At a glance
Keep money, documents and valuable gadgets in your hand luggage when travelling.
Make photocopies of important documents such as your passport before you travel.
Be extra wary of pickpockets in busy places and on public transport.
Make sure you take out travel insurance to cover your belongings when travelling.
Preparation is key to keeping your belongings safe when abroad
We all hope it’ll never happen to us, but according to government figures, just under 400,000 UK passports are reported lost or stolen each year.
And your passport is just one of many possessions you’ll need to keep safe when you’re abroad – there’s your luggage, money and probably a host of gadgets, too.
Whether you’re staying in hostels or luxury hotels, the risks of loss or theft can affect anyone at any time. So, be better prepared next time you go away with our top tips.
Did you know?
Most major airports around the world, including UK airports, offer a bag-wrapping service. Your suitcases and checked baggage can be wrapped in recyclable clear plastic wrapping to protect your belongings from damage, tampering, rough handling and theft.
1. Take a padlock with you
Most thieves are opportunistic. They’ll be far more likely to choose your case if it looks like an easy target, so even something as small as a padlock could help to put them off.
If you’ll be staying in hostels, there may be lockers you can use to store your belongings overnight and when you’re out, but you’ll need to bring a good-quality padlock to secure them.
Remember, no matter how nice your dorm mates seem, don’t let your guard down.
Top tip
Opting for a combination lock will save you the added stress of keeping a key safe.
2. Use the safe
Many hotels (and even some hostels) will have a safe in the room for you to store valuable items.
When you’re not in your room, it’s a good idea to lock away any money, important documents like tickets and passports, jewellery you’re not wearing and electronic devices you don’t need.
That way, all your valuables will be safe if someone breaks into your room.
Top tip
If there’s no safe in your room, ask the front desk if they have a safe place to lock away your valuables while you’re out.
3. Keep your belongings safe at the beach
The key to keeping valuables safe at the beach is not to bring them with you. Leave expensive gadgets, jewellery and watches in a safe back at your accommodation.
However, many resorts offer a locker service, usually for a small fee, so you can safely store your items at the beach.
Top tip
If you want to keep your valuables on you, a waterproof bag or pouch should at least keep them safe from water damage. But don’t let them out of your sight.
4. Stay secure when you’re on the move
Money and travel documents should stay with you when you’re travelling, so you can be confident that nothing will go astray.
Keep any valuable gadgets like your tablet or laptop in your hand luggage where they’re less likely to get stolen or broken during transit.
If you’re travelling on public transport, keep your expensive belongings with you and don’t leave them unattended or on the floor.
If it’s a long ride and you think you might nod off, wrap your bag around your arm or leg, put it underneath you or use it as a pillow so it can’t be messed with without waking you up first.
Top tip
A cross-body purse or money belt is a practical way to keep your money, credit cards and passport safe when traveling abroad. For women travellers, there are even bras available with pockets designed specifically to keep money stashed away.
5. Be careful with backpacks
Having anything on your back offers an invitation for thieves to pickpocket from behind.
If you carry a backpack, make sure all your valuables are secured in a deep pocket that can’t be reached without rummaging. Or wear your backpack on your front for added safety when in busy areas or standing in queues.
You should also be wary when walking with a shoulder bag in some areas as thieves on mopeds or scooters have been known to snatch bags when driving past.
If you’re carrying your valuables in a handbag, avoid walking in the same direction as traffic where possible and keep a firm grip on the bag.
Top tip
Back pockets are an easier target than you might think, especially when standing in queues. If you must store something in your pockets, go for the front ones.
6. Divide your belongings
Travelling in a group? Sharing out your belongings between cases is a great way to minimise the impact of lost luggage. That way, if one of your cases goes missing, you can at least be sure everyone has a clean set of clothes.
Travelling by yourself? You should keep all valuables in your carry-on when you travel. However, you could keep a back-up credit card and some cash stashed away in your main luggage in case your wallet or purse gets stolen while you’re out.
Top tip
The same rule applies to cash. If you’re travelling in a group, it may seem like a good idea to ask your most sensible friend to guard the cash on an evening out, but it’s better to spread the risk.
7. Make copies of documents
Take pictures, scans or photocopies of important travel and insurance documents and email yourself any tickets or reservations essential to your journey.
