How to Carry Valuables While Traveling

The rule to follow when traveling with valuables is to take what you need and hide it well. Leave the rest - including irreplaceable treasures and excess credit cards - at home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Money Belts
• Travelers' Checks

1. Carry traveler's checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash.
2. Create two lists of the serial numbers of your traveler's checks. Leave one with a friend or relative at home, and carry your copy with you. Cross the numbers off as you cash the checks.
3. Make two copies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver's license and credit cards. Leave one photocopy with family or friends at home; carry the other in a place other than where you carry your other valuables.
4. Lock your passport, cash and credit cards in a hotel safe, whenever possible. If you have to carry them, keep them in your inside pockets, in a money belt around your waist, or around your neck and tucked under your shirt.
5. Avoid storing valuables in handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets; these are easy targets.
6. Take small amounts of money from automatic teller machines. Avoid taking out large amounts for all to see.

Tips & Warnings

• If traveling for an extended period of time, think about renting a safety deposit box.
• Try to travel light. You'll move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand.
• Avoid standing out as a tourist, which will make you an obvious target. Dress like a local, if possible.
• Pickpockets target wallets kept in the back pocket or in a backpack.