In today's world of cyber technology and highly trained criminals, it's easy to have your valuables compromised. It used to be that all you had to do was strap on a money belt and carry your traveller's cheques and you'd be safe from travel theft.
Now with Pacsafe products and anti theft gear you can relax from worrying about about people downloading all your personal information from your credit cards as you innocently walk by.
Anti-Theft Travel Accessories for Safe and Secure Travel
If people want to, they can get your bank and credit information and wipe out your accounts in an instant. That's why it's important to think about anti-theft travel accessories when planning your trip abroad.
Heck, we use this gear even while at home. It never hurts to play it safe no matter where you are in the world.
Pacsafe and RFID
What is RFID skimming? It is a form of theft using wireless transmitters to gain information to your credit and debit card identification chips.
They can decode personal information like your name, address, phone number, and private social insurance and security numbers. Once somebody has that information, they can do anything from gain access to your accounts to stealing your identity.
Dave and Deb on the tarmac
You may be thinking to yourself, what do you mean someone can wipe out my bank account as I walk by? Well, there is a new kind of pickpocket out there and it's called RFID skimming.
Anti Theft Gear Guide
Keeping electronics safe
There are many types of anti-theft gear that you can use to travel safe and we wanted to outline some of the latest technology to help travellers protect their valuables and their personal identities.
Pacsafe Bags
Pacsafe Citysafe LS400 RFID Travel Tote – Since getting my Pacsafe Tote, I've become a more relaxed traveller.
First of all, it holds a lot including my camera and even a computer. But it's the safety features that put my mind at ease.
Deb with her Pacsafe tote
When walking through a crowded market, I can lock my zippers so that nobody can rummage through my valuables. I used to constantly walk with my hand on my zipper or squeeze my bag under my arm pit. Now I walk with a little more comfort.
The strap is slash proof (not that I've ever had to worry about that, but there is always a first I guess) and most importantly, there is a RFID pocket that blocks transmission of your personal information.
You can wear this cap sleeve shirt with any outfit!
Take it from us, we've had people rummage through our bags without us noticing, any extra zippers you can have reinforced is a bonus. No matter how much you keep an eye on your valuables, things can easily go missing.
Pacsafe RFID Blocking Wallet
Leather RFID-Blocking Thinfold Wallet – Dave rarely carries a wallet these days, but when he does, we now know that his credit and bank cards are safe.
The perfect wallet
Pacsafe Travel Organizer – I carry all our travel documents and credit cards when traveling.
It's a lot to worry about, but lately, my mind is resting a bit. I am loving my new travel organizer. It easily holds all my credit cards and travel rewards cards as well as both our passports and money. This organizer transforms into a clutch for nights out too.
Everything is well-organized
I don't want to always carry my tote, so this turns into a nice little organizer. I've put my cellphone, a portable charger and iPhone chord into this handy organizer. Now I'm ready for anything. Oh and did I tell you that it is also RFID secure.
Check out: Cool Travel Gear you May not Know About
More Travel Safety Gear
Strolling on the beach
PacSafe Bag Protector – We didn't regret the extra weight when traveling through India.
The Pacsafe Bag protector put our minds at ease when travelling on the train and when leaving our beach bungalow. This item is excellent for securing all valuables in one place. Often when traveling on trains in Asia, your bags will be stuck somewhere else.
No one's stealing this!
With a Pacsafe protector, you can wrap a lightweight steel frame around your bag and lock it to a pole.
We could sleep soundly knowing that our valuables were locked securely to a pole inside its own vault like safe.
When we stayed in some questionable accommodation on the beach, we locked our computers and cameras up inside a bag and locked it to the bed frame.
Pacsafe is a must for trains and buses
We've heard of people breaking into beach bungalows. Sure your passports and money are in a safe, but what about your larger more expensive gear? We like to have all our bases covered.
Read: 13 Essential Items for India and Travel Gear we wish we had.
