Tag Archives: anti-theft

Westerners visiting developing countries can often have life-changing experiences. Unfortunately, tourists can also find themselves as targets of crime or scams. These travel safety tips for visiting developing or third-world countries can help you have a safer experience.

Locals know that you have more money and valuables than they do. They also know you have less recourse if you are victimized. Consider these travel safety tips when visiting developing countries and investigate your destination before you travel.

Common Scams in Developing Countries

  • Fake police. People who own a police badge and even a uniform may be crooks in disguise. Be suspicious of anybody who asks you to show them your money or passport. Ask to be taken to the nearest police station before they search you or your belongings.
  • Drugged food/drinks. Don’t accept food or drinks offered to you on a bus/train/etc. They may drug you and leave you vulnerable to robbery.
  • Money changers. In most countries of the world, you don’t need to look for black market rates. Sometimes you are approached by people who volunteer to change dollars at very good rates. They will show you a roll of banknotes, then switch it with another roll of worthless notes while they take your dollars.

Advice for Avoiding Scams Against Tourists

  • Avoid crowds where you have to slow down. Every time you slow down while walking in a street you become an easier target.
  • Be suspicious if somebody slows you down (eg, falls in front of you, his clothes get stuck in something, etc): it may be a pretext to facilitate an accomplice who is behind you.
  • Be aware of who is behind you. If the same person is behind you for a few minutes, be suspicious.
  • A decoy wallet may help distract the thief. The thief will target your very visible wallet, while your money is somewhere else (eg, in another pocket). Carry your passport and money in a hidden waist wallet.
  • Avoid traveling with big luggage. The bigger the luggage, the more visible you are, and the harder it is for you to defend yourself, chase a thief, etc. Backpacks can be easily opened even while you are walking. Travel with an Anti-theft backpack or bag.
  • Always ask for receipts at hotels when they make you pay in advance.
  • Always bargain the price of a taxi before entering it, even if it has a meter.  Always use taxis that are recommended and referred by the hotel you are staying in.  Always be wary of taxis you hail on the street.
  • In most countries of the world, it is inappropriate to approach strangers (especially women). Anybody who approaches you (no matter how big his smile) should make you a little suspicious.  Keep your guard up and be careful when talking to strangers.
  • Anybody who speaks English well and approaches you is suspicious by definition. I am aware of many occasions that person will turn out to be somebody who wants to make money out of you, either by being your guide or by selling you souvenirs or worse. If you refuse, they will turn nasty.
  • Again, be cautious of strangers. Once they force you to behave friendly, they have the upper hand psychologically. They know that you were raised to be nice to people who are nice to you.
  • In most countries of the world women never respond to strangers, not even if they like the stranger. For a foreign woman, it is never a good idea to respond to men who approach her. The appropriate behavior is cold silence and indifference. Even a “nois viewed as beginning a conversation. A smile is the worse course of action (in some cultures means “I am saying no but I mean yes”).

Advice for Reducing Your Victim Potential

  • Walk fast all the time. Every time you stop (to browse in a shop, to write a postcard, to take a picture), you become an easy target.
  • Don’t wear expensive clothes/watch.  Your watch might be someone’s 6-month salary.
  • Try to dress as much as the natives (give the impression you “live” in the country, or at least try to blend in).
  • Dress as humbly as possible.

If Robbed

  • If you were robbed of something unusual happened in front or around you, don’t chase the thief, follow the person who generated the commotion: s/he is probably an accomplice. Don’t try to stop her/him until there is police nearby. If s/he is an accomplice, police will probably recognize her/him right away. Accomplices are often women and children.

If Attacked

  • Use violence only if the attacker is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Otherwise, you may be risking your life: he has obviously more experience than you.
  • In most countries, theft is an accident of life and police will not even make an effort to investigate, but murder, especially of a foreigner, is a major event. From the point of view of a thief, that means that he has no interest in hurting you: if he doesn’t hurt you, he’s likely to get away with his crime, but if he hurts you the entire police force of the nation will be after him. Unless you do something really weird, most of the time a thief who is after your wallet or luggage has no interest in hurting you, they want your money or valuables.

When Driving

The below does not apply solely to Third World countries but also here domestically.

  • Make sure your luggage does not show from the trunk.
  • If you are lost in an unsafe neighborhood, do not show that you are lost. Do not stop, keep driving and look at the map while driving.
  • Don’t rely on public telephones: if you are in a bad neighborhood, they are unlikely to be working.
  • The best protection is prevention: make familiar with the topography of the city before you start driving. If you get lost, you should at least be able to guess (without asking) in which direction you have to steer.
  • Get a map app on your phone.
  • Have an emergency number (can be a friend or local hotel) to call for help or advice.
  • Just don’t look like a tourist who is lost, helpless, and desperate. Look like somebody who lives around there and is about his business.

