From gorgeous handmade jewelry to stunning wood-fired pieces, one of the best parts about traveling is all the truly valuable things you find and get to keep along the way. Unfortunately, valuables plus traveling by yourself too often equals trouble and so you want to protect yourself and your things.
How? Here are 3 tips for you.
Hidden Pockets
Really, you don’t want to be stressing about pickpocketing when you’re out there solo, and having hidden pockets in your gear means an extra layer of security so that sneaky hands have a very hard time getting to your things.
So, you either want to invest in clothing items with discrete compartments or modify existing garments. DIY it! Get crafty and sew pockets into the inside of your jacket or pants. Or else look for specialized travel gear with sneaky compartments, like belts with hidden pouches or scarves with secret pockets.
Imagine this: you’re navigating a bustling market. With your cash and cards tucked away in your hidden pockets, you breeze through the crowd without making your valuable items a target and so you have an awesome, stress-free shopping experience.
Local Insights
When it comes to avoiding tourist traps and potential risks, getting the lowdown from locals is often the way to go. And how do you manage to get these insights?
You have options; connect with locals through social media, travel forums, or language exchange events, just as long as you build connections enough to get the real facts on safe storage spots or trusted establishments. Find out which neighborhoods are known for their safety, so you’re not in the dark.
For example, say before you head out for a day of sightseeing, a local you met online clues you in on a reliable locker service nearby. Taking their advice, you stash your passport and extra cash securely so that you can explore without lugging everything around.
Divide and Conquer
Keeping your valuables spread out and apart is how you’ll significantly reduce the chances of losing everything if the worst happens.
Really, it’s a good idea to split your cash, cards, and important documents into different bags or pockets, use a low-key money belt, keep some essentials locked up in some kind of safe, and carry only what you really need in your daypack. This way, even if you lose one set, you’re still covered with access to your crucial items stashed in other secure spots.
Say while you’re exploring a historical site, you accidentally leave your daypack behind. Thanks to spreading out your valuables – jewelry, art, musical instruments, etc – only a fraction of your stuff is affected.
Admittedly, it can be especially challenging to collect and keep valuable things on your solo travels. Still, it’s certainly not impossible! Consider these tips.
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