Tag Archives: anti-theft

Are Your Valuables Safe In Your Carry-On Bag?

With all the other worries associated with air travel, the last thing you want to think about is theft on board airplanes. The people who steal from travelers’ carry-on bags are both airline employees (usually flight attendants) and fellow travelers.

Most thefts on board aircraft occur on international flights, as they are longer flights on which many passengers sleep and can not keep an eye on their carry-on luggage.  Here are just a few to read about.

Unfortunately, theft on board airplanes from sleeping and unknowing passengers has been going on for years – while not extremely common, it only gets brought to the public’s attention when an arrest is made, so who really knows how often these events occur?

  • CNN reported one of the largest in-flight thefts ever reported.  A Turkish businessman reported he had $260,000 (cash and jewelry) stolen from his bag which was above him in the luggage compartment.
  • South China Morning Post reported several incidents of in-flight thefts.
  • BBC News reported that members of a crime ring were targeting South African Airways (SAA) business passengers.
  • NBC TV Los Angeles also reported the increase of in-flights and interviewed a woman who had her purse stolen from a flight attendant on her flight from LAX to Paris.   Even the son of actress Sybil Shepard was arrested for stealing a camera and other valuables from fellow passengers.
  • Many of these thefts have been occurring for years. Back in July 2010, an Air France flight attendant was arrested for stealing cash and other valuables from sleeping business-class passengers on long-haul flights between France and Asia.  The police were alerted to the possibility of an airline flight attendant stealing from business and first-class passengers in January after five passengers on a flight to Tokyo lost the equivalent of $US 5,150 in foreign currency. Upon her arrest, police say she confessed to 26 separate thefts but believe she committed dozens more. They also found she had a bank safe deposit box full of stolen jewelry, credit cards, cash, blank checks, and travelers’ checks at her home. The theft of property from travelers while inside the cabin is not a huge problem, however, it does happen.

Minimize your chance of having items stolen in-flight; follow these tips:

Theft on board airplanes is rare, but follow these tips for peace of mind and hopefully a peaceful snooze on your next long haul flight,

1. Hang it up carefully If you are in the habit of hanging your jacket or coat in the closet, take all your valuables — especially your wallet — out of the pockets. That’s the first place a thief will look. Both flight attendants and passengers can access the closet.

2. Mark your bags  Carry-on bags often look similar. To help distinguish your luggage from other bags mark your bag with a sticker or ribbon – anything that makes a mix-up less likely. This will prevent the intentional — and unintentional — handling and the opening of your property.

3. Place carry-on bags upside down  When you place your carry-on bag in the overhead compartment, turn it upside down so the bag rests on the outer pocket (which often contains valuables). This makes it nearly impossible to unzip that pocket. If you use a hard-sided bag, this is not a concern.

4. Lock your carry-on bag While it’s an inconvenience, lock your carry-on bag so it cannot be accessed while you are sleeping, or go back to the airplane lavatory.  Most carry-on bags can be locked. A hard-sided carry-on is more secure than a soft-sided bag with pockets and zippers that can be reached into. This hard-sided bag is a best seller and is available in many colors.Stop on board theft luggage

5. Walk it through If there is a long security line, your anti-theft carry-on bags may clear the X-ray scanner before you make it through the metal detector. Wait until you are ready to walk through the machine before releasing your purse, wallet, or laptop to the conveyor belt. Fact: More items go missing in the security line than from any other place at the airport.

6. Stow it nearby Once you’re on the airplane, keep your carry-on bag nearby. Some back-of-the-plane passengers think it’s smart to stow their bag in an overhead bin up front for an easy grab during de-planing. Additionally, when you get to your seat, place your carry-on in the overhead compartment across from your seat – not over your seat. That way, you can see anyone who might try to get your valuables.

7. Bury your wallet and cash in your carry-on If you put your billfold or any other valuables in your bag, don’t put them in the outermost compartments. That’s pretty much telling a thief, “Help yourself.” Once you board the plane, unless you plan on buying food, drinks, or other in-flight items, you will have no need for your wallet and cash, a few airlines still accept cash payment for food or drink. most airlines are moving a system where you load your credit card to the airline’s app. Other than one credit card to buy items on the plane, bury your wallet and cash deeply in your carry-on bag. You can even put your valuables in a smaller bag inside your carry-on that you can remove and keep with you if needed. If you wanted an even higher level of security for your valuables inside your carry-on luggage, you could place them in a portable travel safe that features a built-in anti-slashing material and locking steel cable. Some travelers have used items like these and then used the built-in anti-theft cable – by routing it through the frame of the bag, which can usually be accessed by unzipping the carry-on bags inside the liner.

A portable travel safe is a great travel accessory. You can use it to secure valuables at your destination and even at home or your office.  The Travelsafe  5L Portable Safe is a favorite packable travel safe (lays flat in a bag) of savvy travelers who use it in their hotel rooms when no room safe is available, or it is too small to secure a laptop. Additionally, you can use a travel safe in a rental car by securing it to part of the vehicle frame to secure valuables. This following is also packable and lightweight.

8. Watch your seat Be careful when storing your bag under the seat in front of you; don’t face any pockets forward, or the passenger in front of you may walk off with your goods. Also, never leave anything of value on your seat when you leave it to go to the lavatory or to take a stroll.

9. Exercise common sense Carry your purse or bag in front of you and zipped closed. If you keep your wallet in a pocket, place it in your front pocket and never in your back pocket. I know this sounds obvious, but when people are in an airport, they think they are in a safe and enclosed environment. Often, common sense gets checked with baggage, especially if embarking on a long-awaited vacation. Fellow travelers can be opportunistic thieves; don’t tempt them.

10. Speak up Don’t overreact if you catch someone handling your bag (innocent mistakes do happen), but be firm nonetheless. Similarly, if you witness a theft, tell someone immediately — a flight attendant, gate agent, security guard — anyone. I‘m sure you would want their help if you were the victim. If you board late, chances are your surrounding overhead compartments will be full. The flight attendant will hopefully find space somewhere else, or worse case, they take it from you and place it in the belly of the aircraft at the last minute. This is known as a gate check. Make sure you take what you need, think essentials like passport, travel documents, and cell phone out of your bag before you let them take your bag.

Four Things to Keep on Your Person on the Plane

When traveling by plane, there are four essential items you should always keep on your person: your ID (or passport for international travel), a credit card, a cell phone, and essential prescription medications. If someone steals every single thing you brought with you, these are really the only things you cannot replace quickly and easily, and that you will absolutely need to get you out of pretty much any jam upon landing.

ID/Passport: This is your primary identification and is required for security checks, boarding, and navigating through airports. Without it, you can’t travel, check into accommodations, or verify your identity in various situations.

Tip: Keep a photocopy of your ID in a separate location as a backup.

Credit Card: A credit card is necessary for making purchases, booking accommodations, renting vehicles, and handling any financial emergencies. It provides a safety net for unexpected expenses.

Tip: Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid your card being flagged for suspicious activity.

Cell Phone: Your cell phone is your lifeline for communication, navigation, and accessing important travel information. It allows you to stay in touch with family and friends, access digital boarding passes, and get help in emergencies.

Tip: Keep your phone fully charged, and consider carrying a portable charger.

