The holiday season should feel joyful — not stressful. Yet every year, incidents involving theft, travel disruptions, emergencies, and unsafe conditions spike nationwide. Whether you’re leaving Colorado Springs for winter travel, hosting guests, or moving through crowded public spaces, one thing remains true: you deserve to feel safe wherever you go. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips for holiday safety.
As security professionals with military-grade training and decades of experience protecting families, businesses, and communities throughout the Front Range, we’re committed to helping Coloradans feel safer. Browse our holiday travel safety tips, and stay aware and protected this season.
Why Holiday Travel Safety Matters Now More Than Ever
The holiday rush creates the perfect storm: crowded airports, congested roads, unpredictable weather, and homes left empty for extended periods. Crime also rises this time of year, especially burglary, vehicle theft, and crimes of opportunity in public spaces.
While many people focus solely on travel logistics, true safety begins long before you leave your driveway — and continues until you return home. With higher holiday crime rates, proper holiday travel safety is becoming increasingly important. The goal is not fear, but preparation. And the more you prepare, the safer and more confident you become.
Pre-Travel Safety Preparation: Your First Layer of Protection
Before you hit the road or board a plane, take time to prepare your home, your vehicle, and your personal safety plan. This is where travel safety preparedness, holiday home security checklist, and travel situational awareness make an enormous difference.
Start by locking down your home. Ensure all entry points are secure, adjust light timers to simulate occupancy, and avoid publicly announcing travel plans on social media. Many holiday burglaries occur simply because criminals identify patterns: an empty driveway, dark windows, or predictable routines. Strengthening your home safety while traveling reduces those opportunities.
If you live in a Colorado Springs community with HOA or neighborhood patrols, let them know you’ll be out of town. Coordination improves visibility and adds an extra set of watchful eyes.
Road Travel Safety: Staying Safe on Colorado Roads
Winter travel brings unique challenges to Colorado drivers. Whether you’re heading up I-25, through mountain passes, or out of state, maintaining road travel safety habits can prevent emergencies.
Colorado’s weather can shift rapidly, so always check forecasts before hitting the road. Snow, ice, and sudden temperature drops create hazardous conditions, especially on mountain highways. Pack an emergency kit, charge your phone, and give yourself extra time for your trip. Winter driving safety strategies protect you from both environmental risks and high-risk situations at rest stops and gas stations.
When stopping for fuel or food, avoid poorly lit areas, keep valuables out of sight, and remain aware of your surroundings. Practicing travel risk awareness helps you recognize and avoid unsafe conditions before they become threats.
Air Travel Safety: Crowded Environments Require Heightened Awareness
Airports are more congested during the holidays than any other time of year. High traffic means increased theft, confusion, and vulnerability. Maintaining holiday safety and staying safe in crowded places begins with simple, deliberate actions.
Stay alert in lines, at the baggage carousel, and when placing your belongings on security belts. Secure personal items in front-facing bags and keep your phone accessible. Thieves often target distracted travelers in congested environments, so practicing personal safety during holiday travel is crucial.
Families should plan ahead as well. If you’re traveling with children, create clear instructions on what to do if you get separated. If traveling alone, notify someone you trust and share your itinerary.
Residential Security: How to Protect Your Home While Traveling
One of the most important (but most overlooked) parts of protecting your home during holiday travel is residential security. It’s important to create the illusion of activity while you’re away. Homes that appear lived-in are less likely to be targeted.
Use smart timers for lights, leave a car visible in the driveway if possible, and ask a trusted neighbor to collect packages or mail. Nothing signals “no one’s home” more clearly than an overflowing mailbox or porch packages.
A layered security approach — combining lights, locks, and alarms — is far more effective than relying on a single device.
Traveling Alone: Extra Safety Measures That Matter
Although holiday travel is full of families and groups, many people travel alone. This requires a higher level of holiday travel awareness and situational discipline.
Keep your phone charged, share your location with someone you trust, and avoid walking alone in dark or unfamiliar areas. Whether you’re traveling through downtown Denver, an airport, or a remote pit stop, ensure someone knows your movements or whereabouts. These safety tips for traveling alone are essential for preventing risk and improving reaction time if you need help.
