Protect Valuables When Traveling
POSTED: 7:42 am CDT September 2, 2004
UPDATED: 2:59 pm CDT September 23, 2005
- 1. Leave The Nice Jewelry At Home.You should never bring your most valuable jewelry on vacation with you. There are many destinations where simply wearing your shiny wedding ring could invite theft. If you’re not comfortable without a wedding ring or your watch, purchase less-expensive versions and leave the truly special baubles at home in a safety deposit box.If you have a special event in your destination and need to bring nicer jewelry, wear it, or secure it in a plastic zipper bag and put it in a secure place, such as an inside pocket of your carry-on.
- 2. Don’t Bother Locking Your Luggage. If a screener needs to search your bag, it will be cut off anyway. Use a Transportation Security Administration-approved lock, which will deter baggage thieves but make it easy for TSA agents to search your bag. Remember, if the TSA opens your luggage, you will find a TSA flyer inside when you claim it.
- 3. Deter Thieves With Duct Tape. A thief will pass over your bag if it looks time-consuming to pilfer it. Duct tape is easy enough for the TSA screeners to peel off.
- 4. Pack Smaller Items.Pack things such as underwear or shirts in plastic zipper bags. Security staff will have an easier time examining it, but the plastic bag will deter a thief because of the extra step needed to open it.
- 5. Pack Items Of Lesser Value On Top.Put items such as socks, underwear, pajamas or toiletries on the top. This will make it more difficult for a thief to find your best dress shirt.
- 6. Take Inventory Of Your Bag.Take inventory of nicer items in the bag you plan to check, like business suits or cameras. This will help you remember what you packed, and alert you if something has disappeared. If you notice something is missing, report it to the airline immediately.
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