Sue Lamb

Social Media Safety Tips for Spring Break and Beyond

Spring Break is high season for family travel, and with every member of the family more digitally connected than ever at home and away, that means posting about good times on vacation. Not so fast, warns one insurance company, which is advising travelers of the risks of ‘over-sharing.’

A new survey commissioned by the Allstate insurance company revealed that almost one-third of social media users post content about their vacation plans online. That’s before AND during, not just afterwards, and that’s the trouble.

According to the insurance provider, “sharing that you’re away could expose your home to a break-in.” It points out that announcing in a public place for friends – and the not-so-friendly – to see that your home is empty, exposes you to risk.

In addition, people who, in an excess of enthusiasm, post photos of tickets and even passports, may end up providing unsavory characters with enough information for identity theft.

That’s the last kind of souvenir you want of your holiday!

I know – you would never post something unwise on social media. The survey shows that the proportion who post before or during their travels is highest among those 18-34 years of age, at 46%. But those with children still rank above the average one-third at 36%, and among those going away for Spring Break, 45% admit they plan on posting to social media before and during their trips.

So – on Spring Break vacations and anytime you take a trip, think before you post. And here are some social media safety tips:
 
One more thought: if you’re vacationing right, you’re having the time of your life. Why waste any of those precious moments on social media?


Start Your Trip!


By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

Image: Getty

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by Lynn Elmhirst on 03/09/2023 in Before your trip