How to Protect Valuables When Traveling

When you're far from home, the last thing you want to worry about is losing something near and dear to your heart... or worse, being without necessary travel credentials. To help safeguard not only your valuables, but your trip logistics and peace of mind, we've put together a few tips on safeguarding your most precious possessions while traveling. 

1. DON'T PUT VALUABLES IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE
Carry money, jewelry and other valuables on your person, rather than stowing them in checked luggage. Not enough room for your items when packing your carry on? Consider leaving those extra valuables at home! Did you buy nice gifts while away? Most hotels can assist with shipping items home whether domestically or internationally. 

2. CARRY YOUR MONEY IN DIFFERENT PLACES
George Costanza taught us a thing or two about thick wallets. Avoid the backaches and keep your money safer by divvying up cash and credit cards into multiple locations. Place some in your wallet, and choose a couple other backup locations - a purse, hip belt, zippered chest or pant pocket, money belt, backpack, or even with a travel companion. That way if a wallet or bag goes missing, you will have secured money elsewhere. 

3. WEAR YOUR CASH
By default most people carry their money in a wallet or bag (purse, backpack, etc). Make sure that one of your multiple money carrying locations is on your person, in addition to a wallet or bag. Money belts are more common, but we are loving these unique wearable options: vests with internal chest pockets, money socks, Sholdit pocketed infinity scarves, Travelsmith's pickpocket proof pants, and even garters and bras built to act as wearable wallets - convenient and clever!

4. STORE COPIES OF YOUR DOCUMENTS
When going overseas, make sure to make copies of your passport, flight tickets, insurance documents, hotel reservations, and anything else of importance. Scan the documents and either email them to yourself or upload them to a syncing program like Evernote. When an emergency strikes, having easy access to backup copies of your info via any internet connection will be indispensable. 

5. LEAVE EXPENSIVE JEWELRY AT HOME
While you may love your favorite pieces of sparkle, we recommend not advertising your wealth on vacation by wearing expensive jewelry. This could attract unwanted attention and make you a more tempting target for thieves.

6. STASH YOUR VALUABLES
Most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses have a safe that you can use, either at the reception or in your room. Make use of it. Keep most of your valuables safely stashed, and only take what you really need out with you on your day's adventures. Travel lightly while significantly reducing the chance of losing any of your valuables.

7. LIMIT THE CASH IN YOUR WALLET
Do you find yourself regularly taking out your wallet while out adventuring? Shops, bars, restaurants, oh my! Consider keeping just a small amount of cash inside. Whenever you take out your wallet, you advertise its contents to those around you, and you never know who could be watching.

Travel smart, travel light, and get out and explore! Do you have any of your own tried and true ways to safeguard your valuables while adventuring? Share them with us in the comments section below!

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