Tips to creating a carefree summer for traveling abroad

The long, balmy days of a summer are here at last, and many people are looking forward to taking a break from the daily grind and jet setting to more exotic climes. Whether your vacation plans include overseas travels or a breezy family trip to local attractions, planning ahead is essential.

Maybe you’re looking forward to a trip to Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland where you will finally get to stay in Igloo Village among the Inuit on the edge of the frozen fjords. You have your flight booked, your accommodations reserved, your bags packed, and even a detailed map delineating the best dog sledding trails. What more could you possibly need to ensure worry-free vacation of your dreams? Well, to start, you want to make sure the home sweet home you’re leaving behind stays sweet:

Five tips to keep home sweet home safe and energy efficient:

1. Make it look like you’re home, even when you’re not, to avoid attracting burglars. Have a friend stop by your home periodically to pick up your mail and newspapers, or hire a concierge service to look after the house and its daily tasks, such as caring for your pets and watering your plants.

2. Light is one of the best burglar deterrents. The easiest way to make it look like someone is still home is to install light timers in your home’s most commonly used rooms. You can set the timers to turn the lights on and off at your usual times.

3. Leave the curtains and blinds exactly as they are normally when you’re at home.

4. No matter how excited you may be about your vacation, do not broadcast your travel plans on your social media pages. Stories about criminals who troll facebook to find unoccupied homes to target have been cropping up in the news.

5. Conserve energy by turning down the thermostat, water heater, and refrigerator; make sure to empty the contents of your refrigerator and freezer before you leave. Unplug appliances and other electronic devices.

Au Revoir, Enjoy!