Travel Tip 11: Teach Your Loved Ones How To Find You
If you went missing, would your loved ones know how to find you?
Two weeks ago, I went camping in the Gila National Forest. The night before leaving, I confirmed to my mom that I'd be spending the night in the forest. Unfortunately, Mom was half asleep and misheard me.
Consequently, she spent 24 hours wondering if her only child had gone missing. If your family was in a similar situation―or if you did go missing―would they know how to find you?
ANYONE Could Go Missing
If you're like most solo travelers, you probably don't want to think about the possibility of going missing while you're on your trip. But the truth is, it can happen to anyone, including partnered travelers. I'm sure we all remember the story of Gabbie Petito. My mom sure does!
While camping in the Gila National Forest, I had no service. Consequently, I was in no position to call my mom and let her know I was okay. Neither did I know she was panicking across the country in Atlanta.
She did check the location data on trackers hidden in my truck and my gear. Despite no phone service, it told her exactly where I was. Sadly, because she thought I was supposed to be heading back home, she felt the data was inaccurate and panicked anyway.
Balance Privacy and Safety
Some people might dislike the idea of their family members having access to their location data. Still, someone should if you're traveling solo or have a volatile relationship with your travel partner(s).
It gives my mom some peace of mind to know that if I ever go missing, she can at least locate my truck, cat, campsite, and hopefully me.
She can also at least tell park rangers and law enforcement my last tracked whereabouts. That would put them in a much better position to bring me home safely.
While I enjoyed my campfire and gazed up at the stars, going missing never once crossed my mind. But, in the Atlanta suburbs, my mom counted down the hours until she could call the police. Luckily, I called her immediately after leaving the park!
Next week, if you're a paid subscriber, you'll receive my recommendations for trackers, communication devices, and safety procedures that you can share with your loved ones!