Hidding Place for Your Valuables

Muchacho · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 27 Location: Newfoundland

When traveling in some tropical countries, it is wise to protect your valuables (travel cheques, passport, etc). While moving about, a money belt works pretty well.

Personally, I found that if I wanted to go to a beach to swim or surf, I'd leave my passport and money in my hotel room, and hope for the best. Sometimes my accommodations weren't very secure, so I'd search for clever hiding places to stash my valuables.

Here is one spot that works if you have your own bathroom: Securely tape your money belt (with the valuables inside) to the inside of the shower curtain, near the top. It is unlikely anyone who is quickly going thru your room to steal things, will look there.

For things like my camera, I'd just stuff it inside my mosquito net, then place that inside it's carrying bag, then stuff that to the bottom of my backpack. If a dishonest room cleaner takes a quick look thru your stuff to see if they find something they like, it's less likely they'll get to it.

Never leave valuables in plain site in your hotel room, when you're not there!

cocodrilo · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 494 Location: Western Japan

I often travel in very hot, humid climates and wear midriff-baring garments and clingy pants, so I have never used a money belt. I travel with a very sturdy Samsonite backpack, made of thick leather, that has interior zipper pouches. I have always used backpacks, always leather.

I would NEVER leave my valuables in a hotel room, not to mention taping them to a shower curtain! If you travel in a lot of European nations, there ARE no shower curtains! When I go to the beach, I use the buddy system. I'm out in the water, my friends stays and minds the stuff. If you are travelling in developing countries and are staying in 2-star hotels(which are sometimes notorious for leaving guests with missing items) I suggest a very sturdy travel bag WITH locks that you lock with a cable lock to a heavy piece of furniture in the room. I have heard stories of entire suitcases disappearing and the hotel will never accept responsibility.

Muchacho · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 27 Location: Newfoundland

But what about when you're alone?

I've always decided to take my chances. I think I will continue to be this way, as I cannot see myself at a beach with my passport and plane ticket. I just wouldn't be able to have any fun. (I know it would be less fun to end up having these items stolen, but they were never stolen from me, and I know I had a better time because of it.)

I once buried my hotel key, and some change to buy water, in the sand at a beach, and came back for it later.

I've never used locks for my pack, but I had paired up with other travelers who were using them. They are a very good idea - I will definately use them on my next trip.

I once met a travler who used a waterproof moneybelt. He was swimming in the ocean with it.

steve_irwin · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 30

There's some places I hide my stuff (hope no thieves are reading!):

-Dollar bills in a compartment on the front of my shoe. Some bandits will probably ask to empty your shoes, so I make a sew-on compartment for hiking boots. Also great for regular travel, since you can store beef jerky in case you lose your backpack (they might smell a bit)

-Passport taped under the bathtub, on top of the room curtain ledge, underneath a low chair, or even under the telephone

-Disguise the object. Have a cookie tin or something, line the top layers with cookies, and put your passport/money beneath the layers

cocodrilo · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 494 Location: Western Japan

There are waterproof containers for divers. I use them when snorkeling alone. I would never trust myself with taping anything anywhere lest I forget it! If you read the cynical yet practical "World's Most Dangerous Places", Richard Pelton will give you some ideas on where to hide stuff. He is a journalist who has travelled through many war zones in many developing countries.

Muchacho · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 27 Location: Newfoundland

I don't blame you for not wanting to tape anything anywhere. I never really wanted to either. It makes good sense to protect your valuables as best you can. I can be a bit reckless at times - but I've found myself in some wild, unforgettable and unregrettable situations because of it.

The book you mentioned sounds interesting - I just might check it out.

James201 · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 4

kewl topic guys :) :)