Most people begin looking forward to a trip long before departure and consider time spent traveling among the highlights of their lives. Do not let your special holiday or business trip be ruined by thieves. Here are some tips on how to keep your valuables safe while traveling.

At the Airport and on Flights

Airports are ideal hunting grounds for pickpockets and thieves, and you need to always remain on alert. Keep passports and travel documents on your person, not only because you have to continually show them while going through security and customs, but also because they are safer in an inside jacket pocket or a money pouch, rather than in your carry-on bag or purse. At airport security checkpoints you need to empty your pockets, take off your shoes, and place all your carry-on items on conveyor belts. Put purses and documents through at the last moment, and watch your belongings carefully. It is not very difficult for a thief to walk off with your bags. To prevent identity theft, it is best to avoid logging in to public wi-fi networks at places such as airports, unless they are secure systems for which you need a password. Flight attendants and other passengers sometimes pilfer from unattended carry-on bags. If possible, put a lock on your bag, otherwise store it in the overhead bin across the aisle from you so you can watch it, and be sure it is upside down with the zipper against the wall in order to provide more difficulty accessing it. When you get off the flight, go straight to the baggage claim, as sometimes there is no attendant checking baggage tickets and someone else could walk off with your suitcases.

At Hotels

If your hotel room has a safe, keep your valuables in it at all times. If it does not, do not leave valuables in plain sight if you leave the room. These items may seem safe in a locked room, but there is always the potential they will be stolen by cleaning staff, the maintenance crew, or someone else who may have access to the room. You should always carry items like passports, credit cards,debit cards, and cash with you. If you have to leave your laptop or tablet behind, lock it in your suitcase and slide the suitcase under the bed.

On the Street

When on the street, beware of ruses to distract you while you are discreetly robbed. Carry your travel documents, cards, and most of your money in a money belt or pouch, beneath your clothing. Also, consider keeping a small amount of local currency in a fake wallet you can afford to lose to pickpockets or muggers. If you carry a real wallet with your valuables inside, keep it in your right front pocket and not in a back pocket. Do not keep valuables in purses or daypacks, as these are easily picked from or snatched. Try to blend in. If possible, dress as the locals dress. Ostentatious clothing and obvious gadgets, such as cameras, identify you as tourists and therefore easy marks. In case your passport and other important documents are stolen, always make duplicates. Leave one copy at home and retain one copy with you in a place apart from your other belongings. If your passport is stolen, you need to be able to prove who you are before the embassy will issue you another one.

The best way to protect valuables like jewelry, electronic items, and other expensive trinkets, is to leave them at home. Before you bring these things on your trip, ask yourself if you really need them. If you do need them, be sure to take extra precautions in order to protect them.