The holiday season is here and 2023 is about to come to a close. That means increased travel, contact with strangers, and exposure to personal security risks. Experts are saying that this will be one of the busiest holiday travel seasons in recent memory, as post-pandemic behaviors return to pre-2020 normalcy.
Whether it be concerns over one’s health, finances, or physical safety, it’s important to keep security at the top of mind while enjoying the celebrations that come with the month of December and the start of the new year.
Fortune reports that nearly half of America plans on traveling between Thanksgiving and mid January. With so many people in flux, it means elevated personal safety and security risks.
Be safe on the road
One area people need to keep in mind is road safety. The American Red Cross details some recommendations travelers should keep in mind if traveling by car this holiday season:
Inspect the car to know it is in good condition before hitting the road.
Bring an emergency preparedness kit that includes first aid supplies.
Notify friends and family of travel plans — this includes departure times, expected routes, and anticipated arrival times.
Monitor the local weather reports before heading on the journey.
Get enough rest to be sharp and alert during the trip.
Put standard driving safety procedures in place, including buckling one’s seat belt. Also, this is important — do not drive impaired by alcohol or other substances.
Respect road rules and exercise caution in school or work zones.
Put the cell phone down to avoid distractions while driving.
Take advantage of rest stops and rotate drivers during long trips if possible.
If there’s car trouble, pull off the road as soon as possible and call for help right away.
Pay attention to air travel safety tips
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released its own guidelines for air travel safety.
The TSA reports it has “screened a record number of passengers this year and anticipates airport security checkpoints nationwide to be busier than ever this holiday travel season.”
Here are the TSA recommendations for airport and air travel safety:
Pack smart, which means making sure not to bring prohibited items through airport security — this could be certain foods and liquids. Head to TSA.gov for a list of acceptable items.
Be sure to have appropriate ID on hand.
Get there early, especially during travel days that will be busy. It’s recommended travelers arrive two hours prior to scheduled flights.
Ensure all firearms are properly packed in a hard-sided and locked case in a checked bag — declare all firearms at the ticket counter during the check-in process.
Prepare for new checkpoint screening technology that will be on hand. This includes 3D imaging of passengers’ bags.
Call ahead to TSA Cares’s toll-free line — 855-787-222 — at least 72 hours before a flight with any questions about screening procedures.
Personal health tips for traveling
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers public health recommendations for holiday travelers:
Stay up to date on routine vaccinations, especially if international travel is a part of one’s holiday plans. Given that the holiday season converges with cold and flu season, be sure to get the latest COVID-19 vaccines and seasonal flu shot before traveling.
Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher if traveling to a place where there will be risk of high UV exposure.
Take steps to avoid bug bites — this could include mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, flies, and even bed bugs if hotel stays are included in holiday season travel. If a traveler gets a strange bug bite and starts experiencing symptoms of illness, contact a health care provider.
Additional personal safety precautions
Beyond travel-specific concerns, always be aware of one’s surroundings. When traveling to another country or a new place, Nationwide recommends checking “the State Department's website for country updates and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).”
Additionally, Nationwide stresses that travelers make copies of important documents — think driver’s license or passport — before going on a trip. Save these online and keep multiple hard copies in case these crucial documents get lost or stolen.
Finally, always be wary of using public Wi-Fi connections. This is a prime way hackers try to access personal and financial data.
The holidays offer a period of rest, relaxation, and family reunions. They are meant to be celebratory, but just be sure to stay safe.