Going overseas on vacation this year? If so, it is important to make sure that your money is safe when you travel abroad. In fact, it is very important, because studies show that when you go on vacation, you are five times more likely to have your money stolen than you are when you are tooling around in your home town.
Why is this? You probably are not choosing vacation destinations with high crime rates, it is just that thieves look for tourists. They know that when you are on vacation you are out of your element and are usually looking around your unfamiliar surroundings, trying to get your bearings, or trying to corral your children and take pictures, etc. In other words, you are just not paying attention. This is when pickpockets take the initiative.
How to Safeguard Your Money
Most vacation money thefts can be easily prevented. Simply put a little planning and forethought into how you will store your money on vacation, and what forms of money you will take with you.
1) One thing that you can do is to simply split up your cash and credit cards. Put some money or a credit card into your carry on and some in a purse so that if you lose one item you will still have money in another spot.
2) Carry travelers checks. These are easy to get: You can find them at your bank or online. The most common form is the American Express Travelers Check, which is also the most widely accepted. With travelers checks, you sign them when you get them, and then you sign them when you use them. If the signatures are not the same, the establishment will not accept them. Additionally, they can be refunded if you lose them, or if they are stolen.
3) Use your hotel safe. Typically when you travel, the hotel you are staying at will offer in-room safes; if they do not, there is often a hotel safe that you can utilize. Store your money and valuables in the room safe if there is one, and never worry about theft.
4) A belt bag is another great option. These are not the same as fanny packs. A belt bag is a slim money holder, like a wallet, that actually secures around the waist and is hidden on the inside of your pants. It may sound a bit uncomfortable, but these are very safe, as pickpockets cannot see them.
Whatever route you choose, just be diligent and notice your surroundings. Watch out for overly crowded areas, and really protect your wallet, purse or pockets!
Image Credits
Combination Lock by kev-shine
Empty Wallet by NoHoDamon