Additional Advice for Visiting Developing Countries

    1. Get Medical Insurance
      Medical care in developing countries is not up to the standards of care you will find here in the US. If you are injured or fall ill you need an insurance policy that will evacuate you out of the country.
    2. Do Cultural Research
      Before visiting developing countries do some research about customs, traditions, and language. Include religious beliefs and if they impact women traveling alone.
    3. Understand Personal Earning Levels
      Be aware of what locals earn. Err on the side of generosity if tipping or bargaining. The money means more to them than it does to you.
    4. Visit US Government Advisory Websites
      Travel safety tips for visiting developing countries keep evolving, so start your trip by doing your research before you travel.
      Visit US travel advisory website.
      Enroll in the Smart traveler program
    5. Visit a doctor specializing in travel medicine

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For first-time flyers trip planning can be exciting. However, the journey through the airport can be a challenge and stressful. Here’s what to do before your next flight and time at the airport as organized and stress-free as possible.  Follow these rules for packing and getting through airport security with ease to cut down on travel delays and make your trip through the airport a breeze.

Best Tips for First-Time Flyers

If you’re boarding a plane for the first time or if you haven’t flown on a plane lately; here’s what you need to know now regarding packing, checking your luggage, and navigating airport security as a first-time flyer.

Before You Leave Home

  1. Place “Stop” Orders when applicable. Once your travel is booked, you should look into placing “stop or hold” orders on any regularly occurring deliveries or services. These may include postal mail, newspapers, house cleaners, and the like. If you want particular services to continue (such as landscaping), consider paying in advance if this is not your usual arrangement. Many service providers allow you to place stop orders online; this is particularly the case for mail delivery and most newspapers. As most stop orders require one or two business days advance notice, make sure you take care of this, at least, three days before you travel.  Read more ideas to ready your home for travel to lessen your chances of burglary. 

2. Call your bank. Let the bank know where and when you will be traveling so they do not think your credit card has been compromised. Use only an RFID blocking wallet or bag with an RFID blocking compartment to protect your identity. Credit card companies look at irregularity in your credit card usage, so if you have not used your credit card outside of your area in some time, and suddenly charges start showing up abroad, or out of your area, the card issuer may shut down your card until the out of normal usage is explained.

Just Before You Fly

  1. Reconfirm your flight or check-in directly with the airline 24 to 48 hours before departure. Usually, you can do this online. Print a copy of your boarding pass and keep a screenshot on your phone, even if you have your boarding pass in the airline’s app on your phone, if you end up with internet problems, you will still be able to access your screenshot.

Smart Packing Tips

  1. Pack Smart. To minimize items you pack, pack outfits and limit your colors to three to mix and match items. Use packing cubes to organize clothes and maximize space.
  1. Place medicine and expensive items only in your carry-on luggage, never in your checked bags which could get delayed or lost.
  2.  Keep a pencil or pen handy in your carry-on to note gate, departure time, and connecting flight information. This can also help with customs forms for international travelers.
  3. Know the TSA rules about carry-on items and packing your luggage. Go to the TSA website.
  4. Identify your baggage bag tags or colorful tape on the exterior to make it easy to spot on the luggage carousel.
  5. Use a baggage tag with your name, and cell number on the outside of your bag. Make sure you only use a covered bag tag to shield your privacy. Inside your baggage, put your name, home information plus your destination address and telephone number.
  1. Use a Bluetooth tracker like an apple air tag or a tile for your android phone.
  1. Bring only two items on board to speed boarding. Typically airlines only allow one carry-on bag plus a personal item such as a purse or backpack, check your airline’s guidelines for the carry-on bags and their sizes before you pack.
  2. Know your baggage restrictions. Check the airline’s website for bag weight and size restrictions. This is very important to avoid overweight fees or oversized luggage fees for checked bags.
  3. Only use TSA-accepted luggage locks. You need to lock your checked bags to keep others out and your gear secure. Only use luggage locks that allow the TSA to open them with a special override key in case they want to inspect your luggage. If you don’t, they can cut off your lock to gain access to your bag.

Arriving at the Airport

  1. Leave early for the airport! Arrive at the airport up to two hours before departure for domestic flights and up to three hours before departure for international flights. Anticipate slow-downs during the holidays and the peak summer months. Traffic may be heavier, airport parking lots may be fuller, and lines may be longer.

