How to keep valuables safe while travelling

With summer just around the corner, many of us will be looking forward to a holiday away. However, while we’re happy to spend long hours thinking about sightseeing and sunbathing, keeping our valuables safe while we’re away is often the last thing on our holiday checklist.

At a time when more of us are travelling, and flying has become almost second nature, it’s easy to overlook the value of the possessions we carry with us. From clothing and digital cameras, to iPads, passports, jewellery and travel money, modern travel often means travelling with a suitcase full of expensive items.

So, whether you’re going off the beaten track or heading for the city, here are five ways to keep your valuables safe away from home.

1. Don’t stand out

Remember the phrase, ‘it’s easy to spot a tourist’? If you’re out and about in a new city or local village, an expensive new rucksack, valuable jewellery or high-tech cameras could all make you a target for pickpockets and thieves. Similarly, dressing in ways that make you stand out from the crowd could quickly mark you out for unwanted attention. As a rule, it’s a good idea to take a leaf out of the locals’ book, blend in, dress down and keep expensive items out of sight.

2. Only pack what you need

Less is definitely better when it comes to holiday valuables. Before you go, it’s worth considering what you actually need to take. Do you have to take all your credit cards, or will one be enough? Could you leave that shiny new laptop in the office and take an older one? And could you leave some of your jewellery at home? The less you take, the less you will have to worry about when you get to your destination.

3. Travel light

When you’re heading out of the hotel on your first day away, the same rules apply. Work out how much money you will need for the day and leave the rest in the hotel safe. If you’re staying somewhere without a safe, consider taking your own. Wherever possible, take a few low denomination notes and coins – rather than high value bank notes – so you can pay for everyday items like bus tickets and coffees without flashing around too much cash.

Pack away electronic gadgets too and take the documents you don’t need to carry – like your airline ticket – out of your hand luggage. Unless you’re hiring a car, or planning a night on the town, it’s also a good idea to park your passport and driving licence. And if you’re wearing an expensive watch or jewellery, consider leaving these in the safe too.

4. Keep it close

Whether you’re on the plane on the way there, or milling around in the village square, it’s important to keep valuable items on your person - or close to you. Pickpockets often strike when you’re distracted, but with a wearable money belt you can safely conceal money and identity documents under your clothing. For extra protection, think about a slash proof bag that can’t be easily removed or cut by passing thieves.

5. Have a plan B

Even the best laid plans can go wrong. So regular travellers often make photocopies of their most important travel documents and leave these back at the hotel. Alternatively, you can email these to yourself. Making back-ups of your mobile and laptop also makes good sense. Last, but not least, make up a back-up wallet with some emergency money and a credit card. So, if the worst should happen, you can quickly get back to the hotel.

So there you have it, with a little planning, you can enjoy travelling, keep your valuables under lock and key and spend your summer holidays drama-free.

Here at ADT we want to make sure, whether you’re home or away, your valuables are safe and sound. Talk to one of our experts today about home security packages.

https://www.theactivetimes.com/travel/n/7-simple-tips-keeping-your-valuables-safe-while-traveling

https://www.tripsavvy.com/wearable-ways-to-keep-valuables-safe-3260058

https://www.dangerous-business.com/2018/05/how-to-keep-your-money-and-valuables-safe-on-your-travels/