Travel safety tips to consider as you head out for spring break

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As you may consider traveling away from Mid-Missouri to enjoy some time away from home or classes, there are some travel safety tips you should consider.

Travel experts expect more than 158 million people to travel for spring break in 2023, which is a volume that's expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

The first factor to keep in mind is booking the appropriate hotel. According to The American Safety Council, you should find a hotel that allows you to walk everywhere near the location you plan to spend most of your time.

If possible, request a room between the 2nd and 5th floors. The safety council says the first floor is more likely to be broken into, while firefighters may not be able to reach floors six and higher.

Also, stay in groups, the safety council says pickpocketing, muggings, and abductions are all more likely when you’re spending extra energy trying to orient yourself to your new surroundings.

Also, avoid using the ATM if possible and use cards instead. The American Safety Council says paying with cash gives the idea that you’re carrying a large amount of money, which can make you a potential target.

According to worldpopulationreview.com, the National Crime Information Center missing person and unidentified person files reported nearly 530,000 people were missing in 2021, with nearly 94,000 people remaining missing at the start of 2022.

Mid- Missouri students are expected to return to the classroom on April 3rd.