Travel Smarts for Your Money and Identity

Thieves love tourists. It’s nothing personal. They’re just looking for an easy target – someone who’s carrying cash and credit cards, tablets and phones, passports and other identification, all while being distracted by the new sights and sounds all around them.

So how do you take it all in without letting a thief take off with your money, identity and other valuables? These six travel tips should help:

Stay aware of your surroundings. This applies to all situations, from your hotel room to crowded public spaces. If a stranger bumps you, check your belongings immediately, even if it seemed accidental. Also use caution if you notice a public disturbance or other commotion – thieves appreciate a good distraction.
Watch out for digital thieves, too. Use public wi-fi cautiously and always visit secure sites (addresses starting with “https”). Need cash from an ATM? Paying for gas at the pump? Watch for “skimmer” devices designed to steal your information. They can be hard to detect, so look for card readers that don’t seem to match the rest of the machine or feel loose when jiggled.
Lock up your devices. Make sure your smartphone, computer, and tablet all require secure passwords for access. Otherwise, a thief who makes off with your electronics could also gain access to your personal information. Leaving devices behind at the hotel? Store them in the safe of your hotel room.
Always have some cash. There are situations where cash is just better than credit. If a merchant or barista just doesn’t seem trustworthy, use cash. Credit cards are best when you know the location is secure or when you want the purchase protection your card offers for a big-ticket item.
Think about home. Before leaving, make your home look occupied. Burglars often look for signs of an empty house. Use automatic timers on interior lights to mimic daily activity. Consider stopping mail and newspaper deliveries or ask a trusted neighbor to collect these daily. Packages and newspapers piling up at the front door indicate no one is home. Just in case someone does get in, keep your documents and valuables in a secure area or a safe deposit box.
Don’t post your trip plans on social media. Share your vacation photos after you return.

Remember, travel is supposed to be fun! Taking just a few commonsense precautions will help you wander free without worry.

For more detailed cybersecurity travel tips, read Stay Cybersafe on Vacation.

Portions of this article are reprinted with permission from Liberty Mutual Insurance.