Valuables on the beach

Don't leave anything on a beach unattended that you do not mind loosing. (Especially here in Hawaii). But that applies to almost anyplace in todays world, unfortunately.

Thanks, Charlie. I also got a PM that suggested to leave the Kindle in the safe. I had a new idea to bring some magazines along for the trip. They're light and when I'm done, I can leave them behind!

Amy, My suggestion would be to bring the Kindle for use in the Hotel room, Cafés, etc. but NOT at the beach! As Charlie mentioned, it's not safe to leave anything at the beach (even if Europe is relatively "safe"). Bring a couple of magazines specifically for reading at the beach. Regarding leaving your Kindle in the Hotel, that's what I normally do with my Netbook. Either lock it inside your luggage, place it in the Hotel room Safe (if one is provided) or if you're really concerned about theft, leave it for safekeeping at the front desk. Happy travels!

It's a shame - the Kindle works so well on the beach.

If there are two or more travellers, they could always "take turns" swimming and one could stay on the beach to "guard" the valuables. As I usually travel solo, that's not an option for me so I never get any time on the beach. That's probably a good thing, as someone might call-out the Harpoon Squad!

Amy, I recently traveled around Europe and stopped in a few beachy destinations. I think the best rule of thumb is to watch your stuff like a hawk, take turns getting in the water, and get a tan! I was mostly worried about someone stealing our room key (because we left our passports etc in the room), but I would definitely bring a tie ring (like a rec center tie fob for a locker key) just in case you all wanted to hit the water at the same time. I wouldn't have cried if someone had stolen my 5 dollar paperback, or my tattered towel. I would just put it all into perspective: How upset would you be if you had your Kindle stolen or broken? vs. How much would you be able to enjoy your Kindle while soaking up the rays in these beautiful destinations? Also, check out the beach before laying down, see what kind of vibe you pick up from the people. There may be honest people on the beach that day, or other shady characters! So picking your spot might help you feel more comfortable if you brought the Kindle down to the beach.
I left my Ipod in the room and am glad I did. Between people watching, relaxing with my eyes closed, and having great conversation with tourists and locals I honestly didn't even read one full chapter. Happy travels, and what a small world it is, my best friend lives in Clarksville too!

Taking turns on the beach is probably the best option. i also bought a waterproof plastic camera bag at REI that supposedly floats...we'll see. At least it will keep the sand out of the Kindle and protect it from splashes.

We do what Ken just recommended...take turns going into the sea. Unless I'm staying in a very small B&B where I personally know and trust the owner (and there's no staff other than the owner), I never leave anything of personal value in a hotel room. There are just a few places that fall into this category for me, and I'll leave my laptop, iPod, etc. just like I'm at home. Perhaps a hotel safe would be okay in a bigger lodging, but I never leave my passport anywhere. It's always with me, even when I'm staying in one of those few places I just mentioned. Taking turns at the beach will ensure whatever you bring will remain under the watchful eye of either you or your traveling companion. BTW, I used to be a little sloppy with my work laptop (but never my personal laptop) and leave it in my bag in hotel rooms when traveling on business, but I stopped doing that years ago when a colleague had a theft.

I am just the opposite of Micheal. I feel safer leaving valuables in the room than taking them to the beach. Pretty much the only time I leave my passport in the room is to go to the beach. I just bring a credit card, my drivers licenses for id, room (& safe) key, and small amount of money all of which can get wet and can be zipped in a my bathing suit pocket. I figure any lodging with a problem of employee theft of guests is gonna get trashed on tripadviser for the problem.

Yeah, we're not bringing our passport, laptops, etc to the beach/baths with us and taking turns standing guard. I'll chance it in the apartment that we're renting in Dubrovnik and the hotel we're staying at in Budapest (which btw both got great reviews on Tripadvisor.) I mean, we could be robbed/pickpocketed on the streets, too, although I think that's far more likely than having our highly rated accommodations ransacked. Although theft is always possible, we can't enjoy our trip if we're always worried about our stuff while we're out and about... That's a chance we're willing to take as frequent travelers. And as far as the taking turns in the water deal... That's what we do when we're on cruises, but I hate it. I'd prefer to have the freedom to go in the water or take a walk together. I'll sacrifice reading my book for that... And I agree, it's a shame since the Kindles are read so easily in the sunlight!

Robin this won't work if your entire group is female. But there are plenty of men's bathing suits with zippered pockets a wallet can fit in. What I do is use that plus a nylon wallet with a coin pouch. I place the room key (and safe key) if it is a key in the coin section, if it is card in the credit card section. Plus money and a credit card. Like you I risk the possibility of having my magazine, paperback novel, sunscreen, and towel etc. being stolen when walking away.