5 Tips: Traveling Safely

As a tourist, you're often an easy target for scammers and thieves. Blogger Dorie, who runs the blog of the same name, thedorie, shares her 5 tips for safe travel!

Which bag is safe for travel?

Instead of a handbag, choose a shoulder bag. Make sure the strap is made of sturdy material so it can’t be easily cut through. A fanny pack is even better. You wear it close to your body and always have it in sight. Plus: Belt bags are back in style—a win-win! If you prefer a backpack, choose one made of sturdy material with a concealed zipper. That way, you’ll give pickpockets fewer opportunities.

Hide your valuables!

If you keep everything in one place, it’s very easy for everything to go missing. That’s why you should leave a few valuables at the hotel: Store them in a secure place, such as the hotel safe or in the hidden compartment of your suitcase. A passport holder with a card pocket also protects your documents and keeps them together. When you’re out and about, you should keep some of your valuables in a fanny pack or backpack, for example, and the rest in the inside pocket of your jacket or the front pocket of your pants. Extra tip: Set aside some cash in advance to pay for small purchases. That way, you won’t have to constantly pull out your wallet, and you’ll be less of a target for thieves.

Be mindful!

If you want to stay safe while traveling, pay attention to what’s going on around you. Also, it’s better to place your bag on your lap or at your feet rather than hanging it on the back of your seat, and put your valuables away. One very important tip: Always keep your bag or backpack zipped shut!

Know the tricks!

Every city has its own con artists, so it’s a good idea to Google the scams specific to that city beforehand. To withdraw money safely while traveling, also use—if possible—ATMs located INSIDE bank buildings, and bring two debit cards with you in case one stops working. It’s also important to always have your banks’ international blocking numbers on hand, just in case something happens.

Make backup copies!

... of your most important documents and save them to the cloud. Depending on where I am and how long I’ll be there, I also print out copies and keep them on my phone as downloads. That way, you can prove your identity more easily in an emergency.

That may sound like a lot of rules, but you shouldn't let that stop you from traveling. My tips are just meant to help you feel safe while traveling. Look forward to your next adventure, and have a great trip!

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