Safety Online
Always stay safe online
VPN – Let's face it, everyone is on line all the time these days.
Most people will be booking accommodation, buying flights or paying their bills online during their travels. Open public Wifi can be compromised and clever computer hackers are just moments away from steeling your bank information.
Secure your accounts by using a VPN. A VPN connects your computer to a secure server anywhere in the world. Once you are connected all of your Internet communication is encrypted allowing you to access your personal accounts free from eavesdropping of terrible thieves.
Traveling soon? Read our most complete travel packing list you'll ever need!
Luggage tracker – We can't always be with our luggage when flying. Even when traveling carryon only, you sometimes have to check a bag on smaller planes. If luggage does get lost, it's a bonus to have an extra set of security to track your luggage.
It has automatic Worldwide Tracking with Cell-tower Connected Technology
Handle wraps and trackable luggage tags help us keep our luggage secure
Luggage locks – We like to lock our luggage. Even while standing in line, people can easily get into your zippers.
Luggage locks give you that extra protection to deter thieves. We always say, Why make things easy for people.
These are easy to use
Thieves look for easy targets. I can't tell you how many times I've stood in a queue and noticed my fellow passengers dragging a bag behind them that's wide open. Be it a carryon roller or duffel anyone can stick their hand in and rummage through.
Luggage locks are lightweight, easy to open, but perfect to make things difficult for criminals.
Keep your luggage safe at the airport
Computers and Phones
We use iPhone and Mac Computers – We are fans of Apple products and we believe they are safer.
First of all, less people own macs, therefore they are less of a target when it comes to viruses.
However, you should still be diligent when opening questionable attachments. Don't do it. When it comes to your electronics, make sure to password protect everything.
Always stay safe on your computer in public
You don't want to lose your computer and have everything sitting there waiting to be stolen because you made it easy to open your browser.
Lock people out. That way you will have time to notify your bank. So have a good password lock on your home screens.
Plus, if you have a Mac, you can remotely lock your computer and iPhone so that nobody can get into your personal information.
Once you've done that, you can even track it via the Find My Mac app.
Be careful though, right here in Ontario, Canada a young boy was shot and killed while trying to recover his iPhone from thieves.
It's not worth risking your life to track down your electronics, but it doesn't hurt to do some investigation.
Pickpocket-Proof Shorts or pants
These pants have come a long way baby. We first tried Pickpocket Proof pants a couple of years ago and while we loved the concept, we found the material to be a bit heavy.
These pants are comfortable to travel in
They've since lightened the design and made the pants far more comfortable. And now, they are made for women too! When traveling, you don't always want to carry a bag, sometimes we just want to go for a walk through town with a few items and some cash.
The Pickpocket proof pants are the answer with deep pockets that are protected with a zipper and button for extra protection.
Read More:
Our Ultimate List of Travel Gear to Help You Pack Smart
Most Complete Travel Packing List You'll Ever Need
Cool Travel Gear you May not Know About
10 Must Have Items to Make Air Travel Easy
How I Traveled to 24 Countries for Under $2,500 USD
Jenny says
Wow! Had no clue about these wonderful gears. So thank you Dave And Deb for sharing this informative post. I am a regular traveller and have been a victim of theft on some occasions. so will definitely invest in these travel accessories.
Brain chan says
Amazing Post…!!!
Thanks for providing such wonderful tips. These tips really gonna help us lot while traveling.
Gethin James says
Just some small things. Most bags/cases have two zips that close using flat tabs attached to the ‘pullalong’ part of the zip. Using multi-tools/pliers, destroy the tabs – they’re easy to bend/break as they’re connected by small circles of weak wire – & substitute suitably-sized spilt rings. **In cold weather you can easily put a finger in each split ring to open your bag quickly, & for security you can link the rings using a travelling padlock. Memorize the number but don’t label the bottom of the lock**. If you use a rucksack, attach a large split ring to each loop used to pull down the straps when you put the bag over your shoulders It’s so much faster. For compartment zips on the ruck sack, remove the loops & use split rings for the reasons given above(**)
Have secure holidays !!
