Friday, December 6, 2013

How to protect yourself from theft overseas



When it comes to travelling overseas, there is the seductive side of creating a brand new adventure and experience like none other. Then there is the side of travelling, that let’s face it, is a bit of a buzz kill. You know what I mean, passports, itineraries, insurances, vaccinations, and those embarrassing money wallets you keep under your clothes – because that’s not suspicious at all. As annoying as these things are to manage, the alternative is much worse. Being stuck in a foreign country without so much as your wallet or passport is a frightening reality for many tourists. And while we’ve all heard the horror stories and thought never in a million years, theft is more common than you think. After all, there is a reason why you always see those Beware of Pickpockets signs plastered on the streets of foreign countries. So how do you reduce the risk of theft? It’s easier than you think, just apply these tips for your next overseas voyage.

Copy, scan and email all your important documents

To no surprise, legal documents like your passport, birth certificate and your legal I.D (drivers licence) are worth a few bob on the black market. Anyone who gets their greasy hands on them will rolling in dough for the next month, not to mention how awkward it will be when someone else shows up with your identity. If any of these documents are stolen, immediately contact your embassy. You may need other forms of identification and if this is the case make sure you have hard copies stashed in a safe place. Another simple precautionary measure is to scan all your travel documents including emergency numbers and email them to yourself, your travel buddies and your family. Check out this URL for more tips from Travel Money Ozon keeping your documents safe.

Don’t assume your bag is safe under the table

Picture this: You’ve just discovered a quaint little café famous for delicious coffee on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Once you have ordered, you do what you normally would when going out to a café; you’d fling your bag on the ground (or over the chair, I’m not fussy) and take a seat. You remember talking to a few friendly faces throughout your caffeine break, however when it’s time to go, you reach down to pick up your bag but oh no – it’s gone! This picture I’ve just painted you may seem a bit extreme, but it does happen frequently enough to make a point about it. Avoid this situation by looping your bag strap around the chair.

Attach travel locks – even at the hotel

On the chance that you’re cleaning gent or lady takes a fancy to your little black dress, attach some sturdy locks to your main luggage every time you venture out of the hotel. It doesn’t matter how reputable the establishment is, theft by hotel staff still happens.

Rely on intuition and common sense

Lost, confused and disorientated tourists are easy prey. A predator is on the lookout for that and they will exploit it instantly. Confidence is the key, but how do you get it? Preparation. Do some intensive research into the country you are travelling to and pay extra attention to criminal hotspots, areas of transportation around your hotel, local eateries, local customs and cultures.
Remember, being cautious is always a good thing, but don’t let it get to the point where your fear overrides your ability to go off the beaten track. Keep smart, stay savvy but most importantly, have fun!

11 yorum:

  1. Also putting all your important stuff in a safe inside the hotel is very important because only you will know the code combination.

    ReplyDelete
  2. security and protection is foremost important when travelling abroad, important documents must be ensured to be well-kept in the safebox

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice tips for travelling; always be careful, smart, courteous and be brave to face any dangers that may come along.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very informative, I love the very detailed tips on how to have a smooth travel

    ReplyDelete
  5. Agree! Safety first. I also get calling cards or contact number of the hotel where I'm staying. In case of emergency, I can contact someone who can help me.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very useful tips. I'll keep this in mind. Who knows by next year I can enjoy my first international trip.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The first tip is the most important talaga. We must learn (and master) saving extra copies and backups for our important documents especially when we are abroad.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have heard countless instances where money was stolen in hotels. Better safe than sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  9. i always put my bag on my lap when dining out in unfamiliar places, however, I do put it on another chair when I am confident of knowing the place all too well

    ReplyDelete
  10. Pretty informative! I like that scanning and keeping copies of everything important in the mail. I will do that today itself! Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. There are many gadgets and travel accessories available now that can help keep traveler's documents safe and secure. It is better to be safe than sorry.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for visiting. God bless you and your family always.