From Our Partners
Dan Keon | Vice President, Market Manager, Allianz Global Assistance
Protecting Yourself and Your
Valuables While Travelling
Passport — check. ID — check. Credit cards —
check. Cell phone — it was just here! When you
are on vacation, the last thing you want is for your
valuables to be stolen or go missing. Protect your
passport, ID, credit cards, and cell phone, plus
jewellery, golf clubs, and other valuables with the
following savvy-traveller tips.
you noticing. On trains, safely stow or take valuables
with you when going to the dining car. On long bus
rides, attach your backpack to your person so that
no one can lift anything if you fall asleep.
Options for hiding your loot on your body include
valuables pouches, money belts (that look like real
belts), and money socks, among others. Many are
somewhat more subtle than traditional money belts,
Plan and Pack Wisely
Expensive rings, watches, and other cherished items which might require you to untuck and lift up your
are often best left at home or in a bank safe deposit shirt to access your cash.
box. If you must bring valuables, spread them
Most baggage coverage excludes lost currency, so
around — hide your passport in an inside jacket
keep cash to an absolute minimum when travelling.
pocket and put your jewellery in a sock roll.
To protect yourself, leave a photocopy of your
Be Smart
passport and other travel documents at home with
Check Government of Canada advisories for
a trusted relative or friend and bring another with
location-specific advice and to help be aware of or
you. Also, advise your home bank that you’ll be
avoid high-risk areas. While away, be vigilant and
travelling so they’re aware if unusual charges come ensure you always know where your valuables are.
through on your account.
When you’ll need a credit card, carry one and leave
Pictures can help provide accurate information
and descriptions of lost or stolen items to local
law enforcement and proof of belongings if you
need to submit a travel insurance baggage claim.
Carry or Wear Valuables
Stow hand luggage containing important items
beneath the seat in front of you rather than
overhead, where it can be moved or opened without
another in the hotel safe for emergencies. Similarly,
carry a photocopy of your passport and leave the
original safely stored in the hotel during outings.
The best travel insurance includes benefits for lost or
stolen luggage, assisting with recovering or replacing
travel documents and ID, arranging emergency
cash transfers from family, and more. For complete
details, be sure to read your policy document. ●
Travel insurance by Allianz Global Assistance of Canada, a partner of ARTA, is underwritten
by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators group of companies
and is administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of
AZGA Service Canada Inc. and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd.
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