ease your mind just in case!
Use these home security tips to keep your home safe while away on vacation. It's worth every effort to have peace of mind!
Although camping is meant to be fun and exciting, it's still important to practice camping safety. It's certainly no fun if someone gets injured or even lost during your trip. Don't focus so much on "rules" that your family or group misses out on the enjoyment. But don't ignore safety completely either - camping trips do pose certain dangers if you're not careful. These few camping safety tips will help everyone stay safe and have a great time too.
Plan an Early Arrival
Planning can help you avoid many camping mishaps. It's important to plan your arrival so there will be enough daylight for setting up your tent and preparing your camp area. Allow at least a couple of hours before daybreak for preparation. Arriving early will also give you time to check out the lay of the land and to notice if there are potentially dangerous areas (especially if camping with children). You'll be able to notice if there are fire ant hills, poison ivy/oak, spiders, large holes, snake holes, sharp rocks that can damage your tent, etc.
First Aid
Be sure to take a first aid kit along with Band-Aids, gauze, antibiotic ointment, calamine lotion, burn ointment and alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These can help bandage up cuts, scrapes and burns quickly without worrying about infection.
Check the Weather
It might be sunny and warm when you leave for your trip, but the weather can change at any time. Check the weather for the area you are planning to visit. Be sure to note if there are to be high winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms with hail or frequent lightening, etc. If camping in the mountains during late fall or very early spring, don't forget that it can get extremely cold up the top of a mountain. The temperatures where you live might be a pleasant 75 degrees F while temperatures in the higher elevations are below 30 degrees F with bone chilling winds!
No matter what the weather is showing, be sure to take along a rain coat, umbrella, warm jacket, gloves and toboggans - just in case!
Stay with Your Group
It may sound repetitive, but so many campers get lost from their group while exploring a trail. If hiking with a group, be sure everyone stays together. Each child should remain close to an adult. If possible, give every person a trail map. When splitting up in smaller groups, make sure no one goes alone. Assign a time and place to meet later on, such as back at a certain landmark or the camp site.
Fire and Water Dangers
Camp fires should be monitored at all times...especially on windy days. Be sure there's plenty of room between the fire and tents or other objects that could melt or catch fire. Also, keep some water handy in a spray bottle to douse the fire if it starts to flare too high or spread. Read about camp fire safety and how to keep the fire contained when in a wooded area.
If staying near a body of water (creek, river, pond, etc.), insist that no one go swimming alone. Also, watch children closely when playing near water. Children sometimes get careless and may slip and fall into the water without anyone realizing it.
Other Tips
Be sure to check all vehicles before driving to the camp site. Make sure the tires have enough air and that everything is running smoothly. Take along tools and a spare tire in case your car gets a flat tire. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere!
An alternative to "roughing it" is to camp in a park where there are plenty of other families around. This will give you a sense of security, knowing others are nearby if you need assistance.
Use these camping safety tips to keep your family safe while enjoying nature's fine wonders!
Planning your vacation can be both an exciting and stressful task. You might be trying to decide if you should go with a vacation package deal or plan every aspect of the trip on your own. Let's look at some pros and cons of package deals to help you choose what's best for your vacation needs.
Vacation packages do offer many benefits whether you travel often or hardly ever. Probably the greatest benefit can be realized if traveling to an unfamiliar place, especially to a foreign land. In situations where you know nothing about your vacation destination, a travel package will give you guidance and take care of the arrangements for you. There are also all-inclusive packages at secluded resorts if you're planning a quiet, romantic getaway. These often include your resort stay, local activities, meals, drinks and more. And with so many online travel venues, you can easily choose a vacation package that suits your needs and budget.
This brings us to the next advantage - vacation packages are very easy to find and put together on the Web. You don't even have to speak with a travel agent or coordinator to secure your package. Travel arrangement sites can do it all for you, and even allow you to explore and substitute options to create a package that's just right for you.
You can also possibly save money by opting for a vacation package deal. Imagine saving a percentage on airline fare, a rental car, hotel accommodations and perhaps even meals and/or attractions! Many travel package sites offer incentives to sign up for a package in the form of traveler discounts. With careful research, you might save 10 percent or more on your overall vacation spending.
As for the disadvantages, not all vacation package deals will include everything you need. It really depends on the destination and how popular it is with tourists. Many hot tourist spots offer hundreds of package deals while lesser known places have few or none. A vacation package might not be in your best interest if you're already familiar with the location, hotels, attractions, or if you plan on driving there yourself. Many package deals only offer savings on big purchases, such as airfare and hotel rates. So if you can drive to the destination, it might be best to make all arrangements on your own. Also, you'll have to plan ahead with package deals, so you can't change your destination on the spur of the moment. If you plan on visiting several towns within an area or driving cross-country to tour numerous spots, then a vacation package will only limit your sightseeing opportunities.
Consider these pros and cons to determine if a vacation package will work for you or if you should plan on your own.
Whether you live in the U.S. or Canada, both offer amazing cities and sites for a fun, relaxing summer retreat. Let's explore the top 10 tourist spots in both countries.
Canada's Top Five Summer Destinations
Many tourists are awed by Canada's natural beauty. From majestic mountains to inviting beaches and even well-groomed cities, there are plenty of thrilling destinations from coast to coast. Here are five you should definitely consider for a summer getaway.
1. Vancouver, British Columbia offers excitement at every turn with plenty of summer activities for tourists. Summer visitors can enjoy the city's hopping night life, whale watching at the beach, boating, hiking, camping and plenty of wildlife. Vancouver's summer weather is pleasant but not too hot. It's a great place to explore the great outdoors while having all the city's amenities within reach!
