Travel Security & Safety
Traveling is always a great time, but being in unfamiliar territory and typically living more minimalistic, brings about a set of challenges and vulnerabilities that increase the risks of trouble and mishaps. Here are some ways you can minimize some risks and keep yourself safe when traveling.
Initial Considerations
Hard Target
This is not unique to travel. The easier the target, the more welcoming it is for predators. Make yourself as difficult to target as you can and force criminals to reconsider their actions or look elsewhere for trouble.
Head Up
The easiest and most obvious thing you can do is to keep your head up. When visiting popular tourist destinations it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and let our guards down. You can have fun and take in the sites and activities while staying reasonably vigilant to your surroundings. Predators lurk where there prey congregates. Popular tourist destinations are very appealing to criminals. Masses of people who are out of their elements gather in these locations making it easy picking for the ill doers. In these locations it’s extra important to be vigilant and keep your head up.
Hands Free
Keep your hands free. The more you look ready and able to resist, the less temptation someone will have to confront you. Hands in your pockets, or occupied carrying items could be an invitation for trouble. This can also be exacerbated by the contents being carried. Items that look valuable and easily snatched can draw some unwanted attention. If you must have a bag, or a means to carry things, a low profile backpack is a much better choice. Try to avoid keeping valuable items in bags, and especially in the bottom of any externally accessed pouches or compartments. It is not uncommon for thieves to slice open the underside of a bag or pouch and catch the contents that fall in one rapid pass without you even knowing. This is most common in congested areas so stay vigilant.
Footwear
Good footwear is important. Traveling most often involves a fair amount of walking. Choose footwear that will be comfortable for such activities, but also able to run. This isn’t because you may ever have to run, but if you are fit to run, you are a harder target than someone who isn’t. It’s the old saying, “You don’t have to outrun a bear, you just have to out run your friend”. If you look like you can run or fight back, you are much less likely to be targeted. Flip flops and high heels are poor choices.
Travel Security Tips
Cards Vs Cash
Limit the amount of cash you carry. Consider using credit cards instead. Credit cards provide some level of protection from theft and fraud if your card is lost or stolen. Prepaid debit cards can also be a decent option for purchases and diversifying your funds so that everything isn’t in one place.
Copy Important Documents
Make copies of your documents to keep with you for reference in case you lose yours on the trip or something happens. This is especially important for international travel. A lost or stolen Drivers License or Passport can be a major complication when traveling abroad. Copies are not of course officially accepted as the real thing, but they can be a significant help in getting you back on track in the event any of those items are misplaced.
Travel Insurance
This is mostly for bigger trips, or international travel, but can be a major help in case anything happens during your travels. If you get injured or become ill, travel insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatment and transportation home. It can also cover lost luggage and flight cancellations. You don't want to be left with a huge bill if something goes wrong on your vacation, so it could be important to have travel insurance from the moment you leave home until the moment you return depending on the circumstances of your trip.
Embassy
When traveling abroad, it's important to know where the nearest embassy is and how you would best get there in the event of an issue. Having this information will help you in making rapid travel and emergency decisions if needed.
Pregame the Maps
The more you know you know your surroundings the better off you are. Having some familiarity with the location can prevent you from getting lost or even help you out if you do. It can be very comforting having a basic understanding of the territory. This is important for international travel where language can complicate your navigation. I also recommend familiarizing yourself with the territory for longer hikes or any off trail excursions in unfamiliar territory.
Language
When traveling abroad, you can gain a lot of respect if you manage to speak the local language. It doesn't mean that you need to be native-like in your pronunciation, but having an open mind when it comes to learning about other cultures and making some attempts can go a long way. Learning some basic language can be advantageous for getting directions, lodging, food, or even help in emergency situations.
Do Not Disturb
“Do Not Disturb” Signs or similar in hotels are a simple way to minimize risk. I’m not saying housekeeping is bad or will tamper with your belongings, but keeping people away from your belongings minimizes the chance of trouble. Daily housekeeping isn’t really needed anyways and many hotels have even backed away from it as well. Nonetheless, placing the “Do Not Disturb” placard on your hotel door upon arrival is a quick and simple measure to minimize risk.
Avoiding Scams
Situational Awareness
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. It's easy to let down your guard when traveling; after all, traveling is supposed to be fun! But it's important not to lose track of where you are or who might be around you at any given moment, especially if there are multiple languages being spoken around you. Stick close with friends or family members whenever possible.
Hydration Scam
Try to avoid buying water from street vendors. If you must, carefully examine the bottle(s). A common scam is to reuse water bottles by “re-sealing” the caps with a lighter. Some of these scammers are pretty good at it so take the time to really look at the cap. Water in these bottles can be from anywhere and is typically from a source close by such as a fountain or a canal. If the vendor has a really limited source of water, or many varying types or brands of bottles, these could be red flags.
The Distracting Thief
Thieves, Pickpockets, & Purse Snatchers use distraction methods such as asking for directions or getting involved in conversation while someone else steals from your purse or pocket. Keep your belongings close to you at all times and only carry what you need. This goes back to what I mentioned above about keeping your hands free or considering a small backpack.