It’s also a good idea to have a photocopy of your passport in your luggage. And leave a copy with your emergency contact back at home, along with details of your itinerary.
While a photocopy can’t be used in place of your real passport, it can make it easier to get a replacement.
Top tip
Some countries require you to carry your passport as ID, but it’s worth checking to see if a photocopy or other form of ID will do.
8. Back up your gadgets
It’s a good idea to back up the photos and documents on your phone, tablet and other devices and upload them to a cloud. That way, you won’t lose all your amazing travel snaps if your phone gets stolen.
Be cautious with your phone. Don’t leave it out on the table at a café, or in a bag or backpack at your feet. Ideally keep it on your person, in a jacket pocket or in a cross-body purse, bag or phone wallet.
Top tip
Make sure you have your phone’s password, PIN or biometric lock turned on, to keep your personal information safe from thieves. You could also install a ‘find my phone’ app and research how to remotely wipe all the data on your smartphone.
9. Be aware of local scams
Look online or check guidebooks so you’re prepared for any common con tricks played on visitors.
Do your research and be careful where you wander. Guidebooks can warn you about any neighbourhoods you should avoid.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website also offers travel advice for 226 countries and territories around the world, including essential country-specific information on safety and security.
Top tip
TripAdvisor is a great place to seek tips and advice from fellow travellers.
10. Make sure you have travel insurance
There’s no guaranteed way to keep your belongings safe while you travel. But having travel insurance could at least help soften the blow of your possessions being lost or stolen.
Top tip
Most travel insurance policies won’t cover the theft of belongings left unattended. This includes leaving bags in a hire car while you go for dinner or your phone on your towel when taking a dip in the pool. Be sure to check your insurance policy before you travel.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, tell your insurance provider the truth. If you give false information or miss something out, your claim could be rejected.
When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call them on 0800 138 7777.
Compare travel insurance with cover for your belongings
We can help you compare travel insurance quotes for your trip, so you can find the right cover for the belongings you’re taking with you on holiday.
The right travel insurance policy can also cover you for:
Medical treatment abroad and repatriation
FAQs
Will my smartphone and other gadgets be covered by travel insurance?
Travel insurance that covers personal belongings often has a low payout limit for tech like smartphones, tablets and wearables. This could be as little as £150 for a single item – not much of a consolation if you lose your top-of-the-range iPhone.
Travel insurance with added gadget cover can offer more protection for your high-tech gear, with higher single item limits– between £1,000 and £3,000, depending on the policy you choose.
Alternatively, if you have personal possessions cover in addition to your home contents insurance, check to see if your gadgets are covered if you take them abroad.
What should I do if my passport is stolen abroad?
If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re travelling:
Cancel your passport right away via the HM Passport Office website.
Report it to the local police immediately and get a report and crime number. You’ll need this to apply for an emergency travel document and to make a travel insurance claim.
Applying for a new passport can take several weeks, so you may need to apply for an emergency travel document (ETD) to get you home – an ETD costs £125.
You might need to attend an appointment at the nearest British Embassy to collect your ETD. You’ll find out when you submit your application.
Check to see if you can claim back the costs of replacing a lost or stolen passport on your travel insurance.
When can I make a travel insurance claim?
Most policies have a time limit for making a travel insurance claim. Check the details to find out how long you’ve got to put in a claim. If you have to replace items while you’re away, make sure you keep all receipts to send as evidence with your claim.
Remember to take your travel insurance policy and emergency contact number when you travel. Make sure you have the right number if you need to phone from abroad.
With more than eight years’ experience in writing and sub-editing content, Karen started her career in fashion before making the move to insurance. She now specialises in producing clear, engaging content that helps people make better financial decisions.
Karen’s areas of expertise include insurance products, such as car insurance, travel insurance and life insurance, as well as utilities such as energy comparison.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
An experienced commercial leader with nearly 20 years’ experience in digital comparison and consumer services, Tom Lyon is a trusted voice in industries that affect millions of households. Tom’s made appearances on BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky News, as well as programmes such as Watchdog, The One Show and Good Morning Britain.
Tom’s areas of expertise include travel insurance, as well as utilities and digital products such as energy, broadband and mobile.
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