T. John says
I have a question do you think it is possible to hack data when my laptop is off and it is in my bag?
Although I would prefer to be safe, rather regret it later.
Francisco Silva says
Fico muito envergonhado em comentar isto sobre meu pais.Mas é a realidade,no Brasil deve se tomar bastante cuidado em aeroportos porque é muito grande o número de registro de roubos de bagagens por isso eu quero dizer que este artigo é muito bom e ajuda aos viajantes a terem mais cuidados.
Michael Roberts says
Great advice you guys! Love the beach shots, too! Looks like Daytona Beach down here in Florida! 🙂
viswa says
Very helpful Article,You Are Collecting Useful Points here,thanks for sharing us….
Dave and Deb says
You’re welcome, cheers1
Olivia Parker says
It is unbelievable how people can theft your personal details out of your credit and debit cards . I had no idea about RFID skimming.Thanks for the information. I must say it is very informative and people should be aware of it for safe travel.
Bob Merrick says
These are some great ideas. I never heard of RFID until now. It is a scary thought. I will certainly look into some of these items. Luggage locks were something that I used to use until Airline Security broke my locks in order to get into my luggage to check it for any terrorist threats. They left a note in my luggage that they did this and then re-secured the luggage with a nylon tie. I realized that if I bought a new lock to put on my luggage, that they would just break that one too. So I stopped using luggage locks and just used nylon ties like the airlines do. I guess sometimes security items can be compromised for the sake of security.
By the way, I agree that Apple computer products are the way to go. There are less hackers on these computers than there are on PCs. All my computer products are Apple.
Dave and Deb says
My mom had been telling me about RFID for about a year or so and I didn’t really listen. She had a pocket that the bank gave her, but it’s awesome to have a full wallet now. I think it’s going to become a real problem in the future.
Vincent Croos says
Didn’t realize they now have RFID wallets. I need to get one that can hold passport. I found a good one on the Travel Smith, thanks. Also it was nice meeting you guys at Thursday’s Travel Massive event.
Dave and Deb says
There are RFID passport holders and wallets combined. I have a large passport holder wallet, but there are other options that you can buy that aren’t quite as big as mine. Since I carry a purse, I can have a larger wallet.
Gagan says
Thanks for providing useful information, we used PacSafe Bag Protector when we travelled within India.
Pankaj from Jodhpur says
Hi Dave,
Very helpful article. I now know what to do and what not to do while traveling.
Pankaj
Kerri says
Great article. Keeping everything safe is always something really important to us but it’s also important to keep our luggage contents down. I saw an RFID over shoulder satchel only last week and considered very seriously making the purchase. I might go back and revisit it now.
Jane M says
We’ve been lucky enough to never have anything stolen while travelling (except that one time when Stephen was mugged at knifepoint in an alley in Spain, I guess).
One security tip I love is to keep a little cash in a scrappy wallet and use that when you pay for things. I have a hand-made duct tape wallet that looked like something a 12-year-old would carry and it helps give off the impression that I don’t have anything worth stealing if that’s what my wallet looks like. If someone does decide to pickpocket me, they only get a little cash. Meanwhile, I still have my cards and other cash either tucked away deep inside a bag or a money belt.
It has worked so far, but as we get older and travel to more expensive places, we might just need to invest in some nicer gear so thanks for the reviews.
J
Penny says
The idea of a RFID thief scares the crap out of me … thnaks for bringing it to my attention!
Brad Rutta says
It really is crazy how people can scan your card to get information like that. It’s easier to prevent that from happening than to fix it after the information has been stolen, so be prepared! It’s worth spending the money on protective gear.
stadium hotel says
Thank you so much for the tips. Very useful when traveling.
Sunset says
Thanks for providing useful information, as we lost our luggage in Miami last year.