The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Millions of Americans will hit the road, board planes, visit crowded shopping areas, and gather in unfamiliar environments. While the season brings joy, tradition, and time with loved ones, it also brings unique safety and security challenges that deserve attention. A few simple precautions can make the difference between a smooth holiday and an avoidable crisis.
Plan Ahead Before You Leave
Whether you’re traveling across the country or across town, good security begins with preparation.
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Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, including travel times and lodging information.
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Check weather and road conditions frequently, especially in areas prone to sudden winter storms.
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Inspect your vehicle—tires, fluids, lights, wipers, and emergency supplies—before heading out.
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Charge all devices and pack power banks; communication is key when plans change.
Stay Aware in Public Spaces
Airports, train stations, and rest stops become crowded during the holidays, which increases the risk of theft and opportunistic crime.
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Keep your luggage and personal items within sight and within reach at all times.
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Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or high-value items.
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When using your phone for directions or boarding passes, remain aware of your surroundings.
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If something doesn’t look right, change your environment—move away, alert security, or find a safer location.
Practice Hotel and Lodging Safety
Whether you’re staying in a hotel, rental home, or with relatives, a few security habits go a long way.
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Lock and latch all doors and windows upon arrival.
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Store valuables in a safe or concealed location, not in plain sight.
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Do not open the door for anyone you’re not expecting—verify identities through the door or call the front desk.
Protect Yourself on the Road
Thanksgiving is historically one of the deadliest weekends for traffic accidents.
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Drive defensively and expect congestion.
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Avoid distractions—phones, tablets, and even in-depth conversations can take attention away from the road.
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If you feel tired, stop and rest; fatigue is just as dangerous as impaired driving.
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Keep emergency gear in the car: blankets, water, snacks, flashlight, and a basic first-aid kit.
Be Mindful of Cybersecurity While Traveling
Holiday travel often means connecting to public Wi-Fi and using online services more frequently.
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Avoid accessing sensitive accounts, such as banking or work files, on public networks.
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Use a VPN whenever possible.
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Be cautious of fake travel emails, suspicious messages, or scam rental listings—this is peak phishing season.
Look Out for Each Other
If you’re traveling with children, elderly relatives, or individuals with special needs, build extra time into your schedule.
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Have a designated meeting point in case you are separated.
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Keep identification and emergency contact information on hand.
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Assign responsibilities—who watches the bags, who guides the group, who checks vehicle surroundings before departure.
Give Yourself the Gift of Pace
Rushing creates mistakes, anxiety, and unnecessary risks. Leave early, allow room for delays, and acknowledge that holiday travel rarely goes perfectly. Safety improves when stress decreases.
A Final Thought
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, connection, and shared moments. A secure trip allows you to focus on what truly matters. With some preparation and awareness, you can help ensure that your holiday is memorable for the right reasons.
Safe travels, and Happy Thanksgiving—from all of us at Gray Ram Tactical, LLC.
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