Check In Early

  1. Check-in at the airline ticket counter if you don’t have a seat assignment. Go directly to the gate for check-in if you have a boarding pass and aren’t checking luggage. At a minimum, check in one hour before departure on domestic flights and two hours before international departures. Extra time waiting is better than rushing and running through the terminal.
  2. Check baggage routing for your checked baggage. Ensure that the agent or skycap attaches the correct tags for your destination city. If you don’t recognize the city code – for example, ORD is Chicago O’Hare airport — ask, particularly if you have connecting flights. Ask if your luggage is checked through to your destination or if you will have to claim it and re-check it during a connection.
  3. Know your departure gate. Ask the agent or skycap to write your departure gate number on your ticket envelope or boarding card. Know your boarding time and boarding group. Boarding typically starts 30 minutes prior to departure.

Identification

  1. Carry at least one form of photo ID at all times. A second photo ID might be required at some airports. If you’re using your driver’s license make sure it is a Real ID.
  2. Digital copies. Keep photos of your driver’s license and passport on your phone too in case of loss.
  3. Wearable security document organizer. Wear the organizer while in the airport to be hands-free and later under your shirt while sightseeing to foil pickpockets.

Security Check Points

  1.  TSA screening. Once at the airport, be prepared to have your belongings searched by security personnel at the TSA checkpoints. You must pass through TSA to get into the terminals where the gates are. Only ticketed passengers can go to the terminals. You will need to show your ID and your boarding pass.
  2.  Dress checkpoint friendly. Don’t wear large metal buckles, belts, or jewelry that will activate the metal detector’s alarm.
  3. Laptop computers and other electric devices might need to be removed and put in a separate bin for passing through the x-ray machine.
  4. Wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on. Most of the time your shoes will need to be removed and go through x-ray.
  5. Know the 3-1-1 rule for toiletries or liquids you pack in your carry-on.

Gate Area

  1. Never leave luggage unattended or under the watch of a stranger. If traveling alone take it with you into the bathroom and use the larger handicap stall
  2. Do not accept any item from strangers or carry any package with unknown contents.

Boarding

  1. Stay close to the departure gate to hear the latest announcements.
  2. There you will receive boarding instructions and any last-minute information you need for the flight.
  3. Board when asked.
  4. Be sure to board when your row number or boarding group is called. Empty seats will be counted and given to standby passengers.

When the Plane Lands

Upon arrival at your destination, go immediately to the baggage claim area to pick up your luggage. Have the claim stubs available and if you’re using a tracking device like an air tag or tile turn on your phone to help find your bag.

When in Doubt

Ask questions. Airline employees are generally friendly and helpful. No question is too simple particularly if you’re a first-time flyer.

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How Much Should You Tip? Guidelines for Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars

One question most travelers ask is how much should you tip?  Typically the one place you end up tipping most frequently is in your hotel. There is the bellstaff, housekeeping, the concierge and dining room personnel. If they provide a service, they typically should get a tip. How much you should tip for those services does vary by country. Read on to see the suggested tipping amount by country and then how much you should tip in the United States.

Tipping Guidelines by Country

Tipping around the world is different than it is in the United States. Tipping guidelines now show that tipping has become expected and standardized even outside of the United States. In some countries, everyone from the waiter to the porter to the proprietor figure-in gratuities as part of their wages. In other countries, tipping is a different story. Before you go you should know what is the customary tip amount at your destination for various services. Here are some tipping guidelines to know what tip amounts are customary by country. Remember, the more assistance you need, or the more economically deprived the location it behooves you to err on the side of generosity.  And if you’re still not sure what is proper to tip, ask someone in management of the establishment for a guideline, they will gladly help you understand how much you should tip.

Country Tip Comment
United States 15%-20% Expected, but usually not included in the bill.
France 12%-15% Usually included in hotel and restaurant bills.
U.K. 10%-12% Service charge usually in restaurant bill.
Japan 10%-20% Tip usually included in hotel, restaurant bill; otherwise, tipping not common.
Germany 10%-15% Service charge usually included in restaurant bill; but small round up tip is the norm.
Hong Kong 10%-15% Tipping common for all services.
Indonesia 10% Usually included in the bill; additional tip  can sometimes added.
Italy 10% Tips expected for most services.
Malaysia 10% Tipping usual for porters and room service.
Mexico 10% Tipping common for most services.
Philippines 10% Tipping common for most services.
Saudi Arabia 10% Tips usually included in restaurant or hotel bill; extra 10% sometimes given for special service.

Tipping guidelines around the world

Related: How to Hide Money on Your Body

How Much Should You Tip at US Hotels

Two things influence the tip amount, the amount of service provided and the type of hotel.  For example, a bellman who brings 5 large bags to your room at a luxury resort should get a larger tip than one who just takes and holds your bag for a few hours in a locked room after you check out.