Essential Prescription Medications: If you rely on any medications, having them on your person is vital. In case of delays or lost luggage, you don’t want to be without your necessary medications.

Tip: Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor, if necessary, especially when traveling internationally as not all medications are allowed in all countries. Do your research ahead of time so confirm your medications are allowed to be brought into the countries you’re visiting.

Anything You Really Care About, Wear It! 

We advocate that you don’t travel with sentimental or valuable jewelry. If you must travel with valuables, don’t pack them, wear them!

Theft on board airplanes does happen, but not frequently. Follow these tips, be smart, and take precautions for a worry-free flight.

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Finding a pickpocket-proof purse or pickpocket-proof bag for travel is a smart investment for keeping your valuables secure and is your first line of defense against pickpockets and street thieves both at home and while traveling. Wearing a bag crossbody style with the bag hanging in front of you and not resting on your hip or behind makes it very difficult for a thief, no matter how skilled, to pickpocket you. Carrying your anti-theft travel bag in front of you keeps it in view at all times.

Read on to learn how pickpockets operate and which purses thieves like to steal from the most. The Solution? Use an Anti-Theft Travel Purse.  A pickpocket-proof purse easily foils would-be thieves with hidden built-in anti-theft features to help keep your valuables safe.

A Pickpocket-proof Purse is Your Smartest Travel Accessory

Pickpocket-proof purses and bags are available in all sizes, shapes, and designs. Typically the anti-theft features are discreet and incorporated into the bag, so it looks like a regular bag and does not scream tourist. Travel with peace of mind knowing you’re keeping your valuables secure while you enjoy the sights.

Most Important Anti-theft Features of a Good Pickpocket Proof Purse

Locking zippers
Locking zipper pulls lockdown with a clip to the bag to keep pickpockets from pulling them open and lifting your valuables out. This is the single most important feature that makes a travel bag an anti-theft pickpocket-proof purse. Look for the zippers with lock down latches on the main compartment of the bag. Place your wallet, phone, or anything of value inside this compartment and engage the zipper catch to keep the compartment secure.
Detachable strap
Many anti-theft travel bags have a bag strap that unclips from one end of the bag. Use this feature to attach your bag to a chair by unclipping the strap and re-attaching it after threading it through a chair back or another item to prevent grab-and-go thefts.
Slash-proof and crossbody strap
The safest and most convenient style of bag is a crossbody bag that you wear from one shoulder to the opposite hip. A thin flexible wire embedded in the strap makes it slash-resistant to thieves who cut bag straps and then run off with the bag.
Slash proof sides and bottoms
Bag sides and bottoms are the most vulnerable places on your bag for a bag cutter to slice open and pull out your valuables. Having reinforced sides and bottoms is another ingenious feature of pickpocket-proof purses.
RFID blocking material
Many bags have RFID blocking organizational pockets or a pocket lined with RFID blocking material to protect your ID from e-pickpockets. E pickpockets steal your credit card information electronically. A good pickpocket proof purse will include one or more interior pockets lined in RFID blocking material.

Travelon Anti-theft features in travel bags

Best Anti-Theft Bags and Pickpocket Proof Purses

A pickpocket proof purse helps keep pickpockets out and your valuables secure in your bag. These popular pickpocket-proof purses have all the anti-theft features you need for peace of mind. As a bonus, all these styles are designed to be worn crossbody which is more secure than just over one shoulder. All the featured bags have adjustable straps so if you’re tall, short, or somewhere in between the bag can be adjusted to hang at a comfortable length. Be sure you wear your anti-theft bag so it hangs in front of you and not behind you on your hip.

 

 

The Type of Victims Pickpockets Like to Target

Pickpockets look for people who are either distracted or can be easily distracted. People on cell phones, with children, in groups, or others who just aren’t paying enough attention to the people around them often become victims. Tourists are prime targets of street thieves. Another favorite target is those who set their bag down, even right next to themselves, for a grab-and-go theft. You can’t always be vigilant, especially when sightseeing, but you can use anti-theft gear to help thwart thieves and for your peace of mind. Select a pickpocket-proof purse designed with built-in anti-theft features and thwart pickpockets.

Purses That Pickpockets Love to Pick and Steal From

Avoid These Styles of Purses

Open Top Tote Bag  This style of bag is popular today because it’s so versatile, and looks stylish too. Your water bottle, your makeup bag, and other essentials are always handy, that’s the good news. The bad news is your phone, wallet, and other valuables are handy too, not just to you, but to thieves. A skilled pickpocket can reach into a tote resting on the shoulder of a woman and slide out her wallet, phone, or keys without her noticing that anything was removed

Shoulder Bag (one you can’t wear crossbody) Depending on the bag sometimes the top of this kind of purse is left open with no clasp, meaning your wallet is vulnerable, especially if there is enough room at the top to slide a hand into the bag. Otherwise, an enterprising thief can use a box cutter to cut open the back of the bag and remove your wallet through the slit. Stealing a cell phone from this kind of bag is a snap since the pouch for it is usually on the bag’s exterior. Avoid this style of bag for travel unless it has built-in anti-theft features and the bag strap is long enough to wear it crossbody.

Draw String Purse or Bag The drawstring purse is one of the easiest styles for pickpockets to steal from. Some thieves call it “the pickpocket’s best friend.”  Why is this? Simple mechanics really, in many cases drawstring purses are backpacks, which make the removal of items from within even simpler. These bags work by pulling the strings tighter to close the bag and loosening them to open it. Even the most novice thief can remove the wallet from one of these bags. All a thief needs to do is grip the drawstring of the purse and pull down gently, which gets them into the bag. There is no sound when they open the bag, and very little movement is involved which is great since it will leave the victim, or mark, which is the name some professional pickpockets call a victim, completely unaware that a thief just stole their wallet. Usually, the thief and your wallet are long gone before you discover the wallet missing.

Flap Purse The most beloved type of bag for a pickpocket. This type of purse usually contains one large pouch, covered by a flap that often has just a magnet-style closure. They come in all shapes and sizes, but thieves usually prefer the medium and larger-sized ones. The flap purse is still vulnerable even with a button or latch closure. A thief can get close enough to gently but firmly grip the button of the flap with his thumb and index finger and undo it, using his thumb to mask the sound. With a quick motion of the hand,  the prized wallet is in his hand.

Zippered Purse  You think this may be a secure style of bag, well it is, and it’s a bit more difficult than a flap purse to breach, however, this style can be simple for a skilled thief to conquer as well. A good thief can easily slide a zipper open without the wearer feeling it.  A thief will also try to distract you from noticing your zipper being unzipped – they will bump into you, distract you with a question, or use an accomplice to find another way to divert your attention. It only takes 2 seconds. Zipper bags vary and sometimes have multiple pouches, so a thief will often watch to see in which compartment the wallet is placed. The best pocket to carry a wallet is in a zippered pocket in the main compartment of the bag and on the side of the purse closest to the body.  Find an anti-theft zipper travel purse right for you

Clutch Purse This style can be tricky for thieves to pickpocket and it may not have a wallet inside due to its smaller size. That’s the good news. The bad news is once it is out of your hand, for even a second, the entire handbag is taken. This is a risky style to carry.

