Protect Yourself from Scammers and Pickpockets

Losing your wallet or important documents will quickly sour any vacation or travel plans. Add the complications of international travel and a language barrier, and you will be facing a dire situation. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself and your belongings when you are in unfamiliar places. However, the best advice is to use common sense and learn how to prevent it in the first place. Here are a few tricks to protect yourself from scammers and pickpockets. Thinking ahead can save you a lot of hassle and headaches.

Don’t Stand Out to Scammers and Pickpockets

Identity theft is the last thing anyone wants to deal with on vacation. However, the truth is that anyone, anywhere, can become a victim of pickpocketing. There is no defining profile, age, or limit to the ingenuity of how scammers separate people from their valuables. It is also common for them to work in teams and distract their unknowing prey.

Your best defense is to not draw their attention in the first place. People wearing expensive jewelry, electronics, and designer labels tell pickpockets that they have money. Avoid wearing bright colors or standing out in large crowds, especially in transportation hubs and tourists spots. Carrying maps and showing large amounts of cash are great ways to become the next mark. Instead, think of how to blend in and act like a local. Even if you get lost, continue on confidently as if you know where you are. Find a discreet place to get your bearings and not stand out like a sore thumb.

Travel Light Through Airports and Stations

Toting around large amounts of luggage and bags is another way to attract the wrong kind of attention. If you are carrying several bags, using a map, or wearing a large jacket, someone can easily snatch things without you noticing. That’s why you should travel light, secure your most important belongings, and keep them in your field of vision at all times.

Make sure your bags are not hanging loosely open, and place the most valuable things in a zippered pocket. Slashing and snatching purse straps is one of the most common and profitable grabs for scammers and pickpockets. I prefer to store my documents in the hotel safe and separate my cash into different places, just in case. Even if you do become an unfortunate victim, at least you will not have lost everything due to a careless mistake.

Stay Aware of your Surroundings

This piece of advice is simply to use common sense. Always stay aware of your surroundings and watch out for suspicious behavior. Be wary of anyone who approaches you unless it is law enforcement. Surveys, fundraisers, maps, and clipboards are all common props scammers use in ruses. People expect bumping and pushing in crowded places, giving pickpockets the perfect opportunity. Thieves are known to operate around major metro stations, popular attractions, and ATMs, so be alert as you pass through these places.

Keep your belongings in front of you, and your valuables in the most inaccessible place. There are tons of travel accessories and clothing available with specially designed pockets to protect you from scammers and pickpockets. Most importantly, don’t carry anything that you aren’t prepared to lose.

Back-up your Identification and Documents

This last note is probably the simplest and most overlooked precaution. Before you leave, take a few minutes to scan your documents and upload them to a website like Dropbox or Google Drive. You can also add your itinerary and airline information so all your critical information is available in one place.

In the event something does happen, you will have your passport, driver’s license, insurance cards, and prescriptions available instantly. This will make things move faster if you do need to contact the police or embassy. You can also make photocopies to carry with you.

Being a traveler in an unfamiliar place means you are more vulnerable. With a few precautions and common sense, you can protect yourself from scammers and pickpockets. Take the time to prepare for all eventualities and stay alert. Theft will always be a concern for travelers, but the extra effort can decrease the odds of becoming the next mark and keep you safe.

Jenny Smedra

Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.

Tips For Your Family To Save For Your Next Great Adventure

You want to take your family on a nice trip this year; the problem is that you don’t have the funds to do so. If you find yourself in this situation, there are some things that you can do as a family in order to save for your next adventure.

Clip Coupons

Groceries are a large part of any family’s budget. To save money on this necessary expense, clip coupons and use coupon apps. Clipping coupons is a fun way to save money for your next vacation. Kids love to help clip coupons and it will allow them to contribute to the family budget. You can find coupons in many local newspapers and online.

Sign Up For A Rewards Card

Another great way to save money for an awesome vacation is to sign up for a rewards credit card. There are many credit cards that will allow you to earn points when you make purchases. These points will add up over time and can be redeemed for gift cards or other rewards. When searching for a rewards credit card, try to find one that has a low interest rate and no annual fee.

