It’s time for summer! And it smells like vacation! But going away to relax, in France or abroad, doesn’t mean taking unnecessary risks.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid unpleasant surprises and return home with a clear head.
Several days before departure
- Let someone you trust (a family member, neighbor, etc.) know you’re leaving, and give them a spare set of keys. In this way, she can bring your home to life, deterring burglaries by collecting the mail, opening and closing the shutters and so on.
- You can also take part in the“Tranquillité vacances” operation offered by all the gendarmeries in France. By filling in a request form indicating your vacation dates, the police or gendarmerie can monitor your home during their daily patrols.
- Check all your reservations and make sure you have the receipts with you.
- If you’re going abroad, don’t forget to check the dates on your passport. It would be stupid to be denied access to a border because of an expired passport!
Day of departure
- Unplug your major electrical appliances to avoid any unexpected bills or short-circuits that could occur during a storm: dishwashers, TV sets, internet boxes, etc.
- Check that all your water inlets are shut off and turn off your hot water tank. You can also turn off your gas supply if you have one.
- Keep your windows and all other entrances to your home (garage, etc.) tightly closed.
- Switch off your work computer and cell phone. It’s important to disconnect from work so you can make the most of your vacation!
If you follow these tips, you should have the perfect vacation! But don’t forget, the key to a successful vacation also lies in good travel insurance!
