The last thing you want to deal with on a trip overseasthat started off right with an in-depth examination of cheap traveloptions, including cheapairplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, istheft.
The following are steps you can take to protect yourbelongings (and your body) while traveling abroad, according to Smarter Travel:
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Keepsmall denominations of local currency easily accessible. Each day before leaving your hotel, makecertain you have a variety of small bills and coins handy for purchases such asfood and attraction entry fees. Placelarger bills in your under clothing money pouch or hide them in a secure partof your wallet or bag.
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Divideyour travel cash and credit cards into multiple safe spots. You do not want a thief to totally wipe youout in a single incident. When carryinga bag that contains money always make certain to carry some cash in yourclothing.
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If youwill be packing something really valuable, ask your airline about purchasingexcess valuation (EV) so that you are not limited to the airlines liabilitycap (which is $3,300 on domestic flights). By doing so you will increase your airlines liability limit.
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Keepyour phone out of sight to avoid unwanted attention from would be muggers. Before leaving where you are staying, map outthe route to the next destination in your head or write it out on paper. If you prefer a map, circle your destination,and fold the map into a small square that fits in one hand. Spreading out a full size map marks you as apotential target.
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Changeyour phones lock screen to an image that displays your emergency contactinformation, including your email address and an alternate phone number. That way if your phone gets misplaced youhave a chance of a Good Samaritan contacting you.
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Add toyour level of security in a hotel room when going to sleep by wedging adoorstop, often provided at hotels (or brought from home) under a bolted door.
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Insteadof traveling with a handbag which you have to watch to avoid pickpockets andmay make your shoulder ache after a long day, invest in a Scottevest trenchcoat that looks like a normal coat but has 18 hidden pockets. This coat is designed not to show bulges andis lightweight and water resistant.
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Aerosolhair spray can be used just as effectively for self-defense as pepper spray,which is illegal in many countries. Carry a small bottle (under 3.4 ounces ifpacked in your carry-on) in your purse if you are traveling alone or are in aquestionable area.
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Purchasea colorful unique luggage strap to make it less likely that someone willaccidentally grab your bag by mistake in the baggage claim area.
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Preparea digital backup with your smartphone to protect you in the event youridentification is lost or stolen. Aftertaking photos of your ID email them to yourself. Also consider taking a photo of the contentsof your checked bag which comes in handy if the airline later loses yourbag. Photos of things such as your hotelroom number and parking lot spot can also be helpful.
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