Shuttle Bus Drivers for the hotel or parking structure: $1-2 per person, or $4-5 per party

Valet or Parking Attendant who brings your car to you, $1-$5 per trip

Bell Staff  Typically $1-3 per bag when you are escorted to your room. If you call for bell service upon departure the same tip amount applies

Housekeeping $2-5 per night, leave the tip daily on the pillow or in an envelope marked tip as staff can change daily. A family of 4 should leave $5 per night whereas $2 may be reasonable for a single room occupant

Room Delivery of requested items: $2 for one item, and $1 for each additional item

Room Service and Waiters 15-20% of the total bill

Door Staff $1-2 for hailing a cab, and if they help with baggage, even to your Uber, tip accordingly

Concierge $5-10 depending on how involved the service

These suggested amounts are from The AHLA, which is the association representing all segments of the lodging industry, provided the above guidelines. You should rely on your own judgment as well.

How Much to Tip While Dining

Typically you should tip 15% to 20% of the BEFORE TAX amount. If the service was extremely great (or awful) tell management in addition to leaving the appropriate gratuity. They will be pleased to know which waiter is keeping guests happy and which they to train a bit more.

If you’re at a dining establishment where you go to the counter and place your order and take a number you place at your table and wait for the food to be brought to you, you should leave $1 to $2 dollars on the table upon leaving.

The counter help at fast food places do not need to be tipped.

How Much to Tip for Delivery and Take Out

Take-out No tip is required for counter service. Think picking up your food at a sandwich counter or doughnut shop.
Delivery Driver Usually $2-5 is adequate for the delivery person.

Tipping Guidelines for Casinos Within the United States

Bartenders: $1 per round for parties of two to four, up-scale bars the tip is $1 per drink.

Bellmen: $2-$5, depending on whether you will need services or advice during your stay.

Bingo and keno runners, keno writers: If playing for an extended period of time, $1 occasionally, even if not winning, is appreciated.

Cocktail waitresses: $2 a round for small parties; more for larger groups.

Dealers: Tips, or “tokes” as they are called in Las Vegas, can be given directly to the dealer between hands, throws of the dice or spins of the wheel, or small “side bets” are permitted. These can range from $1 to up to, half of your bet.

House keepers: About $1-$2 per day per person in the room, leave daily since the house-keeping staff can change daily.

Restaurant waiters: Standard 15-20 percent rule applies.

Room service waiters: Standard 15-20 percent rule applies.

Skycaps: $1-$2 per bag, depending on size and weight.

Showroom servers: $5-$10 for a party of two to four at a cocktails-only show; for a dinner show, $10-$20 for the same size group, depending upon service.

Taxicab/shuttle drivers: Standard 10 to 15 percent of the fare.

Valet parking attendants: $2-$5

How Much to Tip at a Salon or Spa

A 20 % tip is standard for your hairstylist or barber. Some salons have assistants who typically wash your hair and may offer a relaxing massage. They should get $5 to $10 depending on the service provided.

Tipping Your Dog Groomer

You entrust your dog’s safety and comfort to your groomer. You want them to do a good job and look forward to you and your pup coming back. Typically the %15-20% rule applies here too. If you have an easy to groom dog you can go with 15%. If your pooch is larger, very  furry or requires additional attention, go with 20%.

Tipping Exceptions Around the World

Sometimes there are situations where tipping is not expected or the tip is built-in to the price. You need to look for these situations. Some restaurants include an automatic tip in the bill for larger parties. Less often restaurants include a mandatory tip on all bills, regardless of the number of people at the table. Always read the bill carefully so you know what you’re paying.

Another situation where tips are often included is on cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts. You will see a separate line on your bill reflecting the

Tipping guidelines, how much should you tip

tip amount you are being charged. The establishments are not to touch that money. It is supposed to go directly to the personnel and people that have served you the money is typically and divided up. Even in tip included establishments, you can give additional tips to people who have gone out of their way to do something well for you.

Tipping Guideline Apps for Your Phone

Never be unprepared. Download a tipping app onto your phone. Most apps work that you select a country for which you need advice on tipping amount such as meal service or taxi. Some even have a built-in calculator and other information such as local customs so you know how much to tip.

US News Recommends a few apps to help with tipping.

In closing, here’s a fun fact: the word “tip” is an acronym for “to insure promptness.” And our final recommendation is that if you “over” tip know you’ve made someone’s day and that kindness may just come back to you in another way. And lastly, plan ahead a get small bills in your destination currency to have handy for tips.

More Tips on Tipping

  • Check if the gratuity has been added to your bill. If it is you do not need to leave any additional money.
  • If you are using a coupon or a Groupon check on the original price and tip on that amount.
  • Leave your cash tip on the tray or in the holder of the bill, not out in the open. Including the tip on your credit card payment is also fine.
  • If you frequent a bar or coffee shop regularly be friendly, maybe address a barista by their name, and put $5 into the tip jar so that they see you doing it. Future visits should be pleasant and if you have a special request they will most likely take care of you with a smile.
  • If some can’t accept a tip, look them straight in their eyes, say thank you and if appropriate shake their hand.
  • Another appreciated action is making the effort to tell someone’s supervisor about their extraordinary service.

