The more I travel, the more I’m exposed to situations where I need to be proactive about safeguarding my valuables. I typically travel with the following:
2 – 3 credit cards
2 debit cards
Regular iphone
UK cell phone
US cash
Local currency
Passport (or passport card)
US driver’s license
Metro card for the area
Keys
Miscellaneous other items
The loss of any of these items would be disruptive and potentially costly. For a recent trip, I had to carry all my valuables, at all times, in a variety of circumstances. The challenge is of course, to separate items, but also carry them in places that are as safe as possible from pickpockets and other thieves. Here are some of the items I use.
Scottevest – This vest with multiple inside pockets and some zipped outside pockets is my ‘go to’ for traveling. I can fit everything I need to protect in the pockets. When the vest is zipped up, I’m comfortable that my valuables are well protected. But the vest has some downsides to consider. When loaded, the vest becomes bulky, heavy, and quite warm. It also puts all my valuables in one place and the look of it screams ‘tourist’. So, while the Scottevest is a great option, I often add some type of on-body pouch to hold some of the valuables and employ other alternatives when I choose not to use the vest. What I do miss when not wearing the vest is the cell phone pocket at chest height inside the vest that allows me to pull out the cell phone without exposing the rest of my valuables.
PacSafe Neck Pouch – This pouch is on an adjustable strap that loops around the neck and either hangs in front or on the side of the body or tucks into the front of the pants. It holds a passport and cash/cards and is relatively comfortable. The downside is during warm weather the strap around the neck is visible, announcing to the world that you’re carrying a hidden pouch. In my opinion, this works best with turtlenecks or a scarf that covers the strap.
PacSafe Bra Stash – I’ve avoided these in the past, because frankly I didn’t think I had enough to contain anything. But this bra stash (and others like it) have a strap that goes around either the bra itself or the bra strap before you tuck it in, so it seems more secure. Some have metal clasps or snaps, so I’m not sure what happens with these at security. This one has plastic parts.
Stashbandz Belt – This is an interesting product that was developed for runners and for people who need to carry certain medical equipment on their person. It’s a stretchy 4-inch belt that sits between the navel and mid hip. It has two pockets in front (one zipped) and two in back. It carries cell phone, keys, wallet, money, etc. – although carrying all of them at the same time might be a bit bulky. I’ve just purchased this and haven’t given it a good test, but the reviews are mostly positive.
Money Belt – In the past I’ve used a money belt (which for many people is a good alternative), but because I tend to have a gap in the waist of my pants, I have trouble keeping the belt sufficiently hidden. Money belts often have enough room to hold a passport plus cards and cash. Just make sure you find one that fits you properly and your clothing accommodates it.
High Ankle or Mid-calf Socks – Simply put folded money down the side of the sock far enough that it won’t pop out. This won’t work with quarter socks or shorter ankle socks, but if the socks are long enough, it’s worked well for me. Some companies sell socks with zippered pockets. I haven’t use these socks, but they might be fine.
Cell Phone Neck Carrier – This product solves the problem of keeping the cell phone handy, but not in your pocket. I find this works best under a jacket, so it’s not exposed. There are lots of different styles (some waterproof), but I use the PacSafe Neck Pouch (above) when I want this option. My iphone 6, with case, just fits.
PacSafe Personal Safe – This item is too bulky to pack in a suitcase when traveling light, but is a great addition when on a road trip or renting a cottage, etc. It’s big enough to hold a tablet and other items. The bag locks and you run a cable around a pipe in the bathroom or other permanent object to secure the bag to the object. This works great in places where there is no safe and you don’t want to take all your valuables with you.
We’ve all seen people reaching into their hidden stashes to get cash and credit cards when they want to pay for something. This really defeats the purpose of hiding valuables. Instead carry a small amount of cash and a credit card in a front pocket (preferably a zippered pocket) and use this to pay for purchases. If you need to replenish the cash, find a restroom or someplace where you can do so discretely. I also carry a small decoy wallet with a $20 bill (or equivalent in local currency) and an expired/closed credit card to hand over if I am accosted. It’s cheap insurance and reports are that this technique will satisfy the thief in most cases.
Many women keep their valuables in their cross-body bag or small backpack. In general, I don’t keep valuables in these bags, but rather use them to hold my sightseeing information, water bottle, snacks, and personal items. The only money I carry in my bag is my change purse in those areas where you collect a lot of change (UK, EU). Particularly when traveling solo, I feel these bags could be an easy target.
Especially when in high tourist areas, its important to think about what you’re carrying and whether you are telegraphing where your valuables might be. I’d rather be sightseeing than trying to deal with stolen property or the personal impact of being a victim. A little planning and the right options for stashing valuables can go a long way in avoiding these issues.