A busy parent, distracted by a couple of young kids-- what could be a better target for a pickpocket? In many ways, traveling families are prime targets for thieves. Here's some simple precautions.
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Here's How:
- Before you leave home: check the insurance on your camcorders, laptop, and/or digital camera. It's often possible to separately insure these items for a small cost-- with "zero deductible" (see below.)
- Also: consider taking along some travelers' cheques. Automated tellers may be a more convenient way to access money; but travelers cheques are like insured cash.
- Make photocopies of your passports and visas; this will reduce your hassles if these documents disappear.
- When possible on your trip, leave passports, tickets, etc. in the safe at your lodgings. Even modest-style accommodations frequently offer this service.
- Also minimize your risk by keeping some cash and an extra credit card somewhere other than your main bag or purse.
- Husbands and wives should both carry their own cash and credit cards.
- If you're loaded with a diaper bag, camcorder bag, bag with snacks, etc., you can easily lose track of your belongings! Consider keeping your money in a mini--purse or pouch that never leaves your body. (See tip below).
- Even better while traveling: for major valuables (large denomination bills, passports, etc.) use special lightweight travel pouches that are concealed beneath your clothes-- available in any travel store.
- Be aware of common scams, such as the old one-two whammy: one person distracts you (maybe even spilling his/her food or drink right on you!) while a second person plucks your valuables.
- A parent busy with small kids is all too apt to forget a purse or wallet in a restaurant. My own solution is to keep money and credit cards in a mini-purse that hangs on a shoulder strap-- I can never lose it, because I never take it off.
- Be especially vigilant when you're being jostled in a crowd: thieves take advantage of such situations.
- Also be vigilant when your kids are clamoring for attention, tugging at your hands, etc.-- I was robbed in Venice buying ice cream for three excited kids!
- "Zero deductible" means that if your item is stolen, you will pay zero dollars towards the cost of a replacement. Otherwise, the "deductible" (i.e. the amount that you pay toward the new item) can be as high as $500.
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