When you’re planning your first trip abroad, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of exploring new destinations. However, keeping your belongings safe should also be a priority. Here are some essential anti-theft travel tips to ensure your journey is both fun and secure.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the best pieces of advice for staying safe while traveling is to always be aware of your surroundings. Whether you’re wandering through the streets of Paris or enjoying gelato in Rome, it’s important to stay alert. Keep your bag in front of you with a hand on it, especially in crowded places like public transit. This simple habit can prevent pickpockets from sneaking a hand into your bag. Also, avoid keeping your phone in your back pocket unless it’s secured with a snap or zipper.
Read Up on Common Scams
Before you travel, do a quick online search for common scams in your destination city. Knowing what to watch out for can help you avoid falling victim to these tricks. For example, in Paris, be wary of kids asking you to sign petitions. These are often ploys to distract you while an accomplice tries to pick your pocket. A firm “No” and keeping your hand on your bag can help you avoid these scams.
Choose the Right Travel Bag
Investing in a good travel bag can provide peace of mind. At a minimum, choose a crossbody bag made of durable material with a zipper. For added security, consider a bag like the PacSafe Citysafe, which features slash-proof fabric and straps, a lockable zipper, an RFID-blocking pocket, and a security hook to attach your bag to a fixed object. These features can deter thieves and protect your belongings.
Money Belts: Pros and Cons
Many travelers buy money belts but rarely use them. If you decide to use a money belt, be discreet. Don’t treat it like a coin purse by pulling cash from it in public. Instead, carry only a day’s worth of cash on you and keep the rest locked up at your accommodation. Money belts are most useful during long inter-city travel when you have all your possessions with you.
Stash Your Cash in Multiple Places
Avoid keeping all your cash in one place. Distribute it between your purse, carry-on, and checked luggage. Better yet, travel with minimal cash and rely on credit cards and ATMs, especially in cities like London or New York. Using credit cards not only reduces the risk of losing all your cash but also helps you earn rewards points.
Carry Backup Payment Options
Travel with a backup debit or credit card in case your primary card is lost, stolen, or stops working. Keep these backup cards separate from your regular cards. This way, if your wallet goes missing, you still have access to funds until you return home.
Backup Your Electronics
Before you leave, back up all your data to the cloud or another device at home. Automatically store your photos in the cloud to avoid losing precious memories if your device is lost or stolen. This simple step can save you a lot of stress if something goes wrong.
Install Anti-Theft Software
Install anti-theft software on your devices. Tools like Prey can track the location of your device, remotely lock it, send messages to the screen, or sound an alarm. If you can’t recover the device, you can still retrieve files and remotely wipe sensitive data. This software can also help law enforcement track down your stolen property.
Use Pack Locks
Bring your own locks if your accommodations don’t have a safe. Hostels often don’t provide locks for their lockers, so it’s good to have your own. Use locks to secure your suitcase zippers and consider a lock with a cable to secure your bag to a fixed object, making it less attractive to thieves.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Finally, invest in comprehensive travel insurance. While travel insurance typically doesn’t cover stolen cash, it can cover the replacement of items like phones and laptops. If you’ve backed up your data and purchased a good insurance plan, you can replace your items without a significant financial burden.
Conclusion
Don’t let the fear of pickpockets or thieves prevent you from traveling. With these anti-theft tips, you can protect your belongings and focus on making memories that will last a lifetime. Remember, while things can be replaced, the experiences and memories from your travels are priceless