Side Flap A side flap purse is usually a medium to small purse that has one large compartment and one flap to close it up. This means one thin piece of fabric is all that is between your wallet and a thief, who can simply place his thumb over the clasp and then unbutton it. The real reason why this is on the list is because while walking this type of purse tends to “slide” to the back of your hip, placing it right in front of the opportunistic thief that is behind you

 

More Anti-Theft Travel Handbags and Pickpocket Proof Purses 

These pickpocket-proof purses also offer a full suite of anti-theft features. Even though they are anti-theft handbags they are ideal for around town too. The security features offered by all these travel bags include locking zippers to keep prying hands out. Most feature RFID-lined pocket(s) to protect the personal information stored on your credit cards and passport from being read by e-readers. The shoulder straps have a latch for detaching the strap and wrapping it around a fixed item like a chair back to prevent snatch-and-run thieves.


Fixed Pickpocket Proof Bags

Fanny Pack This style of bag can be just as easy to pick as your pocket. A good thief will simply press up against the victim, unbuckle the pack from the rear, and pass the fanny pack on to someone else. Sometimes, much like with wallets, the mark will still “feel” the bag on their body so they won’t even know that they have been victimized. Often thieves look for bags worn slightly to either side, then, masking their hand, slowly unzip the large compartment and remove the cash or wallet.

On the flip side, a fanny pack or waist pack is also a great way to carry your camera and other items you don’t want to put in your pocket or carry by hand. It’s all about choosing the right style of anti-theft waist pack that will provide hands-free freedom plus security for your valuables. The best security waist packs have locking zippers to stop a pickpocket from unzipping the waist pack, wire embedded into the back strap to stop someone from cutting the rear strap from behind, as well as metal mesh embedded into the material to stop bag cutters. All these anti-theft features guard your gear and give you peace of mind. Choose a style right for your needs.

How to spot a pickpocket travel scams in Europe

Young man taking a wallet from the backpack of a man walking on the street during the daytime.

Backpacks/Daypacks A thief really needs two things to handle backpacks, proximity and the ability to find the wallet quickly. Many daypacks have a drawstring and a button, and pickpockets will often look for one with the button undone or an unsecured flap. Don’t travel with this type of bag. The best travel backpacks have zippers that lockdown plus other anti-theft features. You really need to travel with one of these newer styles with a full suite of anti-theft features for peace of mind.

Backpack Purse Here is another pickpocket’s dream come true, a woman’s purse completely beyond her field of vision. Most backpack purses open with a clasp, the same as a flap purse, but there are some with straps or both. A pickpocket will wait until the victim is right in front of him and then gently unbuckle the strap or loosen the drawstring, which will open the purse wide. If done gently and quickly enough, the mark won’t notice because the back has fewer nerve endings than anywhere else.

Small Backpack Thieves also favor small backpacks because they are easy to open when out of the wearer’s sight. The lack of contact with the body and the lower density of nerves in the back make these bags an appealing target. It’s also easier to find the wallet quickly since it is a smaller area to search through. Security style backpacks for women and men

Unattended Bags A thief considers any unattended bag fair game. The most common places for women to leave their bags unattended are in grocery stores, restaurants, and in theaters. This is where using the strap to attach the bag to the cart handle, chair arm or chair back comes in handy.

pickpocket stealing from a back pocketPockets

Jacket Pockets Anything of value seen hanging out of a jacket pocket will soon vanish, and the most tempting item is loose cash. Wallets are just as easily plucked out, as well as cell phones or anything else that might be there. Our advice, place valuables in pockets that are not visible such as inside your jacket.

Back Pockets This is the sucker pocket, and anything carried in a back pocket is easily stolen. This is a favorite pocket for phones and wallets. Don’t use it, especially in a crowd. Use your front pants pocket. Even better, use a money belt tucked under your shirt. If you prefer something larger then select a pickpocket-proof purse. Get a small one that you can wear crossbody for hands-free convenience.

Top Scams Pickpockets Use to Steal Purses

Kick the Purse When a woman sits down at a table or bar she’ll often set her bag on a nearby chair or on the floor beside her. If it’s on the floor, a thief may wait until she is engrossed in either talking or eating. The purse thief will then casually walk past her table and gently kick the purse away from the table. Then he’ll pick it up and tuck it away or if the thief is a female, sling it over her shoulder as if it is hers. Small bags are usually taken this way.

Gas Station Ruse Many women fall victim to theft at gas stations. Their car is usually unlocked while pumping gas and they typically face the pump, not watching their valuables inside the vehicle. Thieves have perfected a few rip-offs at gas stations. The first is simply to open a woman’s car door while she is looking at the pump. The second is to steal her bag while she runs in quickly to pay. The third is to involve her in a distraction, either trouble with the pump, or to ask for directions. While she is distracted an accomplice steals the bag from the car. Our tip, keep your car door locked, or wear your bag crossbody style when you’re outside of the vehicle.

The Swarm This theft involves a team of crooks that use a crowded section of a city that is full of tourists. The crooks know the escape routes and the attractions that distract tourists most such as famous buildings, fountains, etc. Spreading out from key vantage points, one will alert the other when a mark is spotted.  The mark is an engrossed tourist who won’t even know what hit him while he consults a map or takes a photo. In a flash, a couple of people will bump into him talking loudly, and the next thing he knows his wallet, travel bag, or passport is stolen.

The Mommy Set Up A thief thinks of taking your possessions as a job. He probably tells himself that anyone who would be careless with their money or purse or wallet doesn’t deserve them. Some of them target playground areas where mothers take their children. The purse thief will look for two moms talking or perhaps a distracted mom on her phone. He then does something to make her child cry. Maybe take the child’s ball or throw sand on them. He knows the mother’s instinct for her child is greater than for her purse or shopping bags.

Once the mom rushes over, the thief will help himself to her wallet or bag, fading quickly out of sight. Women blend in better at a playground or park with children and they make less obvious thieves. Our tip: always wear your bag crossbody style, don’t leave it next to you

Restroom Snatch Have you ever noticed that purse hooks in restrooms are up high on the door? This gives easy access for a female thief to reach over the stall and be gone before you can react; throwing your purse over her shoulder like it belongs to her. An alternative theft is to take the wallet out of the snatched bag and to quickly throw the purse back over the stall, to startle you. Another way this theft is carried out is to place the stolen purse into a larger store shopping bag and walk nonchalantly among the shoppers of the mall or travelers at the airport.

Out of the Blue Densely populated cities, especially in Italy, are known for the occasional but shocking slash and grab theft from mopeds or bikes. The riders look for a woman walking near the edge of the sidewalk with her purse on her shoulder closest to the street.  As the thief drives by the victim from behind, he grabs the purse off her shoulder and speeds away.  Some thieves have been known to have an accomplice who rides on the back of the motorbike, and it is their job to complete the purse snatching, leaving the driving to the other thief.

In some shocking cases, they even use a knife to slash the strap. The key to this type of theft is finding a woman walking with the flow of traffic, and not facing it, so she cannot anticipate a thief riding a bike up from behind her.  See the best selection of security travel purses and handbags to help you keep your possessions secure.

