Don't take risks
Sounds strange, but when we go away, we suddenly think we’re invincible! It may be due to the euphoria of travelling, maybe a few too many beers or peer pressure. Sure, if you go to Queenstown, you’ll have a go at Bungee Jumping, but don’t jump into a river from a great height thinking it’ll be fun when you’re in Vietnam. The water may only be a few inches deep!
Also, if you’re feeling ill, don’t start a big trek like the Inca Trail. The altitude will make you feel much worse very quickly and may result in you being helicoptered off the Inca Trail, airlifted to Lima and then all the way back home. Your trip is then over!(And yes, this happened!)
Avoid Scooters
OK, you can’t avoid them totally, but the accident levels in Asia and South America are eye-wateringly high. Our travel insurance covers you if you ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and you wear a crash helmet, but do be careful, and be especially careful of motorcycle taxis. If you ride a motorcycle at home, you probably already know that if you fall off, you’re always the loser. In parts of Asia, especially Vietnam and Cambodia, deaths due to scooter accidents are estimated to be many hundreds per month!
Keep a stash!
If you are robbed or lose your money belt, there is nothing worse than not having any money! Sure, you can claim your loss to your insurance company, but they won’t repay you today! So, keep one credit card and a $50 note hidden and separate from your main stash. Sellotaping a credit card between two pages in a guidebook is an idea. Local thieves never steal guidebooks!
Money Belts
When you’re travelling on trains, buses etc., put your passport, cash and cards in your money belt. No one will be able to steal them without you knowing.
Cash
There is no point in carrying more than $200 or so of cash at any one time. Just use your card and get more cash out of a cash machine.
Use the Safe
If there’s no safe in your room, there will be one in reception. Use it, and put your cash, cards and passport inside it, and your camera and laptop as well if you’re not using them. Then just go out in the day with a small amount of cash and one credit card.
Stay Alert
We get numerous claims where people have had their daysack or handbag stolen from right next to them when they’re eating in a restaurant or café, especially when sitting outside. Sure, put your belongings under the table, but secure it… maybe put a strap of your bag around your foot?
Don't look lost or look too flash!
If you’re standing on a street corner looking at your shiny iPhone 15 Pro Max, with your new camera around your neck, looking lost, you’re being looked at. Do a bit of research before you go out, and be circumspect if you do get lost, and act appropriately. Try to make this a habit, regardless of what country you’re travelling in.
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