As the sun sets on the winter months and the spring season begins to blossom, destination vacations are undoubtedly on the horizon for you and your family. Taking a vacation is exciting but can also be stressful when considering the safety precautions necessary for a good time. Turning your house away from home into a happy haven starts with making safety a top priority. From the gorgeous beaches on the Gold Coast to chasing wild in New Zealand, finding the perfect getaway is the breezy part.
Whereabout Wherewithal
It might sound strange to consider your own whereabouts while away on holiday but when it comes to vacation rentals it’s all about location, location, location. Take into account where your rental is positioned in relation to the destination. Is your beach house condo smack dab in the middle of a tourist trap? Is your cabin in the woods a little too far off the map? Is your cityscape hostel rental a hub of activity? These kinds of questions can help you to determine what kind of rental you’re willing to commit to while on vacation. A safe, healthy environment should be your top priority.
Luck of the Happenstance
When moving forward with booking a vacation rental, take note of security precautions that protect both yourself and home away from home. In the event of force majeure, it’s important to have a few assurances in place. Renters insurance can be a mutually beneficial buffer between vacation renter and property owner in the event of a mishap. Vacation rental insurance helps to protect against loss of deposit/and or fees in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergency, natural disaster, military duty, adverse governmental conditions, or even extension of the school year. Contacting a local claims expert will help you to properly assess your need for coverage.
Communication Station
Communication is the name of the game when it comes to top tier vacation rental safety. Ahead of your trip, don’t be afraid to establish communication with the properties manager. This will help you build rapport. If you happen to find yourself in need of their immediate attention during the trip, it will make it easier to reach out directly and eliminate any anxieties that you may have with unfamiliarity.
Playing for Safety
There’s nothing wrong with ensuring a few safekeeping measures are in place while away on holiday. You never know what might happen. Ensuring you have the right materials is key to enjoying your vacation. When arriving at your rental, check for first aid kits and essential emergency items. And don’t be afraid to be in communication with property managers in the event you don’t have readily available access to any of the following:
- First aid kits should include, but are not limited to, adhesive tape and bandages, aspirin and antihistamines, sterile bandages and roller gauze, finger splints, instant application cold packs, cotton balls and swabs, disposable gloves, safety pins, antiseptic ointment, and hydrogen peroxide.
- Emergency kits should include, but are not limited to, phone numbers for local emergency services, waterproof flashlight and headlamp with extra batteries, waterproof matches, small notepad with waterproof pencil, and emergency space blankets.
Once-over Inspection
When you arrive, run through a checklist to ensure your rental is safely equipped for your family’s vacation. Inspecting the rental allows you to run through the hardware of the house, checking to make sure everything is in working order before trouble happens. Protecting your family — and bottom dollar — starts with a few simple steps.
- Inspect the methods of entry and exit for the propriety. This helps you to ascertain the ins and outs in the unlikely but possible event of an emergency.
- Turn on every switch and faucet, making sure utilities are efficient and in proper order.
- Ask questions about appliances, ensuring you and your loved ones are briefed on how to use them without incident.
- Make note of any damages already in the rental upon arrival. This step might also include taking inventory of auxiliary items, ensuring that portable generators are covered with generator covers and outdoor patio chairs are properly covered by chair covers.
- Finally, inspect precautionary utilities like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well as a fire extinguisher are both up to date and in proper working form.
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