You always need to be vigilant about your safety and security even in top hotels and resorts. While most properties do have security programs in place to protect their guests, you still need to know how to protect yourself and your family in case of an emergency as well as when just undergoing ordinary activities such as staying in and leaving your room. These are the top hotel safety tips that frequent travelers and experts agree on. These safety rules are simple and easy to follow. If you’re traveling with children, share the rules with them and make sure they practice them too.
Upon Checking In
Request a room that’s not on the ground floor. Security experts agree that staying between the third and sixth floors – where rooms are high enough to avoid easy break-ins and are low enough to be reached by fire engine ladders in the event of an emergency is ideal. Be sure to also make your room location preference known at the time of booking and when confirming the reservation.
Entering and Leaving Your Hotel Room
Don’t keep your room key in the key folder handed to you at the front desk upon check-in. The room key folder typically has your room number written on it. If you accidentally lose or leave your key folder with the key in it, then anyone finding it can access your room. Our advice is to only take the key with you and leave the folder behind in the room.
If you’re going to leave your room and don’t need housekeeping to come in then turn on the TV and hang the do not disturb sign on the outside of your door on your way out. Now you’ve left the impression that someone is in the room who doesn’t want to be disturbed. This decreases the chance that a stranger would try to enter it.
Your mother told you, and she’s right, never open the door to a stranger, especially if they claim to be a member of the hotel staff, and you’re not expecting them. Ask them to wait and call the front desk if they sent someone up and then verify their identity.
To keep hotel staff or anyone with a pass key or code from entering your room while you are in it pack and use a Door Jammer as a secondary lock. The Door Jammer is not only a travel security item but a handy security item for home, office, and dorms too.
5. Read the evacuation plan and make sure everyone in your room knows it and knows where you all would meet up in the event of an emergency.
Internet Security
Once you’ve entered your room, you might feel a bit safer than in the lobby or a public place in the resort or hotel. That sense of safety translates to internet safety too. Yet your internet may not be any more secure than in an airport or coffee shop. In reality, you’re still using a public Wi-Fi hotspot. When connecting to the hotel Wi-Fi tell your computer that you’re connecting to a public network. The objective is to set your computer firewall to its maximum. Your best option is to use a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi. Never access banking or other personal websites from a public network.
Valuables in Your Hotel Room
Protect your valuables by using the hotel safe. Increase the security of the hotel safe by using a separate and additional safe lock with it.
A little-known fact, but many hotels do not accept liability for items left in a guest room safe, the an additional external lock increases the security of the safe.
The mere presence of an additional lock should deter a thief from attempting to break into your safe and move on to a room safe without an additional layer of security in place.
Final Thought on Resort and Hotel Safety Advice
Follow these six tips to enhance your safety and peace of mind while on vacation. make sure to share this advice with those you’re traveling with too.
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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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Holidays are stressful enough without having to overpay for airfare. Follow these three rules to save money on airfare. These are the top three savings tips from frequent flyers and industry experts.
1. Rethink Your Travel Dates and or Times
The holidays themselves or their eves are usually the cheapest days to fly. At first, it may not be appealing but overpaying and facing delays due to a surge in travelers isn’t appealing either. Adjust your schedule to avoid the most traveled itineraries – Wednesday to Sunday for Thanksgiving, and for this year Thursday to Sunday for both Christmas and New Year’s to land cheaper airfares and fewer travelers.
2. Don’t Check Luggage, Ship Ahead via a Ground Carrier
All domestic airlines, except for one, now charge for checked baggage. Checking luggage round trip for a family of 4 can increase your airfare by $200 or more. Instead, ship the contents of your checked luggage ahead (allow 5-7 days depending on destination). Even if it is to a hotel call the hotel on how to best address your carton to hold for your arrival. Shipping via a ground delivery service can cost a lot less than checking bags. Bonus – no lost luggage or fighting long lines at baggage claim. See the various checked baggage fees airlines charge, here.
At first it may not be appealing but overpaying and facing delays due to a surge in travelers isn’t appealing either. Adjust your schedule to avoid the most traveled itineraries – Wednesday to Sunday for Thanksgiving, and for this year Thursday to Sunday for both Christmas and New Year’s to land cheaper airfares and fewer travelers.
