With Summer 2010 passing the halfway point, both individuals and families turn their thoughts and attention to the big getaway. Bags are packed, travel plans are confirmed, and then it is off to destinations far and wide. For many, it will be a different part of their respective country while some embark for international adventures. According to the U.S. Travel Association, 2.3 percent more vacation travel is expected this year than in 2009.

No matter where travelers are headed, they will likely be distracted by their trip details and new surroundings, making them prime candidates for identity thieves.   Identity thieves prey on unsuspecting tourists – even the savviest of business travelers – banking on the fact that many travelers are focused more on their itinerary than on their identity exposure.

So in the days before hitting the road or checking in with your airline, you might want to stop and consider how secure your identity is while on the road, as well as in your vacant home. By investing a few minutes in some basic safe practices, you can help to minimize the impact of identity theft.

1. Protect your home from burglars and identity thieves before you leave. Have your mail collected or held at the Post Office, have someone visit and turn lights on and off, and do not leave financial documents lying in plain view.
2. If you need to access your email from a cyber café or other establishment, limit your access, avoid entering any passwords to your personal financial accounts, and be sure to log off when you are finished with your session.
3. Try to avoid “tweeting” or blogging about your travel plans or talking about them on social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. Thieves may use this information to target empty homes.
4. Protect yourself from key loggers, hackers, spammers, and botnets by installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your laptop computer.
5. If browsing the Internet with a wireless connection, do not assume public “hot spots” are secure.  Ensure you are using encryption to scramble communications over a network.
6. If you’re staying at a hotel or motel and receive a call from the reception desk asking that you confirm a credit card number, tell them you’ll provide the information at the front desk instead. The call could easily be a random one from outside the hotel.
7. Bring as few credit cards as possible and ideally carry just one with you and keep a backup card in the hotel safe.  Bring a copy of the emergency contact numbers for your credit cards and bank accounts in case they’re lost or stolen.
8. It is recommended that travelers do not use their debit cards while on vacation to further protect their checking accounts.
9. When withdrawing money from an ATM, be cautious, and be protective of your PIN.
10. Beware of pickpockets—remove all documentation and cards from your wallet or purse that you don’t need during your travels.
11. Use cash or travelers checks wherever possible to minimize the risk of credit card fraud or overcharging (this can also help avoid costly exchange fees if you’re traveling abroad).
12. Make a photocopy of the cards and documents in your wallet or purse, including credit and ATM cards, store cards, drivers’ licenses, etc. Leave the copy with someone you trust so if your wallet or purse is stolen, you’ll know what to cancel.  Or enroll in a card registry program that has your card information on file.
13. If you’re leaving for an extended period consider using a credit and public monitoring service that alerts you to potentially suspicious activity.

By being aware of your identity and all that is associated with it, and by following the tips outlined above, you can invest quality time with your family and relax while you are away.

Related posts:

1. Identity Theft Targeting the Elderly
2. Identity Fraud Fact: Little Guy is Big Target
3. A Big Score in the Fight Against Identity Theft
4. The Taxman (and Identity Theives) Cometh: The “Tax Tip Thursday” Edition
5. Identity Theft: An International Conspiracy