Children aren't the only ones who look forward to a summer vacation. Many adults eagerly await the day when they can take a week or two off from work and enjoy a trip to some far-off destination.

While this travel can create unforgettable memories, it can also leave one's home more vulnerable to burglary. The last thing you want is to return from a trip and find that someone has broken into your home and stolen some of your prized possessions.

The Insurance Information Institute says the majority of burglaries target residential properties, and the rate of burglaries is at its highest in July and August. But burglary is often a crime of opportunity; if you prepare your home and make it more difficult for someone to enter, you can greatly reduce your chances of an unpleasant surprise when you return from vacation.

Before you leave, take steps to avoid any obvious signs that your home is vacant. George Johnson Insurance, a company in Spartanburg, S.C., says you should put a hold on your mail and newspaper deliveries to prevent these items from piling up at your home. You can also ask a neighbor to collect any package deliveries or fliers they notice by your front door so they don't linger there for several days.

An overgrown lawn can also be a hint that the homeowners are away. If you think the grass will get noticeably tall during your vacation, arrange for someone to mow it.

Making it look like your home is still inhabited can be an effective deterrent. Instead of shutting all blinds or drapes, leave them in their usual position. ADS Security, a home security and monitoring company based in Nashville, says you can put some lights on timers to switch on as the sun goes down.

Tell a trusted neighbor or two when you will be away. These people can keep an eye on your property and alert the police to any suspicious activity. You can also tell your local police department, since they may be willing to periodically stop by your home to see if anything is amiss.

Don't make your home attractive to burglars. Laptops, jewelry, and other valuable items should be stored where they are not easily visible to anyone peering through a window. J & J Locksmith, a company in Jacksonville, Fla., says documents with personal information should be stored in a safe or other secure location.

Any computers in the home should be shut down and disconnected from the Internet. If a computer is easily accessible, a burglar might use it to access bank accounts or other personal information.

The exterior of your home should not provide any cover or easy access for an intruder. You should have exterior lighting that comes on at night or is motion activated. These lights can clearly illuminate anyone lurking outside your home.

If you have shrubs or bushes around your home, trim them back so a burglar cannot use them as a hiding place. Avoid storing spare keys under the doormat, a flowerpot, or in any other common location where they can easily be found.

Secure all entrances into the home. George Johnson Insurance recommends using deadbolts whenever possible. The locks on sliding glass doors are often easier to pick, so you should put a piece of lumber or other obstacle into the track to keep the door from opening.

You might want to invest in a new door if the one you have isn't sturdy. The Insurance Information Institute says a strong lock won't offer much protection if it can easily be broken away from the door or frame. A metal or solid hardwood door or frame is ideal.

An air conditioner can easily provide a route into the home if it is left in place when you leave for vacation. The home phone and security company Ooma recommends removing these units or installing sensors near them to alert you if there is activity nearby.

New technologies can instantly alert you if there is a burglar at your home. Some smart doorbells will begin recording video if they sense someone at the doorstep. You can also install wireless sensors on your window to let you know if they are being opened.

A traditional alarm system can deter intruders. J & J Locksmith says many systems will contact an outside service, which can then quickly alert the police. Make sure the alarm is armed before you leave.

It can be tempting to share news and photos from your vacation, but it is better to save these social media posts for after you return. These updates might be seen by the wrong person, who will then know that you aren't at home.