Pickpocket-proof purses are also known as anti-theft bags, theft-proof purses, and security travel bags. A few of our favorite brands that make anti-theft travel bags are Travelon, Pacsafe, Lewis N Clark, Baggallini, and Sherpani.

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Looking for an anti-theft crossbody handbag for travel? If you’re planning on traveling finding an anti-theft crossbody handbag is a must. Today’s bags are so well designed that they are a popular choice for nontravelers for use as an everyday bag too.  Anti-theft crossbody bags or purses look like regular bags or purses however, their discreet built-in security features will let you enjoy even the most crowded tourist attractions with peace of mind knowing that your valuables are secure.  Anti-theft crossbody travel bags are practical, comfortable, and can keep your belongings safe from pickpockets with built-in anti-theft features.

The crossbody feature keeps your hands free and the bag secure on your body. The best way to carry your anti-theft crossbody travel purse is so it hangs a little bit in front of you and not bouncing on your back. This provides even more security from street thieves and pickpockets.

 Good Anti-Theft Crossbody Handbags for Travel have:

A zipper closure that locks down. The number one feature to keep the hands of a pickpocket out of your bag is a zipper with a zipper pull that locks down with a clip to prevent it from being pulled open. Both Pacsafe and Travelon Bags offer this as a standard issue on their travel bags.

A hidden flexible wire in the strap. A flexible wire embedded in the bag strap prevents slice-and-run theft. Slice-and-run thefts typically happen more in crowds and busy tourist locations. Have peace of mind knowing your strap is slice-resistant.

A panel of wire mesh. Fused in the lower portion of the bag should be a wire mesh that stops bag slashers from cutting through your bag. The most vulnerable part of any bag for this type of crime is the lower and lower sides of the bag. Thieves who cut bags are looking for the bag contents to fall out into the awaiting hands before running off with them.

A pocket with RFID protection. Passports and credit cards contain your personal information embedded inside them. This information can be read by hand-held RFID readers up to 10 feet away and even through your bag. Store your credit cards and passport inside an RFID-blocking pocket of your bag to shield your personal data from theft.

What size handbag are you looking for long & skinny, small, medium, or large? Be like Goldilocks and find the right size for your next trip. Each size can hold a different number of items but they’re all anti-theft to safeguard your valuables.

Long & Skinny Anti-Theft Crossbody Handbags for Travel

1. Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Crossbody

This stylish anti-theft crossbody bag converts in size when you need it. The Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Crossbody expanded bag fits a tablet, as seen below. Folded down it’s perfect for an evening out.  This bag definitely does double duty. As with all Pacsafe bags, this bag has built-in security features to deter thieves, including digital or e-thieves.

Pacsafe convertible cross body bag, Anti-Theft Crossbody Handbags for Travel

2. Anti-Theft Classic Slim Double Zip Crossbody Bag

This Anti-Theft Classic Slim Double Zip Crossbody hugs your body comfortably. The roomy zip compartment is well thought out with RFID blocking card and passport slots, an open-top wall pocket, a zip wall pocket, and a tethered key clip with LED light. Two locking zip pockets on the front are perfect for keys, lipstick, tickets and other quick-grab items. The rear snap close pocket holds a map, book, or sunglasses. Travel securely and confidently with Travelon’s anti-theft features including slash-resistant construction, locking compartments, slash-resistant and locking straps to keep you and your belongings protected

Small Anti-Theft Crossbody Handbags for Travel

3. Anti-theft Signature Quilted E/W Slim Bag 

The Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Quilted E/W Slim Bag is perfect for carrying more than just the essentials. Two styles in one bag. It’s a clutch and cross body bag, depending on the strap you choose. Whether you’re off to work or a day of running errands, you’ll love keeping everything you need in an organized manner. The roomy main compartment features a zippered wall pocket, a tethered key clip with LED light, two drop pockets that are perfect for frequently needed items plus opens wide providing full access. The front locking zipper compartment has a zippered wall pocket, RFID protected Passport pocket and 5 RFID card slots plus room to hold additional items. The front slash pocket keeps your phone accessible and easy to locate. The rear zipper compartment is perfect for travel documents and can hold an iPad Mini. With Anti-Theft features like locking zippers, slash resistant, adjustable straps and body panels and RFID protection that keeps your identity secure from high-tech electronic readers, you can travel safely and securely. This Crossbody bag effortlessly integrates a signature style and is an excellent addition to your accessory collection.

4. Travelon Anti-Theft Boho Slim Crossbody Bag

VIDEO: Perfectly sized, the Anti-Theft Boho Slim Crossbody Bag will go with you long after your travels are over. The locking main compartment has RFID blocking technology to stop e-thieves from reading your personal information embedded in credit cards and passports. Well thought out compartments will keep your essentials organized and handy and the adjustable slash-resistant strap secures to a stationary object to prevent grab and go theft.

Travelon Anti-Theft Boho Slim Crossbody top trending travel bags

5 Pacsafe Stylesafe Anti-Theft Crossbody

This Pacsafe bag has an RFID-blocking pocket that protects the personal info embedded in your passport and credit cards plus all the other security features you’ve come to expect from Pacsafe.  You’ll keep using this bag long after your trip is over. CAN BE LOCKED TO FIXTURES – With an adjustable, wire-reinforced anchor strap, the crossbody bag can be secured around a table or chair to keep your belongings secure, to protect your wallet, passport, laptop/tablet and phone where items need to be left unattended.

Medium Anti-Theft Crossbody Handbags for Travel

6. Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody Bag with RFID Protection

The Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody RFID Blocking Bag is a great travel bag when you want style with security and hands-free convenience. Its slim profile and crossbody design is comfortable and looks fashionable no matter what the season, expressly designed to be worn the most secure way which is slung across your body.

Travelon Classic Cross-body bag with RFID best seller trending travel bag

Travelon Classic Cross-body Bag with RFID

7. Anti-theft Signature Quilted Expansion Cross Body Bag

A locking zippered roomy main compartment allows you to take more than just the basics with you. It features 5 RFID blocking card slots, a RFID Passport pocket, a large zippered wall pocket plus a slash pocket that is ideal for glasses, a smartphone or other frequently needed items. It can even fit an iPad. The long, cut-resistant, adjustable strap lets you carry the bag as a crossbody for hands-free convenience, or traditionally over your shoulder. The swivel clasp allows the strap to move freely and it can also be attached to a stationary object to prevent a grab-n-go. With 2 front-locking zippered pockets, a deep rear zippered pocket and a tethered key clip that allows you to easily locate your keys you will be well organized. Made from durable water & stain resistant nylon and accented in gorgeous antique brass finished hardware.

Best selling top trending anti-theft Boho square Crossbody bag for travel

Travelon Anti-theft Boho Square Crossbody, MORE COLORS

 

8. Anti-Theft Signature 3 Compartment Crossbody Bag

The Anti-Theft Signature 3 Compartment Crossbody Bag is a lightweight bag that features 3 locking compartments to provide discreet, yet highly effective protection against pickpockets. The signature pleats on the front & brushed brass zipper accents, add style & and a fashion-forward look, fooling anyone into thinking this is just an everyday bag! The coordinating RFID-blocking travel wallet like the purse can be used long after your trip is over.