2. Montreal, Quebec offers tourists a taste of France with some of the most delectable cuisine and finest restaurants in the world. Montreal invites summer goers to tour historic buildings, visit the numerous French shops, and relax while watching the picturesque sunrise and sunset over the city's port. It's like being in another world entirely for those who are interested in Quebec's French culture.
3. Niagara Falls, Ontario captivates visitors every time with its awe-inspiring horseshoe falls, gushing rapids and turquoise-blue water with white caps in the gorge that flows from the falls. And there's plenty of fun stuff to do for tourists. Take a boat ride on the "Maid of the Mist" that floats right next to the falls. Visit the attractions on the main strip, see the falls from a helicopter, take a trolley or bus tour, or spend a day at Marineland amusement park. At night, be sure to watch the falls while being highlighted in various colors under amazing spotlights!
4. Ottawa, Ontario is Canada's capital city, so it naturally offers much in cultural attractions for those wanting to know more about Canada. The city features world class museums, numerous educational sites, great restaurants and more. For water lovers, the Rideau Canal provides leisure boating during warm months.
5. Kelowna, British Columbia is located among the Canadian Rockies in a river valley called Okanagan Valley. Kelowna attracts many vacationers each year, especially those who love to golf or relax on the beach. There are lakeside cottages - perfect for family vacations or romantic summer getaways. And don't forget to try the valley's delicious apples and wine!
Summer Getaways in the U.S.
Those seeking summer fun in the U.S. will want to visit these five hot spots. There's something for every family or couple...whether they want to relax on the sizzling hot beaches or take a mountainous adventure.
1. Washington, D.C. is not only the nation's capital city, but also one of the top summer destinations. Folks from around the world enjoy touring the many museums and galleries, including the popular Smithsonian Institute. The city's highlights include the Washington Monument, the White House, the Capitol Building, the Pentagon Building, the Lincoln Memorial and many other intriguing sites.
2. Yosemite National Park, California allures nature lovers each summer. It's one of the most beautiful national parks in the world and flourishes with activity for adventure seekers of all ages. The park features not only breathtaking scenery, but also biking, golfing, rock climbing, hiking (for all skill levels), camping, water sports and rafting, horseback and mule rides, guided tours, educational programs, and much more!
3. Orlando, Florida invites folks to experience Walt Disney World and plenty more. Orlando is a popular family getaway thanks to all the exciting attractions and parks. Sea World and Universal Studios are always family favorites, along with Orlando's water parks, gardens, zoos, science centers, dinner shows, shopping venues, tours and more.
4. Las Vegas, Nevada is known for its casinos and world-famous entertainment venues, but families can also find plenty to see and do in this hopping "desert town!" Dine with the kids at the Rainforest Cafe. Then tour Las Vegas' many family-friendly attractions such as Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, the MGM Grand Lion Habitat, Circus Circus, Pole Position Raceway, Lied Discovery Children's Museum, Red Rock Canyon (for hiking), and the Shark Reef (Mandalay Bay).
5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a summer hot spot that attracts families and couples from around the world. It's known for the numerous golf courses, but also for gorgeous sandy beaches, hundreds of hotels, great dining, shopping, and family-friendly activities. Check out the hundreds of shops and attractions at Broadway at the Beach. Sunbathe for a while or take a swim in the warm Atlantic Ocean. Take the kids to a water park, or visit the local zoo or aquarium. Ride a banana boat or rent a boat of your own! Fish on a pier, see a great music show or stroll along the newly constructed boardwalk!
Summer is here, take a glance at these quick tips to help you make the most of your time off!
#1: Avoid Holiday Weekends
Chances are that you’re going to be planning your trip around a long weekend to save yourself a few extra vacation days. The reality is that most others may be thinking of employing the same strategy, leading to crowded beaches and long lines. Additionally, travel companies and hotels are less inclined to give discounts and deals when their rooms and seats will be filled to capacity. With this in mind, contemplate giving up a few vacation days to take trips when the crowds will be smaller. Not only will your family thank you for taking these factors into account, you’ll also feel more relaxed and rejuvenated once you return!
#2: Service Your Car Before Road Trips
Visiting your neighbourhood mechanic may not sound like the most fun activity you can partake in on a beautiful summer day, but it may potentially save you money and time in the future. If you’re planning a road trip, make sure to perform some preventative maintenance. If by chance you do not, and you’re required to visit a mechanic on the road, you may be overcharged and there won’t be a way out of it. This simple task can be labelled a personal insurance on having a hassle free road trip.
#3: Arrive early at airports and train stations
Long lines and jam packed parking lots. Sound familiar? If so, try to arrive earlier. It will save you tons of time and the stress of running around tight on time. This also prevents any possibility of you getting bumped onto the next flight if yours has been overbooked. If you’re already on the plane, all points sign towards you and your summer destination meeting up on time.
#4: Pack Light
Are you really going to need the three suitcases of clothing? If your summer vacation looks like you’re sending the kids off to boarding school, then you should consider bringing less of what you won’t need! If you pack light, you’ll have more room in your luggage when you’re leaving to pack in souvenirs and gifts for friends and relatives which are bound to stack up.
#5: Don’t Over Plan
This might be the most important of all. Why did you decide you were going on vacation in the first place? To relax of course. Oftentimes people make the mistake of trying to cram too many activities into their vacation plans, adding stress and worry once their plans start to fall apart. Avoid this completely by going with the flow and enjoying your time away.
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