A very common distraction method is the “Friendly Helper”. You're walking down the street and somebody approaches you with a friendly “hello” or offers to help carry your bags. This might seem like a nice gesture, but it could actually be a ploy designed to distract you while another person steals your wallet or valuables. If someone seems out of place or overly friendly when they approach you on vacation, stay alert and keep your guard up! This is most common in busier, more touristy areas where the activity can help mask the theft. Being a hard target as mentioned above will greatly reduce the chance of encountering these types of situations.
Where there are people, there are Beggars, most of which are fakes. Some are doing it simply because it‘s easier money than actually working, but touristy locations are generally less engaging and do not yield the returns of other heavily trafficked locations. “Real” beggars know this and favor other locations instead of tourist hotspots. They also rarely engage people or tourists. Beggars in tourist-heavy locations are often a distraction method for a theft or crime. If someone asks you for money, or initiates engagement with you, it's possible you are being singled out and it could be a setup for a crime.
Luggage Theft
Thieves wait until the last moment to steal your luggage as it is coming off the conveyor belt in baggage claim areas. When you have checked bags and are at your destination, make your way to the baggage claim area as promptly as you can. Position yourself at the start of the carousel so you can see your bag or luggage as it first appears and be able to grab it right away. The longer it goes around the carousel in the public eye, the more it is at risk of being snatched. People often take their time deboarding their flights, and typically go straight to a restroom after sitting on a flight for a few hours. In many cases this timing still works out great to arrive at the baggage carousel just as the bags are arriving, but not always. Baggage thieves are well aware of this. Minimize your risk by making haste to your bag. You can go to the restroom or get a coffee later.
ATM’s & Money Exchanges
Places where you can extract cash are obviously appealing for thieves. ATM machines are the worst. Try to avoid them as much as possible. If you must use an ATM, be very aware of your surroundings. If there's anything suspicious, don't use the machine. Try to use ATMs that are located inside banks or other well-lit places. Stay very alert and walk away quickly after withdrawing money from the machine. Do not make large withdrawals. It’s best to keep ATM withdrawals to small increments. Bring a friend if possible, and do not accept help from people at ATM’s. If anyone engages you or appears like they may, walk away.
Aside from the obvious theft, is the concern of ATM skimming. ATM skimming is a type of fraud in which thieves attach card skimming devices to ATMs to collect your card information and PIN, allowing the thief to clone your debit card and access your bank account. This is also prevalent at gas pumps. Before inserting your card, observe the machine closely. Look for loose parts. Feel around the edges. Skimmers are often made of hard plastic and will feel different than the surrounding area when you press on them. A skimmer can be attached to the card reader with double-sided tape or glue. Check for damage or tampering of the ATM machine. If you see any of these signs, or anything suspicious or unnatural, investigate further, or walk away.
Money exchange booths are also a welcome opportunity for thieves and scammers. You may be approached by people offering currency exchange services at very low rates. The rates advertised are usually too good to be true, so don't fall for them. If it seams off, it probably is. It's also best not to use money exchange booths for the same reason as ATM’s. Its not uncommon for thieves to approach tourists about money exchanges and direct them or lure them toward the booth where they may be much more vulnerable and/or a second thieve may be lying in wait.
Taxis, Ubers, Lyft’s, & Public Transportation
Taxi drivers are notorious for taking advantage of tourists by charging them exorbitant amounts for short rides or refusing to turn on the meter. To avoid this type of scam, always negotiate with taxi drivers before entering their vehicle and make sure they turn on their meters so that both parties know what they're paying for. Also look for the sticker showing that it has been licensed by the city or town in which it operates (check with your hotel concierge if unsure). Ride Share options such as Uber and Lyft are far better options because you can track it all with your phone app. This has really diminished the Taxi scam, but it is still worth knowing and watching out for.
Accidental Drops
“Accidental” drops are a distraction method. This happens in busy tourist areas where there are a lot of people around especially if there's a lot of traffic. Someone will drop something valuable or that appears valuable like their phone or purse (or even cash). Most commonly this is done in front of a specific target who will most likely pick up the item and try to give it back. In doing so they will be removed from the herd where they are vulnerable to the thief or even a second thief.
Travel Security Gear
Being a hard target, avoiding potentially bad situations, and awareness of common scams can go a long way, but of course there is always some nifty gadgets and gear available to help with this and take your security up a notch when traveling. Here is some great security gear worth considering for your next trip!
Surelock Luggage Locks
Luggage locks are a great way to protect your belongings when you travel. Luggage locks are a simple way to ensure that your luggage is safe from theft and other damage. They come in a variety of styles and are relatively cheap to purchase.
Luggage locks can be used in a number of ways, but the most common use is to lock the zippers together on your suitcase. If a thief tries to open your bag without breaking the zipper, they will not be able to access the contents inside because they cannot unzip it. This type of lock is ideal for keeping thieves out of your luggage while you are traveling in crowded places where there is high risk for theft such as airports or train stations.
