Donna Nichols • June 21, 2023

How to Stay Safe When You Travel this Summer

A crowd of people are sitting in a stadium with their hands in the air.

Another great article in the June 2023 AARP Bulletin discusses ways to stay safe this summer. It covers ways to stay safe around the house, around town, when you travel and outdoors. This blog will cover ways to stay safe when you travel. Each section was written by different experts, so I will highlight some of the bullet points for you here.


Martyn Amos states that summertime is festival time, which means stadium concerts, fairs, and crowded street parties. To reduce your chances of falling or tripping over, wear shoes that protect your feet, not high heels, or sandals. When you arrive, look around for an escape route, just in case. Know where any entrances and exits are that may not be as busy as the main ones.


Henning Snyman talks about room bandits and says that before you book a room, make sure your lodging is in the safest part of the city. Call or email the hotel management ahead of time to ask about security precautions. At the hotel, put the do not disturb sign on your door even when you are not in the room, to make it appear occupied. Use the safe in your room for locking up valuables and important documents such as passports. Finally, never share your room number with anyone outside your travel party.


Kevin Coffey is a retired detective and discusses pickpockets. He suggests using a crossbody anti-theft purse with zipper locks or a hidden waist wallet. Don’t keep anything in your back pocket. Remove anything from your wallet that isn’t necessary to carry when you travel. Keep photos of your passport, credit cards and critical information in a password-protected folder on your phone or online storage account.


Kathy Stokes talks about how to defend yourself against tricky summer scams. She says to password protect laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Use biometrics, such as facial recognition or fingerprints. Set your electronic devices to automatically install updates for operating and protecting software. Do not click links from emails or texts; type the web address you know to be legit into your browser. Install a virtual private network (VPN) if you use public Wi-Fi. Answer calls only from people you know; if unsure, let them go to voicemail.


Kathy stresses that the biggest red flag is when an unexpected communication causes a highly emotional reaction. That’s the calling card of today’s scammers. Disengage and talk to someone you trust about what’s at issue.


As stated, I just pointed out the bullet points, to read the entire sections, pick up the AARP Bulletin. The next blog will cover ways to stay safe outdoors. I hope you find some valuable tips in my blogs to keep you safe!

A person is opening a safe with their finger
By Donna Nichols February 5, 2026
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By Donna Nichols February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.
By Donna Nichols January 12, 2026
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