Safety Tips

From GopStopTravel

Anybody who has ever been on the road, no matter for how long, has taken measures of security to keep themselves and their property safe. Here are some Ideas.

BELONGINGS

Inconspicuous Bags
This trick is most useful when your luggage is likely to stand out and there for be a target. A Duffel Bag is perfect for not only concealing a backpack, but also great when it, with all its straps hanging out, is on an airlines conveyor belt.

Give your most important items code names.
An innocent sentences like: "Did you remember to grab that Camera bag?" is all a thief needs to figure out where your most expensive items are. No foreign language skills required since words like Camera, Laptop, or Passport have long ago gone international.

Cocoon yourself
Too often you hear about stuff disappearing from peoples bags when they fall asleep on a bus, even if the bag was clutched in their arms or tucked safely between their legs. One way to avoid such theft is by never closing your eyes, another - cocooning yourself in your sleep-sheet. I understands this sounds crazy, but just think about it - Not only that your belongings will be with you, away from busy hands at all times, the sleep-sheet around you will keep you worm and its usually dark color will keep the light out allowing for better sleep. Yes, you would look quite strange, but just remember: the strange are less likely to get robbed.

Money Bra
This is for the ladies out there. The best place to put your money and not carry about a pickpocket is none else then your bra. And no, this is not the movies so the cash doesn't go in your cleavage or under the flimsy shoulder strap where it can easily be spotted or fall out. The money goes under the more sturdy and thicker part which is under your arm. The only trick is not to forget about it when you take the bra off.

SELF

The best way to learn how to keep yourself safe is to read the Scams section, but if you are in a hurry here are some pointers:

• Dress to NOT Impress - "Zip off" Pants and a Photographer's Vest might not be the best way to blend in and NOT make a target out of yourself.

• Uniformed Imposers - Keep in mind that people in uniform are not always who they claim to be and giving them your documents can bring to anything from robbery to kidnapping. (Coercion section)