It’s important to take steps to minimise your risks if you’re travelling or going on holiday.
Here are some tips for keeping your belongings safe.
- If carrying cash, keep the amount to a minimum.
- Carry any valuable items you have in carry-on bags or cash in a money belt – rather than in your main luggage.
- Take minimal jewellery. You don’t want to gain unwanted attention.
- Use locks on your bags and cases. While locks might not totally prevent bags from being opened, they should help to slow down would-be thieves.
- Clearly label all your luggage with secure and waterproof labels, but don’t write your address on your tags. Provide a contact number instead.
- Consider shrink-wrapping your luggage while in transit for extra security. Shrink-wrap stations are available at many airports around the world.
- If backpacking, make use of lockers at hostels.
- Don’t leave bags unattended, on trains, cars or buses.
Lastly, make sure you have travel insurance in place before you go to protect you from potential loss of luggage or personal effects or if you need to seek medical attention. It’s important to know that it’s difficult to take out travel insurance once your trip has begun, so make sure you speak to your insurance broker as soon as you have booked your trip.
Why is Travel Insurance so Important?
Travelling can be costly. Flights, accommodation and all the excursions can certainly add up. It can also be expensive when things don’t go as planned, such as cancelled flights, lost or stolen luggage or needing medical treatment.
Travel insurance may also provide some financial protection for these types of risks. Depending on your policy type and level of cover, a travel policy may provide protection for:
- Losses due to delays, cancellations or rescheduling of flights or tours;
- Damage to or loss of luggage and personal belongings;
- Rental vehicle excesses / deductibles due to a vehicle accident;
- Medical treatment for illness or injury. This is important as treatment in overseas hospitals can be very expensive and could leave you with a large bill;
- Accidental death or disability.
Ensuring you have quality travel cover in place before embarking can make it easier for you to relax and enjoy your travels knowing you have financial protection in place. Make sure to include it on your ‘must-do’ list before you go.