No matter what the reason you are traveling, whether it is for a vacation or for business, you need to be mindful of a number of things. No matter what your destination, whether that is in Australia or an International one, and why you are visiting somewhere else, taking into account your personal security and that of your possessions is a vital part of your trip planning.

Security and privacy are much different than they used to be, with the devices we carry and how open we are about where we are, and how public we are about what we are doing. This is especially true when traveling. To keep you and your possessions safe, follow these guidelines.

Get Travel Insurance

To safeguard your finances when you travel, having insurance for traveling is always a good idea, especially if you are traveling outside of Australia. This kind of insurance covers both if you have to cancel your trip, or if you should need medical assistance when you are away from home, especially overseas.

While having issues come up that cause you to have to cancel your trip or getting ill while on your trip are not pleasant, at least you can feel secure in knowing that your insurance will mitigate the financial impact.

Be Careful What You Share on Social Media

Sharing your location on social media, checking in, and other activities can reveal that your hotel room is empty and leave you susceptible to thieves. Be sure your privacy settings are up to date, and that you don’t necessarily share those updates real time. This will ensure both your privacy and security are preserved.

Don’t Use Debit Cards

Instead of using debit cards, use credit cards. While fraud can be reported on both, a person who gets your debit card has access to your personal finances, while your credit card has a limit and can be shut down quickly. Also, you will not be out money while the fraud charges are resolved.

This is an important distinction. Using cards linked to your bank account, whether personal or business when you travel puts your financial security at risk. A better option is to purchase prepaid credit cards and use those instead.

Convert Your Currency

If you are traveling from Australia to the United States because you are part of a digital marketing agency and visiting clients, you should convert your currency to US Dollars before you travel. The reason is simple: if you use your credit card, there may be fees for every transaction done in another country’s currency. If you convert your currency first, or talk to your bank, you can save yourself these fees.

Secondly, if you convert your currency and put it on prepaid travellers cards it will not only be more secure and mean a thief will have access to less money, but it also means that you will be better able to stay in budget if you only spend what you have converted.

Secure Your Possessions

On any trip, you have to take some things with you. If you are a part of a digital marketing agency and traveling to client meetings, you will need computers or tablets, your phone, and other technology. When you have to leave these somewhere, be sure that they are secured.

This not only means physical security. This means privacy settings, using a VPN, being careful about connecting to public WiFi, and using Bluetooth sparingly. Your device should not only be password protected, but so should your client files and any other personal information. That way if someone does manage to steal the device, your data is secured and your personal information is not at risk.

Only Take What You Need

It’s tempting when you travel to over pack in order to be prepared, however only taking what you need means there is less risk of loss. If you don’t have it with you, it can’t be stolen. That means that not only should you use prepaid cards or credit cards instead of your debit card, but you should leave your debit card at home.

This goes for anything else you want to keep secure as well. You should not take electronics you don’t need, jewelry you won’t wear, and other valuables. The safest place for them is not with you.

Take Advantage of Safes and Lockers

Most hotels, even those that are not extremely high end will have lockers and safes available for those who are staying there. Take advantage of these. Lock your possessions you do have with you in these safes or lockers if you don’t have to take them with you to a meeting or where you are going.

Also, take advantage of these places to lock up valuables, extra travel cards, and any cash you don’t need. While these safes are often not perfect, they are better than keeping all of your cash or money for the trip with you.

Conclusion

Security is a vital concern when you travel. Keeping yourself and your possessions safe is vital, and should be taken seriously. Follow these security steps and your travel will be more pleasant and secure.

How do you keep your possessions safe when you travel? Leave us a comment in the section below.