Today’s savvy travelers embrace simple yet effective strategies to protect their bags, from utilizing discreet tracking devices to choosing the right storage locations. Having a solid plan for securing belongings lets you focus on what matters most: enjoying your trip!
Whether planning a European train adventure or a cross-country flight, understanding how to protect your belongings is essential. It’s about peace of mind and maintaining control over your belongings.
By incorporating the following straightforward security measures into your travel routine, you can confidently navigate any transportation system or accommodation, knowing you’re prepared and you’ve taken smart steps to protect your belongings.
Let’s explore practical ways to keep your bags safe while maintaining the joy and spontaneity of travel.
There are times when a traveler doesn’t want to drag their suitcase. Ever-expanding airports give travelers extreme workouts as they race to catch their next flight. Travelers with mobility issues may find it simply easier to check their bags.
But whether you check your bag or not, you can’t guarantee it’s safe from thieves – here are some recent reports as examples:
So, how do you protect your bags when traveling by plane?
If you carry your bags onboard, you will use many of the same techniques, including:
That last part sounds extreme until you read stories like this one on Reddit:
Travel by public transportation like trains and buses, presents unique security challenges. You’re dealing with multiple stops, passengers coming and going, and often lengthy journeys where vigilance can waver.
Here’s how to protect your belongings.
Pro tip: Stay alert during stops. Thieves often target bags during the confusion of passengers boarding and departing. This is why securing your bag to the luggage rack is a good idea.
Where you sleep is supposed to be a place of safety. Still, hotels and other types of lodging present the opportunity for experienced thieves: multiple access points, changing staff, and periods when you leave your bags behind to explore are up for grabs.
The first rule is to never leave anything valuable (like large sums of cash, expensive electronics, or jewelry) in a bag that leaves your sight.
The first rule is to put that ‘do not disturb’ card on your door. If you need extra towels, you can ask for them at the front desk when you return.
Note: If your in-room safe isn’t working, and you need to secure something of value, most hotels offer secure storage in the central hotel safe. Just get a written receipt for anything you store with them, and take a photo of the items and the receipt. You’ll have a backup if you lose the claim check or receipt. If your things are missing when you return and ask for them, you’ll have a photo to make a police report.
If you’re staying in hostels or other types of shared accommodations:
Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.