Traveling is an adventure. You explore different locations, meet new people, sample a wide range of exotic dishes, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, things like lost baggage or missing personal belongings can tarnish these memories. All travelers must remain vigilant and take steps to safeguard their possessions. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Keep All Important Documents Close 

Travelers should always have their ID cards, passports, credit cards, and some cash on hand. While pockets and handbags are convenient places for storing these items, it is a good idea to get a separate pouch for additional security. Look for money belts or similar accessories that can be worn underneath your clothes. They can keep all essential documents and cash out of people’s reach. This tip is particularly useful if your trip includes walking through busy markets or tourist attractions.

2. Store Everything in a Hotel Safe 

Many hotel rooms come with a safe or locker for all valuables. Place all spare cash, jewelry you don’t need, laptops, and other such valuables inside this safe. Hotels have sophisticated security systems that control access to rooms, but storing these things inside a safe offers another layer of protection. Place copies of relevant documents like passport, visas, tickets, etc., in the safe as well as they can be useful if you lose something.

3. Don’t Keep All Valuables Together 

Storing all essential items in one bag might seem convenient, but it is also risky. If you keep everything in one place, you can lose it all at once. Experienced travelers always divide valuable possessions by keeping cash, cards, and electronics in different cases. It is best to store various electronics separately. For example, hang your expensive DSLR around your neck and keep mobile phones in the money belt.

4. Be Mindful of Your Belongings 

Do you catch a nap while waiting for a train? Or look around absently while standing in a queue? These might seem like harmless activities, but they make people tempting targets. Thieves actively look for victims who aren’t paying attention before attempting to steal. That’s why you should always be vigilant, especially in public places like train stations, bus stops, or airports. Keep all your luggage close by and expensive items on your person.

5. Luggage Locks 

A luggage lock is an excellent way to protect your luggage while traveling on trains or busses. It issimilar to a bicycle lock that you can wrap around the case’s handles and tie to an anchor point. For example, travelers can quickly push a bag under their seat and link it to the seat legs. This gives you some freedom to rest, roam around, or have long conversations with fellow travelers without worrying about your possessions.

6. Get Insurance 

Flight and regular travel insurance don’t cover much. You might have to pay for lost valuables out of pocket. Getting good insurance coverage can help minimize loss. Research different options carefully and study how much your insurance covers before traveling anywhere. It also provides additional security because people are less tempted to fight for valuable possessions if criminals accost them. You can give up the valuables before fleeing without worrying about losing expensive items.

Incidents like lost baggage or valuables can sometimes be part of a traveler’s experience. Being prepared and following these is one way to minimize losses. Travel light so that you have fewer things to look after when you are out on a business trip or a vacation. It’s better to be safe than sorry and mar your travel experience.