3. Track Your Airfare BEFORE You Buy
If you’re planning a trip and have a few weeks or months before purchasing your flight you can save money by adding price alerts to track fluctuations in the price of your flight.
GOOGLE FLIGHTS Google allows you to preview the lowest price on flights and suggests the best days to fly by showing you a map view
In this photo, you can see the varied prices from LAX to JFK throughout November and December
As the price changes, you will receive daily or weekly updates to your email.
In this example, the price went down $25 from when we initially did our search.
2. KAYAK PRICE TRACKER With Kayak, you’re allowed to select multiple flights on one page and set up alerts.
3. AireFareWatchDog provides limited deeply discounted flight price alerts. Unlike Google Flights and Kayak, Airewarewatchdog emails you daily with unbelievably low priced fares to wherever you want to travel. However, we have found that most of these flights depart during the week so it’s perfect for anyone with flexible travel dates and is planning a trip well in advance.
Track Your Airfare, Even After You Buy
If your flight’s fare drops below what you paid for it check with your airline to see if they will compensate you somehow. Most airlines and online travel agencies will give you a rebate — usually in travel credits or vouchers — if your flight’s price drops below what you paid. Just be wary of fees: Some airlines charge “re-booking” fees between $50 and $175 for domestic flights and up to $250 for international flights. Alaska Airlines and Jet Blue do not charge to refund price drops; Southwest never charges a ticket-change fee and will credit you the full difference in fare.
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Your laptop, phone, and wallet are not just valuable to you, they are valuable to others too, so protect your gear virtually anywhere with a portable travel safe. Safes are no longer just metal boxes, they can be soft and packable and they’re definitely not just for homes, portable travel safesoffer security in hotels, vacation rentals, vehicles, RVs, boats, offices, dorms, and even outdoors too!
What is a Portable Travel Safe
The latest safe designs are packable and they even incorporate flexible steel for added protection too. Most have hidden steel mesh cages or are of a hard quality plastic that you lock closed and tether to a stationary item. Typical stationary items used for tethering are bed-frames, lounge chairs, car seat frames, bike frames, umbrellas, and even tree trunks. Travel safes are great lock-n-leave security solutions for everyday security concerns and travel as well.
Where to Use a TravelSafe
You need to pack a portable safe to safeguard your valuables in situations where they could be vulnerable. In many of the better hotels in the US and abroad they offer room safes. However, many of the safes are too small to fit a laptop, files, or larger camera gear. So, what do you do if you need to secure bulkier items? What if you’re out and about, or just even poolside, and need to secure your valuables while you leave your lounge chair? How many people have access to that vacation rental property you’re staying in? Do you trust that you can only enter your apartment? Are valuables secure in your office when you leave them behind? Fortunately, travel safes are available in various sizes, so you can find just the right one to protect your gear and valuables.
Useful Locations to Use a Portable Safe
hotel
gym
home
car trunk
boat
beach
camping
vacation rental
dorm
hostel
A portable safe can offer peace of mind and security in many situations and locations. Each of the following designs has unique features to meet your various needs. I have two portable safes. One which is larger that fits my laptop and DSLR camera and a smaller one just for essentials like glasses, phone and wallet. Keep reading for our review of the best models you can choose from. Be sure to click on the item to see images of how and where to use the safe!
This maximum-security portable travel safe has stainless steel wire mesh embedded in poly canvas and is extremely cut-resistant. It’s designed by Pacsafe, the original anti-theft brand. This portable safe measures 10 inches wide by 16 inches high and 1.5 inches deep. So measure your laptop to see if it fits, and place your tablet, passport, wallet, and other valuables inside. The way the safe works is that once your valuables are inside, you cinch the bag closed with the steel cable, keeping it closed with the built-in locking nut, and loop the steel cable around a secure item and lock it down with the included TSA-accepted 3 dial combination lock. The light-colored interior enhances the visibility of the travel safe’s contents. This safe stores flat in your luggage, taking up very little room, and it’s surprisingly light at just one pound. About
The largest portable travel safe, this bag has carry handles and backpack strap straps to help carry it. It measures 20 inches H x 13 W x 8 D. This bag secures a generous amount of equipment like camera gear. Your 15-inch laptop, a table,t and so much more! The external fabric of this travel safe is water-resistant in addition to being slash safe. There’s actually steel mesh known as 360-degree exomesh embedded in the bag’s material to stop any slashing or cutting attempts. The built-in locking cable is steel, and the included lock is a 3-dial TSA-accepted steel lock. The safe can be folded flat and placed inside luggage for use at your destination, or you can use it as your carry-on bag, making this portable travel safe highly versatile. The travelsafe weighs only 2 lbs.
