by Holly Rogers

Created on: May 26, 2009

We have all heard horror stories about tourists in foreign countries being pick-pocketed or mugged of all their valuables whilst on holiday. It makes most of us very mindful and even a little fearful at the thought of experiencing the same misfortune upon travelling overseas. However there are several important steps you can take in keeping your valuables safe and well hidden when possible whilst travelling abroad, or even within your own country.

These days most hotel rooms have their own safe within the actual room. This usually means you have an extra key on your room keys to access the safe and it is assumed only yourself and 'trusted' hotel staff would have access to such a safe. Most hotels advertise this option within their room inclusions and it may be a good extra to seek when you know you will have more than the necessary money or valuables on you on holiday. There are certain times it is far easier to know your valuables are safely locked up rather than having to carry them with you all day. And for those hotels that do not have safes within the room, many others at least have a master safe on site that guests can request their items to be stored in. This is a slightly less secure option than having your own room safe, but still a good idea if you plan on leaving items behind while you are out sight seeing.

It is always a good idea to only carry enough money and valuables that you require at the time, rather than carrying unnecessarily large quantities with you. This is where travel cards and debit or credit cards can be a good idea for travel. They are usually as easy as carrying the card and paying without having to carry to much money on you. Or at least having regular access to ATMs to allow frequent withdrawals. However, if you do plan on carrying a large quantity of money on you, a hidden coin purse is a great option. This can be worn usually around the neck or waist, and generally under your clothing, so that passing criminals do not even know you are carrying it.

For cameras and other electronic valuables, sometimes it is difficult to keep these well hidden. Again, a room safe is a good option if you do not plan on using the item during the day, otherwise keep it close to your body at all times. There are stories of people cutting straps off camera bags and running off with them, so try to have a very thick strap for your camera. This deters them from attempting to cut the strap, or at least delays the process, giving you a chance to react. Also, do not leave such items sitting in broad daylight. Try to keep them concealed inside a back or zip up inner pocket of a jacket if this is suitable.

Ensure you do not wear excessive amounts of jewellery that may draw attention to you and always have a suitable bag, that has both a zip and a clasp, preferably facing against your body, to prevent sneaky pick-pocketing when you least expect it. The more openings your bag has to get to the main section, the more difficult it would be for someone to steal from you without your knowledge.

It is always important to remain mindful when travelling. While you may not expect your valuables to be at such risk in your own country, you do not know what other countries are like and it is far better to be safe than sorry.

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