Family Vacation Safety Checklist: What to Pack for Protection and Peace of Mind
Getting ready to vacation with the family? Don’t forget to include a safety plan on your travel checklist. Visiting exciting new places with the people you love most is a joy, so make sure you’re able to do so with confidence and security.
In the event of unforeseen situations, a little proactive planning can make or break your vacation. Take a look at our checklist for some suggestions and ideas.
Pre-Travel Safety Checklist
While not always your first thought, safety should be the priority when planning a trip. Having the right tools can save time, money, or even your life. Let’s talk about some of the items you can pack to protect your family.
1. Non-Lethal Defense
HERO® builds award-winning non-lethal defense tools you can use to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Meet HERO® 2020
Compact, reliable, and powerful, HERO® 2020 is the ideal personal safety companion for peace of mind wherever you go.
Key Features:
- PAVA Irritant: Delivers a powerful, non-lethal cloud of irritant that incapacitates threats for up to an hour without causing lasting harm.
- Stun Light: A 600-lumen LED light blinds attackers, giving you a critical advantage.
- Laser Sight: Ensures pinpoint accuracy when it matters most.
- Compact Design: Fits easily into purses, bags, or glove compartments.
- Easy Reloading: Quick-swapping cartridges mean you’ll never be left defenseless.
This award-winning device is engineered to offer maximum protection with minimal effort. You can carry it legally in most locations (check local regulations), making it a must-have for your travels.
Get to Know AIIRO®
This lightweight and discreet tool fits easily into backpacks, purses, and pockets, keeping protection close at hand without being a burden.
Key Features:
- Dual-Shot PAVA Gel: Quickly and effectively incapacitates potential threats with sticky irritant gel.
- 120dB Alarm: Draws attention and alerts others in emergency situations.
- Compact & Lightweight: About the size of a smartphone, making it ideal for carrying anywhere.
- User-Friendly Design: Simple button press operation ensures fast activation when you need it most.
AIIRO® is crafted to be discreet but powerful, empowering teens and younger adults to travel with confidence. Like all HERO® devices, it’s legal to own and use in most places, with no permits required.
2. Medical Kit
A well-stocked medical kit is essential for travel. Be sure to include:
- Basics like adhesive bandages, tweezers, and antiseptic wipes.
- Prescription medications in clearly labeled bottles, especially if traveling internationally.
- Child-specific items like liquid pain relievers, anti-itch cream, and a digital thermometer.
- Bonus items like motion sickness tablets, electrolyte tablets for dehydration, and a cold compress for unexpected bumps or bruises.
Pro tip: Check your kit before every trip to ensure none of the items are expired or missing.
3. Emergency Contacts
Compile a list of emergency contacts and ensure everyone in the family has access to it. This list should include:
- Family members’ phone numbers.
- Local emergency numbers, such as police and ambulance services at your destination.
- The location and contact information of nearby hospitals or urgent care centers.
- Your home country’s embassy if traveling internationally.
Get both physical copies (stored in a travel folder) and digital versions saved on your phone or cloud storage for quick access.
Safety Tips While Traveling
1. General Awareness
Teach your family to stay aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places. Avoid sharing your travel plans publicly or online to avoid inadvertently exposing your family or property to risks.
2. Transportation Safety
Whether you’re navigating new cities or embarking on a road trip, safety during transit is critical.
- Driving: Research traffic laws for your destination and ensure your rental car is in excellent condition. Bring a dashboard-mounted phone holder to support hands-free navigation.
- Public Transportation: Familiarize yourself with transit routes ahead of time and keep valuables secured. Avoid empty train cars or buses during late hours.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Use verified platforms, confirm the driver’s identity before entering, and share trip details with family members using app features.
3. Accommodation Safety
Upon arrival at your hotel or rental:
- Familiarize yourself with fire exits and evacuation plans. Identify the fastest route from your room.
- Secure personal belongings in an in-room safe or invest in a portable travel-safe lockbox.
- Double-check door locks and consider using travel door locks for extra security.
Staying Connected and Informed
1. Communication Devices
Smartphones are indispensable while traveling. Pack:
- A portable power bank to keep devices charged.
- International adapters if traveling outside your home country.
- Pre-paid or international SIM cards (if necessary) to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
Apps like family tracking tools and offline maps are invaluable in case of connectivity issues.
2. Know Local Resources
Before your trip, take a moment to identify key local resources:
- Local emergency numbers (fire, medical, and police).
- The nearest hospital or medical facility.
- Trusted travel apps or online groups for real-time updates on safety-related matters at your destination.
Take Time to Prepare, Then Relax
Taking even small steps to prioritize safety can give you peace of mind, letting you fully enjoy the moment with the people who matter most. By packing the essentials, staying prepared, and equipping your family with reliable, high-quality safety tools like HERO® 2020 and AIIRO®, you can rest easy knowing your family is ready for anything.
Need help choosing the best protective tools for your family? Visit the store to explore more options today. Safe travels!