These 10 Travel Security Tips Don’t Work Anymore

For decades, savvy travelers relied on these security tips:

• store your passport in the hotel safe,
• wear a money belt under your clothes, and
• keep your documents in one organized travel wallet.

These tactics felt smart, practical, and reassuring—like you were doing everything right to protect yourself abroad. But here’s the new truth: many of these “tried-and-true” methods have become outdated, ineffective, or even counterproductive in today’s travel landscape.

Thieves have evolved, technology has changed the game, and what once kept you safe might now be putting you at risk.

The good news? There are better, simpler alternatives that actually work in 2026. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 outdated travel security hacks you should stop using—and show you exactly what to do instead.

1. The Hotel Room Safe Isn’t Actually Safe

What we used to believe: Hotel room safes were once a viable option for protecting passports and extra cash while exploring a destination.

Why it doesn’t work now:

• Every hotel employee has legitimate access to your room, and also has access to override codes
• Universal master codes are available online
• Hotel room safes are built with cheap components that can be opened with basic tools

What to do instead:

• Keep valuables like cash with you, but spread them out (zippered pockets, hidden compartments in clothing, locking backpacks)
• Use the hotel’s main lobby safe if you must, but only if you truly trust the property (hotels with strong reputations)
• Take photos of important documents and store them securely in the cloud

First and foremost, it’s best to leave expensive items, like jewelry or other valuable items, at home. Don’t travel with things you can’t replace.

2. Money Belts Make You a Walking Target

What we used to believe: Wearing a money belt under your clothes made you a “hard target” that pickpockets would skip.

Why it doesn’t work now:

• The awkward outline under your shirt or pants signals exactly where your valuables are
• Experienced pickpockets know what to look for and see money belts as a jackpot
• They’re uncomfortable and make you constantly adjust them, drawing more attention
• It can be difficult to quickly access what you need, creating awkward moments at security lines or ticket counters

What to do instead:

• Use anti-theft gear that looks normal, like crossbody bags with locking zippers and slash-proof straps
• Invest in clothing with hidden zippered pockets (travel pants, jackets, scarves with pockets)
• Use a slim, flat wallet in your front pocket instead of a bulky money belt
• Carry only what you need for the day; leave the rest secured in your bank account

3. All-in-One Travel Document Wallets Are a Thief’s Dream

What we used to believe: Keeping everything organized in one neat travel wallet made you look like a savvy, experienced traveler. It was practical when you needed printed boarding passes, hotel vouchers, and multiple paper documents.

Why it doesn’t work now:

• All your critical identity documents are in one grabbable package
• If stolen, you lose everything at once: passport, credit cards, boarding passes, hotel confirmations
• They’re obvious and recognizable to thieves
• The documents could reveal your home location, which is now unguarded while you travel
• Most documents are now digital—you don’t need a bulky wallet anymore

What to do instead:

• Separate your documents: passport in one secure pocket, credit cards in another, hotel info on your phone
• Use your phone for boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and tickets whenever possible
• Keep digital copies of your passport and credit cards behind password protection

4. TSA-Approved Locks Give You False Security

What we used to believe: TSA-approved locks were the perfect solution. Officers could open them if needed, but thieves couldn’t.

Why it doesn’t work now:

• TSA master keys are widely available online
• The “pen trick” allows thieves to open zippers and re-close them without touching the lock
• Locks give a false sense of security that might lead you to pack valuables in checked luggage
• TSA can (and will) break any lock if they want to inspect your bag anyway

What to do instead:

• Use TSA locks only as a minor deterrent for casual theft, not as real security
• Consider low-key security methods: zip ties (you’ll know if they’re cut), luggage covers, or shrink-wrapping your bag
• Pack your checked bag to look less appealing—thieves are less likely to target luggage that looks like it belongs to a child, for example

Pro tip: Always keep prescription medications, medical devices, and important documents in your carry-on—never in checked bags, locked or not.

5. Hotel Door Chains and Flip Latches Actually Protect You

What we used to believe: Using the chain lock or flip latch on your hotel door provided security against intruders.

Why it doesn’t work now (and never really did):

• These locks were designed to prevent people from walking in accidentally, not to stop someone determined to enter
• They can be easily defeated with simple tools or force
• They give a false sense of security that might make you less vigilant
• Hotel staff can override them if needed, which means others might be able to as well

What to do instead:

• Travel with a portable door lock: a small, lightweight device that works on most hotel doors worldwide 
• Use the deadbolt in addition to any chain or latch
• Place a door stop wedge under your door for extra resistance
• If a hotel room feels unsafe for any reason, trust your gut and ask for a room change or switch hotel

Pro tip: Feeling safe in your hotel room is essential for good sleep, especially when dealing with jet lag or unfamiliar surroundings. A portable lock is a small investment for significant peace of mind.

