As the mercury rises and the school holidays approach, your mind is likely drifting toward pristine beaches or a quiet cabin in the bush. You deserve a break after a long year, but while you’re busy packing the sunscreen and cricket bat, someone else might be watching your every move.

A Private Investigator sees the world through a different lens; where you see a relaxing getaway, a professional observer sees a series of vulnerabilities. Criminals and opportunists don’t take holidays; they wait for them. In Australia, the summer period coincides with a sharp peak in opportunistic crime.

Whether you’re heading up the coast or flying interstate, you need to think like someone who gathers intelligence for a living. By adopting a “security first” mindset, you can protect your property and your family without letting worry ruin your trip. The goal isn’t to live in fear, but to be the hardest target on the street. This checklist will help you tighten your personal security and keep your summer holiday exactly what it should be: a time for rest.

Smart Steps Before You Leave Your Home

Your home tells a story to anyone walking past, and as a Private Investigator, I can tell you that “no one is home” is a story you never want to broadcast. Burglars often look for subtle signs of neglect to confirm a house is ripe for a break-in. It’s not just about locking the front door anymore; you have to manage your physical and digital presence carefully. A house that looks lived-in is much less likely to be targeted by a thief looking for a quick win.

Start with the obvious physical cues. A pile of uncollected mail in the letterbox or five days’ worth of newspapers on the driveway is a neon sign for trouble. Ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail or use the “hold” service at the post office. If you have bins that need to go out on a specific day, don’t leave them on the curb for a week. See if a friend can wheel them out and back in for you. These small chores create the illusion of daily activity, which is often enough to make a criminal keep walking.

Securing Your Property and Privacy

Before you pull out of the driveway, do a final lap of the house to check every window and sliding door. Many people forget the small bathroom windows or the garage side door; these are the first places a professional will test. If you have a spare key hidden under a fake rock or on top of a door frame, get rid of it. If I can find it in thirty seconds, a burglar can find it in ten. Consider installing a few smart light timers that turn on and off at natural times throughout the evening to mimic a household routine.

The digital trail you leave is just as dangerous as a full letterbox. Posting a “checked-in” status at the airport or sharing photos of your poolside cocktail on Instagram basically tells the world that your house is empty. Wait until you’re back home to share your holiday snaps. If you absolutely must post while you’re away, check your privacy settings and make sure you aren’t broadcasting your location to people you don’t know. A map of your holiday is a map for a burglar to plan their entry.

Staying Safe While You Are On the Road

Once you’re on the move, your surroundings change constantly. A Private Investigator stays safe by maintaining situational awareness, which is just a fancy way of saying “keeping your head on a swivel.” Whether you’re in a crowded airport, a busy train station, or a tourist hotspot in a new city, you need to be aware of the people around you. It’s easy to get distracted by your phone or a beautiful view, but that’s when your bag goes missing or you lose track of your group.

When you arrive at your accommodation, whether it’s a hotel or a local holiday rental, your first job is to check the exits. If there’s a fire or an emergency, you don’t want to be figuring out the floor plan for the first time. Keep your high-value items, like passports and extra cash, in the room safe or a lockable suitcase. If you’re staying in a short-term rental, do a quick sweep of the living areas and bedrooms. While it’s rare, being aware of your surroundings helps you spot anything that looks out of place or compromised.

Managing Your Physical Safety in Public Spaces

Crowds are a pickpocket’s best friend. In busy Australian landmarks or transit hubs, keep your belongings in front of you rather than on your back. Use bags with sturdy straps and keep them zipped shut. If you feel like someone is following you or showing too much interest in your movements, trust your gut. Walk into a shop or a busy cafe and see if they pass by. It’s always better to be slightly over-cautious than to ignore a red flag that your subconscious has picked up.

If you’re out at night, stick to well-lit areas and plan your route before you leave the hotel. Looking lost or staring at a map on your phone makes you look like a target. If you’re using ride-sharing apps, always check that the car and driver match the details on your screen before you get in. It sounds simple, but in the rush of a holiday, these basic habits are often the first things people let slide.

Being aware doesn’t mean you can’t have fun; it just means you’re operating with a bit more intelligence. Check for hidden cameras in rentals by looking for “extra” smoke detectors or unusual gadgets pointed at the bed or bathroom. While most hosts are honest, a quick check gives you peace of mind. Keep a digital backup of your important documents on a secure cloud drive so that even if you lose your bag, you aren’t stranded without identification.

Peace of Mind for Your Summer Break

Taking these precautions might seem like a lot of work, but they quickly become second nature. You don’t have to be a professional Private Investigator to keep your family safe; you just have to be observant and a little bit more careful than the average person. By securing your home, managing your digital footprint, and staying alert on the road, you remove the opportunities that criminals look for during the festive season.

Remember that being prepared isn’t about being scared or paranoid. It’s about being smart so you can actually relax. When you know your home is secure and you have a plan for your personal safety, you can truly switch off and enjoy the Australian summer. Have a fantastic trip, stay alert, and bring home nothing but good memories and a bit of a tan. Your safety is the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season.