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How to avoid child pickpockets in Italy

How to avoid child pickpockets in Italy

While Venice is one of the jewels of Italy, it also has a reputation for children pickpockets. Most first-time tourists to Italy pick Venice as one of their destinations to visit. First-time tourists and even repeat visitors should be aware of children pickpockets in Venice. Tourists that are enjoying the charms of the city are prime targets for pickpockets of all ages including child pickpockets.

What may take thieves just a moment to “lift” from your pockets (passports, credit cards, and airline tickets) may take you days to replace. So travelers beware of even innocent-looking locals be they a well-dressed business person standing next to you or a playful group of young children.

Children as Thieves – Pickpockets in Venice

Schooling for thieves starts very early. A traveler was seated on a crowded bus in Rome on her way to the Vatican. She glanced down at her lap to find a tiny little hand reaching into her now unzipped fanny pack. The child could not have been more than 6 years old. Groups of children have been known to gang up on unsuspecting travelers as well. One common scenario is the newspaper trick. A group of children approach the unsuspecting tourist and ask for money or try to sell you knick-knacks as they jab at you with newspapers or cardboard. The papers effectively block your view of little hands fast at work, opening pockets, slashing belts, and cleaning out your travel funds. If you do catch on, usually the shock of being robbed by children delays your reaction a moment more, making for a successful robbery.

Why Children Make Good Thieves

Children pickpockets venice

Street vendors selling souvenirs can be a distraction for tourists and an attraction for pickpockets.

More common in Rome and other Italian cities child pickpockets are now working in Venice too. Under 14 years of age, these children cannot be held accountable for their crimes by local law. So they are ideal for older thieves to train and put out on the streets to work. If the child thieves are picked up by police, they are taken to child refugee safe houses, and then they abscond in the morning only to be back on the street the very next day. Some of the children are stopped by Carabinieri (national police), fed-up local vigilantes and shopkeepers on a daily basis, but the rewards are great and the young thieves keep on robbing.

Be streetwise – Venice is a very safe town but pickpocketing is one thing you should look out for. Favorite places for the robbers include busy lanes and bridges, the bus terminus at Piazzale Roma, the St. Mark’s area and rush-hour water buses. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security if the only people near you are ten-year-olds or heavily-pregnant girls; these are classic examples of the pickpockets sent out by Fagin-like operators. Newspapers have reported children as young as 5 being employed in crime. Be very aware of people falling in behind you in a queue, especially if you are being jostled. Shout loudly and attract attention if someone attempts to rob you.

Often girls are the ones to approach purse-carrying women as they seem the least threatening. They will play around you or distract you with a cardboard sign asking you to buy a trinket or candy. Children also have smaller hands which you may not feel slipping into a bag or pocket. Venice with its many alleys and narrow streets is an ideal setup for the thieves to steal from tourists and to and run away out of sight. Your best defense is a security purse that has built-in anti-theft features to keep your valuables secure from pickpockets.  Travel with peace of mind.

Anti-Theft Travel Gear

Our best advice is to carry your valuables close to your body and hidden from view, if you can’t leave them locked in a hotel room safe. A neck pouch that zips closed or uses velcro to stay closed should be worn under your shirt or blouse. Even if the neck cord is visible or the item is a bit lumpy under your shirt most likely a thief will pass you up for another victim that isn’t wearing one. Another similar type of body wallet is a flat money belt that you tuck into the front of your pants.

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Anti theft neck pouch for travel

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In Paris Don’t Fall for the – Fake Petition Scam

The fake petition scam has been going on in France, Italy, and Spain for years because it is so successful. It’s a scam many first time visitors fall for because it starts out as what appears to be a legitimate conversation with a friendly local.  You will usually find con-artists with clipboards at many of the larger metropolitan tourist destinations.

How the Fake Petition Scam Works

The con-artists target single travelers, couples, and small groups of tourists.  If you are or see that you are about to be approached by clipboard-wielding young man or woman who greets you with a smile and genuine interest – know that you are very possibly being set up for any number of scams to relieve you of your money. After you sign the petition (and there are many compelling reasons or causes to sign) they pester you sometimes to the point of intimidation to make a “donation” now that you signed the form.

