Travelers Get Guidance on Trip Planning and Home Security

Advice for travelers emphasizes breaking down trip planning into manageable steps. Researchers recommend studying destination guides, blogs, and videos, checking weather, visa requirements, and budgeting for food, activities, and accommodation. Choosing transportation options—flights, rental cars, public transit, or high‑speed rail—should consider cost, convenience, and local conditions, followed by booking tickets early to secure better rates.

A separate checklist helps protect homes while owners are away. Key actions include locking all doors and windows, securing outbuildings, using timers or smart devices to simulate occupancy, pausing mail and package deliveries, shutting off the main water supply to prevent leaks, and setting thermostats to safe temperatures (55‑60 °F in winter, around 85 °F in summer). Mercury Insurance’s Larry Anderson notes that these steps reduce burglary risk and avoid unexpected repair bills, giving travelers peace of mind during their vacations.