Here's How You Protect Your Stuff While Traveling

Traveling—it's all fun and games until something goes missing.

And that could mean losing something you've brought with you on vacation, or somebody breaking into your home while you're away.

Sure, that's awful to think about, but things happen. Prepare for it, and you'll be thankful you did.

PROTECT YOUR HOME

• Put a hold on mail while you're on vacation. The wrong person might notice a full mailbox or see newspapers piling up on the stoop and know that you're away.
• Have your lights on a timer so that it looks like somebody's home at night. 
• Withe the right device, you can even have them hooked up to your phone.
• Away in the winter? Entrust a neighbor or a friend to stop by and shovel your driveway after it snows. If left untouched, even the timed-lights trick won't fool a burglar from knowing you're really not home.
• Try to refrain from posting all over social media that you're away somewhere else. If possible, save sharing those tropical pics until you're back.

PROTECT WHAT YOU'VE BROUGHT WITH YOU

• Before booking your hotel, make sure they have positive reviews when it comes to security. See if they offer an in-room safe.
• While traveling (on a plane, bus or train), always keep your valuables with you—money, electronics, expensive jewelry, passport, important documents, or anything else you can't afford to lose.
• Separate your cash into stashes. Don't keep all your money in one place. This will be extremely important in case something does get lost or stolen.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance. The peace of mind that comes with knowing that everything is taken care of just in case feels really good.

Always plan ahead to protect yourself and your belongings.

Doing this will help you to enjoy your vacation that much more!