Essential Strategies for Securing Your Belongings During Travel
In the bustling world of travel, keeping your valuables secure is a top priority. From bus rides to hostels, public transportation can be a hotspot for theft, with tablets, laptops, cameras, mobile phones, and large amounts of cash being prime targets. To help you navigate this challenge, we've compiled a list of tips from an experienced travel blogger.
Firstly, investing in anti-theft bags is a wise choice. Look for bags with lockable zippers, slash-resistant material, and concealed compartments to deter thieves. For instance, the Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack boasts a built-in wire mesh and zips that lock, providing an extra layer of protection.
When it comes to cash, it's best to carry only a small amount, storing it securely in zipped or hidden compartments. Avoid money belts that highlight you as a tourist. Instead, consider a small minimal wallet holding essentials like one card, ID, some local currency, and emergency contacts.
Portable safes, like the PacSafe Portable Safe, can be a lifesaver when accommodation safes are unavailable or not trustworthy. This large, slash-proof bag has a super strong cable-tie sealing the top, which is secured by a sturdy padlock to an immovable object.
In the digital age, tracking devices like Apple AirTags or GPS trackers can be invaluable. They allow you to locate your luggage or valuable items in real time, providing peace of mind.
It's also essential to carry more than one credit/debit card on a trip, keeping them safely separate at all times. Prepaid travel currency cards can be a good alternative to bank cards, but it's important to keep a backup card safe.
Camouflaging your stuff is another effective strategy. Hide valuables within a less valuable and battered bag, keeping them in the middle of all your stuff. Store things like laptops and tablets inside ordinary-looking carrier bags or dry-sacs.
Lastly, avoid flashy luggage that draws attention. Opt for plain bags customized with name tags or ribbons for easy recognition without attracting thieves.
Remember, disasters and accidents can happen while traveling, and it's important to have travel insurance to be protected. Shop around for travel insurance using comparison sites like Money Supermarket to find the best cover for your trip.
In addition, a sturdy Combination Padlock is a good choice for locking hostel lockers, but make sure the code isn't easily guessable. Neck wallets, designed to be worn under clothing, offer an added layer of security with an RFID-blocking layer to prevent illegal scans of cards & passport.
Leaving your newer, more expensive, 'good' laptop at home and traveling instead with an older, smaller, and more scuffed-up Chromebook can help deter opportunistic thieves. Hostels often provide lockers, but it's best to bring your own lock for added security.
By following these tips, you can travel with confidence, knowing that your valuables are well-protected. Happy travels!
- Anti-theft bags, such as the Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack, with lockable zippers, slash-resistant material, and concealed compartments, can help deter thieves when traveling.
- Carrying a small amount of cash, securely stored in zipped or hidden compartments, is recommended to avoid drawing thief's attention when traveling.
- The PacSafe Portable Safe, with slash-proof material, a super strong cable-tie sealing the top, and a sturdy padlock, can be a lifesaver when accommodation safes are unavailable or not trustworthy during travel.
