How to avoid your room being robbed while traveling

[DGG]

A lot of hotels will say they are not responsible for valuables left in the room (even in safes I think), but they will store valuables in a secure box for you and then they will guarantee it. I know people who have done this and were able to store expensive jewelry and cash in a secure box behind the desk - I think I would trust that more in the US than out of the country though...

Personally, I've always left cash and jewelry in the safe and have never had trouble. When we were backpacking in college, we sewed a pocket into our bags and hid money in there - so if you are really worried you can try that - a lot of suitcases have lining that zipper out so you can sew something under there.

[Dmitri_Markine]

Well, I would definitely suggest not to bring any valuables with you to the beach. Things are getting stolen from beach ALL THE TIME. You can go to the ocean to rinse your feet,come back and find your belongings gone! Beaches are full of random people walking around and just looking for their next pray. A few of my friends lost keys,cameras,towels,glasses,mp3 players(yes a big list...). One of my clients in Cuba got their wallet stolen while they were swimming. Unless someone is willing to stay watch out for your stuff, I would still suggest to leave all your valuables in your room. Hide it anywhere. Thieves are not going to spend an hour looking around. Chances are, they'll be in and out within a minute of two, targeting the safe and your suitcase. Make it hard for them to find something. Leaving a few bucks lying around was a good suggestion too. A friend photographer of mine always brings a second wallet with him and leaves it on the nightstand in his hotel, with a few bucks inside. Then he hides the real one. In his mind, once they get your wallet, they'll just stop looking and run away.

[finzup]

I like the fake wallet idea!

[Jen_S]

Yes I agree watch your belonging's on the beach, when we got married we were getting pictures done and someone stole our photographers tripod we were right there but I guess we had our backs to the tripod.

[Jen_S]

These are all good tips!

[ashey063009]

heh heh, My Hubby hid all of our cash for the wedding underneath the sole in his running shoe. I know that I, personally, would never want to touch those gross things-- it was foolproof. lol

[Kukushka]

I love this thread! VERY informative and I'll definitely get suitcase locks for my guest for their OOT bags.

However, from my own experience, cleaning ladies in Punta Cana don't even take tips left for them. That was very odd. We would leave $1-2 everyday but the money was never touched!!! It wasn't a great hotel too - just 4 stars...

[Brenners]

I had a camera stolen from a hotel room and the hotel pretty much said, "Too bad." I have never had an issue with using a safe out of the country and placing a Do Not Disturb sign on the door. I agree that simply being kind to people can go a long way. Thanks for the reminders and tips.

[jmiranda]

Jr and I travel alot and usually what we have done is that we put the Do Not Disturb Sign on the door at all times and we leave the tv on. We have always used the safe to put our passports and money in. Put now Im just so nervous and scared to do it. Seriously, what does everyone do with there money? Where do you put these valuables when your on the beach or on excursions?

[Rainfall]

Wow good tip and i always heard stories but never thought to think twice about it. I'll have to think about money and passport. Thanks!