Travel Security

The underlying goal of every traveller must be to have a pleasant secure trip. One must not have to worry about personal security but things do happen in this world and the happy traveller is the prepared traveller. Thinking ahead, planning and vigilance are key to eliminating worry and unfortunate experiences

How to avoid theft? How to avoid aggression? How to escape fire and natural destruction? How to avoid political disruption? It is essential to plan ahead, think quickly, and act appropriately. If, for some reason, you appear vulnerable, or act like a victim, you are likely to invite trouble.

A little creative thought and a bit of stealth can even make personal security amusing. For example, one imaginative traveller carried a rubber snake to place on top of his luggage when he left his hotel room. Often persons, especially in Africa and Asia, have a great fear of snakes and it wouldn't occur to them that that particular snake was a fake!

On the more practical side, here is some general advice to make travelling safer:

Take nothing you cannot replace relatively easily.

Always carry of valuables, money and documents on your person not in a purse or bag. Place other valuables in a safety deposit box at a hotel or on ship; get a receipt.

Don't put anything valuable in your pockets. Rap rubber bands around objects in pockets to slow down pickpockets. Keep money, tickets, passport and visas in hidden zippered pockets of security pouches worn under clothing.

Never leave luggage and attended. Lock all luggage compartments.

Find a way to lock backpack zippers so that they can't be opened while they are on your back. A safety pin to attach the slide may be a good deterrent.

Have a list of names and addresses and phone numbers of next of kin to contact as well as your doctors and dentists. Carry a photocopy of your passport ID page, airline tickets, travellers cheque receipts and credit cards in a separate place in your luggage. Always carry extra passport photos and have them handy if you need a visa or need to replace a lost passport.

If you lose your passport call local police and your consulate or embassy immediately!

Wear discreet clothing, nothing that makes you stand out distinctly from the people about you.

Keep valuable objects such as camera out of sight. Use a simple tote bag instead of a camera bag which just advertise the contents to malevolent persons.

For advice on more specific topics please consult the following:

Circulating in Public Money Matters Hotel Security Aeroplane Security

Further Reading