Protecting Your Stuff
- Lock up your stuff in your hotel/hostel. There are many good key and combo locks for sale out there. If you are staying in a hostel, there is usually a locker or cabinet to store your stuff while you explore during the day.
- Never keep valuables in easy to reach places. Cameras, wallets, cell phones, and other important things should never be stored around the neck, on the belt, in a back pocket, or in any other unprotected place.
- Never carry a shoulder bag. Or at least be sure the strap can reach across your body so that your bag is on the opposite side of your body as the shoulder the strap is resting on. A vulnerable bag on a shoulder is screaming to get snatched. If you are traveling in crowded places it’s a good idea to keep your hand on your bag.
- Secure your money. I personally hate money belts, but they are really the most secure way to carry money. If you keep money in a purse or day bag, be sure to keep that bag on you at all times. Always carry extra money in a separate bag, such as your backpack or suitcase. For extra security, store more back up money in a shoe or bra strap.
- In addition to the copies of important documents that you have with relatives back at home, be sure to have copies of them with you as well. Store them in different bags than the original in case one or more of your bags gets lost or stolen.
- Be particularly cautious of thieves in crowded areas such as tourist attractions, shopping centers, and public transportation terminals.
- Always be vigilant.