Fake Petition Scam

Fake Petition Scam

Victimized travelers have many different variations of how they fell victim to a scammer who targeted them with the “fake petition” scam – with some of the interactions being very unpleasant.  The best advice is to avoid the fake petition scam in the first place. If anyone approaches you holding a clipboard, or holding a piece of paper that may even remotely look like a petition, do not let them engage you in conversation. Simply say firmly “non merci” and walk away. If necessary be rude, and do not let them engage you in conversation, because if you do, you might end up like the man in the video below.

The scam works this way. Once you sign what you think is a petition, the scammer will insist that you make a donation to whatever cause the petition is for. If you don’t give a “donation” the scammer will point to the paper you signed that says you have agreed to give a donation. If you still don’t give a donation, the scammer comes up with another trick, they will tell you that if you don’t give a donation they (the scammer – or as they may call themselves “petitioner” will have to personally give the pledge money to the cause you signed for. If you resist, other youths may come to their aid as a way to pressure you to pay. The scene can escalate from there in various manners, including the use of other thieves who may try to steal your bag as you are distracted by the argument.

How Fake Petitioners Operate to Rip Off Unsuspecting Travelers

Another variation is that the scammer targets unsuspecting tourists who are sitting down at a café table. The scammer looks specifically for someone who may have a cell phone or camera on the table and uses the fake petition scam as a distraction to steal it. The thief’s job is that when they walk up to your table, they need to engage you in conversation while they put their clipboard or papers on top of your phone or camera. The thief tries to do this in a way that you won’t notice what they are doing – again facilitated by engaging you in a verbal conversation.

After a short conversation, and with the hope that you were also able to get you to “donate” to there scam cause, the thief walks away, with your cell phone or camera under their clipboard or other paperwork. Most times these thieves are so skilled that it takes victims some time to even realize they have been ripped off. Lesson learned here is to keep your guard up against overly friendly strangers and always be aware of your possessions when they are sitting on a table. A defensive strategy for travel is to always place your phone or wallet while sitting a table into an anti-theft waist pack.  You can reach for it easily, but no one else can.

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8 Things Not to Keep in you wallet, Ever! (1)

Air BnB spy cameras

When traveling you want to lose yourself in the sights while not losing your valuables. The idea is to enjoy your destination and not be worried about theft, losing things, or being victimized by scam artists. In many foreign cultures, the thieves have a point of view of “shame on you” the victim, for making it easy for them to steal your valuables. They believe it is up to you to guard your gear, if you don’t it’s OK to steal it. Understanding this philosophical point of view, here’s our suggestion for the top travel security items you can’t leave home without.

Favorite Travel Safety Gadgets

1. TSA Luggage Locks

TSA stands for the Transportation Security Administration, an agency of the US Department of homeland security. A TSA luggage lock allows you to lock your luggage and it allows the TSA to inspect it by opening the lock with a well-guarded proprietary tool. When the TSA is finished inspecting your luggage, they re-close the lock to protect your baggage and contents. There are various styles of TSA locks, you are bound to find one that works for you.

TSA lock, travel safety gadgets

2. Travel Cable Lock

Most travelers don’t think about how handy a travel cable lock is, here are a few examples of when a small simple cable with a padlock can give you peace of mind. Use a cable with a lock to lock several pieces of luggage together in a luggage room or storage, or connect your luggage to your seat while you are sleeping on a train or bus are at the airport waiting for the next connecting flight. If you think the security of your hotel room is sketchy tether your locked bag to a piece of furniture. Another place where a cable lock comes in handy is foiling thieves who target rental cars. Place your bag in the trunk and connect it to the vehicle.

Retractable Cable lock, travel safety gadget

Cable lock with pad lock, travel safety gadget

 

3. Money Belt or Hidden Body Pouch

Money belts now come in many sizes and styles, with the most popular being an underclothing style to hold and hide your passport, money and credit cards. There are neck pouch styles and even leg strap styles which are all are great ways to protect your belongings. The best money belts aren’t belts that you use on your pants, they are meant to be worn under your clothing next to your skin with cut-proof waist straps and built-in RFID blocking technology too. If you keep these money belts under your clothing, there is virtually no way you can be pick-pocketed. We recommend that you also use a wallet with a small amount of money in it to keep your money belt for your big money, passport, and credit cards. This is a smart travel accessory.

Breathable and flat money belt, travel safety gadget Underclothing security neck wallet pouch, travel safety gadgets

 

4. Portable and Packable Travel Safe

These new styles of safes are portable and package so you can secure your valuables including larger camera gear and a laptop almost anywhere you go. The safes are made of cut-proof and puncture-proof material. They fold up or lay flat in your luggage. Because they are portable you can use in a hotel, on a train, in a vehicle and even by a pool or beach. After your trip, you can continue to use them in your, home, dorm room or office.