6. Relying on Passwords Alone While Traveling

What we used to believe: As long as you had strong passwords, your accounts were secure—even when traveling.

Why it doesn’t work now:

• Passwords are easy to steal, especially on public Wi-Fi
• Keyloggers and phishing scams are more sophisticated than ever
• Public computers (hotel business centers, internet cafes) may have malware installed
• One compromised password can lead to multiple account breaches

What to do instead:

• Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts before you travel
• Use a reputable password manager instead of storing passwords in notes or digital files
• Always use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi networks
• Set up alerts on your credit cards and bank accounts, so you’re notified of suspicious activity immediately

Pro tip: If technology feels overwhelming, start with just your banking and email accounts—get 2FA set up on those first, then expand to other accounts. Many banks now offer easy 2FA through text messages or phone calls.

7. Keeping a Photocopy of Your Passport in Your Luggage

What we used to believe: Travel experts always said to make photocopies of your passport and keep them separate from the original—one in your carry-on, one in checked luggage. This was so that you could replace your passport or even use the photocopy if it was lost or stolen.

Why it doesn’t work now:

• If your luggage is missing, lost or delayed, that copy is useless to you when you need it most
• Photocopies aren’t accepted for most official purposes anyway
• They can be used for identity theft if they fall into the wrong hands

What to do instead:

• Take a photo of your passport (the photo page and any visa pages) and store it in a secure cloud service
• Email yourself a copy so you can access it from any device, anywhere
• Share a copy with a trusted family member or friend back home who can send it to you if needed
• Consider using secure apps specifically designed for storing travel documents (like TravelSafe or similar)

8. Posting Your Travel Plans on Social Media in Real-Time

What we used to believe: Sharing your exciting travel adventures as they happen was harmless fun and kept friends and family updated on your safety.

Why it doesn’t work now:

• You’re advertising that your home is empty to potential burglars
• Geotagging reveals your exact location to strangers, and identity thieves can mine your posts for personal details that could be used to answer security questions or target your family with threats
• It can void some home insurance policies if a theft occurs while you are gone
• You become a target for scams (people know you’re distracted and in unfamiliar territory)

What to do instead:

• Post your photos and stories AFTER you return home
• Turn off geotagging/location services on your photos before posting
• Adjust your social media privacy settings so only close friends can see posts
• If you must post while traveling, be vague about locations and timing (“Enjoying Europe this month” instead of “At the Eiffel Tower right now”)
• Never post photos of your boarding pass, hotel room number, rental car license plate, or anything with identifying information

9. Assuming Travel Insurance Covers Everything

What we used to believe: If you bought travel insurance, you were covered for any problem that came up during your trip.

Why it doesn’t work this way (and never really did):

• Most policies have exclusions and limitations that are listed in the policy
• Pre-existing medical conditions aren’t covered unless you buy a waiver within 10-21 days of your first trip deposit
• Weather, natural disasters, and other travel mishaps may not be covered unless you have “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage
• Many policies don’t cover adventure activities, rental car damage, or lost cash
• Coverage limits may be less than what you actually need

What to do instead:

• Purchase the right amount of coverage for your trip based on your personal risk – see my personal recommendations
• Consider “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage for expensive trips—it costs more but provides real flexibility
• Purchase the pre-existing condition waiver if you have any medical conditions or recent medical treatment

10. Final Tip: Don’t Rely on AirTags as Your Only Luggage Protection

AirTags are incredibly useful for tracking lost luggage, but they’re not foolproof. Thieves and baggage handlers know how to look for them, and iPhone users automatically get notified when an unknown AirTag is nearby. 

That means if someone finds your AirTag, they can simply remove it and toss it.

Use AirTags as one layer of security, not your only protection:

• Hide your AirTag deep in an interior pocket or lining, not somewhere obvious
• Take photos of your packed luggage contents before checking bags (helps with insurance claims)
• Purchase travel insurance that covers lost or stolen luggage
• Never pack irreplaceable items, valuables, medications, or essential documents in checked luggage

Think of your AirTag like a car alarm—it’s a helpful deterrent and tracking tool, but it won’t stop a determined thief. The best protection is layering multiple security measures.

Bottom line: AirTags are excellent for finding luggage that gets misrouted or stolen. They’re less effective against intentional theft. Use them wisely as part of a broader security strategy.