3 compartment bag Anti-Theft Crossbody Handbag for Travel

9. Secura™ RFID-Blocking Anti-Theft Cross-Body

This medium-sized bag infuses style and security into what will be your favorite travel bag. Lightweight and with decorative hardware that does double duty as built-in security features. One opening to secure and to hold your essentials for peace of mind. This travel bag is equipped with RFID protected card slots and locking zippers. The adjustable shoulder strap and bag panels contain stainless steel cable and magnaloft fabric providing anti-slash, anti-theft security. Exterior locking pocket for your cell phone. Plenty of room in the interior zipper pockets to safely store your passport, wallet, keys, and more.

Large Anti-theft Crossbody Handbags for Travel

10. Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bucket Bag

This lightweight cross-body bucket bag is very comfortable to wear, it offers a slash-proof strap that can be attached to a post or table with ease. Great size for carrying everyday items as well as a small iPad or reader. The front and main locking compartments offer slash-proof construction for peace of mind along with the RFID reader blocking card slots. The outside mesh panels easily store a water bottle and umbrella. Locking main compartment plus an organization compartment with RFID blocking card and passport slots. Slash-resistant body and adjustable, slash-resistant shoulder strap attaches to chair or post. Front slash pocket, zip rear pocket and removable LED light.

11. Women’s Citysafe CX Anti Theft Convertible Backpack-Fits 10″ Tablet

Two stylish anti-theft bags in one – the city safe CX convertible backpack can be worn as a backpack or fold down to sling over your shoulder as a handbag. There’s room for a wallet, cosmetics case, and more, with zipper security and a cut-resistant anchor strap to keep everything protected.

Final thought for finding a best-selling anti-theft crossbody handbag for travel

When reviewing the various best sellers of travel bags, be sure to focus on anti-theft crossbody handbags for travel. These are proven favorites by seasoned and infrequent travelers alike. Consider if you’ll need a bag that accommodates an umbrella or water bottle or a bag that just keeps your travel wallet, phone, or small camera safe.  One tip when looking at bags online is to have a ruler and one of your current handbags for comparing sizes.

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How to Keep Your Passport Safe – Tips for Travel

Your passport is your key to proving citizenship and is the document that the US and other countries use to recognize you and to let you enter the country, therefore you must safeguard this critical document.  Always take measures to keep your passport safe Anyone traveling abroad, especially for the first time, should take a few minutes to read up on important passport security tips. Keeping your passport safe at all times, around the clock while you’re out of the country will get you home, no problem. Equally important is being aware of passport scams that you may encounter. Your passport is your key to traveling the world, as well as getting back home. It’s also a hot commodity on the black market so being aware of the latest scams to steal your passport is highly important too.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies your identity and citizenship. Only the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassies and Consulates have the authority to issue or verify U.S. passports.

You Need A Passport to Re-Enter the United States

Most foreign countries require a valid passport to enter and leave. Some countries may allow you to enter with only a birth certificate, or with a birth certificate and a driver’s license, but all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air, must present a valid passport to reenter the United States.

A stolen passport can cause a lot of problems for you when it’s time to come home. Not only will you not be allowed to travel, but you could also lose your non-refundable airline ticket and face additional unexpected travel expenses while you try to get it replaced. Finally, you may even return home to find only to find your identity has been effectively stolen, and a mounting debt problem to manage.

Before You Do Anything Make Sure You Know When Your Passport Expires

Do not leave it until the last minute to check when your passport expires. Many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into the country. Therefore, if you are planning to travel and your passport is due to expire in less than a year, you should renew your passport before departure. You should also make sure you have at least one clear visa page in your passport for immigration stamps. Here’s a tip set a calendar reminder approximately 11-12 months prior to your passport expiration date. That way you’ll have enough time to renew your passport without having to pay to expedite fees.

If You Apply for a New Passport Also Apply for a Passport Card

The Passport Card is a substitute for traveling with your passport to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by land or sea. It is not valid for international air travel to and from these countries. A passport card is not valid to any other country than those just mentioned in the world. A passport card is the size of a credit card and fits nicely in your wallet. If you want to keep it on your person while in countries other than Mexico and Canada as an official identification card, you can while keeping your passport secured in a hotel room safe. Like passport books (for adults) a passport card is valid for 10 years. If you already have a US passport, and you now want a passport card as well you may be able to apply for a new passport card via the form DS-82.

What to Do Before You Leave

Back-Up Your Passport Before You Leave Home

Scanning all the pages of your passport (especially the personal details page) can help speed up the replacement process your original passport is lost or stolen. Once you scan your passport, place it into your Dropbox or Google Docs account so you will have worldwide access if needed. The objective is to quickly and easily prove your identity so you can obtain a new passport at the local embassy. Additionally, be sure to include any long-term visas in case you wish to re-apply or replace one. Another option is to take photos of your passport pages and keep them on your phone. This option is a bit riskier if your phone is lost or stolen and is not password, or fingerprinted protected.

Does Someone at Home Have a Copy of Your Passport in an Emergency?

Although having a scanned copy emailed to yourself or in your Dropbox account should be sufficient, leave a scanned copy of your passport with a trusted person (parents, friend, lawyer) who can be counted on to respond and act quickly to your call for help.

Place Emergency Contact Information Inside Your Passport

Put emergency contact information inside your passport in case someone has to access it in an emergency you are sick and unable to speak. You can enter the information on page 4 of the passport.

Tuck a Paper Photocopy of Your Passport into Your Travel Partner’s Luggage

This is for those times when internet access isn’t so reliable when your passport disappears. Alternatively, you can keep a photocopy in your room safe, and of course keep a copy on your phone.

Cover Your Passport

Sometimes you may travel to a country where you may not want to let everyone know you are an American so keeping it covered may be a good idea. Not only does a cover keep your passport in good shape, but a blank passport cover from another country can be used to keep things low-key and to keep people guessing. The best passport covers have RFID shielding too, learn more here.

Carry Your Passport on Your Person Only if Needed

You should only carry your passport with you when you need it – otherwise, it should stay locked up. If you’re going to take your passport with you, always keep it in a location that is hard to get to. If you carry it in your purse or travel bag, keep it zipped up in an internal pocket within your bag. Don’t carry it loosely in your bag where a pickpocket’s hand can gain quick access to it. Never keep your passport in your back pocket. That pocket is called the “sucker pocket” for a reason. The very best way to keep your passport safe is to carry it on your person in an anti-theft pouch or money belt that is hidden under your clothes.

If you don’t want to invest in special travel security products and are using a bag make sure it’s a crossbody shoulder bag or a waist pack and keep the bag in front of you with all zippers and snaps closed up at all times.

If You Leave Your Passport, Lock it Up

If you leave your passport behind, and you’re relatively confident in the safe in your room, you can use that, but be sure that others can’t get into the safe while you’re gone. Many of the hotel and cruise ship safes are just not that secure. Use a hotel room safe lock for extra security, learn more here about the Milockie.

If your room doesn’t have a safe, leave it with the hotel front desk or hostel and have them lock it in their safe behind the front desk. Alternatively, if your room doesn’t have an in-room safe, consider packing a locking travel safe. you can use in your room or another location even at home.  If you don’t want to buy a portable travel safe, lock your passport inside hard-sided luggage that you can lock to an immovable object in your room.

