How to avoid the theft of your belongings on vacation?
Avoid theft while travelingTourists are favorite targets for pickpockets, who can ruin and even end your vacation in seconds. These little tips will help you protect yourself from a possible theft. Forewarned, you will be more confident and this risk will no longer seem so terrible to you and, if unfortunately it occurs, it will not manage to ruin your whole vacation.
5 tips to prevent the theft of money, papers and valuables
Avoid putting your money in the same place : the wallet is one of the priority targets of pickpockets. It is better to spread your money in different places. If you get robbed, you can be sure you still have some cash with you. Using a secret belt or money hider allows you to keep your passport, money and bank card safe from thieves. As far as possible, keep the minimum amount of money on you, even if it means carrying out frequent exchange transactions.
Plan a small bag to keep your valuables: the bag must be small enough to follow you everywhere, whether to the bathroom, or during trips. You will choose it in a discreet color so as not to attract the attention of malicious people. Valuables such as jewelry should be avoided during travel. Even cameras, video cameras or laptops should be kept out of sight as much as possible. In any case, be sure to place them at the bottom of your backpack to make them inaccessible.
Constantly monitor your luggage : when you travel, some of your luggage may be placed in a hold or a luggage rack. Choose a location where you can keep eye contact or, if it's difficult, at least have easy access to check them. This way you can react as quickly as possible if someone tries to steal your backpack, for example.
Secure your travel bag : There are several ways on the market to secure your luggage and prevent theft on vacation. The best known is certainly the padlock. If you are traveling to the United States, you must opt for a TSA-coded lock. It allows American security agents to carry out the usual checks without damaging the padlock or your luggage when using special tools. You can also use the Pacsafe which is a full backpack device and is very effective. Otherwise, the rain cover has a good deterrent effect since it prevents the thief from directly accessing your bag or its pockets. In the same spirit, the chain associated with the padlock constitutes a solid rampart, even if it is not very discreet.
Keep one or more copies of your important papers : before you leave, make photocopies of your passport and your important documents. As a precaution, distribute several copies in your luggage and send copies to your mailbox or to a cloud platform.
2 tips in case of aggression
Do not resist : playing the hero and risking being stabbed or beaten up for a few euros is a bad option. As you will have taken the precaution of distributing your money, the thief will leave with a meager booty. It should be understood that being the victim of a pickpocket while traveling is less serious than being hospitalized or undergoing surgery following an attack. Not to mention the cost it would represent, it would mostly mean the end of your vacation.
Give the thief a decoy : No one wants to be robbed on vacation. However, having prepared a wallet with local currency and a few euros can allow you to save the rest of your money.
3 tips on how to behave
Do not look like a tourist : the tourist is the main target of a pickpocket. You should avoid going out with a map or guide. Do not forget to find out about dangerous or infamous places in the city through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, travel blogs on the web or directly from the local population. Don't be too conspicuous when you go out. If you have to take a valuable item like a camera or camcorder out in public, hide it after you've used it. Likewise, always put your phone in your pocket and use earphones rather than headphones.
Don't show your fear: the weaker you appear, the more the thief will attack you. In the street, walk straight and with a firm step. Adopt a decisive approach, show that you have confidence in yourself. A potential pickpocket will think twice before stealing from you if he feels you are fully confident. Ignore verbal attacks and other provocations. Also avoid criticizing the regime or customs of the country you are visiting. In the same vein, it is advisable to respect the dress codes specific to certain regions.
Be vigilant: don't get distracted. Do not stray into uncrowded areas and only take “safe” means of transport, especially at night. Without going as far as paranoia, do not trust the first comer. At the hotel, confine your important documents and money to the safe in your room. Otherwise, use the reception one. Otherwise, lock your valuables in your suitcase with a padlock.
These little tricks will make you a well-informed person and "forewarned is forearmed", it is well known. However, more than tips, these are reflexes that should be assimilated, do you perhaps have others to share?
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