Armed on Vacation

For many American families the summer involves a vacation trip to the beach.  The beach involves dress and routine that poses challenges to staying armed.  Still, do not think that bad things cease to exist just because you are on vacation.  If vacationing in a free state where you can go armed, legally, you should do so.  But, there are some added complications to consider. 

I will not wade into the legal discussion of where or when you can carry as every destination may be different.  However, when on vacation there may be times when you can’t legally or practically carry your handgun, so this might entail leaving the gun secured in a hotel room or condo.  Again, I will not discuss whether or not hotel policy permits firearms, that knowledge and decision is on the individual.  If, however, you will be leaving a handgun in a hotel room or condo while you are actually at the beach, you need to secure it.  The best way to do so is with a locking hand safe that can also be locked to something in the room. 

A hand safe with a security cable that can be wound around something solid works for this.  Consider, again, the legalities and if room service will be cleaning your room.  If so, I think leaving a gun in the unattended room is a no-go.  But, if staying where nobody will be entering the place for the duration, a hand safe that is cabled to a solid structure goes a long way in preventing theft.  It can certainly still get stolen, but it makes it much more difficult to simply walk away with a casual thief than otherwise.  Further, consider safety for the household.  If you have small children, leaving a handgun lying somewhere in the room or condo is a no-go and it needs to be locked up if it is not on your person.

I am generally apposed to off-body carry, but beach vacations may be the exception to my rule.  However, if you have a gun in a bag, you damn well need to have control of the bag at all times.  You cannot leave a bag with a gun in it unattended on the beach while you go in the water. 

And, consider that a small and easy to carry gun is likely much more likely to remain on your person when you are only wearing shorts and t-shirts.  Pocket carry is often a good solution for vacation, or perhaps a deep concealment solution like the Enigma, something that does not rely on a belt that is likely not there.

Stay armed and vigilant whenever possible.  Evil does not take a break on your vacation.