Just read the graffiti wall so I'm a bit spooked. Sure, I get that we need to use the money belt, etc., but how do we protect luggage in our hotel/B&B/hostel? Is the room safe a good enough place for money and passport/documents- and what about all the other stuff like camera equipment that may have been left behind in the room? When should a person use the main hotel safe? ALSO... we are driving a rental car which I understand is a "moving tourist announcement"- and at times en route we will have to leave lots of luggage (there's 5 of us) in the minivan (no trunk)while we visit something along the way. I need advice please!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
When you leave your luggage in the parked minivan while you're visiting a sight, do what you'd do in the US: take with you anything vital that you cannot afford to have stolen.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
In a hostel, use a backpack lock and keep your stuff in the locker. Petty theft in hostel dorms is all too common.
I've never had a problem in my hotel room. I don't take a lot of valuables to start with (digital camera and now a GPS are the only expensive things). If the room has a safe, use it for valuables. If not, the lobby should have a safe for your valuables (they might charge something to use it).
Even with a rental car, one carry on only keeps you safer. Your visibility is better so you're less likely to back into a post. Luggage above the window line is unfortunately an invitation to thieves. Try to find safe places to park (well lit, not a lot of loitering, no broken glass sparkling on the ground).
Posted by
Ardmore, PA, US
225 posts
For room safekeeping, there are Pacsafe locks and straps to put around your bags. www.pacsafe.com