How to keep your valuables safe on holiday

You know the feeling of getting ready for a big trip? You're excited to explore new places, try amazing food and make lasting memories. But in all the anticipation, it's easy to overlook something important: keeping your stuff safe while you're travelling.

Losing your valuables or having them stolen can put a real damper on your holiday. The unfortunate reality is that thieves can strike anywhere, from a crowded touristy area to a secluded beach paradise.

The good news is that keeping your stuff secure is more about smart preparation than being paranoid or expecting the worst – there are plenty of simple, practical things you can do to protect your belongings when you're far from home.

Here are some handy tips and tricks that can give you peace of mind on your next adventure.

Pack smart

First things first, before you even start packing, take a good look at what you're planning to bring. Do you really need to take all your expensive jewellery or that fancy watch? Probably not. Leave the irreplaceable items at home.

Be savvy with cash and cards

There’s no need to walk around with wads of dosh and a wallet crammed with every credit card you’ve ever owned; carry only the cash and cards you need for the day.

Keeping your cash in various places also improves your security – chuck a tenner in your towel bag or stash some emergency funds in a shoe.

If your hotel room has a safe, use it. If not, most front desks will happily hold on to your valuables for you. Just remember to grab them before you check out.

Choose the right bag

When it comes to your holiday handbag, tote bag, beach bag or bum bag, it’s best to invest in something with a cross-body strap to keep your valuables close. Zip pockets that face your body are an extra bonus, as they’re even harder for thieves to access.

And here's a pro tip: carry a dummy wallet with a little cash and some expired cards. That way, if the worst happens and someone does try to rob you, you can hand over the decoy and keep your real wallet hidden away.

Stay alert in crowds

Keep your bags in front of you when moving through crowded places like public transport stops or busy markets. If you have a backpack, consider wearing it on your front in high-traffic areas. It might not be the most fashionable look, but it beats getting pickpocketed.

Be beach and pool safe

If you're hitting the beach or pool, things get a little trickier. Leave the expensive electronics behind and just bring the essentials.

A waterproof pouch is great for keeping your cash, cards and room key safe while you take a dip. If you must have your phone for pictures, invest in a waterproof case and keep a close eye on it.

Travelling with others? Take turns being the much-honoured ‘Watcher of the Valuables’ while the others swim.

Back it up

For all you tech-savvy travellers out there, backing up your devices is crucial. Trust us, you don’t want to lose your phone or camera and all your holiday snaps in one fell swoop.

Make sure everything is backed up to the cloud or an external hard drive. That way, even if your gadgets disappear, your memories won't.

Don't forget insurance

Last but definitely not least, always have travel insurance. It's like a safety net for all your adventures. Make sure your policy covers lost or stolen items, so you can travel with confidence knowing you're protected if something goes wrong.

When it comes to choosing the right travel insurance, it pays to shop around. At TravelSupermarket, we compare more than 120 policies from over 20 leading travel insurance companies. You can find the perfect coverage for your unique travel needs and budget, all in one convenient place.