• Safety Tips:
• Vacation Safety I:How Safe is the Resort Babysitter?
• Vacation Safety II:Stay Safe by Staying Aware

Vacation Safety Part I:

In an attempt to lure more families, many resorts are making themselves over to be all-inclusive, family-friendly vacation destinations. In an effort to capture the varying interests of their guests, these resorts offer a slate of activities geared toward different age groups, kid's camps, special menus and even on-site babysitting services. For parents, having the kids participate in some of these activities can provide a welcome break and allow for some "adult" time. It also provides kids the opportunity to try new things and meet new people.

And while many parents generally do not hesitate to sign their kids up for group activities, they do seem to exercise more caution when it comes to using the resort's babysitting service. Their concerns are well-founded especially when you consider that most people put a great deal of effort and thought into selecting the babysitter they use at home. So, how can you be assured that the babysitters used by the resort are trustworthy and that your children will be in good hands while you enjoy an evening out? Here are some things to consider:

First, ask about the sitter's credentials. Most resorts have a director for their children's programs; this person is often also in charge of scheduling babysitters. At the very least, a babysitter should be certified in CPR and have basic First Aid skills. You will also want to be sure that the babysitter has had a criminal background check; be sure to ask about the resort's screening process. If you are working with a travel agent, ask them about any feedback they may have received regarding the resort's babysitting service. Likewise, if you have friends who have vacationed at the same resort, ask for their recommendations. Finally, if you are vacationing outside of the United States, you will probably also want to be sure that the babysitters used by the resort speak English fluently.

You should also ask about the price structure; many resorts have set prices for babysitting services which are based on the number of children being cared for. Additionally, there may be minimum charges, surcharges for services after a certain time or number of hours and other costs. Be sure to ask so that there are no surprises.

Once you have found a babysitter you and your children are comfortable with, you will need to establish the ground rules for the evening. In addition to the typical instructions you leave for a babysitter (bedtimes, contact information, food allergy warnings, acceptable television programs, etc.), you will also need to think about what circumstances (if any) can the children leave the hotel room; what arrangements will you make for the childrenís (and sitter's) meals; and whether or not the sitter can order room service (and up to what amount).

It is also a good idea to ask the sitter to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your anticipated departure time so that you can get an idea of how he or she will interact with your children. If for any reason you feel uneasy, it is entirely within your rights to cancel your plans, although you may still have to pay for the sitter's time.

Vacation Safety Part II:

Vacations are usually a magical time for parents as well as kids. Freed from the stresses of every day life, families use their vacation time to reconnect, explore new places and have fun. Unfortunately, because many people tend to be more relaxed while on vacation, they sometimes let their guard down and in so doing, become victims. By keeping a few simple things in mind however, you can reduce the chance that you or a member of your family will become a victim of crime on your next vacation.

The first thing you should do is instruct your children to remain with you at all times. While itís never a good idea for kids to wander off on their own, itís a particularly bad idea when they are in an unfamiliar place. Before setting out on tours or other outings, be sure your children know the name and address of the hotel at which you are staying. It is also a good idea for them to know your cell phone number so that they can call you should they become lost or separated from you.

If you are spending the day in a relatively confined venue such as an amusement park, pick a meeting spot that is easy for everyone to find. Instruct your children to report to that spot should they become separated from you. Similarly, as soon as you realize one of your children is missing you should immediately go to that spot. If your children are older and want to spend some time on their own, schedule "check in" times every few hours. This will help you keep tabs on your kids while giving them the freedom they want.

If you are out exploring a new city, be sure to take the time to carefully plan your trip. This will keep you from getting lost and accidentally wandering into dangerous neighborhoods. If you are not sure about a particular area or route, inquire with your hotel's concierge; he or she will be happy to help you plan a safe and fun day. When you are out, be sure to remain alert and observant of all that is going on around you. If you think you may be lost, try to avoid fumbling with a map on a crowded street corner ñ this is a sure sign that you are a tourist. Instead, try to locate a cafe or small restaurant where you can have a cold drink while trying to regain your bearings. You should also be particularly cautious of people who appear to be overly anxious to assist you; chances are, they are trying to victimize you and your family.

Finally, as you are out and about, it is always a good idea to keep your cash and credit cards in a front pocket; this will help reduce the likelihood that you will become the victim of a pick-pocket. If you carry a purse, be sure to hold it closely to your body, especially when walking through crowded areas. Along the same lines, you should be sure to warn your children about the dangers of displaying large sums of money in public places.

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