This portable travel safe is theft-resistant and designed to be a drawstring backpack, too. This bag has a steel-reinforced locking strap and heavy-duty combination lock so you can the bag shut and to a fixed object. The material is slash, tear, and abrasion-resistant fabric with industrial exterior coating. It’s also water-resistant to protect your contents from rain, spills, and more. This bag features a large interior RFID-blocking pocket to shield credit cards and passports from unauthorized scanning by e-thieves. About $120.00
The Flexsafe is the smallest and most portable of the travel safes we’ve reviewed. This design fits your phone, passport, small wallet, and keys. This easy to pack travel safe is water-resistant and measures 10 x 6 x 2.5 inches. It’s perfectly suited to pool-side security and sports applications like golf carts and bikes. Take the Flexsafe to water parks, on cruises, or camping. It secures with a programmable and quality magnetic closure. the Flexsafe makes a great bon voyage gift.
Made by the trusted name Master Lock. This compact portable safe or lock box secures your small essentials in a hardshell case that has a built-in cable and 4 dial lock so you can lock it closed and then lock it down for peace of mind at the field, park, pool or anywhere else you may want to secure your small valuables. this little security box even has an ear/bud/charging cable access port, so you can still charge your phone or use the headphones while your phone is secure inside. This is a great feature that most use for charging and while keeping their phone safe if they are away from it. The dimensions are 8W x 3.5 D x 1.25 H. A great value at about $24.00.
This great smaller safe is lightweight but strong enough to keep smaller valuables secure. You can stash your phone, wallet, keys, and even your glasses when you head out for a swim or jog along the surf in this element-resistant portable safe. Made by Safego, this portable safe is constructed with high-impact ABS plastic and is water and sand-resistant to offer protection for small electronics when you’re out boating, camping, lounging poolside, or diving. The Safego travel lock box is equipped with a 17-inch adjustable cable you use to attach the safe box to a fixed object. A fixed object can be a lounge chair, clothing rod in your room, or fence at the park, among other things. Select from a variety of colors to express your style. About $49.00
The Cool Bag has a locking zipper to secure contents and a handle that locks to a stationary item to thwart theft of the bag. It’s made of 100% UV-resistant polyester and features stain/water resistance and a waterproof coating. Side water bottle pockets are expandable, and a magazine pocket has a hidden zipper that allows the TSA-compliant bag to fit over a rolling luggage handle. Make this your onboard travel bag, your bag for sporting events and beach days. As its name suggests, it’s also a cooler with a separate compartment for snacks and beverages.
Can’t decide which travel safe is right for you? See a greater selection of anti-theft portable travel safes to secure your valuables at home or while traveling.
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You’ve paid the extra fee to check your bag, losing it would add injury to insult. Do what frequent flyers do to prevent lost luggage and help ensure your checked luggage arrives at your destination with you.
10 Tips to Prevent Lost Luggage
Every year two million bags are lost, damaged, delayed, or pilfered, according to “mishandled baggage” reports made by the largest U.S. airlines to the Department of Transportation. The good news is that airlines are doing better in getting your bags to arrive with you by using new technology like RFID readers. Here’s what you can you to help prevent lost luggage.
1. Arrive Early If you check a bag within 30 minutes of your departure time, it may not actually make it onto your plane. Follow the guidelines of the airline regarding the timing for checking luggage. Typically that means one hour ahead of time for domestic flights. International flights may require more time.
2. Keep the Receipt the Ticketing Agent gives You for Your Luggage. This is your Luggage ID number. Do not lose it or throw it out until you have your bag and checked the contents, only then should you discard it.
