Top Ten Tips - Protecting Your Valuables While Traveling
By Tip Diva | May 10, 2008
Categories: Airplane, Airport, Behavior, Bus, CDs, Difficulty, Money, Papers, Safety, Scams, Shopping, Tips, Train, Travel, Web Search
When traveling, it’s not the best idea to carry around a lot of valuables with you. But there are situations when you have to, so here’s how to best protect yourself:
- Try To Limit Your Valuables - Is it really necessary to be carrying around an iPod, diamond jewelry, a laptop, a digital camera, a fat wad of cash and every credit card you own? Think of what you’ll really need for your trip and leave the rest home. Also consider safer alternatives: a cheap personal CD player, costume jewelry, using the hotel’s business center, a disposable camera and travelers’ checks, to name a few.
- Never Put Valuables In Checked Baggage - If you are carrying valuables with you, never put them in checked baggage - always take them in a carry-on or your personal bag. If the bag gets lost or damaged, you may have a hard time getting compensation for lost or damaged goods.
- Make Use Of A Hotel Room Safe - Locking your room is not enough. If you have valuables, put them in your hotel room safe. If you don’t have a safe in your room, there’s usually one behind the front desk and they’ll gladly store your items for you. But beware: hotels are not responsible for things stolen from your room and have limited liability for items stored in safes. Ask your hotel about its policy.
- If You Have A Laptop, Bring An Alarm - If you’re carrying a laptop, bring a laptop alarm, which has a cable that attaches to your computer and a secure spot. If the cable is cut or broken, a loud alarm will sound, letting you know that someone is trying to make off with your laptop.
- Be Aware Of Your Surroundings - No matter where you’re visiting, always be aware of surroundings. Do not flash money or jewelry, and never fall asleep on a train or a bus.
- Keep Your Purse Or Wallet Close By - Keep your purse, wallet and bags safely beside you and in your sight at all times. Never keep your wallet in your back pocket, which is a top target for pick-pocketers. For more, see Top Ten Tips - Protecting Your Wallet.
- Keep Your Passport Separate From Your Purse Or Wallet - If you have to carry around your passport, keep it separate from your purse or wallet. Store it in your hotel room safe as much as possible.
- Carry Travelers’ Checks Instead Of Large Amounts Of Cash Or Credit Cards - Most distributors of travelers’ checks will replace your checks (or cheques) if lost. They are also safer than cash and are good to have if you can’t get to an ATM or a place doesn’t take credit cards.
- If You Need To Use An ATM, Do Not Take Out A Lot Of Cash - Limit your transactions, and be aware of people around you. You could be targeted or mugged if someone sees you take out a wad of cash.
- Make Copies Of All Documentation And Cards - Before you leave, make a copy of all documentation you’ll be carrying, including your passport, travelers’ checks, IDs, credit cards and more, and leave with a copy with a trusted person at home and keep a copy in your hotel safe. If you lose any of these, you have copies to call needed services to help you.
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