Think of the worst scenario that can happen while you’re traveling internationally - losing your passport, identification and credit cards. Unluckily for me, I’ve been through this situation twice due to theft. It can be a scary experience at first, being without anyway of identifying yourself and no way of paying for anything. In most cases, there are simple ways to get back on track, though they are normally tremendous headaches. You should never leave yourself without a backup plan. Things happen and no matter how hard you try or how much good karma you’ve built up, things can still happen - obviously when you least expect it.
Always leave yourself with as many options as possible. Keep your credit cards in multiple places - but PLEASE do not forget where you stored them! I would never keep all of my cards and money together in one wallet, because what happens when that wallet is stolen or if it becomes lost? Also, make sure that you have cash stored in a safe place - I would suggest keeping a couple wads in abnormal places, but on your person at all times (ex. in a sock, bra or a hidden pocket/bag).
Keep the necessities (passport, visa, main credit cards and tickets) in a hidden money bag. I prefer the money pockets that hang off your belt and remain in between your pants and under garments (like the Undercover Hidden Pocket). If you are ever afraid of being pick-pocketed or robbed at gun/knife point, invest in realistic looking decoys of your passport, wallet and money - then keep them on you in more obvious places.
Always keep backups of your documents (itinerary, identifications, tickets, phone numbers of family members/friends and credit card numbers/info) on your phone (be sure to password the phone/app and be sure to have one of those nifty ‘Find Your Phone’ apps activated), in a hidden department in your luggage (however, I would not include items like credit card numbers here), and with various friends and family members.
Always leave your itinerary, proof of identity and backup funding at home with trusted members of your family and friends - you never know when you may need to rely on them for your recovery. Additionally, it’s important to alert your government’s embassy while traveling - Americans can signup on the STEP program (it’s easy and free). This program saved me when I was robbed in Scotland last spring!
(Photo by Scott Rothstein / iStock)
Keep the necessities (passport, visa, main credit cards and tickets) in a hidden money bag. I prefer the money pockets that hang off your belt and remain in between your pants and under garments (like the Undercover Hidden Pocket). If you are ever afraid of being pick-pocketed or robbed at gun/knife point, invest in realistic looking decoys of your passport, wallet and money - then keep them on you in more obvious places.
Always keep backups of your documents (itinerary, identifications, tickets, phone numbers of family members/friends and credit card numbers/info) on your phone (be sure to password the phone/app and be sure to have one of those nifty ‘Find Your Phone’ apps activated), in a hidden department in your luggage (however, I would not include items like credit card numbers here), and with various friends and family members.
Always leave your itinerary, proof of identity and backup funding at home with trusted members of your family and friends - you never know when you may need to rely on them for your recovery. Additionally, it’s important to alert your government’s embassy while traveling - Americans can signup on the STEP program (it’s easy and free). This program saved me when I was robbed in Scotland last spring!
(Photo by Scott Rothstein / iStock)
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