3. Use More Than One Luggage Tag Per Bag The key is to ID your bag in multiple places—outside as well as inside. Luggage tags get torn off during the handling process so having more than one on each bag you check will help prevent a lost bag. Use the paper tags provided by the airline carrier in addition to your own. Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number you can be reached while traveling. One frequent flyer puts his destination address and dates he’ll be there in case the bag needs to be delivered to him. Bag tags with wire attachment loops can withstand a great amount of stress.
4. Let Your Personality Shine Whether you buy a colorful handle wrap or just add a few stripes of bright duct tape, make sure your bag is different from the other bags. It signals you’re a savvy traveler who cares about your bag. Another option is to purchase a bag that’s not black (like the overwhelming majority), making it easier to spot in a roomful of luggage.
5. Remove all Old Stickers Remove all old barcodes, tags, or destination stickers from previous trips. Leaving them on doesn’t mean your luggage won’t go where you’re going, but why make it more difficult for baggage handlers,
6. Place Your Itinerary Inside Your Luggage Pack a copy of your itinerary inside your bag so that airline workers will know where to route your bag in case they find it and cannot get in touch with you. Tape it to the inside of your bag or place it in an envelope marked itinerary.
7. Take Photos of Your Bags and Gear Photograph or video the contents of your bag as you pack. Just lay everything out on the bed and take a few photos with your camera or phone. Not only will that help to identify your bag if it goes missing, but it will also help with claims forms if your suitcase is never found. Take photos of the bag exterior too.
8. Remove Extras Before checking your bag, take off any removable straps; this will decrease the likelihood of it getting snagged along the way of the baggage conveyor system. Make sure retractable handles are also depressed all the way. Make sure zipper pulls are locked down with luggage lock.
9. Watch Your Bag Get Placed on the Conveyor Belt Finally, don’t check your bag with the curbside baggage checker; go inside to the main counter to decrease the chances of a mix-up, plus you can see it go onto the conveyor belt. Now, most airlines have check-in kiosks inside where you tag and drop off your luggage with an airline employee.
10. Go to Baggage Claim Quickly There’s always the possibility that your bag could be stolen off the baggage carousel. One baggage thief stole smaller bags and quickly placed them inside a larger empty one to walk out with. Another took multiple bags and placed them on a bag cart to help hide while he pushed them out. This is another reason you want your bag to look different from all the other black bags on the carousel and be there to claim it the moment it comes off the belt.
11. Travel Non-stop or With Longer Layovers If you can manage it financially flying nonstop to your destination is the best option. If you choose a flight with a layover, consider one that has an adequate layover time for both you and your luggage to make the next flight. For US domestic consider 60 to 90 minutes and at least two hours for an international one.
12. Use a GPS Tracker Consider placing an apple air tag or android tile in your luggage as a secondary tracking system to the barcode system the airline uses. Be sure to do some research and understands how the trackers work using phone networks and bluetooth. It’s newer technology and it’s improving all the time.
If your luggage is lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen while in an airline’s possession
Immediately File a Claim If your bag is lost, stolen,, or damaged, be sure to file a complaint immediately with the airline’s baggage department. This must be done before you leave the airport. If you still can’t get satisfaction, or feel the need to report the airline, contact the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division.
Ask for Any Bag Fees Back According to DOT rules, airlines must refund any bag fees paid if your bags are permanently lost. Even if they are recovered and delivered to you late it can’t hurt to ask for reimbursement as compensation for the inconvenience of not having your bag.
Check Your Travel Insurance If you’re traveling internationally travel insurance can be very affordable if you compare it to the total cost of the trip. Understanding the differences between trip insurance and travel insurance is important. Seasoned travelers typically buy travel insurance and use a travel rewards credit card which can offer coverage of lost luggage as one of their perks.
Final Thoughts on Preventing Lost Luggage
Always pack medication and essential toiletries or electronics in your carry-on. If you’re traveling with a companion, place half of your clothes in their bag and visa-versa. That way if one bag is lost or delayed, you will still have some clothes to wear from the other bag. On a personal note, we recently did this and both of us had clothing while it took the airline 3 days to get us the missing bag.
