6 Tips for Keeping Valuables Safe on Holiday

If you’re going on holiday, make sure to keep your money and possessions secure. Don’t let your money, jewellery or other valuables “go walkies” while you’re chilling out. Keep them safe at all times with these six simple tricks.

1. Take the minimum

Limit the problem of security by limiting what you take on your trip. Carry enough ready money to cover small expenses and emergencies, but use your bank card for the rest.

If that goes missing, your bank can bar withdrawals and issue you a new card, whereas stolen cash can rarely be retrieved. Similarly, restrict the amount of jewelry and finery you take, leaving your most precious items safe at home. You can apply the same rule to other valuables, too, such as hi-tech equipment.

2. Divide and share

Divide up your money and valuables to stow away in different places. This will limit the scope of any theft. Use several different secure storage places at a time while traveling, such as an inner pocket, a money belt and a locked suitcase.

On arrival at your holiday destination, make similar arrangements there, perhaps keeping some items in a safe box, others in cases and furnishings, and some on your person. To spread your cash and precious items even more thinly, hand over some to your partner or another reliable adult in your party for them to take care of through the holiday.

3. Arrange secure storage

Don’t tempt pickpockets by flaunting jewelry or gadgets in public, or by carrying money in open bags or shallow pockets. Keep precious items out of sight and reach, tucked away in secure places. An inside pocket, or a deep, zipped-up one, will be pretty secure, and a money belt or pouch worn next to your skin will be even safer.

A locked case or fastened bag held close to you will be much more secure than an open, swinging shoulder bag or other casual arrangements. Some hotels offer safe storage of valuables, so it’s worth inquiring at yours; otherwise, make use of your lockable luggage and any good hiding places you can find, just in case of any light fingers around the place. See also: Best Sling Backpacks for Travel and Everyday Use

4. Don’t leave unattended

Never leave your accommodation unlocked, however remote or friendly the area seems. It only takes a moment for a curious person to slip inside and whisk something away. When out and about, take care not to leave valuable items anywhere where they could be snatched up, such as in an unlocked car, changing room, bathroom or café, even for a minute, unless you’re certain there is no one else about.

If going for a splash in the sea, ask your partner or friend to take care of your wallet, camera and smartphone, and anything else precious you may have with you, rather than leave them unattended.

5. Avoid crowds

If you’re heading to a tourist spot or any busy place, try to keep away from the crowds. The emptier the space around you, the less of a target you’ll be for pickpockets and bag-snatchers.

If possible, avoid the busiest times of day, and if planning for next year, perhaps avoid the busiest seasons, too. Stay close to your partner or party for mutual protection and vigilance. You may be fascinated by your surroundings, but a thief may be equally fascinated by your wallet.

6. Log out of your laptop

If you’re taking a laptop, tablet or other computerized items, make sure your passwords are secure and log out when not using it. This way you can guard your personal data and private information from anyone who may try and tap in, while also making your equipment less tempting to thieves and fraudsters. You may choose to keep your smartphone permanently switched on, but take care to log out whenever you can.

There may be no thieves for miles around, but when you’re away from home, you can never be sure. But with these simple precautions, you can relax and enjoy yourself wherever you are!

See Also:

• The Best Packing Tips for a Stress-Free Travel Experience
• Choosing the Right Weekend Travel Bag for You