Okay, so I’ve been doing a bunch of traveling lately, and one thing that’s always on my mind is keeping my stuff safe. Nobody wants to deal with theft, especially when you’re in a foreign country. So, I’ve put together a few things that have worked for me. I wanted to share it, maybe it will help you too!
My Anti-Theft Travel Routine
First things first, I ditched the flashy stuff. Seriously, no expensive jewelry, watches, or anything that screams “rob me.” I used to pack some of my nicer things, thinking I might want them for a fancy dinner or something, but honestly, it’s just not worth the risk. I swapped all of that out for some basic, inexpensive stuff.
Next, I got smart about my bags. I used to just use any old backpack, but now I have one with slash-proof material and lockable zippers. It’s a little heavier, but way more secure. I also got a small crossbody bag that I keep in front of me at all times. This is where I keep my passport, phone, and most of my cash.
- Slash-proof backpack: Seriously, this is a game-changer.
- Lockable zippers: Little padlocks are your friends.
- Crossbody bag: Keep it close and in sight.
Then, I started splitting up my money. I never, ever carry all my cash in one place. I used to keep it all in my wallet, which is a terrible idea. Now, I put some in my crossbody bag, some in a hidden pocket in my backpack, and some in a money belt that I wear under my clothes. I also have a backup credit card that I keep separate from my main one.
I also became super aware of my surroundings. This is probably the biggest thing. I used to walk around with my headphones on, totally oblivious. Now, I’m constantly scanning my environment, especially in crowded places like markets or on public transport. I try to look confident and like I know where I’m going, even if I’m totally lost (which happens a lot!).
Another thing I do is make copies of important documents. I used to just keep my passport and other stuff in my bag, but now I have photocopies of everything, including my passport, visa, driver’s license, and travel insurance information. I keep one set of copies in my backpack and another set in my hotel room, just in case. I even took pictures with my phone!
Before I even leave for a trip, I do some research on common scams in the area. I used to just wing it, but now I look up things like “common tourist scams in [city name]” and read up on what to watch out for. It’s actually kind of surprising how many scams there are, and knowing about them beforehand can really help you avoid them.
Finally, and this is something a lot of people overlook, I trust my gut. If a situation feels sketchy, it probably is. I used to be overly polite and try to avoid seeming rude, but now I’m not afraid to walk away from a situation that makes me uncomfortable. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?
So yeah, that’s basically my anti-theft routine. It might seem like a lot, but it’s really just about being prepared and staying alert. It’s become second nature to me now, and it’s definitely helped me feel more secure while traveling. I slept much better!