Finally, if you’re wondering where lost bags go after they die, here’s your answer: UnclaimedBaggage.com!
Don’t pack valuables or breakables in checked luggage
The airlines really do an efficient job handling luggage and have handling protocols and training in place. However, sometimes, employees may handle luggage badly despite the airline’s best efforts. Newer styles of hard sided luggage can be more protective and resistant to mishandling and the baggage transport system than the soft-sided styles. If you’re still using soft-sided luggage with exposed zippers and pockets, which can get caught in the baggage system, look at upgrading to a bag with a non-fabric exterior that has no exposed pockets or zippers as a first-line defense against rough baggage handling, pilfering, and the baggage transport system and of course protecting your contents. Most importantly, no matter the style of luggage you use, pack it as if you’ll never see it. Avoid putting valuables or breakables in your checked bag rather than opting to place them in your carry-on bag instead.
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Many travelers think they know how to spot a pickpocket, but good pickpockets aren’t easy to spot. Do you think pickpockets look like the stereotype of “shady characters” who look like a crook? While that is true for a small portion of the time, most often professional pickpockets go to great strides to blend into the crowd and area so their victims are not aware of them.
Chopstick pickpocket goes unnoticed. He places what he steals into his bag, out of view
How to spot a pickpocket
Unsuspecting Elderly Lady
To prove this point, the police in Sterling Heights, Michigan, have alerted the public that they should not assume that the sweet old lady in a hat they see standing next to them in the mall is so sweet after all. She just may be part of an organized crime gang!
A Group of Women
Police in an upscale Detroit suburb say an all-female criminal ring, made up of middle-aged and elderly women, is running a sophisticated con in which they allegedly pick the pockets of unsuspecting shoppers and use the stolen credit cards elsewhere. The group, which police nicknamed the “Mad Hatters,” is a pickpocket ring made up of at least six women who frequently wear hats to disguise their identities and have allegedly swiped more than $500,000 in the past year and a half, authorities say. One bank alone estimated it had lost at least $200,000 at the hands of the hatters. Travelers should be very aware that pickpockets come in all shapes, ages, colors, and ages.
Here are a few tips to help spot a pickpocket before they strike
Watch out for people that make a scene
People who make a scene within a crowd are often regular people. They may be a bit disturbed, frustrated, or clumsy like dropping their groceries, but they typically have no agenda. However, some of them are just aiming to create confusion among a group of unsuspecting onlookers, particularly if they are trying to engage others in their drama, and their accomplices are just there waiting on the sidelines for you to be distracted by the commotion so that they can then pick your pocket. Some pickpocket teams have children cause a scene or approach tourists asking for money.
Be aware of those that try to get close to you
Getting close to people is unavoidable, especially in crowded areas. This can even be natural in a culture with less personal space or in locations popular with tourists. However, if you find someone crowding your personal space incessantly and you feel uncomfortable, then he or she may be a pickpocket. Listen to your gut. It would be wise to go to an area less crowded and with more open space, and if possible, move towards someone who is a person of authority, like a police officer or security guard.
Be suspicious of people striking up a conversation
In this setup, someone may stop you while walking on a crowded street, in the subway, or in other tourist locations with people around to ask you something. They may ask about road directions, show you a map, or ask if you have seen a certain person. There is a strong chance that they are part of a pickpocket team trying to divert your attention so that their partners can take advantage of your momentary diverted focus. The advice in this scenario is not to stop and look at a map and keep going. Being rude beats losing your wallet.
Be cautious of anyone trying to blend in
The main weapon of a pickpocket is his or her ability to blend in with a crowd. Still, you can probably observe people who are trying too hard to join the crowd for the purpose of stealing from them. Be wary of everyone around you when in a crowded area, and don’t trust anyone simply because they are a child, old, infirm, or even pregnant. Hold your backpack or purse in front of you or crossbody style.
For peace of mind, carry your valuables in a neck wallet you tuck under your shirt or a money belt you wear around your waist under your shirt. Today’s options of money belts and body pouches are slim, smooth, and soft. See some of the latest styles here.