One Adult, One Passport

Some people make the mistake of keeping all the passports together and held by one person. That action simply means losing more passports at once rather than keeping them all safe. Each person who’s old enough carries their own passport. Spread out the kids’ passports among the adults to minimize the impact of a single theft.

Never Put Your Passport in Your Luggage While in Transit

Luggage gets stolen or pilfered by dishonest airline workers, hotel employees, and others who may have access to your luggage when it’s out of your sight. So we’re back to carry your passport on your person when in transit. Here’s an example of a passport security mistake. You place your passport in your carry-on luggage and board a shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel. Along the route, the bus stops at a destination before yours, someone gets off the bus and mistakenly (or by purpose) takes your bag. Since your luggage was in the rear of the shuttle van or bus, you did not see the mistake (or theft) and off goes your passport.  Always keep your passport safe by keeping it on your person, or in a secured bag on your person.

Be Wary of Those Who Want to Hold Your Passport

This practice isn’t very common today, but in some places, foreign hotels will ask for your passport and keep it. In some cases, they’re required to report the information to local authorities. If you’re uneasy with this practice – and you should be – ask the establishment to accept a copy of your passport instead of holding the document itself.

RFID blocking money belt keeps passport, cash, cards hidden

RFID blocking money belt keeps passport, cash, cards hidden. Wear around your wiast and under a shirt or lower and tucked into your pants.

Fake Police Officer Passport Scam

Fake police officer scams have been around for a while – and if you don’t pay attention, you could easily fall for the scam.  The thieves work on your inability to recognize what a real police uniform looks like – and in reality, could you tell the difference between a fake and real police officer’s uniform if you were overseas?  These thieves will do whatever it takes to make you believe they are the police.  They will engage in a conversation and ask you for your passport – as if a real police officer may. This is a scam to steal your passport. Fortunately, this scam is not a prevalent one.

Name on Passport and Airline Tickets Should Match

This is of particular concern for women who recently married and are traveling with tickets under their married name, yet have an older passport in their maiden name. The solution is to travel with tickets passport, and driver’s license all with the same name. Since 911 security is more rigid.

Check For Your Passport Regularly – In Private

Check regularly that you’re still carrying your passport where you think you are, but do this only in private. If you make it obvious, a thief who’s watching will know just where to look for it. Check in the privacy of your room before you leave for the day and use opportunities like visiting bathroom stalls to verify your passport is still secure.

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A portable travel carbon monoxide detector is a must-have and must-pack travel accessory. News reports of vacationers killed while sleeping due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning are rare. But they do happen even in luxury hotel rooms, vacation rental homes, and villas. Carbon monoxide poisoning can even happen at home.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, but carbon monoxide can kill you. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause brain damage and death. The only way to be alerted to a dangerous build-up is to have a detector in place. Most hotels and some vacation rentals, like Airbnb, provide a carbon monoxide detector. However, not all lodgings do, particularly outside of the United States. If you travel you want to travel and sleep safely. We think you should travel with a portable travel carbon monoxide detector. Fortunately, portable travel carbon monoxide alarms are affordable and easy to pack and use.

A travel carbon monoxide detector helps you travel safely

A travel carbon monoxide detector is about the size of a pack of cigarettes and can protect your life and that of your family. It’s one of a smart traveler’s must-have items to pack. We suggest you keep it in your toiletries kit so it’s always ready to go, and you don’t forget to pack it. You can find one here for about $20.00. As a perspective, you’ll probably spend more on that poolside drink, so it is worth the investment.

Common sources of carbon monoxide

Furnace

Water Heater

Dryer Vent

Chimney

Often the venting is not done properly and is leaky, this is the source of the killer gas seeping into the room.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms. This is why we recommend traveling with a portable CO detector.

A few of the best portable carbon monoxide detectors for travel

Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide detector portable travel

This Kidde model of carbon monoxide detector is powered by a wall plug and has a 9-volt battery in case of a power outage. A little larger than a pack of cigarettes, this item also has a digital display.

First Alert Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm

Best Portable Travel Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This more affordable carbon monoxide alarm plugs into a wall socket and also has a battery backup. You can use this device at home and travel with it too. A best-seller, this handy  plug-in device has dimensions of ‎3.4 x 1.3 x 5 inches

First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Detector with 10-Year Battery

 

First Alert CO detector for travel, Best Portable Travel Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A cautionary note for travel, this item because it has a lithium battery needs to be packed only in your carry-on bag. Airlines prohibit lithium batteries from being packed in luggage that goes into the hold

Final thoughts on a portable carbon monoxide detector for travel

Because carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas, it is known as the “silent killer.” Some common household appliances, including gas water heaters, produce carbon monoxide. When were these appliances last checked at your vacation home, condo, or hotel room, particularly in another country? Keep your portable travel carbon monoxide with your toiletry bag so you will always pack it when you travel. If your portable travel carbon monoxide has a lithium battery (most 10-year detectors do) you must pack it in your carry-on bag, Airlines do not allow lithium batteries in the cargo hold of the plane. Travel with peace of mind. Be informed and learn more about CO from the CDC.

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How to pack a suitcase or bag is a learned skill. Your best chance of packing just the right amount of clothes is to plan what you will wear each day or by activity re-using as many items as possible. . Think a long sleeve shirt could be a light jacket over a t-shirt or be worn separately. Over-packing will also leave less room in your suitcase for purchasing gifts and souvenirs! Follow the below guidelines and you’ll be expertly packed. You can learn to pack a suitcase quickly, here are our favorite tips.

 1. Use a Packing List!

When it comes to how to pack a suitcase expert travelers agree, it’s best to start your packing process days or even weeks ahead of your departure date; this gives you time to craft a complete list, plus purchase any additional items you might need. Start with a comprehensive published list and add or delete items. Creating a packing list is a fail-safe way to ensure that you won’t forget to bring something important. Here’s a packing list to get you started.

2. Follow the TSA 3-1-1 Rule

The rule is all liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce (100ml) bottles or smaller and all placed inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag. The bag limits how many liquids you can bring on board. Consolidating products into one bag and X-raying them separately from other carry-on items enables security officers to quickly clear all items. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring on board. Want to carry more liquids, and then pack them in your checked luggage. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. 

This 1-quart bag with refillable bottles is a TSA Accepted Toiletry KitTSA accepted toiletry bag, helps you pack a suitcase

3. Know Your Airline’s Baggage Rules and Fees

Before you begin packing review your airline’s website and read its baggage policy. This is something you might even want to do prior to purchasing your plane ticket, especially if you’re checking luggage. Don’t forget to read their rules about carry-on bags either. Invest in and travel with a luggage scale, it’ll save you money, especially on your way home with the addition of souvenirs in your bag.

4. Put Essential Items in Your Carry-On

You must keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. Your passport, identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, medicines other valuables should always be brought onto the plane with you use a document organizer and small bags to keep track of your valuables. If the airline loses your luggage (or if a TSA agent gets sticky fingers), you’ll regret stowing your expensive gear or meds in a checked bag.

5. Use Packing Aids-They Save Space

The one thing that experienced road warriors and frequent flyers agree on when it comes to packing a bag is that using packing aids and particular packing cubes really do make a difference! There are several styles. Select one or a combination of them, depending on what you’re packing. No matter what your choice you’ll be more organized and have more space, we promise.

