Paul's & Janita's Travel Site

1. Use your government's travel advice

Consult your governments overseas travel advice service. Most countries provide this advice through their foreign affairs departments. Most countries also allow travellers to register their travel arrangements. Do it even if it seems silly. You might just be in a disaster area and need someone to know you are ok. Record your countries embassy contact details and take them with you.

2. Leave copies of passports travel documents and card details at home

In the event of loss or theft of important documents you will be able to get copies sent to you. In the age of the internet it is possible to scan important documents and place them in a secure area on a web site or email them to yourself. Exercise extreme caution if you use this option. Password protect and/or encrypt all documents. You could also consider storing documents on your phone. Again, ensure their security with passwords and encryption.

3. Manage valuables carefully

Carry as few valuable items as you can. Leave jewellery at home or if you must take it with you keep it out of public view. Your mobile phone has a positive benefit for your security and safety, but again, always keep it out of sight.

4. Use secure wallets to keep cash and cards secure.

Minimise the amount of cash you carry and keep your credit cards in a secure place. Small wallets on light chains attached to a belt or belt loop are an ideal secure cash/card holder. Passports and other important personal papers should be carried on you at all times or placed in hotel/motel safes.

5. Don't rely on 'bum-bags'

The only thing you should put in a bum-bag is your lunch.

6. Take special care with backpacks and handbags

If you must carry valuables in your backpack or handbag carry it in front or over a shoulder on the building side of the footpath rather than street side. Thieves on motorbikes or scooters are extremely adept at snatching bags.

7. Exercise extreme caution in crowded places

Dazed and confused travellers leaving airports or busy railway stations are often victims of snatch and grab thieves. If you go out at night, leave valuables in the hotel safe and stay in busy and well lit areas. If you intend to drink, always party in a group and stay together.

8. Don't resist a mugger

If confronted by a robber, hand over cash quickly. Credit cards and passports should be well out of sight. Hopefully a fist full of cash will satisfy the thief. Cash is a loss, but not as much a the loss as credit cards or your passport, or worse still the loss of a few days recovery in a hospital.. Some travellers carry a dummy wallet with a small amount of cash and a couple of expired cards.

9. Park in secure carparks or in busy areas

Parking for free in an isolated back street is just asking for trouble. Don't leave anything on display in your vehicle. If you have your luggage with you store it in the boot (trunk).

10. Secure the home front

Don't forget security of you property and valuables at home. If you are going to be away for more than a couple of weeks, try to get someone to visit your home from time to time to check that all is well. Have the Post Officer Redirect or hold your mail. For extended absences try to get house sitters to mind your property.