Safe Travel Tips for Your Summer Vacation

Tips for Safe Summer Travel

Summer is finally here, and the world is beginning to re-open! We at UNCLE want you to remain safe and stress free while traveling this summer. Here are some financial and general safety tips to take into consideration as you plan your big trip:

Check in with your financial institutions.
Be sure to contact UNCLE, as well as any other financial institution, and make a travel notice to easily access funds while away. Even easier, you can also set up a travel notice via UNCLE’s mobile app without having to visit one of our financial centers. You should also ensure any credit cards you’ll be travelling with will not expire at any point during your trip. Keeping a record of all the cards in your wallet and the telephone numbers associated will make it easier to report if your card(s) happen to be lost or stolen while traveling.

Clean out your wallet.
Remove any unnecessary items with personal information, such as your Social Security number, passwords or confirmation numbers. Having these important items stolen or compromised could result in an early end to your dream vacation.

Keep track of your cards.
Place your cards in a secure location at all times to avoid possible theft and misuse. Be extra alert in crowded areas and, if possible, keep your wallet in a zipped interior pocket. Do not use your back pocket – it’s the first place any pickpocket will check. Your front pockets are a lot harder to steal from without being noticed.

 Carry alternative funds.
Having cash on hand is always useful, especially if traveling abroad. However, it’s best to keep cash and cards separate, to avoid losing all access to funds should your wallet get lost or stolen. Also, be wary of any ATM that looks tampered with or has a flimsy card reader.

Make sure to keep you and your family safe.
If you are leaving the country, make sure to brush up on the country’s restrictions before you leave. Ask hotel staff or the concierge service about the neighborhood and any areas to avoid.

Remain illness free.
Don’t forget to pack important documentation such as vaccination cards, should it be required for certain destinations. Other helpful items to help keep you and your family illness-free include: hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, disposable face masks, over-the-counter medications, and bottled water.

Wherever your summer vacation takes you, following these tips will help limit any interruptions to your long-awaited trip. Happy travels!