Compression Packers Create More Space

Compression packers for travel to help pack a suitcasePlace clothing into a bag, seal, and roll to move air out of one-way valve system. Now you’ve maximized your packing space by eliminating the air in your bag! These compression bags are ideal for compressing bulky items such as jackets, sweatshirts, coats, socks or dirty clothes. Compression Packers.

 Packing Cubes Keep Things Organized

White set of three packers, to help pack a suitcase

Each lightweight and breathable cube has a different size to keep items neat and easy to find. TSA friendly, the cubes keep like items (think socks and lingerie) together and reduce wrinkles since clothes won’t be sliding around your entire suitcase. The larger one keeps dress shirts looking crisp and fresh.

Select Clothes Which Layer and Mix and Match

When thinking about how to pack a suitcase think about wearing layers. Short-sleeved shirts can go under long sleeve ones. A long scarf is decorative and can double as an evening wrap and added warmth on the plane. Jeans or khakis go from day to night with the change of an athletic to a dress shoe or sandal.

2. Choose Knits, Wool, and Cotton

These fabrics tend to resist wrinkles and are versatile and stick to a few colors that mix and match. If you are going to a warm climate pack moisture-wicking synthetics you can wash in your hotel sink, hang up overnight and wear again.

3. Roll Softer Garments and Fold Stiffer Ones

Underwear, T-shirts, jeans, cotton pants, and knitwear won’t wrinkle when rolled tightly. Stiffer fabrics, such as starched cotton shirts, blazers, dressy pants, and skirts, should be carefully folded.

If you need more space in your suitcase and aren’t worried about the weight, roll your clothes (as this will take significantly less space than folding). If you do not need as much space and want to keep the weight down, fold your clothes.

  • Roll items as tightly as possible in order to achieve the space saving effect.
  • Rolling does not necessarily make your clothes more wrinkled, you simply need to be careful that when you roll clothes, you do not roll in any wrinkles. Roll the item as flat as possible. Folding the item along its natural seams first will help.
  • Elastic items will be easier to roll without introducing wrinkles.
  • If you aren’t very good at rolling, avoid rolling items which wrinkle easily.
  • Rolled items will need to be packed tightly, which is why this method should only be used if space is at a premium. Rolled items not tightly packed will cause them to unroll and wrinkle.

6. Wash Your Clothes on the Road

Vacation rentals often have laundry facilities, however, if you’re staying in a hotel, or taking a cruise wash clothes in sinks and hang them to dry, a blow dryer or iron can help get rid of any lingering dampness. Pack laundry soap sheets ( they can’t spill or accidentally pop open) and a portable laundry-drying line. Carry a stain stick in your bag.

7. Strive to Fit all Your Clothes into a Carry-on Bag

Limit yourself to what you can fit into a carry-on bag with wheels.  Your luggage will fit into the overhead bin of an airplane so you never have to check and risk it going on a different trip than you are. When you do reach your destination, you’ll enjoy the ease of mobility.

  • Carrying your bag onto the plane reduces the chances that it will get lost, broken, or stolen.
  • Save on checked bag fees

8. Use a Large Personal Item

We like to use a backpack in addition to a carry-on bag. You can use your backpack as a day bag at your destination too. pack any medications or can’t live without essentials in this bag just in case of the rare chance that you must gate check your carry-on. Plus wearing a backpack and pushing or pulling your wheeled carry-on keeps one hand free too.

9. Use Air Tags or Tile Devices to Track Bags

Apple’s Air Tags and Tile for Android phones are small discs that use Bluetooth on your phone to track items.  Not just for luggage. both carry-on and checked, they can be used to track bikes, cars wallets, and just about anything where you can hide and secure the small battery-operated disc. By putting a tracker inside your checked luggage you will be able to see exactly where your bag is when traveling. We have used trackers on our last few trips and had peace of mind knowing both our checked bags made it onto the plane. In two cases it helped us find our bags in the sea of black bags at baggage claim. Now the first thing we reach for after reaching for our bags is our Air Tags or Tile Tracking devices.

How to pack a suitcase, Apple AirTag pack

Apple AirTags for luggage and bags

Tile Tracker device for help to pack a suitcase

Tile Tracker Device compatible with Android phones

More Advice on How to Pack a Suitcase

 Do not lock your checked bags except with TSA-approved luggage locks; otherwise, if your bag is selected for random screening, agents will have to break the lock to get inside.
Do not overpack your bag. TSA screeners will have a difficult time closing your luggage if selected for inspection, which will only lead to wrinkles and the potential for lost articles.

 Lastly, place any packed belongings you don’t feel comfortable with strangers handling in clear plastic bags.

 

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Every “how to” article about keeping your valuables secure in a hotel recommends placing them in the in-room safe. So how safe are hotel room safes? Your hotel safe is a very good place to keep valuables out of view and it is a much better solution than trying to hide them in your room. So how safe are hotel room safes?  The answer is no hotel room safe is 100% secure, here’s why.

Hotel Room Safes Have a “Backdoor” to Gain Entry

All hotel room safes have a backdoor or “special way” to access room safes so the staff can get into the safe in case a guest forgets the code, or loses the key to the safe, or electronics fail. Some safes may use a master key or card while others may have a special override code to open the door. Either way, when a safe has a way for someone other than you to get in it, your valuables are never 100% safe.

If a dishonest hotel employee does take something from your hotel safe, it is always going to be hard to prove who exactly stole from the safe during your stay, and hotel management may not always be willing to cooperate, especially in foreign countries.  Worst of all, without any evidence, your travel insurance usually won’t cover your loss.

Here is a video of a dishonest hotel employee who gains access to a hotel room safe and removes only a portion of the money inside so as not to raise suspicion.  It takes place at a hotel in Spain/Canary Islands.

What You Can Do To Help Stop Theft From Your Hotel Safe

Employees know that many people set very simple access code—like 1234 or 0000.  A dishonest hotel employee may be likely to try out these codes making a passkey or override code unnecessary to facilitate the break-in, so the first piece of advice, make your code a random series of numbers like a birthday or house number that only you would know. The next thing you can do is use a theft deterrent device designed just for hotel safes.

Hotel Safe Theft Deterrent Device

One unique way to secure your valuables inside your hotel room safe is with a device called the Milockie Hotel Safe Lock. The Milockie is a special lock and strap device. It allows you to secure the safe with your own padlock, preventing anyone else from gaining access to your safe. The Milockie Lock fits most hotel safes. It is a deterrent and a layer of additional security that only you have the key or combination for removing it. Tip: the lock that is included with the Milockie is not robust, we highly recommend that you use a stronger padlock

The Milockie Hotel Safe Lock helps protect your valuables and provides peace of mind as it is a visual deterrent to hotel personnel or anyone else who enters your room. The bottom line is not to become completely paranoid about your hotel room, but to use your common sense. Don’t leave large amounts of cash or irreplaceable jewelry in your room. Always lock valuables away out of sight in the hotel room safe and use a secondary lock like the Milockie on the hotel safe to stop the safe door from opening.

