Tips for keeping your valuables safe on the road
— -- Chances are if you're hitting the road for business, you'll have a laptop, passport or extra cash in tow.
Keeping your valuables safe while traveling needs to be a top priority, particularly at a time when identity theft is common and the nation is struggling to rebound from a deep economic slump, travel experts say.
Road warriors who spend several months a year crisscrossing the nation and globe have a mass of tips for those who travel less frequently, from leaving a passport in an in-room safe to stashing a laptop in the bag with the dirty laundry.
"When people travel, they are in an unfamiliar environment, get distracted and are often in a rush," says George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com. "Crooks know this and target travelers. Also, travelers tend to travel with expensive gadgets such as laptops, extra money, gifts and other valuables, making them easy and tempting targets."
Airlines bear limited liability if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged, the airline industry group Airlines for America says. It's up to the airlines to spell out what they won't cover in their contracts of carriage, and that generally includes cash, jewelry, cameras and other valuables, travel experts say.
Be aware at airport security
Vigilance needs to start from the time you hit the airport's checkpoints.
"When you're going through security ... I like to hold off letting my purse through until I'm ready to go through myself," says Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com, noting that items can be swiped when they're out of sight. "I don't want it waiting on the other end, particularly if I get held up for a pat-down and search."
Passengers may also want to buy a small lock for their carry-on bags. "One thing that people don't think of is that ... carry-on luggage can be ripped off," says Hobica, who even empties his jacket pockets before hanging it up in first class. "If you fall asleep on an overnight flight (or) ... you have your stuff under the seat, they can get your wallet."
Fliers also should be mindful that there's no guarantee someone will be at the airport exits matching claim tags with baggage.
"There's always a chance somebody will get to the carousel before you and take your bag either by mistake or on purpose," Hobica says. "Make sure you get to the baggage claim as soon as possible."
Most hotels aren't likely to reimburse a guest for electronics, credit cards or other possessions stolen from their rooms, Banas says, "So it's probably best to protect your belongings independently."
Some travelers leave a light on to ward off burglars for their hotel stay. Others put on the "do not disturb sign" and others leave on the TV, leave on the bathroom light and ruffle the bed linens.
While some frequent business travelers keep their valuables with them at all times, others say they use safes in their rooms or behind a hotel's front desk.
Then, while out and about in a strange city, many road warriors carry only a small amount of cash in their front or inside pocket. Or they tote a copy of their passport while leaving the real thing, and other important possessions, back at the hotel.
Some even carry two wallets: one for their cash and loyalty cards, the other with credit cards and driver's license. If a robber stops and wants their wallet, they give the robber the one with cash and loyalty cards.
Watch out for tricks
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