Tips for Staying Safe While Traveling

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While the topic of staying safe while traveling isn’t the most fun to talk about it is something that you have to take into account. Right before our summer trip to Europe, several European cities experienced terrorist attacks which is sad and scary. Also important is keeping your belongs safe from pickpockets when you travel.

Be Vigilant

Always watch your surroundings and pay attention to who is around you. Keep in mind sometimes pickpockets work in pairs, while one distracts you and the other one strikes. Any area that has a high amount of tourists could have pickpockets. They can also be found on trains and buses.

Taking Safety Precautions

I purchased a scarf with hidden pockets where you can keep valuables while traveling that are not in an obvious place and close to your body and depending on the weather could also be under your coat. Another option is a travel money belt or travel neck pouch which will also keep your money and passport close to your body.

Something I thought of at the last minute was to put a luggage lock on my purse to attach the zipper to the strap to keep it closed. While this doesn’t keep a thief from stealing your whole purse it will keep out people who are trying to pickpocket. I did not keep the lock on my purse all the time but anytime we were entering a crowd or crowded area. I also kept my purse on my shoulder with the zipper just under my armpit.

For men, keeping their wallet in their front pocket is a good deterrent. It is also in a spot where they can put their hands in their pockets in a crowded situation.

Safe Word

Kids have a tendency when you tell them lets go that they whine or question you. Before our trip, my daughter and I came up with a safe word that isn’t one we use in daily conversations but if said she would immediately listen without question to what I say. Our safe word is not something that I am going to abuse by using it just to get her to listen. I want her to listen because it’s an emergency or unsafe situation. Thankfully, we never had to use our safe word.