These safety tips for women are for dangerous situations that could potentially be life-threatening. It’s rare to find women’s self-defense tips for real-life, dangerous situations. We spoke with a female police officer about the things she’s learned on the job to help keep women safe. From years of reviewing hundreds and hundreds of criminal cases, these are the precautions she recommends women can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Safety Tips for Women
1. NEVER get into an attacker’s car if he pulls a gun and orders you to get into his vehicle. Most attackers don’t want to shoot you: they want you to get into the car so that they can drive you to a deserted place and do God-knows-what-else. Do not comply, and instead run away screaming. It is MUCH more likely than not that he will just move on to an easier target.
2. While driving, NEVER pull over if someone driving alongside you points at your car pretending something is wrong. If this happens, drive to the nearest well-lit and populated gas station and look the car over yourself (or ask an attendant). Believe it or not, many women have fallen for this for fear of their car spontaneously exploding in the middle of the road. Not likely.
4. When having your car serviced, only give the attendant your car keys and detach the keys to your home. They have key duplicators readily available and generally, have your address on file.
5. STAY ALERT in parking lots. If you go to the grocery store at night, don’t be shy about asking for an escort to your car. Too many women are abducted from or even raped in parking lots. Be aware of your surroundings by looking to the left and right and behind you with your head up all the time. You may appear paranoid and look funny to others, but an attacker will think twice about approaching someone who appears so aware of what’s going on. Cars provide endless hiding places for attackers, both inside them and in between them. In addition, always look in your back seat before entering your car.
6. Just because a stranger may look innocent and clean-cut, doesn’t mean you should trust them. In my work, I see mug shots of attackers and sex offenders and – trust me – they do not look like monsters. They often look like they could be your friendly neighborhood guy. They are every age between 15 and 90, and probably beyond. Only a small minority actually look scary. I just read a case yesterday of a man with only one leg who beat up his victim with his crutch before he raped her. Who would have ever thought that a one-legged man would be a rapist?
7. Child molesters often end up being the last person parents would suspect of wrongdoing. In most child molestation cases I see, the perpetrator is someone close to home: the stepfather, uncle, sister’s or mother’s boyfriend, grandfather, babysitter, neighbor, a family friend, youth camp director, or daycare worker, etc. Although rare, even women can be molesters. In every case, the perpetrator seems to be a “nice guy:” trusting and good with children, without signs of suspicion. Families are often baffled or in disbelief that the person could be abusing their child. When it comes to your children and grandchildren, be suspicious of everyone, no matter who they are. And pay attention to what your child says and how he/she reacts to the mention of different people in their lives.
8. NEVER open your front door without positively identifying who is there. If you don’t have a peephole, get one. I’ve seen countless cases where attackers gain access to victims simply by knocking on their doors. Don’t let an attacker get into your home. He then has a private, relatively soundproof place to attack you. Prevent strangers from entering your home. Consider adding an extra layer of protection with aPortable Door Lock. A portable door lock should also be one of the first things a woman packs for travel. Keep an extra one in your travel bag or in your cosmetic bag so you don’t forget to pack it.
Share these safety tips for women with the women in your life, because it’s best to be as prepared as possible.
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You know not to leave your valuables out in plain view when you leave your hotel room and to use the hotel room safe to secure them. Thefts of valuables from hotel room safes, while not rampant, are a real problem, even in the best of hotels. Read on to see how to open a hotel room safe quickly.
Are Hotel Room Safes, Safe?
Master keys, master key cards, and override codes in the wrong hands make it easy to open a hotel safe. Most new safes come with an override code of 0000 or 9999. When safes are installed in a hotel room, it is the responsibility of the hotel to change the override code that the safe comes with. Thieves and dishonest hotel employees who have access to your room can use the code to access your safe. Typically, one of a few codes, like 0000 or something similar, will open the safe. Learn what you can do not to be a victim of hotel room safe theft.
Theft from hotel in-room safes is not an everyday occurrence, but it does happen. Hotel guests do forget their safe codes or safe electronics may malfunction. Therefore, the hotel staff has to have some way to open a hotel room safe. Hotels all have a special “electronic backdoor” that allows them to use a special digital code, key, or electronic device to open the safe if needed. So you are truly not the only one with access to your safe. This short video offers a quick overview and shows how to open a hotel room safe.
