Always check your surroundings when traveling; being prepared will ensure a smooth journey. (Donna Cope/Alabama NewsCenter)

Millions of Americans are hitting the roads and taking to the skies for summer vacation.

Jeff Walker, Ph.D., criminal justice professor and chair in the University of Alabama at Birmingham College of Arts and Sciences, shares some tips to keep yourself and your personal property safe while you are traveling this summer.

Stay in the best hotel you can

“This does not mean that everyone has to stay in a five-star hotel,” Walker said. “Find a hotel that works for your budget; but be sure to read the hotel reviews, and pull up a map to check out the surrounding area.

Work with reputable sites when booking rental properties

Ask friends and family about their experiences with rental property websites. Follow the same guidelines as if you were booking a hotel, read the reviews and look up the property address on a map to check out the surrounding area.

“Pay attention to exactly what you are booking,” Walker said. “Properties on popular rental websites range from an entire home or apartment to only a room inside a home or apartment.”

Going out of town? Be sure to let your friends and family know your whereabouts and travel itinerary. (Donna Cope/Alabama NewsCenter)

Take measures to secure your home

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, rates of household burglary tend to be higher during the months of June, July and August – peak summer vacation season.

“Burglary is often a crime of opportunity,” Walker said. “Tell a neighbor about your travel plans and ask them to help keep an eye on things while you’re away. You can also call your local police department to put in a vacation notice, and they will drive by your home periodically while you are away. Most importantly, don’t broadcast your plans on social media.”

If you have automated home lighting, make sure lights are not scheduled to turn on and off at the same time each day. Vary the times they are scheduled. Lock all doors and windows, and do not forget about the garage and any doors leading to it. Do not leave garbage cans on the curb, and if you receive newspaper deliveries, have your subscriptions held until you return.

Don’t leave valuables out in the open

Walker recommends using a hotel safe if there is one available. If not, keep valuables with you whenever you are out of the room. Keep cash and credit cards in separate places so you will have something to fall back on if your wallet is lost or stolen.

If you are traveling by car or leaving a car parked at home or at the airport, lock the doors and make sure there are no valuables lying around in plain sight in the vehicle.

Pay attention to your surroundings 

Pay attention to what is going on around you. It is also a good idea to let friends and family at home know your itinerary.