I like these TSA approved combination style locks which prevent any mishaps in the event of lost keys.
Travel Door Lock
A travel door lock is a small device that attaches to a door knob or handle in your hotel room or other location. It is designed to prevent anyone from entering your room without permission, and it can also help keep your valuables safe while traveling. This type of device works by preventing the door from being opened without the proper key or passcode. These types of locks come in many different forms, including electronic ones, which use a code instead of keys.
These are great for AirBnB/ VRBO type accommodations.
Car Key Mini Spy Camera
The hidden key camera is a great way to observe your hotel room when you are out for the day or on an excursion. This camera can be left in your hotel room on the TV stand or night stand and appear as if you left your car keys in the room while actually allowing you to record 1080p security video of the room while you are away. This hidden spy camera records 5 minute video clips when motion is detected. When you return to your hotel room, you can check the content on the camera and see if anyone has been in your room during your absence and/or what they were doing.
I keep a couple old house keys on this Key Camera to help stage it, and use it for monitoring my personal belongings when I am away.
USB Charger Hidden Camera
The USB Charger hidden camera is similar to the above mentioned Key camera. This camera stays plugged into the wall and is disguised as a USB phone charger allowing you to secretly record activities or monitor your hotel room. The camera is completely hidden inside the charger. These are great for recording video and audio of events in your room such as hotel staff, or even intruders who might break into your room while you are away.
USB Charger Hidden Cameras are great for the outlets in the nightstands of hotel rooms where they are more elevated and make sense as a place to have a phone charger.
Passport Wallet RFID
A passport wallet is a great way to protect your passport and keep your important items together. It’s designed to hold your passport, boarding pass, money, cards, and a few other items without taking up too much space. The Passport Wallet offers RFID blocking to protect your identity from being stolen by criminals or compromising your personal information from your credit cards or driver license. These area a great accessorie for a frequent traveler.
The RFID Passport Wallet is a great way to keep your important documents together and protected while traveling.
Smart Tags & Air Tags
Samsung Smart Tag lets and Apple Air Tags are small devices that you can attach to your keys or other belongings. The tags have a built-in Bluetooth connection and an embedded NFC (Near Field Communication) chip that enables them to communicate with Samsung's Android devices (Smart Tag), and Apple IOS Devices (Air Tag). These devices allow you to track your belongings through your smartphone, so you don't have to worry about losing them.
Once a tag is set up in your smart phone, its location will be displayed on Google Maps and Street View within the Smart Tag or Air Tag apps. The tag will ping off nearby network devices to constantly update its location. This allows you to track the location on your phone or tablet to see where your belongings are located at any time. Smart Tags and Air Tags are great for hiding in your luggage or carryon bags when traveling.
Airtag Strap Mount
The TagVault is a low profile and discreet way to place a Smart Tag on a backpack, camera bag, or any type of travel bag. The Vault is strong, durable, and easy to install. It secures in place with 4 self piercing Torx head screws which makes it difficult for a thief to remove in haste. The TagVault is a great way to place a Smart Tag in your bags for easy tracking.
Personal Alarm
A personal alarm is a small, portable device that emits a loud, shrill sound when it's triggered. Personal alarms are intended to be used in emergency situations and are usually carried on keychains or worn around the neck so they're easy to access if needed. Personal alarms are great if you are traveling alone or could find yourself in questionable locations or situations of vulnerability.
Personal alarms come in many different shapes and sizes, some even look like flashlights or pens. Most alarms feature bright flashing lights and loud sounds that can be heard from up to 100 feet away.
Personal Alarm’s are great alerting devices for solo travelers or for visiting potentially questionable locations.
Travel Safe
Portable travel safes are a great device that allows you to keep your valuables, documents and other important items safe while traveling. This is a very useful product for those who often go on long trips and business trips. Portable travel safes come in different sizes and shapes so you can choose one that best fits your needs or travel.
Door Stop Alarm
The door stop alarm is a simple device that is designed to be used to keep your hotel room safe from intruders and theft. They also work well in homes or your business. The door stop alarm works by detecting when a door has been opened, and then emits a loud audible alarm sound. This is a great way to protect your belongings while you’re out sightseeing or exploring the city. It’s also a good idea if you have valuables in your luggage that could be stolen by someone who has access to your room, like housekeeping staff members or other hotel guests. All you have to do is put the door stop alarm at the bottom of the door before leaving your room, and it will immediately start ringing if anyone tries to gain entry while you are away! While this doesn’t stop burglars, it certainly is a great deterrent!
The door stop alarm can be great theft deterrent tool for travelers.
Hidden Pocket Hair Scrunchie
If you're a traveler on the go, you know that packing for every eventuality can be a challenge. One of the biggest headaches is how to transport your valuables without attracting attention. For females, a hair scrunchie with a hidden pocket can be a simple, convenient, and elusive way to store and carry small items like money. This is great for travelers who want to keep small amounts of petty cash safe and close at hand. This is great for travlers on small excursions!
