Summer is here, and for many people, this means taking some time off for a warm-weather getaway. Some people choose to take an extensive vacation abroad, while others may simply take a weekend road trip to the beach. Either way, protecting your identity should remain a top priority. Vacations can be a perfect opportunity for criminals to strike, whether they prey on empty homes or distracted tourists, so you must remain vigilant about your personal information and documents. Follow these simple tips – both before you depart and while on your vacation – to protect yourself and your family from identity theft.

Hold your mail
A stack of newspapers at your front door or an overflowing mailbox are a perfect indication to onlookers that you are out of town, giving them an indication that your home is exposed to theft. Also, sensitive documents, such as bills and credit card offers, are left vulnerable. Play it safe and have your mail held at the post office, where you can pick it up upon your arrival home. Also, specify a generic “postal hold” as opposed to a “vacation hold,” so as to not tip off local post office employees to your absence.

Secure records
It is always important to keep your sensitive documents (such as account statements, insurance paperwork, birth certificates and family medical records) in a locked safe or file cabinet, but it’s even more important when you’ll be leaving your home for an extended period. In addition to opportunistic thieves who might break into your vacated home, you also need to protect from anyone who has permitted access. While you may trust your pet-sitter or housekeeper, the lure of your personal information may be too much to resist. According to a recent study, 13% of identity theft victims knew (and probably trusted) the individual who misused their identities.

Consolidate your cards
Clear your wallet of anything that is not absolutely necessary before your trip. A good rule of thumb is to carry one credit card and one ATM card. Try to avoid bringing a debit card, because in case of theft, the money is much more difficult to reclaim. Also, do not bring your checkbook unless you know you’ll need it – if a thief were to get access to your account and routing numbers, the damage could follow you for a long time.

Protect your wallet
Pickpockets have been around for centuries, but these days their interest in your wallet or purse involves much more than the cash inside. If someone gets hold of your identification, credit cards and insurance cards, you’re at risk for losing much more than a few dollars. Protect your important effects, including your passport, by using an under-the-shirt money belt or a wallet chain. Keep an eye out for stealthy pickpockets, especially in tourist centers.

Safeguard your online encounters
Often, travelers will use their laptops to kill time in airports and Internet cafés. Use caution when signing on to these open connections, and do not enter any unencrypted personal information. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure that no wandering eyes have visual access to your computer screen as you perform your business.

Monitor activity
While you are away, especially on extended trips, the last thing you probably want to be doing is checking your bank accounts and insurance records. Be sure and notify all entities of your absence before you go, so that they are aware you’ll be using your cards out of town. It is cases like these that can make an identity theft protection company worth the cost, so that they can monitor all of your accounts for any unusual activity. After your vacation is over, then, you’ll still have the luxury of knowing your identity is safe.

Have a nice trip
These tips are not meant to suggest that you should spend your hard-earned vacation by doing anything less than having a good time. By following these simple suggestions before your trip and always maintaining a healthy awareness of your surroundings and belongings, you will be able to truly relax.