Sell Your Unwanted Items

If you have unwanted items lying around the house, why not sell them? Get the family together and go through all of the stuff you have stored away. Pick out the items that your family can part with and have a garage sale or list them online. It’s surprising how much money you can get for used items. If you have a number of unwanted items to sell, it could help you earn enough money to pay for your next vacation.

Limit Eating Out

Another way that you can save money as a family is by limiting the amount you eat out. Cooking meals at home can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year. You can use that money to take a vacation to Hawaii or some other exotic location!

Trim Your Budget

In order to save money for a trip, you will first need to take a hard look at your family’s budget. Many of you will find that there are some things that you can do without. For example, you may be paying for a few streaming services that are seldomly watched. Try to cut your budget down to a minimum so that you can save money faster. However, if your budget is already stretched to the limit, you can always borrow a little extra cash when you need it from 24Cash.ca to help fund your travels.

These tips will help you save money for your next vacation. Before you know it, you’ll be having fun and spending some quality time with the ones you love the most. Remember when you work as a family, your goal of a dream vacation can be just around the corner!

Save Big on Your Next Vacation Getaway

The long lull after New Year’s makes us all look forward to the return of sunny spring days. The dreary wintery days are the perfect opportunity to plan for your next vacation . Unfortunately, some of us are still feeling the sting of holiday spending. Here are a few easy tips that can save you a bundle on your next vacation.

Planning Your Next Vacation

The first questions you should ask yourself are about the budget and destination. How much can you spend and where do you want to go? Before I plan any trip, I discuss points of interest and other attractions with my fellow travelers. It’s important that everyone has a good time and gets the most out of their next vacation. Talk about what kinds of activities you hope to do and how you plan to get there.

Once the destination is decided, it’s time to start booking tickets. It’s wise to check prices online to ensure you get the best deals for your next getaway and know the general costs. If you buy admission tickets ahead of time, it means you will have less out-of-pocket spending. Nothing blows a budget faster than unexpected expenses.

Alternative Transportation for Your Trip

Websites like Skyscanner and TripAdvisor are my personal preference to book airfare. They allow you to compare multiple airlines, dates, and set price alerts. Sometimes, they even offer flash deals if your dates are flexible or shop at the last minute. This means you can free-up more of your budget for entertainment. Even though these websites are excellent search engines, I usually book directly through the airline or company directly in case you need to make changes. Third-party bookings are cheaper, but cannot be altered without a ton of telephone runaround or change fees.

If first-class tickets are above your price range or you prefer to avoid airports, then you should consider alternative transportation options. Car rentals, train, and bus tickets can all be purchased online as well. The long distance coaches are surprisingly comfortable and usually provide free Wi-Fi during your trip. Overnight flights, trains and buses are also a good way to trim the fat and save money on hotels. If you want to travel in style, but are still keen on a deal, there are even savings to be made on private jet rental with Jettly. You can benefit from on-demand private jet charter without the added costs of fractional aircraft ownership or traditional jet card programs.

Deep Discount During Your Getaway

The sooner you begin planning your next vacation, the better your chances to find a good deal. The ideal time to book discounted airfare is 45-60 days before your trip. This is when the airlines compile passenger lists and adjust prices based on the remaining seats. It can be a bit of a gamble, but if luck is on your side, you can find flights for mere peanuts.

Also ask your friends or anyone you know works in the travel or hospitality industry. They can usually offer a family and friends discount based on availability. Don’t be afraid to call and ask service representatives if they offer discounts at time of booking. Most companies offer 10% discounts for auto club or loyalty memberships. You may also get discounts through your employers, so be sure to ask before you confirm reservations.

After working for years in hospitality, these were the best ways to cut corners and find the best deals for your next vacation. I would also use the ‘everywhere’ search options if you feel adventurous, because international tickets are becoming much cheaper these days. Your next vacation can be more affordable than you think. A little time and planning can save you hundreds of dollars, or allow you the vacation of your dreams.