21 Tips for Travelers On How To Keep Their Valuables Safe

by Liz Brian
(Australia)

There you are, enjoying the perfect vacation of a lifetime, taking in the sights and sounds of a new place, while someone you don’t know is busy picking your pocket. Or making a grab for your bag. Or slipping that gold chain off your neck. What can you do to keep your valuables safe and enjoy your vacation? We know these twenty ways will help you.

Photo Credit: Yuval Y - Flickr

Safe Ways To Store Valuables While Shopping

1. Hidden Money Pouch: Get yourself a money pouch to wear under your clothing. Keep most of your money, your passport, travel papers and other important stuff in there.

2. Bra Wallet: For a woman, a bra wallet is the best place to store valuables. This discreet wallet is usually made of soft material, and can be clipped on to the inside of your bra.

3. Money Belt: A money belt has a discreet zipper at the back of the belt which opens a compartment for bills. It’s not easy to access, and looks just like a regular belt from outside.

4. Carry A Dummy Wallet: If you’re carrying a purse or a wallet, stuff it with play money, paper and expired credit cards. Anyone with a mind to rob you will leave your real valuables alone.

5. Use A Wallet Chain: Get a chain wallet which is attached to a hook inside your pocket. If a pickpocket does try to relieve you of the wallet, the chain will keep your wallet safe.

6. Safe Ways To Store Valuables While Flying
7. Spread Out Your Valuables: Don’t carry all your cash in your wallet or handbag while flying. Keep some cash in a money belt, bra wallet, and soft pouch inside your shoes and so on.

8. Share With Companion: If you’re traveling with a companion, split your cash and valuables with your companion. If you have 4 hand luggage pieces, store some valuables in each one.

9. Get Lockable Hand Luggage: Get a handbag and a carryon piece that uses a regular lock or a combination. You can leave it on the security conveyor belt while you’re being patted down and still not worry.

Ways To Secure Document Safety

10. Keep Multiple Copies: Take multiple copies of all important documents; put one set in your hotel, one in your carryon bag, one in your handbag and one in the luggage you check in.

11. Keep Scanned Copies: Make a digital scan of all important documents including travel insurance, medical prescriptions, doctor’s letters, embassy contact information and so on. Create PDF documents and email them to yourself.

12. Keep Copies With Friends: Email your scanned documents to a couple of people known to you. In an emergency, even if you are not able to immediately access your email, you can call a friend to fax them over to your embassy.

Keeping Money Safe at The ATM

13. Look Back: Before inputting your ATM card into the slot, look back. If you see anyone standing too close, ask them to step away till they’re at least 4 feet away. If the person does not comply, don’t withdraw cash.

14. Use Crowded ATMS: A crowded ATM is better than a lonely, dark one. As long as you make sure no one’s standing too close to you, it’s fine.

15. ATM Receipt: Don’t leave this discriminating piece of document behind; it can be misused.

16. Use Brightly Lit Places: Using ATMs at brightly lit malls and theatres is a better idea than using one on a lonely street, or in a hidden, dark corner.

17. Don’t Dilly Dally: The moment your cash is out, stuff it in your bag or the inner pocket of your jacket. Don’t stand there counting your cash, rummaging in your back or adjusting your jacket.

18. Don’t Allow Anyone To Follow: If you’re using a closed ATM service that needs you to key in your card, make sure no one pushes in behind you. Look back before inserting your card and ensure no one’s standing too close.

General Valuable Safety Tips

19. Don’t Accept Random Help: Too many random people try to get tourists’ attention at crowded airports, train and bus stations. Don’t accept help from so-called translators, drivers, and currency exchangers and so on. Plan your trip to the last detail and avoid being scammed or robbed.

20. Be Aware: Take stock of your surroundings the moment you leave your hotel room. Be aware of everyone and everything; don’t take your bag off and place it anywhere. Keep checking your pockets and your bag for your valuables all the time.

21. Carry Fewer Things: When you’re traveling, shopping or sightseeing, make sure you’re not burdened with too many things. The more things you have, the more distracted you’ll be and the easier it will be to steal from you.

Guest blogger Liz Brian writes for an Australian website with lots of great Valentine gift ideas. If you're looking for a unique gift for your guy, check out Adrenalin's gifts for men.