Are you ready for Spring? Do you have travel plans, and if so, are you ready?
Our longtime client and friend, Mitchel Ashley of TALF P.C., is our guest blogger, and he shared his valued insight below. Mitchel started TALF P.C., formerly The Ashley Law Firm, in 2009. His office is in New York City, NY, and his cases include personal injury, auto, bicycle, bus, subway, train, truck accidents, dog bites, environmental accidents, housing authority accidents, and medical malpractice.
Thank you, Mitchel, for all you do in and out of the courtroom. Advocate Capital, Inc., is proud to support your great work.
Tips for Spring Break Travel, by Mitchel Ashley.
- Do Research on Your Destination - Ensure your destination is secure before traveling. Refer to resources like the CDC's travel-health site, the State Department's safe-travel site, the local tourism board's site, and blogs on travel safety. Consider advice from residents in community groups on social media or platforms like Nextdoor.
- If Traveling Abroad, Enroll in STEP - The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a valuable resource created by the State Department for travelers. By enrolling in STEP, you will receive safety updates from the local embassy. The embassy can contact them in emergencies, and it improves the ability for family and friends to reach you during crises. Enrollment is free but must be renewed for each trip.
- Talk Through Plans With Children: Review the itinerary and plans with the entire family beforehand to allow everyone to familiarize themselves with airport procedures, in-flight expectations, and the destination's specifics. When traveling with small children, it's beneficial to simulate scenarios they may not be used to, like holding onto their tickets, fastening their seat belts on the airplane, or maintaining silence in museums. Additionally, consider an I.D. bracelet with vital information if anyone in the group gets separated.
- Prepare Your Older Kids for Solo Spring Breaks: Some high school and college-age kids travel solo for the first time or with other families during spring break. In addition to walking your child through what they should expect travel-wise, make sure you have names and contact information for everyone on the trip, lodging/excursion names, and contact details. Encourage your kids to use the buddy system, avoid sharing information about their specific location on social media, and remember the dangers that come with the use of controlled substances. Determine the expected frequency of communication – and tell them to take (and share!) lots of pictures. (This is a big step – for you and them!)
Susan Greene
Senior Executive Client Manager
https://www.advocatecapital.com/susan-greene.html
