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Global RescueTravellers, mainly tourists, often find themselves prime targets for scammers, pickpockets, and thieves. However, the latest insights from the Summer 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey reveal expert strategies to protect your money, credit cards, and passport while exploring the world. Following these tips, you can outsmart potential thieves and enjoy a worry-free travel experience.

Split and Secure Valuables

Splitting your valuables is one of the most effective methods to prevent total loss from theft or mishap. According to the survey, separating your money, credit cards, and important documents can significantly reduce the risk of losing everything at once. Harding Bush, the Associate Director of Security Operations at Global Rescue, emphasizes, “Separating and securing your valuables ensures that if a thief nabs a shoulder bag or a pickpocket steals your wallet, you still have access to some of your money, credit cards, and duplicates of other important documents.”

Gender Differences in Theft Prevention

The survey highlighted differences in how male and female travellers protect their belongings. While 26% of male travellers cited splitting their valuables as their top choice, a slightly higher percentage of female travellers (30%) adopted the same method, though it wasn’t their primary option.

Interestingly, nearly a third (31%) of female travellers preferred using a crossbody purse or bag as their number one method to protect their valuables from loss or theft. In contrast, only 5% of men identified a crossbody bag as their preferred anti-theft solution.

Preferred Methods for Men

A notable 22% of male respondents revealed that using zippered pockets was their second choice for keeping valuables safe during travel. Bush adds, “Travelers wearing clothing with zippered pockets or pockets on the inside, like a vest or a sport coat, make it difficult to snatch a wallet.”

Lack of Protection Among Male Travelers

A striking revelation from the survey is that many male travellers do not employ any method to protect their valuables. One out of four male respondents (25%) admitted to not using any preventive measures compared to less than 10% of female respondents who do.

Other Popular Methods

Beyond splitting valuables and using crossbody bags, experienced travellers also use various other methods to safeguard their belongings:

  • Money belts (10%)
  • Travel wallets (5%)
  • Fanny packs or waist packs (3%)
  • Backpack locks (2%)
  • Undercover leg or wrist wallets (1%)
  • Dummy wallets (<1%)

Despite their utility, no survey respondents reported using shoes with hidden compartments to protect valuables.

Conclusion

Travelling can expose you to potential risks, but with the right strategies, you can protect your valuables and enjoy your journey with peace of mind. Whether you split your valuables, use zippered pockets, or carry a crossbody bag, these expert tips can help you outsmart pickpockets and thieves. For more in-depth travel safety information, visit Global Rescue and stay informed on the best practices for secure travel.

By employing these expert strategies, you can confidently navigate the world, knowing your valuables are secure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or embarking on your first international adventure, these tips will ensure you stay one step ahead of potential thieves, making your travels safer and more enjoyable.

 

 

 

Written by: My Thanh Pham

 

 

 

 

 

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