How to Look After your Money While Backpacking
Backpacking in the Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When you’re backpacking it can be a struggle to keep all your valuables safe for the duration of your trip. You’re constantly on the move, surrounding yourself with new people and new places. Backpacking can be an amazing experience but losing your cash can be a real disappointment as well as potentially leaving you in a difficult situation. So, it’s all the more important to make sure your cash is kept safe at all times while backpacking. Here are some tips for looking after your money.
1. Wear a money belt.
A money belt is an essential item for your backpacking trip. You can wear it under your clothes meaning your cash and other important documents can be kept safe at all times. Be wary of using a money pouch which hangs around your neck as these can be snatched off.
2. Take a spare debit/credit card
If the worst comes to the worst and you are pick pocketed or lose your wallet, it’s a good idea to have a spare card tucked away in a separate, inconspicuous place. A credit card can be a good idea just in case you have a large, unexpected expense to pay. Make sure you bring the details of your bank so you can cancel the card if it does get stolen.
3. Tell a family member your bank account details before you leave
If you have no access to a computer and need your funds topping up, it’s a good idea to leave some bank details with a trusted family member in case you need them to transfer some funds or cancel a credit card.
4. Watch out for rogue cash machines
Card cloning is a very common problem amongst backpackers. If you need to use a cash machine make sure it’s one which is attached to a branch. Sometimes fake facades can be put onto non-bank locations which gather credit card numbers and personal ID codes.
5. Never leave valuables unattended
It might sound obvious, but it’s all too easy to get a little too comfortable when you’re travelling. You might have found a particularly great hostel where you think your valuables will be safe. Nevertheless, you should always make use of the safe or lockers in your hotel or hostel. Make sure you bring a padlock for use on hostel lockers.
6. Be vigilant against pickpockets
Some destinations are worse for pickpockets than others. Usually a good tourist guide will tell you which areas these are. However, it makes sense to be alert at all times, especially in busy cities. Never leave cash or a wallet in your back pocket and if you’re carrying a day bag, make sure it has a secure zip or fastening. Pickpockets are notoriously devious and practised in their crime so it’s important to stay cautious at all times.
Of course, you can’t control everything that happens when you embark on your backpacking trip, but as long are you are prepared and don’t get too complacent you can minimise the risks of your cash going astray.
Bio: Emma is a 22 year old travel blogger who has had her own fair share of mishaps while travelling! She loves to inspire people to get away and see the world and she shares her own experiences and travel tips on her website www.inspiring-travel.com.
Category: Travel
