10 Ways to Protect Your Valuables When Traveling

Summer is almost over; can you believe it?! Now that the kids are preparing for school and parents are getting back to a normal routine, as the summer activities of entertaining the family are coming to an end... it's time to plan those Fall/Winter vacations while prices are still low.  As you begin to plan those trips, there are some things many don't think about, but is a note-worthy discussion. Most people don't want to think about the possibility of pick-pocketing or other thefts that can occur while traveling - and while most the time there is nothing to fear, it's always a good idea to prepare yourself to not be a target. I have compiled a list of 10 ways you can protect your valuables on your next vacation...

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1. Don't travel or wander off alone. Teams prey on single travelers. You're much safer in numbers.
   
   
2. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. If you're looking down, listening to music on your headphones, or just not paying attention, it's easier to become a victim. It's important not to allow yourself to become inebriated in bars in foreign places as well – remember how I said to stay alert? Yeah, a drunk tourist is an easy mark.
   
   
3. Don't wear tennis shoes in Europe, or any place that locals wouldn't normally wear tennis shoes. Really. Tennis shoes in many places scream tourist which makes you look like an easy target for pick-pocketing.
   
   
4. Another way to stick out as a target, oops I mean a tourist – opening a map or asking for directions. In this digital age, it's easier than ever to figure out where you are going online. Get a phone with internet for the week in the place you're visiting, and discreetly get directions that way. Better yet, determine your route from the safety of your hotel before you even leave the room.
   
   
5. While sight-seeing, keep your wallet, passport, and other valuables in your front pockets or in a concealed money belt.
   
   
6. Leave the jewelry at home. Nothing makes a thief think you have money faster than seeing a nice gold watch or diamond earrings. While you're at it, it's a good idea to avoid wearing clothes with expensive brands displayed on them, and name brand luggage. If you simply must bring valuables, be sure to have these items insured before you leave. Some travel insurance policies cover your valuables as well, but not all.
   
   
7. Don't use the default code on your hotel's safe. In fact, many travel magazines advise against a hotel's safe at all. Instead they suggest bringing a combination locked case that stays in your suitcase. This case will need to be unlocked while you're flying if the bag is checked for TSA compliance, however.
   
   
8. If you buy something exceptionally valuable on your trip, have it shipped home, and pay for the shipping insurance on the item.
   
   
9. If carrying cash, don't put it all in one place. Split your currency between yourself and your travel companion so that if one of you gets pick-pocketed, it's not all gone.
   
   
10. Finally, have a copy of all important travel documents such as your passport, identification, flight/transit boarding passes, travel insurance policy, etc… in a bag separate from the originals. In the event you do have your documents stolen, having the backup will make it easier for your embassy to get you home.
    
    

When you are ready to start planning your next adventure, give us a call (913) 244-9195! We offer many travel tips and suggestions to help make your vacation as stress-free and smooth as possible!

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