Summer isn’t officially here, but it finally feels like it! New growth has grown, nature is filled with active young, the weather is warm, and storms have been rolling through. School is out for some and almost out for most, which means summer vacations and plenty of travel! How do you keep your family safe on the road?

If you are traveling by car, the most important step to start out with is the inspection of your travel vechicle. Check your gas, oil and transmission fluid levels. Test your brakes. Inspect your tires for bulges or tears, and air pressure levels. Make sure you have a spare along and tools with which to change it if needed. Bring along contact information for anyone who would be able to help you in case of a car emergency. And, as expected, make sure you buckle up and aren’t using a cell phone while you are behind the wheel.

When traveling overseas, make sure you have an extra record somewhere of all of your documents, in case they get lost or stolen. Keep things like your passport, cash and credit cards in a hotel safe. Bring more than one way to pay for things and an extra passport sized photo of your self if you can. Make sure you have enough (and extra) medication that you use before you leave. And don’t forget to get your name and contact information on everything that belongs to you, like luggage or a purse.

Last but not least, if you are traveling abroad, make sure you check for any travel warnings issued for the areas you will be visiting. Happy trails!