Things not to forget before leaving on your driving holiday
Don't let your days of frolicking and fun be ruined when you return home.Imagine a pleasant driving holiday into the Blue Mountains or along the Great Ocean Road, stopping to see the sights or stay a night here and there. Now imagine how quickly all those wonderful memories would be expunged on arrival home to find it burgled or razed to the ground.
When we travel for a holiday, it's common to have the car serviced and properly loaded – including entertainment for the kids but what's often neglected is home security. While no one can guarantee a house fire or burglary will never happen, there are a few tips to reduce the risk.
Phone a friend
If you're on good terms with your colleagues and one lives nearby, ask them to keep an eye on things... or even one of the neighbours you've known for a while. In fact, a neighbour may be the best choice, because they can literally look over the fence day and night to see that everything is fine while you're enjoying the driving vacation of a lifetime. Make sure the neighbour has your contact details while you're travelling.
If the trustee is listening for the sound of smashed glass or the door kicked open anyway, they might as well keep an eye out for signs of smoke also. And maybe if it's not asking too much, they could also clear out the junk mail and feed the pets, if Fido and Felix are staying behind.
What not to forget before leaving on your road trip
Here are some easy things which will make your home safe and secure before you head off on your big trip:
- Make sure doors and windows are properly secured. Close and lock all gates, roller shutters to the garage and padlock the tool shed or workshop.
- Arrange with Australia Post to hold your mail for the duration of your holiday. Cancel or postpone any pending deliveries not delivered by Australia Post.
- Employ a professional gardener to maintain the plant life if you're away for more than a week.
- Tell the kids not to blab at school that you'll be absent from home taking an extended road trip.
- Leave nothing outside if it could be used to break into the house opportunistically.
- Consider leaving one or two lights operating on a timer and/or have a motion-sensing outside light.
- Switch off electrical appliances and unplug them from the wall sockets.
- Arrange a keyholder (a friend, trusted colleague or family member) to be available to respond at your home in the event of an emergency.
- Have the pets placed in kennels or cattery to be properly looked after if you're not taking them with you.
What not to forget while on your road trip
Finally, take care of yourselves also while road tripping.
- Don't forget a first aid kit, and don't just leave it in the car, campervan or motorhome if you plan to go camping.
- Ensure that roadside assistance is paid up for the car before hitting the road.
- Remember to take a charger for each and every mobile phone so you can remain in contact for the duration of the trip.
- If you will go off the route into a remote area, make sure that the appropriate authorities know. That's particularly important also if you want to hike through wilderness areas.
Hopefully, you and the family can then enjoy all the holiday has to offer, secure in the knowledge that your home will be in one piece for your return.
Related: Family road trip survival checklist
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Related: Why packing your car correctly could save your life
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