Do your Research Before Depature
Thoroughly research the destination you plan to visit before you book your travel. The obvious things to be taken into account are safety and health risks. Outside of that, there are several other things to consider before traveling.

1. In case you are traveling through a city with a high crime rate, we strongly urge you to carefully plan your itinerary. Be sure to arrive at your destination during the day and travel during daylight hours.
   
   
2. Reviewing your insurance coverage is, again, very important. Ensure that you have the right coverage for your travel destination, as well as your activity and that you fully understand what is covered and what is not.
   
   
3. Take a quick look at the weather before leaving. Make a note of conditions and weather patterns that might impact the safety of your trip. For example, during certain times of the year, and depending on the destination, the weather can be a little worse. Try to avoid those time periods and destinations for travel.
   
   
4. Lodging is always a safety concern. Make sure you stay in hotels, Inns, Bed and Breakfasts, Spas and Resorts that have a good reputation and are in a safe location.

Packing for your Trip
Packing is another extremely important aspect of travel in order to have a safe and fun filled vacation. Careful planning ensures that you do not miss out on the important stuff.

1. Make sure that you are carrying copies of all essential documents, like passports, insurance cards, credit cards, itinerary, etc. Preferably, send a scanned copy of these documents to your e-mail address. In case of theft or lost luggage, you always have a back up.
   
   
2. Dress modestly for travel. Make sure that unless absolutely required, you are not carrying your valuables and jewelry. Consider leaving valuables at home, rather than wearing them.
   
   
3. Carry medical records for everyone in the family, particularly your children, the elderly or anyone in your family with health issues.
   
   
4. Have a first aid kit small enough to keep on you at all times. Have a “frequently used” medications bag, with your children's daily medications, as well as medications for the flu, fevers and colds.
   
   
5. If anyone takes prescription medication, be sure you carry enough for your trip and have a copy of prescriptions and your doctor’s information in case you lose your medication and need a refill.

Carrying Cash and Credit Cards
The requirement of carrying cash and cards while on vacation cannot be eliminated. It’s extremely important for you to observe certain guidelines to make certain that you do not become a victim of theft.

1. It is best to only carry enough cash for food, train, cab fare, bus fare, or other small items you may need. If you have to carry cash, always use a money belt that sits on your waist and is hidden underneath your clothing.
   
   
2. Credit cards are the safest way to pay for your vacation. If they are stolen, you have limited liability and they are easily replaced. The ability to dispute the charges with the credit card company gives you protection against poor merchandise or service.
   
   
3. However no matter what, you will need cash in order to settle small charges, like food, drinks etc. Small vendors might not accept credit cards. It’s advisable that you stash your bills accordingly. The smaller bills for tips, taxis etc., in one place and the bigger bills stashed in another place.

Staying Safe While on Vacation
Common sense is truly your best friend when travelling, domestically or internationally. Be cautious and try to remain in safe well lit neighborhoods.

1. Try not to travel alone or use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.
   
   
2. Avoid scam artists by being wary of strangers who approach you and offer to be your guide or sell you something at bargain prices.
   
   
3. Being friendly with the locals really helps, but be cautious about discussing personal matters or your itinerary.

Safety Rules While Using Public Transport
Usage of public transport indeed might be one of the cheapest modes of commuting from one place to another, but it also is one of the most common ways in which you can have a bad experience.

1. Avoid unmarked taxis or cabs while travelling. Only take taxis or cabs clearly identified with official markings. If you don’t know what the local cab markings are, ask the concierge at your hotel.
   
   
2. While on board a train or bus, do not accept food or drink from strangers.
   
   
3. Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any way.  Extra police are often assigned to ride trains on routes where crime is a serious problem.

Being informed about everything is the key to safety for every member of your family when it comes to travel. Proper research and preparation can avoid trouble that could potentially ruin your family's vacation.