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Bringing Valuables to Europe

Not in Your Luggage or Purse
Passport, cash, ATM cards, credit cards, camera, cell phone, laptop.

Carpe diem. Vivere bene! Gratia Deo.

HOW TO EUROPE: The Complete Travelers Handbook - - Chapter 6.4: Packing Valuables - -

John Bermont, Chef du Site, www.enjoy-europe.com

This entire book is placed on-line gratis by the author, photographer, and webmaster. That's me, John Bermont. My DIY project comes with help from my daughter Stephanie. I welcome questions, comments, and complaints.
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Pickpockets are everywhere you want to be.

The clever vermin have you covered. Americans are an easy mark. Your wallet, passport, and laptop are gone — gone forever a half hour before you even have a clue.

This Internet edition of chapter 6 is divided into four parts because it is so big. The four parts are:

  1. Pack Light Field Test: Travel Europe in Comfort and Style.
  2. Personal Care Items: Packing Your Toothbrush.
  3. Travel Supplies: Pack a Bunch of Small Stuff.
  4. Packing Valuables: Not in Your Luggage.

Part 1 of my packing chapter is one of the most important. This fourth part is just as important. You are not going anywhere if your passport and money are now in the hands of a street thief. It happens every day. It can happen to you. Girls, as always, you are the most vunerable. Never respond to a stranger. Hold on to your stuff and stare him down.

My chapter 8 part 1 on the subject of pickpockets and luggage thieves would be well worth your time. See Pickpockets in Europe: They Are Everywhere. It's better to read about it now than spend an afternoon in a Rome police station trying to fill out a stolen purse report in Italian. Do you really think that the police are going to sweep the city looking for your purse? You'll be spending your time more wisely by going to the American Consulate to apply for a new passport. You did pack a copy of the front page of your passport in a separate place, didn't you? See Passport and Visas: Identity and Travel Documents for Europe.

DOCUMENTS AND VALUABLES

To conclude this chapter, below are listed the items to carry on your person, not in your luggage and not in your purse, — on your person. Again, you won't need to bring all of these items. For example, if you have a Eurailpass you probably won't need train tickets. If you need train tickets it is usually cheaper to buy them in Europe, except perhaps for tickets on premium reservation-only trains. These subjects are discussed in detail in other chapters. Please see the Table of Contents of HOW TO EUROPE.

Keep your valuable stuff on your person, NOT IN YOUR LUGGAGE OR PURSE. Everywhere you go pickpockets are on the job, waiting just for you and your precious commodities:

  1. Passport
  2. Visas, if required
  3. Driver's license
  4. International Driving Permit
  5. Any other form of ID
  6. Cash
  7. Credit cards
  8. ATM cards
  9. Any other financial item
  10. Air, rail, and hotel reservations and tickets
  11. Cameras, phones, tablets and other expensive gizmos
  12. Jewelry, if you really need to lose it

Again to be repetitious, do not put any of these valuables in your luggage. I repeat this warning because I have just found a web site authored by a "travel guru" who is apparently well-known, judging by the reviews he gets in the national press. He is bragging on a certain brand of luggage and mentions that it has a narrow zippered side pocket for your plane ticket, passport, check book, etc. This is absolutely the most idiotic advice for travelers that I have ever heard of. NEVER put any valuables in your luggage, outside pocket or not. That guru is dishing out punk stupid advice, but he is making money selling luggage.

You might be thinking that you can store your jewelry and such in the hotel safe. Well, you can. Top luxury hotels provide safes for guests. Everybody knows that, including the burglars. Every few years there a news story about some Hollywood bimbo who had her diamonds stolen from a hotel safe. The criminals have inside info, high tech gizmos, high speed drills, patience, and a solid work ethic. They will get your goodies if they want to, at their convenience.

CONTINUATION

Part 1 of this chapter served as a introduction to packing light, with a simple user's manual for the Pack Light Field Test. Actually that is just a few paragraphs. If you missed it go to Pack Light Field Test: Travel Europe in Comfort and Style by Packing Light. You do not want to be a pack mule while vacationing in Europe.

Part 2 has more specific packing details covering your personal hygiene needs while traveling, Personal Care Items: Packing Your Toothbrush and Hair Blower for Europe. Most of it is in your bathroom or on your dresser right now. But before you throw everything in your bag look over this essay to see if you really want to do that.

Part 3 of my packing suggestions covers the traditional stuff you need on the road. The internet address is Travel Supplies for Europe: Small Stuff Packing List. Here you'll find the big list of little things — calculator, compass, electrical devices, guide books, laundry supplies, maps, tool kit, Swiss Army Knife, toilet paper, watch, wire ties, and more.

Lastly, this part 4 discusses the vaulable things you will be bringing with you. This includes your passport, camera, and other ID and valuables. The key message, which bears repeating, is do not put these things in any luggage, back pack, day bag, or purse. Carry them on your person. The internet address is Bringing Valuables to Europe: Not in Your Luggage or Purse.



 
Have a good trip!




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Wear a money belt under your shirt to protect your passport and valuables, especially if you are staying in hostels or dorms. Lewis N. Clark RFID Blocking Waist Stash Lewis N. Clark RFID Blocking Waist Stash
This neck stash may be more convenient. Lewis N. Clark RFID Neck Stash Lewis N. Clark
RFID Neck Stash
An RFID blocking wallet protects your passport and credit cards from identity theft in public places. Travelon RFID Blocking Passport Case Travelon RFID Blocking Passport Case
Note: RFID is radio frequency identification. Your passport and some credit cards have RFID. It sends out a 24/7 electronic signal with all of your data. Whoever was the idiot who came up with this idea should have known that the bad guys have access to the technology that picks it up.
A Swiss Army Knife is unquestionably the handiest item a traveler can carry, except not on a plane. Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman II Knife Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman II Knife
Wear a scarf for comfort, style, and camouflage. Nobody will ever suspect that you are an American. Very soft houndstooth neck scarf, Kanye West style, different colors available Very soft houndstooth neck scarf. Various colors available

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