Essential Tips to Keep Your Bag Safe When Travelling

As the holiday season approaches, solo travelers and families start packing their bags and heading out on the road or into the sky. But the more excited we are to travel, the less attention we tend to pay to our belongings. Sometimes people try to take our valuables; sometimes we simply lose them. Both are easier to prevent than you might think.

Plan ahead

Think about three things before you go: location, activities and the people around you.

• Location: Where are you going, and how safe is it? Read up on common scams and pickpocket hot spots at your destination.
• Activities: Will there be times when your bag is out of sight, or when you walk through crowded areas? Plan to check your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings.
• People: Traveling alone, or with family? Parents with small children have their hands and eyes full, so locks and secure pockets help a lot.

There is no better security than prevention

Close your zippers with a small lock or a cable tie on trains, buses and boats; it makes your bag a less tempting target. For checked luggage, use TSA-accepted locks so security can open them without cutting them. Pack in a clear packing hierarchy, so you always know where everything is and notice quickly if something is missing.

Pack, organize and carry your own bag

On long trips, bring two bags: a larger one for clothes and a small sling bag or belt pouch for the essentials. Wallet, phone, passport and tickets stay on your body, close to you, even when your big bag is in the hold or the luggage rack.

When you pack your own bag, you know which pockets need watching. If your money is in the front pocket, keep an eye on anyone who comes close to it. Packing yourself also rules out the classic "I thought you packed it".

Bags can help, too. Hidden back pockets, concealed zippers and RFID-protected card slots make a thief's job harder. See our anti-theft bags and crossbody bags, and read how to avoid theft while traveling.