Travel Blog

It is surprising just how often things go wring when you travel, perhaps through unfamiliarity but nevertheless these can be minimized by using some basic tips. Problems that could leave you with bad memories and a dislike of the local people, and maybe having to replace lost items; it could cost you lots of money and end up ruining your holiday. Situations like this can even escalate and it is not uncommon where people are reluctant to leave their room or even have to spend time in a Police station trying to explain the problem. Perhaps it is just that traveling safely requires some common sense and most of the time these days, we do not require it as someone else is always responsible for our mistakes!

Whatever it is you are doing or wherever you are, when you get that feeling that something doesn’t feel right, that is your instinct; learn to listen to it. Before you go out, consider if you actually need all your credit cards, cash, passports and airline tickets because if someone does manage to get hold of them, you will be left with nothing. Take just what you need for the day and leave the rest in the hotel safe as it is better to lose a little, rather then everything. One suggestion that can help reduce the risk of losing everything is placing cash and credit cards in different locations like pockets, wallets and bags; a pickpocket who is trying to steal from you will only get a small amount, leaving you with means to get back to the hotel.

Many couples who have not adopted the travel safely ethos will have 2 credit cards, both accessing the same account; it is much easier to use two cards, each accessing separate accounts so if one is lost or stolen, there is a backup. For some time now, thieves have been perfecting the art of snatching handbags and cameras on straps over the shoulder; but by placing the strap over the head and laying it across the chest, this is much harder to do without cutting the strap. Some of the easiest crimes involve snatch thieves that may actually work in teams; they locate unsuspecting victims who have a bag on their shoulder for instance that can be easily grabbed by a passing cycle or scooter. From a criminal’s point of view, large groups of tourists are just treated as easy targets and because they do this sort of thing all the time, they are extremely good at it.

The truth is we always believe it won’t happen to us because we are too streetwise but it is that arrogance that gets us caught out and these individuals do this every day. Carrying a small backpack can be a good idea as it can be secured with a small padlock which although will not deter the determined thief, will certainly slow down and prevent the majority from trying their luck.