Portable Travel Safes. travel safety gadgets

Your car can practically be your home away from home whether you drive for business or leisure. Therefore, you will want to take some precautions to protect it and your possessions inside. Ideally, you wouldn’t leave anything valuable at all in your car, but the reality of life is that your car is going to serve as much like a safe deposit box or a storage closet in addition to transportation. The following are a few tips to help you protect your car and everything in it while taking a car trip or even while just driving around town.

Keep your keys safe – even when you are at home

  • At home keep your keys safe, this goes for your extra or spare keys too. Don’t leave them in the car or on an entrance table or bench in the house. Secure them in an out-of-the-way place such as a drawer or somewhere safe that is out of sight so a burglar can’t easily find them and drive away in your car.
  • Don’t leave your keys in the car while you are putting gas in your car at the gas station, or when you go inside the station to pay. Don’t tempt or make it easy for a thief to jump into your car and drive away.
  • Don’t go back into the house during winter while you let the car warm up. Yes, we understand it is freezing cold but thieves take advantage of this time of the year. And don’t leave the car running but lock it with the spare key – a thief is most certainly going to forgo the cost of replacing the window to smash it when they’ll have possession of your car. Put your coat, gloves, and scarf on and stay with the car!

Choose your parking space wisely

  • When parking in airport lots, park in view of the exit toll booths or parking office if possible, or just within view of a shuttle pickup location or kiosk. The increased foot traffic will discourage potential thieves. Well-lit areas are next best; most airport lots have surveillance cameras in place, so making it easier for an attendant to see your car on a security camera will help.
  • Be careful when you park your car at a sporting or entertainment event such as a football game or concert.  These cars are a dead giveaway to thieves that you’re going to be away from your car for a set period of time. Never leave ticket or event information in the car that would indicate to a thief how long you’ll be gone. Again choose a well lit or well-trafficked area if possible. Never leave any valuables visible in the car either.
  • Park “trunk out.” If you are storing items in your trunk, you will want to point the trunk out into the lot aisle, where more people can see anyone trying to break in. Don’t give thieves the opportunity to use your car as cover while ripping you off.
  • When parking on the street, try to park within sight of a busy store or hotel entrance, under a street lamp, near a busy corner or out in the open away from things that might provide shelter to a thief (like thick or low-hanging trees). The busier the street, the better.
  • When you park your car in a pay parking lot  – take your parking ticket with you when you leave the car. That way, even if a thief gains entry into your car if they have to pay for a lost ticket and they’ll be getting themselves noticed.
  • Self park when you can so you don’t have to relinquish your keys.

When in doubt, use a parking garage

  • Parking on the street is the most vulnerable place to be, so if you are uncomfortable with your street parking options, by all means, use a parking garage instead. Parking garages often have surveillance cameras. Although you are safer in a parking garage, that does not mean that you are invulnerable.  Remove or lock up any really valuable items – that means accessories for your cell phone, loose E-ZPass apparatus bags, etc. to remove temptation. All of the same precautions above apply; no matter where you park, make it as difficult and uninspiring to potential thieves as possible.

Load and hide your stuff before you reach your destination

  • By the time you pull into a hotel lot, valet queue, parking garage or any parking spot, everything you plan to leave in the car should already be well stowed and hidden. To pull into your spot, and then take your most valuable items and pack them in the trunk, is to broadcast to anyone within view exactly where to focus their attention if they want to rip you off. The best approach is to put your things in the trunk or another safe compartment before you even get in the car at the beginning of your trip.

Don’t leave ANYTHING visible in the car

  • If you leave your radar detector attached to the windshield, your cell phone in the front console, or your handbag on the seat, then do not expect sympathy when it gets stolen.  A car alarm will not, ever, protect from a smash and grab. It takes a thief 5 seconds to smash the glass, grab the item, and be around the corner. Even with your alarm sounding he’s gone.
  • It’s not just electronics that thieves break into vehicles for.  Don’t leave gym bags, shoe boxes, shopping bags or anything in the vehicle.  If a thief sees a bag in a vehicle, they may think the bag contains something of value and smash your window to get it.

Unload your stuff away from your parking spaces as well

  • If you are planning to return to the same parking area, you will want to take your stuff out of the car away from the lot if possible. If you open the trunk and take out all the good stuff each time you return to your car, eventually someone will notice. The best case is to be able to pull over somewhere safe away from either your home base or destination and get your stuff then.

Make your car look protected

  • A huge part of the job an alarm does is to give a visual warning to a thief that the car has security measures. Make sure you put the alarm warning stickers on the window and the LED warning light in the dash is fitted. (And if you don’t want to get an alarm you can buy these little extras separately.)
  • Make it a habit to always lock your car doors, in your driveway, at a gas station, even while driving and certainly when parking even for a minute.

