When you’re taking any sort of trip, safety is always a number one priority, and this applies to your belongings too. Most people will take many valuables with them on their travels, such as phone, camera, tablet, and extra money. It’s important to always do what you can to keep these valuables safe, and here are six tips to help with that.
- Have a Good System in Place
Try to have a designated place on your person for all key valuables so you know where to reach them when you need it. Whether it’s in your bag or in your pockets (or both), put your phone in one specific spot, your wallet in another, and so on. Make use of all bag sections and pockets you have available.
This will help you to stay organized and be able to notice more easily if anything is missing. It will also help you to avoid fumbling around trying to find something during those moments when you need something, like paying at a till.
- Don’t Take All Your Valuables Out with You
The more you carry with you, the more you’re at risk of losing something or having it stolen. Take only what you need out with you, so think ahead about what you need for the day. Most accommodation rooms will have a safe facility, but if not, think about storing them out of sight, or you could always rent a safe box nearby.
- Zips are Important
Try to avoid any clothing items with loose, open pockets. If you’re buying new items for a trip, think about handy zips. Zipped pockets will help to better secure your items. Try to also avoid putting anything valuable in back pockets, as these are more of an easy target for pickpockets. A zipped bag is also a good idea, and you can even put a small padlock on a zipped bag for extra security if needed.
- Straps are Helpful
There are a lot of items you may constantly be reaching for during your travels throughout the day, like a camera or your phone. Straps can add an extra layer of protection from loss, theft, or even dropping them and damaging them.
You can get a strap for your phone to place around your wrist when you’re holding it, and neck straps are handy for cameras, sunglasses, or regular glasses, as seen with Just-glasses.co.uk.
- Card May Be Better Than Cash
Using cash abroad can be very handy, such as getting a good exchange rate and avoiding extra credit card charges. Nevertheless, if you’re taking a large stack of cash around with you, you’re more at risk of losing it or being a target for thieves.
As an alternative to a credit card, you may want to consider a currency card topped up with the amount you need. This will not only save you room in your wallet and pocket but make it safer for transactions.
- Make Copies of Important Documents
You should always have a copy of documents like your passport or driving license. You don’t want to get stranded in another country if you lose your only copy of your passport, so be sure to make a copy and keep that somewhere safe, separate from the original. Leaving copies behind in a safe in your accommodation is a good idea.