Is There Really Safe Travel?

Ikuru

CAn you really ever be sure that your stuff is safe?

So how do you do it?
I allways carry most of my cash in traveller chekes, than I have it all (pasport etc) in my moneybelt (its underneath my clothes, I even removed the plastic opening clip so that it would not open and fall of by mistake).

Than I allmost sleep with it on me but not If i feel safe...
But then there is places like the beach. I dont feel safe hiding my most valuable stuff in a small woden hut with a padlock on it. Neither do I feel safe to leave it hidden on the beach while Im going for a swim etc...

So I found the safest way for me is to find a propper gueshouse and give it to them so that they can keep it for me in a safe. I allso did this living with a famelly....

There is a problem doing this though... First, you have to go there and ask for more cash all the time.
Second: they can rip you off.

The best thing is if You ask for a receit on everything, but it feels a bit weird doing that, counting the cash everytime you go there etc.

So how do YOU do it? How do you make sure you feel SAFE all the time? And do you feel safe?

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http://www.ikuru.se My art.

akt

Hi Ikuru,

I know the anxiety you mention. Here is how I deal with it.

1. There is nothing better than not carrying any unnecessary stuff. No unnecessary documents, no jewelry, very little cash. I use the cheapest Casio watch that I can afford to lose or get scratched.

2. I have stopped using even travelers checks. Places I go to or pass by have ATM machines now and I use them strategically.

3. Mostly people carry passport or substantial money because they think they might need them anytime. I plan such needs in advance. On other occasions, I won't carry them. This also protects me from impulse buying. (Essentially, I scan the markets for a few days, with only food money on me, and no extra cash, no passport, no credit cards. Then one day I'd go and in one shopping sweep buy everything I have selected to buy.)

4. I go to beach with absolutely nothing but my trunks and a towel. In most hotels I am able to leave the key at the desk. No camera if I am swimming, no swimming if I am shooting.

Anyway, think about it.

Bryan

There is a simple answer ...Is there anything you really really couldnt do without
I doubt it
If camera film worries you develop it and send it home
Everything eklse is replaceable ...so why worry about it

Are we really ever sure that we wont die tomorrow? ...No but are we gonna worry about it ...Same same for luggage if you do what you can then leave the rest to fate and trust in teh goodness of mankind

__________________
Then let us pray that come it may
(As come it will for a' that),
That Sense and Worth o'er a' the earth,
Shall bear the gree an a' that.
For a' that, an a' that,
It's coming yet for a' that,
That man to man, the world, o'er
Shall brithers be for a' that.
- Burns

getgopi1

It always helps if you can travel with a trustworthy companion. You could try to locate a penpal that you arrange to meet in India to travel with...someone who can look after your stuff when you take a swim or have to go to the bathroom.
I am going to India again this November to attend a friend's wedding. I have asked yet another friend of mine to take a week off from work. He and I are planning to tour southern Tamilnadu and Kerala. I know I won't have to worry about losing my digital camera and stuff since we will be looking after each other's stuff

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- Gopi

volga_volga

he-he i imagine a post like this:

i'm going to South India Oct-Nov 2004...looking for a travel companion to look after my stuff while i am bathing...

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getgopi1

Funny! Funny! Funny! What I meant was, you should start "working on" a penpal a year or so before you plan to go to India. That way both of you can become, well, email buddies or such by the time you meet in person

Ikuru

LOL! Good one!!! Boy needs girlfriend who likes to stay on beach all day and keep guard...

volga_volga

if i am allowed a little silly generalisation here... westerners are looking for travel partners to share costs; sometimes also experiences .

indians are looking for safety in numbers

spitze_udz