A neat car is less likely to be burglarized

  • A car that is filled with jackets or beach towels that appear to be covering items of value suggests that valuables may be under the pile of jackets or towels. If a potential thief sees nothing but car upholstery, he or she is less likely to be curious about what might be hidden in the car.

These security devices will help you guard valuables in your vehicle. They are portable, so you can take them from your vehicle to your RV to your home or your office.

PORTABLE SECURITY
LOCKBOX +  MOUNTING SLEEVE
Built like Fort Knox, this security lock box is perfect for locking your valuables inside your vehicle. Currently used by several U.S. law enforcement agencies.
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TRAVELSAFE X15 ANTI-THEFT PORTABLE SAFE
This water-resistant portable safe is designed to protect your valuables when you need to leave them behind. It easily secures a 15″ MacBook, and DSLR Camera.
SENTRYSAFE PORTABLE SAFE
W/STEEL CABLE
Secure your valuables inside a well-made mobile safe that lockdowns in your vehicle or to a fixed object. A great feature when security is needed in an office, hotel, or car.

Want to drive when you get there? You should be able to, however, the laws governing car rentals do differ from country to country. Here’s an overview of what you need to know before you go and hit the road.

License/IDP
Most countries will accept your valid state driver’s license with another form of photo ID such as your passport. Some countries may also require an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) which is available by visiting the American Automobile Association ( AAA). Check with an AAA travel office before you travel. You don’t need to take a test to get an International Driver’s Permit; all it does is explain (in a number of languages) the type of license you have, any limitations that apply and when it will expire. You don’t have to have an AAA membership to get an IDP from AAA. There is a small fee, but AAA is authorized by the US State Department to issues permits. For the small fee and inconvenience, it is worth having an IDP. And get it here before you go, don’t trust unauthorized sources particularly overseas. They may be scammers who charge you more and you’ll end up with a worthless and fake permit not recognized by the authorities in your destination countries. In these European countries: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, or Spain you’re technically required to carry a permit to drive, so get one if you’ll be driving in these countries. If you ended up dealing with the police and don’t have an IDP, you could be fined if you don’t produce one, and the fine will no doubt be more than the cost of getting one here.

2. Insurance
Your personal automobile insurance policy may have restrictions or limitations on driving in foreign countries. Check your coverage, including the terms of your credit card policy, before you rent in a foreign country. Ask them if you should buy additional coverage offered by the rental agency.

3. Fines Paid While Driving
In some countries, the police will take your license if you are involved in an accident or stopped for a moving violation, and will not return it until you have paid any applicable fine. Get receipts for all payments you make, and report any mistreatment or apparent scams to the American embassy or consulate in that country.

Certain European countries track traffic violations with street cameras that photograph cars at intersections. The police trace the drivers using the license plate number of the car and request payment from the rental car company for the ticket. The rental car company is within its rights to collect the fine from you, even if the company is informed of the violation after you have returned and paid for the car.

4. Age Matters
The age which you must be to rent a car varies by country and rental company. Younger renters can get stuck with extra costs, such as being required to buy extra insurance or pay a surcharge of $15–40 per day. Most companies will not rent a car to someone under 21 (with some exceptions, depending on the country and type of car), but those who are at least 25 years old should have no problem.

If you’re over 70  you may have trouble renting in the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Greece, Northern Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Turkey. In Denmark, you may have trouble if you are over 80. If you’re over 69, you may be required to pay extra to rent a car in the Republic of Ireland, where the official age limit is 75 (although some rental companies will rent to those ages 76–79 if they provide extensive proof of good health and safe driving).  Find out the rules for age by country before your leave. Then also compare the cost to rent from here vs. walking into a rental agency at your destination.

5. Border Crossings
In Europe, borders are a hot issue now and rules regarding if you can drive a rental car between certain countries could change. Your best bet is to check with your rental company as to what they allow, what additional fees are involved and what additional paperwork you will need to have. Be sure to state your travel plans up front to the rental company when you book. Some companies may have limits on which eastward countries you can drive to because of the higher incidence of car thefts (for example, you can only take cheaper cars, and you may have to pay extra insurance fees. The best advice is to do your research ahead of time.  One alternative to get the freedom a car offers is to consider hiring a private driver for the day or for the duration you’re in a specific country. Hotel concierges and travel agents can help connect you with a driver/private tour guide.

6. Great International Driving Tips Resource
Learn about local road rules when visiting a new place or foreign country by first visiting the website of the national transport authority. If you’re planning to rent a car in Europe, AAA  publishes some great advice. Also, ask the car-rental company about any unusual road rules you should know about (in New Zealand, for example, left-turning traffic must give way to opposing right-turning traffic, which is completely counter-intuitive for American drivers).