Don't Let Yourself (or Your Things) Get Snatched
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
May 13, 2003
The ritualistic "summer vacation" is on its way, as those who have been saving up vacation days and money for months prepare for their trips. During the summertime, people head out in droves: some to big cites, others to the beach, and some venture overseas. No matter where you go (or when you go), it's important to remember wherever there are tourists, there may be purse-snatchers and petty thieves looking to take advantage of the unsuspecting tourist.
If one of the main objectives of taking a vacation is to get away from it all and relax, the last thing you want to deal with is theft. We've probably all heard stories about the couple in Europe who gets out of their rental car, only to have their suitcases stolen--or the passenger who has her purse snatched while sleeping on a train, or the man who has his wallet removed from his back pocket! Few believe it could ever happen to them.
It can.
Even in your own city--it's no good if you lose your things at home, but the consequences, inconveniences, and expenses can be far worse if you're out of town or out of the country. With no one to come to your aid and none of your usual resources at hand, you can feel pretty desperate. Theft is one sure way to spoil a vacation you've been looking forward to for months.
To help avoid a potentially bad situation, take a few pre-trip precautionary measures to protect yourself. Don't be one of those people who says, if only...
Before You Leave On Your Trip:
- Photocopy your valuable documents and tickets--including travelers' checks, driver's license, and credit cards (front and back).
- Unpack your wallet or purse and leave behind all items you don't need on vacation--such as extra identification cards, gas cards, and retail charge cards.
- Leave behind things that would be difficult to replace, such as family jewelry.
Avoid Theft While Traveling:
- Vital documents, such as passports and tickets, should be kept on you at all times-- unless they are in a hotel safe.
- For safe keeping, put your passport and excess cash or travelers' checks in a neck pouch that can be tucked under your shirt while you're exploring or sleeping.
- Avoid fanny-packs, which clip from the back, and can be easily swiped by a deft pick-pocket.
- Keep your wallet on you at all times--front pant pockets are harder for thieves to reach.
- Use a purse with a zipper pouch for your wallet and valuables (one with strong handles).
- When driving, always keep belongings in a locked trunk. Clever thieves open the rear doors of cars and snatch things like bags, laptops, or other valuables left in the backseat.
- If traveling with a laptop, cell phone, or other electronics, it's a good idea to keep a record of their make, model, and serial numbers. Do not leave these items out in the hotel room. Lock them in the hotel safe, if the room safe isn't large enough.
- Find out if your homeowners' or renters' insurance covers your belongings when traveling.
- Consider travel insurance from a secure provider with worldwide service.
- Consider travelers' checks--instead of carrying large sums of cash.
What To Do After The Fact:
- If you're going to make an insurance claim, you'll need to get a police report. But, it's always recommended either way.
- Travelers' check thefts must be reported within 24 hours to be replaced.
- Contact your Embassy or Consulate if you need help in replacing lost or stolen passports.
- A local American Express agent can help you get emergency funds sent from home.
- Contact credit card companies about your missing cards.
- Continually contact the credit bureau to make sure no one is trying to fraudulently use your identity.
- Conduct a thorough search of your credit history to make sure it's intact.
Although I can't guarantee you'll never be the victim of theft, you should be better equipped to conduct swift damage control to best recover your loss, get on with your trip, and get over it! After all, who wants to worry about getting back into the country when the birds of paradise are calling?
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com. And remember to look here for your topic each week!
Related Links
Read more tips by Editor-at-Large Amy Ziff:
How Far Would You Go in Search of a Travel Deal?
What Have You Done For Her Lately?
SARS: What Should I Do?
Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
The Guts and Glory of NOT Planning Ahead
Traveling with the Family? Ten Tips to Make the Trip Easier
Take a Break While Playing It Safe
Technology Goes Beyond Booking
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