Protecting Your Vehicle During Holiday Travel
Vehicle theft and break-ins spike during holiday months. Practicing road trip safety includes protecting the vehicle itself.
Keep valuables out of sight, lock your doors, and avoid leaving garage door remotes or personal documents inside the vehicle. When parking overnight, choose well-lit, monitored areas. If you’re driving long distances, check your tires, wipers, heat, and emergency supplies. Prioritizing winter travel safety keeps your trip smooth and reduces risk during unforeseen events, especially in Colorado’s unpredictable climate.
Practicing Personal Hotel Safety
Whether you’re staying in a hotel, rental property, or with relatives, remain attentive. Once you arrive, locate exits, check locks, and secure valuables. Practicing personal safety in hotels, and public spaces helps ensure consistent safety — from your departure to your return.
If using rideshare services, confirm driver details and share the trip with a trusted person. These are fundamental tips to stay safe while traveling, and they apply everywhere.
Leveraging Professional Security Services for Extra Peace of Mind
The holidays should bring joy — not concern. Whether you’re traveling across Colorado, flying across the country, or staying road-ready for winter weather, the right preparation keeps you safe.
If you want additional peace of mind while you’re away, Pikes Peak Security offers patrols, risk assessments, residential checks, commercial protection, and on-site security for families, businesses, and government agencies across the Front Range.
Contact us today for a consultation, and travel confidently knowing your property, family, and community are protected by the region’s leading security professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Travel Safety
What are 10 basic safety rules everyone should follow during holiday travel?
While safety varies by situation, these ten fundamentals apply everywhere — airports, highways, hotels, and public spaces:
- Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Keep valuables secured and out of sight.
- Avoid displaying travel schedules publicly.
- Trust your intuition and leave uncomfortable situations.
- Lock doors, windows, and vehicles consistently.
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas.
- Keep your phone charged and accessible.
- Share travel plans with someone you trust.
- Prepare a backup plan for emergencies.
- Pay attention to exits, escape routes, and potential hazards.
What are the top tips for holiday safety when traveling?
The most effective holiday safety strategies start with planning and awareness. Secure your home before leaving, pack emergency supplies, and remain alert in crowded settings. When flying, protect personal items and keep essential documents close. When driving, check weather conditions and prepare your vehicle for winter. Staying flexible, cautious, and prepared allows you to adapt quickly to changing environments — which is the heart of safe holiday travel.
How do you protect your home while traveling for the holidays?
A layered approach works best. Use timers on lights, ask a neighbor to collect packages, and avoid announcing your plans on social media. Double-check all locks, close blinds, and ensure your alarm system is active. If you’ll be away for an extended time, consider professional property checks or neighborhood patrol services to deter criminal activity and maintain a presence while you’re gone.
What should I know about staying safe in crowded airports and travel hubs?
Crowded transportation hubs are prime locations for pickpocketing and opportunistic theft. Keep personal items on your front-facing side, avoid leaving bags unattended, and stay mindful during security screenings and boarding. Move with purpose, limit distractions, and use the airport’s secure Wi-Fi networks when necessary. Remember: most incidents occur when travelers are overwhelmed or distracted. Good situational awareness dramatically reduces risk.
What are some good winter driving safety tips?
Winter driving requires preparation and caution. Before leaving, inspect your tires, antifreeze, wipers, and battery. Keep an emergency kit with blankets, water, flares, and a first aid kit. Drive slowly on icy roads, increase following distance, and check weather forecasts for mountain passes or high-wind areas. If conditions worsen, stop somewhere safe rather than pushing through. Your readiness — not your speed — determines the safety of your trip.
Is it worth hiring professional security services while I travel?
For many families and business owners, the answer is yes. Professional patrols, home checks, and surveillance services offer peace of mind when you’re thousands of miles away. Security teams can deter break-ins, monitor vulnerable properties, and respond quickly if something is wrong. If your home is isolated, your business closes for the holidays, or your neighborhood has had recent incidents, professional support can significantly reduce risk.
