Keeping you safe on vacation
The French Quarter, New Orleans.
Keeping You Safe on Vacation
Congratulations! You’ve finally booked that much needed get away that you’ve been fantasizing about. Whether traveling to New Orleans for the Super Bowl or any other vacation destination, let’s make sure it’s all you want it to be and nothing else! With a bit of preparation, there are some basic steps you can take to better secure you, your loved ones and your belongings so that you can focus on the good stuff!
The Harsh Truth. Everyone from the area you’re travelling to knows if you’re attending an expensive event like the Superbowl, you have money and that, in and of itself, is like ringing the dinner bell. Thieves who live in those travel destinations are keenly aware that tourists have the wherewithal to be there. Think about it. You had to fly into town. You will be staying in a hotel and eating out. Now consider that if you are there to attend the Superbowl, add to the equation that you had to pay for the tickets. You are now not just dinner but prime rib.
Your Belongings. I know you don’t want to think about this before your vacation but anywhere you want to go there will be skilled thieves rolling out the red carpet for unsuspecting tourists. How can you ensure that you’re not one of them? What catches a thief’s attention? Like sharks with shiny things, the first eye-catcher will be flashes of jewelry, watches, designer purses (or any open, accessible bags) and wallets. Most thieves are looking for: (1) easy money, cash and credit cards, (2) forms of identification (oh, by the way, passports are worth a lot on the black market), (3) phones and (4) your hotel key cards as well.
The next step in their thought process is sizing up the potential target. This assessment is not simply about size or muscularity; first and foremost, it’s about situational awareness, a common term in the security business, which considers whether you are consistently paying attention to the people around you and your environment.
How to play defense and win.
Tone down the flash. How can we tone down your attractiveness to sharks? Easy. Don’t wear “shiny” bling, not even fakes. Putting your valuables on display is guaranteed to attract predators and believe me, they are more than willing to put you in harm’s way to get what they want. Ask yourself, is it worth it?
The Smooth Operator Technique. The most common strategy used by thieves is the one that is least noticeable and most difficult to avoid: large crowds + the bum’s rush. One of the ways pickpockets in particular work is by standing on the outside of a group and identifying their target. Once they’ve identified a target, they will enter the crowd with an unusual sense of purpose, i.e. trying to get to a person vs. trying to get to where the crowd is going. Pay attention to their goal. When they get close to their target, they will push into them, pretending it was unavoidable due to the circumstances. If they are successful in obtaining an item, they will either take off through the crowd or will be working with others, quickly passing the item off towards the outside of the crowd where they can then escape detection. Look for a hand to hand exchange.
How to combat the technique: (1) try to avoid getting stuck in the middle of a crowd, (2) scan the people and the environment, (3) identify lookouts by making direct eye contact with them and (4) make sure your items are secured on your person using the suggestions below.
Secure your stuff. Carrying your wallet, passport, and keys in your front pants pocket is not safe. Anything of value needs to be not just on your person but also in a place that is practically impossible for anyone to get to without you noticing.
Divide and conquer. It’s also a good idea to have several locations where you are carrying backup payment and identification methods, with the thought that if thieves are able to access one of your stashes, you will still have the means to secure the rest of your trip.
I found some great products on Amazon to help in securing your belongings and I’ve included them below. You should be able to get them super-fast and all of the ones I’ve selected for you are available through Prime. Please be advised that while we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program*, I only recommend product designs that I have found to be superior.
1.) Hidden waist bands with pockets for under or over your pants:
This is my favorite and less expensive than the next one. It’s made of neoprene which, while flexible, is also sturdy, meaning it can handle heavier items like phones. Additionally, the largest pocket on the front has a zipper closure so your most important things won’t jostle out. It fits waists from 22 to 50 inches. E Tronic Edge Running Belt. https://amzn.to/4go1Ipg
This one is neoprene and has a lot of pockets. Who doesn’t love pocket options?! It’s well-designed but also more expensive. The only other drawback for some is that the smallest waist it fits is 28 inches. Belt of Orion. https://amzn.to/3CnS5sN
(2) Hidden bra wallet (with RFID): https://amzn.to/3X7WhnF
Please, never ever wear anything around your neck. Choose the style that attaches to the bra itself, either under the arm or down the middle. Anything around your neck, even so called “breakaway” style, can be used as an easy-access, potentially lethal weapon against you.
(3) Ankle/wrist storage: (https://amzn.to/3CzAqhC )
This one is probably the least convenient or accessible but that could be the exact right way to carry your backup ID and money. I selected this model because of how soft it is. My experience with carrying items on your ankle is that there is going to be some friction so you want the material to be cushioned.
(4) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Blocking Cards: https://amzn.to/40YnAD0
Putting these cards next to your credit cards or any other type of identification will block scanners from being able to collect your digital information unknowingly.
Follow these tips and then, “laissez les bons temps rouler”!! ~Jen Powell, Esq.
*Amazon Services LLC Associates program designed to provide means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.