Ensuring self defense on vacations
Crime levels are high across the country. However, the rates are higher in areas that are specific tourist locations. The reason for such statistics is simple – people on vacation are generally careless about self defense because they are too busy having a good time that they forget to be alert about attackers, thieves and burglars.
The last thing that you would want is to have your vacation spoiled by an assault or a break-in incident. Not only does it spoil the particular vacation, it gives you a bad feeling about vacations in general. Vacations are a time to enjoy and a little carefulness and some thought to self defense can ensure that they remain enjoyable times.
- Make sure that you always park your car in areas where there is pedestrian traffic. Even if you are going to watch a waterfall that is further off, park your car in a busy place and then hike up the remaining distance.
- Make sure that you always lock your car doors. Don’t leave small change lying visible in your car. Many ruffians will break your car window just to get the small change; something that can ensure them their next meal.
- While in the marketplace, making sure that you keep your valuables close to you is a good self defense practice. Cell phones, purses and the merchandise that you have bought should be kept in bags that are easy to carry.
- If you are carrying your laptop with you on your vacation, make sure that you leave it in a safe place. Do not carry it around with you in your car. Someone is sure to notice it in the parking lot and make away with it. If you must bring it, make sure that you put it in the trunk before you arrive at the destination (and not after reaching your destination, where a thief may be watching).
- While at the condo or hotel, keep your valuables locked in a safe.
- Explain what your children should do in case they get lost. It is essential that they do not go off by themselves searching for you in parking lots. Asking a figure of authority is recommended.
- Just because you are on a holiday, do not carry too much cash. Make most of the payments by credit card or check.
- Though you should carry some kind of non-lethal self defense weapon all the time, carrying these self defense products during vacations becomes more important. Make sure that you carry either a pepper spray or a stun gun all the time. These come in small sizes and can be carried on a belt or even in the palm of your hand. These need not get in your way while you are shopping or having a great time. Teaching your children how to use a personal alarm is another preventive measure that you should take. Attackers are less likely to pick on children who clearly have a personal alarm in their hands even if they are lost.
Small measures like these can ensure that your vacation is a great one!
Steve Thibeault is the owner of TBO-TECH, a company that understands your self protection needs and offers products that are practical and effective. Other than a wide range of pepper sprays, stun guns and batons, the company also provides martial arts weapons, personal alarms, hidden safes, spy gear and sporting products like slingshots and blowguns. For more information on self defense items, log on to TBO-TECH.
