Travel Safety

I am a pretty cautious traveler or at least I like to think so.  People ask me if I am scared to travel by myself.  My reply is always no and mainly because I am comfortable with my attitude towards my safety.  Some may think I go a little overboard but it’s what makes me feel safe and that’s what’s important.  Here is a list of things I do and “stuff” I bring to add that extra layer of safety to my trips.

• Cross Body Bag – I have always felt safer having a cross body bag to carry my stuff in while traveling.  I like having my hands free which also makes me less of a target than having my hands full.  My current favorite is the PacSafe Metrosafe 200.  It has a metal mesh lining in the strap and the in the lining of the bag to deter slash and go thieves.  It also has a lot of great pockets for organization.  I especially like the little pocket on the back because it fits my travel wallet perfectly and keeps my money and credit cards right against my body.  I typically walk with my hand over my bag as an extra precaution.  In especially crowded areas, I actually hug my bag in front of me. 
• RFID Wallet – I just got a new wallet that blocks RFID scanners.  For those of you that don’t know, there are devices that can scan your credit card information just by coming into close contact with them.  Thieves can literally scan your credit card info just by standing near you in a crowd.  This is the latest addition to my safety arsenal.  
• Rubber Door Stops – They are cheap, light and make me feel safe in hotel rooms by myself.  I had a bad experience in a hotel in San Diego once where the drunk occupant of the adjoining room tried to break down the door between our rooms. Luckily, he passed out before getting through the door and I was able to switch rooms but it made me a little leery of hotel rooms with adjoining doors.  I simply shove the little door stops under the entry and adjoining room doors from the inside.  This makes it nearly impossible for intruders to come in while I am in there. 
• Bra Money Pocket – You have probably seen money belts, leg pouches, money pockets worn around the neck by I have my own little twist.  I bought a small ladies neck pouch and cut the straps off.  I then put my extra cash in a plastic baggie (not a zip top) and put that inside the silky pouch.  I then stash it in my bra under my arm.  I don’t even notice it’s there, it stays in place and with me at all times. 
• Awareness – This is probably the most important and useful to tool.  Just being aware of your surroundings makes you less of a target. A great blog site to educate yourself on thieves and their very crafty ways is http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters.  Bob and his wife travel the world documenting pick pockets and have lots of interesting stories.  Thieves are becoming more and more innovative so it’s important to at least be aware of their capabilities.

Only 65 more days!