If it’s true that the Indianapolis 500 is the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” (and it is…), there’s a good chance that Memorial Day weekend may soon take its place as the “Greatest Spectacle in Road Trips”.

And while it’s true, that you’re not going to see any other place on Earth – besides Speedway, Indiana, host an event where more than 350,000 people will gather inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and create for a day the Hoosier State’s third largest city – Memorial Day travel is projected to beat a 20-year-old record.

According to AAA, 45.1 million people are expected to hit the road and venture out at least 50 miles from home beginning Thursday, May 22^nd through Monday, May 26^th!

Here in Indiana, nearly 971,000 people are expected to travel, with more than 883,000 driving while 52,000 will take to the skies and another 35,000 will use trains, buses, and other modes of travel to reach their destination. All of it adds up to the highest volume of travelers ever on record for the holiday weekend (and that includes National Road Trip Day on Friday).

Of course, for all of the fun we expect to have while we’re away, cybercriminals are already making their own plans to try and take advantage of all of us with a variety of online scams – involving everything from fake charity appeals (especially those targeting veterans and their families), fraudulent travel deals and counterfeit tickets (to sporting events) to all sorts of phishing emails and text messages.

Before heading out, it’s a good idea to follow just a few simple steps to stay protected, such as:

• Travel lightly, in terms of the number of devices you take with you. The more laptops, tablets, and/or smart phones you bring with you, the more risk you’ll, potentially, open yourself up to.
• Check the privacy and security settings on your web services and apps. Be sure to set limits on how and with whom you share information and consider changing some features, such as location tracking, while you’re away.
• Set up the “find my phone” feature – In addition to allowing to locate your phone, it’ll give you the power to remotely wipe data or disable the device if it gets into the wrong hands.

Once you arrive, be it at the track, your in-law’s house, or the resort where you’re staying, there are a few best practices you can follow, too, while you’re on the go, including:

• Turning off your location services (when you’re not using your device) and consider limiting how you share your location on social media. Your location can be exposed, even through the photos you take).
• Use secure Wi-Fi – Avoid transmitting any personal or financial information or making any purchases on an unsecure or public Wi-Fi network. Instead, use a VPN (virtual private network) or your phone as a personal hotspot to be more secure.
• Wait until you get home to post any pictures.

As you and your family, friends, and co-workers get ready for the weekend, it’s important to keep in mind that, in as much as we’ve reached a point where the Memorial Day weekend is recognized as a celebration (as well as the end of the school year and the start of summer), it’s also a time for reflection on Memorial Day (on Monday, May 26th); a day of remembrance of those who’ve died in active military service to our country.

With that in mind, here’s hoping that wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, that you experience not only safe travels in reaching your destination and returning home, but that you’re able to stay protected whenever you’re online!