Multiple Ways Hotel Staff Can Open a Hotel Room Safe, A Clear Explanation
Video – See How Easy it is to Unlock a Hotel Room Safe with Simple Tools
The video below shows that the metal nameplate on one brand of common hotel room safes can be easily removed, revealing a backup keyhole underneath. Using nothing more than a simple pocket tool and a short length of wire, the safe can be easily opened. The interesting part is when the safe door is then closed, it automatically locks itself again like nothing’s happened. So when a traveler returns to their hotel room, they’ll see that the safe door is closed and assume that it’s locked and secure.
Solution: Use a Hotel Room Safe Lock or A Personal Portable Safe to Safeguard Your Valuables
A secondary lock, the Milockie, is a visual deterrent in addition to blocking the opening of the safe door even if a passcode or key is used. The Milockie prevents the hotel safe door from swinging open even if the safe is unlocked and is kept in place with a padlock that only you know the code to.
Alternative security solutions include bringing your own portable safe. Available in different sizes, a portable travel safe is highly effective. Most thieves are opportunistic. To breach a portable safe a thief needs a large wire cutting/bolt cutting tool that most hotel employees or others don’t have on their person.
Typically a portable travel safe folds flat so that you can pack it in your luggage for use at your destination. Most safes are made of puncture or cut-proof fabric and cinch closed with a steel cable. Some portable safe have wire mesh reinforced sides. It is these features that make breaching the portable safes extremely difficult.
An additional benefit of a portable safe is that you can use it outside of your hotel room too. They work in rental cars, attached to pool chairs, bikes, or even at home.
Most Common Types of Hotel Room Safes
Electronic Keypad Room Safe
This type of safe is commonly found in mainstream hotels and resorts. This style of safe has several features that limit thefts from it. That’s because it requires a handheld computer device to open the safe. These safes require the attachment of a handheld PDA with either an infrared USB or cable. The units store up to 50 entries, incorrect PIN entries, and it’s all-time and date stamped. These can be attached to a PC, where audit reports can be printed for police and insurance purposes. These units DO NOT have a hotel override, it reveals the guest PIN.
Electronic Keypad Safe With Keypad Override Access
These types of hotel room safes require the use of an override *sequence*, not just a PIN number. This type of safe is almost as good as the one previously mentioned, as it contains a removable chip, which can access all the same data as above.
Electronic Keypad Access With Manual Safety Key
These room safes are not as secure as the previous two. This style requires the moving of the safe to enter a key and override code. They record the time and date of the override entry but nothing else. Refer below as to who *should* hold the spare key.
Manual Key Safe With Safety Key Access
This is a very old room safe model and is becoming rarer as time passes as hotels remodel and replace them with newer electronic versions. Yes, they do have spare keys, but reputable hotels don’t keep them accessible – even to management. It’s often kept in a fire-safe with either the general cashier or hotel management – we would hope – but many times who knows where this key is and who has access to it?
Where Do Hotel Room Safe Thefts Occur?
Thefts from hotel safes usually involve dishonest hotel employees, and these types of thefts seem to have a higher rate of being reported in hotels outside the United States. To read some of these hotel in-room safe theft stories reported by travelers, click on this TripAdvisor link.
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All domestic airlines, except for one, now charge for checked baggage. Checking luggage round trip for a family of 4 can increase your airfare by $200 or more. Instead, ship the contents of your checked luggage ahead (allow 5-7 days depending on destination). Even if it is to a hotel call the hotel on how to best address your carton to hold for your arrival. Shipping via a ground delivery service can cost a lot less than checking bags. Bonus – no lost luggage or fighting long lines at baggage claim. 
If your flight’s fare drops below what you paid for it check with your airline to see if they will compensate you somehow. Most airlines and online travel agencies will give you a rebate — usually in travel credits or vouchers — if your flight’s price drops below what you paid. Just be wary of fees: Some airlines charge “re-booking” fees between $50 and $175 for domestic flights and up to $250 for international flights. Alaska Airlines and Jet Blue do not charge to refund price drops; Southwest never charges a ticket-change fee and will credit you the full difference in fare.
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