To protect your travel money, most seasoned travelers and travel experts recommend keeping valuables in a hidden wallet or travel pouch, either wrapped around your waist under your clothes or hung around your neck under your shirt.
Another great way to protect your money and reduce the chance of theft is to keep the majority of your cash in the hotel safe, taking only enough out each day to pay for small incidental purchases. Use credit cards for meals, lodging, admissions, souvenirs and other larger purchases. Credit cards provide valuable consumer protection and the best currency exchange rates as well.
Of course even the most well protected wallet can be lost or stolen, and there is one very valuable tip to keep a lost or stolen wallet from bringing your vacation to an abrupt end. Many seasoned travelers have learned to pack an extra wallet in their suitcase or backpack. This wallet will contain only a credit card or two and perhaps an ATM card. That way, if you lose your primary wallet, you still have access to ready cash with which to finish your trip.
It is also a good idea to make an itinerary, and leave it at home with family members or a trusted friend. Having family members and friends know your itinerary will help them contact you in case of an emergency at home. It is also a good idea to keep copies of your identification papers, travelers check numbers, and a photocopy of your passport, at home.
One word about the passport – I always take mine with me, even when traveling within the United States. The reason I do that is that the passport provides an additional piece of information, and that is important in the event your wallet is lost or stolen while on vacation. Since it is impossible to board a plane these days without id, having an extra form of id with you can make your life a lot easier.
It is also important to make several copies of your important travel documents, including flight reservations, hotel confirmations, rental car receipts, etc. Put each copy in a different place - one or two in different parts of the suitcase or backpack, one in your back pocket, one in your purse or carryon, etc. Also record important phone numbers in the address book of your cell phone for easy access.
It is also important to carry basic medical information, such as your blood type, allergy information and information about medications you are taking, with you while on vacation. It is also important to carry your medications in your carryon luggage or purse, and never to pack them in a checked suitcase.
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