A Portable Travel Safe is something you take with you to lock up your valuables. Designed to fit flat into your travel bag it is made with a cut-proof material and locks closed with a steel cable. The cable has an important second function as you can wrap the cable around a stationary item like a bed frame, exposed plumbing, or a clothing rod so no one can just carry off the safe with your valuables inside. This is a useful item for the office, a vehicle, or a dorm too.

Should You Be a Victim of Theft From Your Hotel Room Safe

Hotel liability is a confusing issue made even more so by the fact that it varies from country to country, from state to state, and from hotel to hotel. Unless you can prove that a property was negligent, you virtually have no recourse, even if the hotel cooperates and entertains the claim, following up on it—especially if the hotel is in another country—can entail an insufferable wait. That said if you feel that you have a legitimate claim and that the property was negligent, be persistent. And always file a police report as evidence of the crime.

Since hotels routinely refuse claims, explore an alternative source of relief: homeowner’s insurance. It usually covers thefts that occur while policyholders are on vacation, although you may have to pay a deductible leaving you out of pocket in the end. The solution is to do whatever you can to mitigate loss by using a secondary hotel safe lock, or by packing a portable safe.

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e best bet here is to never assume that your hotel door lock is secure. All sorts of people have access to your room, starting with cleaning staff. There are also lots of other ways to defeat hotel door locks including traditional lock-picking and key card magstripe locks. This is why they give you a hotel safe in your closet. Oh wait, people can trick hotel staff into opening the safes or just use a paper clip. The bottom line is not to become completely paranoid about your hotel room, but to use your common sense. Don’t leave large amounts of cash or irreplaceable jewelry in your room and make sure that you carry copies of your passports with you.

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Travel light by packing less and doing laundry on vacation or while traveling. If you travel for more than a few days you should plan on doing laundry in the sink/tub of your hotel or B&B. This keeps the weight of your bag down so it is easier to carry or maneuver. Never done laundry by hand in a hotel sink?  It’s pretty simple.  Here’s a quick guide to doing laundry or washing clothes while on vacation.

Here’s How to do Laundry in Your Hotel Room

Use the hotel sink or tub to do your laundry

1. Pre-rinse

A quick pre-rinse will get some of the dirt out of the clothing before the wash phase begins.  Pack a small lightweight sink stopper.

Doing laundry on vacation in a hotel

Rubber Sink Stopper

 

You’d be surprised how many hotels don’t have built-in sink stoppers or the ones they have leak. A sink stopper is a clever and inexpensive must pack gadget.  Fill the sink or tub with water, immerse the clothes, and knead them with your hands, much like kneading dough. Then drain off the water, squeeze the clothes to remove as much of the dirty water as practical, and set them aside.

doing laundry in a hotel sink on vacation soap packets

 Spill-proof laundry packets

2. Fill the basin with soap and water

Begin the wash by refilling the sink and adding travel soap or detergent. Add the wet pre-rinsed clothing to the basin. If the clothes are badly soiled, you might let them soak for a bit at this point (probably ten minutes should do it) however most of the time that won’t be necessary. Wash the clothes by kneading them thoroughly. If you’re trying to remove a stubborn stain, rubbing that portion of the fabric against itself is helpful (when doing this with socks, try slipping them over your hands like mittens.) Remember that washing is primarily a mechanical process, not a chemical one.

3. Drain the dirty water

When the wash water stops getting noticeably dirtier, drain it. Then refill the basin with clear water, and rinse the clothes the same way you pre-rinsed them. Drain, squeeze out the water (wringing the clothes will extract more water but is more damaging to fabrics so use your judgment), refill, and repeat until the rinse water remains clear. You might need several rinses if the clothes were particularly dirty or if you used too much soap, usually two or three rinses suffice. This entire process, apart from any soaking, should take no more than a few minutes.

4. Rinse

Rinsing can often be done more effectively in a shower or tub than in a sink. If laundering silk, try giving it an extra/final rinse containing some hair conditioner, which (because silk, like, hair is a protein) keeps both the fabric nice and lessens wrinkles.

5. Drying

Rolling wet clothes in a towel, and wringing the towel tightly (with clothes inside), is an old traveler’s trick to extract water and speeds up the drying process considerably. The towel both absorbs the moisture and protects the fabric from damage due to wringing. This technique works with any towel, but using a viscose towel is particularly productive, as you can separately wring out the towel and reuse it to good effect (whereas a regular towel, once damp, will cease to be effective).

Doing Laundry in Your Hotel Room, clothes line

Travel Clothes Line

6. Hanging up your garments

Finally, hang the garments on your travel clothesline, and go to bed.

7. Last-minute drying

If some item of your clothing isn’t quite dry when you’re ready to depart in the morning, use a hair dryer on it. Alternatively, you can do as they do in the army and put it on anyway. Though it might feel a bit uncomfortable at first, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it will dry next to a warm body. A better solution, though, is to choose travel clothes made of quick-drying (and wrinkle-free) fabrics. A shirt made of Coolmax® (or some similar fabric) will not only dry quickly but will keep you cooler in summer and warmer in winter than cotton.

8. Use a travel-sized wrinkle releaser

You don’t always have access to an iron, or the time to use one. The solution is a travel-sized wrinkle-release spray. We like Downey wrinkle releaser, it does more than smooth out the wrinkles in your clothes. You spray it on the wrinkles in your clothes and smooth the fabric for a few seconds. Downey wrinkle releaser relaxes the fibers to help release the wrinkles. In addition, it leaves your clothes with incredible softness and a fresh scent. This is the final step in doing laundry in your hotel or on a cruise ship.

Downey Wrinkle Releaser, for doing laundry in your hotel;

Travel Size Wrinkle Release Spray for smoother looking clothes

Final Thoughts on Doing Laundry in Your Hotel

If you’re traveling on business,  you’re unlikely to want to wash your dress shirts in the sink. Letting the hotel do your laundry is a better but costlier option. Should you choose to have the proprietor of a B&B or small hotel do your laundry, be sure to negotiate the fee in advance.

Travel Stain Sticks, Doing laundry in your hotel room

Travel Stain Sticks

When traveling for extended periods, some people like to splurge on a “real” laundry every couple of weeks or so, especially for large/bulky items of clothing that are more troublesome to hand wash. Drop-off laundries in some places are notorious for “losing” items.  A deterrent to such a problem is to spread out your clothing on their counter and take a quick photo with your phone to help resolve any differences of opinion at pickup time. Lastly, keep a stain stick in your backpack or bag for quick fixes on the go.

An alternative is to go to a laundromat. While you can do a lot of laundry at once you will need to stay there to keep an eye on your things. Consider if the time spent in a laundromat should be part of your travel itinerary vs doing laundry in your room.

Bonus hints

1. Use packing cubes to keep soiled laundry separate from clean clothes.

2. The hotel plastic bag found in the closet is also good for keeping dirty and even wet or damp items away from clean clothes.

3.  White clothing shows dirt faster, avoid packing white, instead opt for darker or patterned clothing.

4. Invest in clothes designed for travel.
Travel clothing has all the properties you need to look good and feel good while exploring the world. Travel clothes are lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, stain-resistant, and quick-drying. It’s our experience that clothes that you buy for travel you end up wearing long after you’ve returned home. Shop men’s travel clothing. Shop women’s travel clothing.

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