Travel can be chaotic at the best of times, so plan ahead for your vacation time off, to ensure a headache-free trip! Whether you’re heading across the country or internationally, Canada’s Safety Council has 10 simple tips to ensure you arrive at your destination safely and without incident.

1-Let people know your travel itinerary – either leave a copy with neighbours or family members, and always keep people informed if your plans change.

2-Check to make sure your passports, visas and vaccinations are all up-to-date. Leave copies of your passports, driver’s licence, credit cards and other important documents with family members, in case of theft.

3-While you are away, make it look like someone is home. Arrange to have a car parked in your driveway, plan to have someone pick up your mail and shovel your sidewalk. Invest in a security system for added peace of mind.

4-Going somewhere exotic? Plan your travel budget ahead of time and be aware of the local currency. A good travel book on the country will explain how much the Canadian dollar is worth, or you can visit a currency exchange before you leave. Inform your bank of where you are going and for how long, this way your account won’t be flagged for suspicious activity when you make purchases in a foreign destination.

5-Research your destination beforehand. What are the entry requirements? Do they require proof of citizenship? Photo identification? Vaccinations? Certain countries may require an “International Certificate of Vaccinations” against infectious diseases before you are allowed to enter. Talk to your local travel agent, physician or the embassy of the country you plan on visiting.

6-Do you have a full supply of your prescription medication packed? If not, make sure you fill up before you go. It is also a good idea to contact the nearest consulate to find out the country’s health laws regarding controlled medication. You may be required to obtain a doctor’s written prescription for your medication.

7-Purchase travel insurance. If you plan on driving after you arrive, find out the type of insurance you require.

8-Luggage identification is important. Clearly identify your luggage with your name, current address and phone number. Put the information both inside and outside of your bag. Remove old claim tag that might confuse handlers. Attach a bright ribbon or bandana to your luggage to help distinguish your bags from similar ones in the baggage claim area.

9-Pack a basic first-aid kit for minor emergencies. Include such items as medicinal creams and tablets, electrolyte replacement tablets, repellent, bandages, safety pins, scissors (not permitted to be carried-on), soap, sunscreen, thermometer and tweezers.

10-Visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website at www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca for the latest information for air travellers, including the latest security measures.

The home alarm of the future took another step toward reality today when Security Pass announced voice command capabilities for Tuxedo Touch, its touchscreen security and home automation controller that can serve as the central hub of a connected home or business. The technology now allows homeowners to use select voice commands such as “leaving the house” to perform a range of tasks, including arming their security systems, adjusting their thermostats, turning their lights on or off and locking their doors.

“Security today is just as much about the user experience as it is about keeping homes and businesses safe, and adding voice command capabilities to Tuxedo Touch is just another way to make your life more simple.

In addition to the voice capabilities, Honeywell announced several other enhancements to Tuxedo Touch, including:

• The ability to record video captured by security cameras
• Remote-upgradeable software that can be updated remotely without having to schedule on-site service
• Support for higher-resolution cameras that use H.264 and ONVIF protocol

Tuxedo Touch is the newest member of Honeywell’s VISTA® series of home and building control solutions, which also include the newly launched VISTA Automation Module (VAM) that provides affordable, local home monitoring and control on mobile devices. Tuxedo Touch can connect a home’s or business’ VISTA security system with Z-Wave® thermostats, locks, lighting systems and shades. Consumers can program the Tuxedo Touch, for example, to automatically lower thermostats and close shades when the security system is armed. Additionally, the product features a built-in Web server that allows users to control it using Web-enabled devices such as smartphones and tablets while on premises. Tuxedo Touch is also compatible with Honeywell’s Total Connect™ Remote Services, which allows homeowners to control their systems anywhere with an Internet connection.

A four-year-old child was found naked in the streets of Toronto on Friday, just one day after a three-year-old boy died after wandering out into the cold in nothing but a diaper, boots and a T-shirt. This situation could have been avoided by having an alarm system.

Recent events highlight the importance of a home alarm with detection devices connected to it as a practical way to secure your home. Frequently when we think of home security, we think of taking action to prevent bad people from getting into a home. However, a home alarm system can also be used to keep loved ones safely inside and to alert occupants to the fact that someone has just left it. Having a Home Alarm System is a good step to take in order to keep your family members safe.

There are several ways to secure a home so that a small child (or anyone else for that matter) cannot leave the house without being noticed. One way to decrease the likelihood of someone leaving your home without being noticed is to install an alarm system that has detection sensors on vulnerable doors and windows. These sensors can trigger a siren to sound immediately when a door or window is opened. Taking these precautions will give family members a better chance of hearing someone leaving the home unexpectedly. The alarm will provide an opportunity to react and possibly track down this person before he or she can make it too far.

Unfortunately, there is no foolproof or fail-safe way to ensure thoroughly that a terrible incident will be avoided. However, there is much that can be done. By taking precautions and looking at your situation through the eyes of an active and curious child, you can reduce the likelihood of an awful tragedy taking place.