11 Tricks to Prevent THEFT While Traveling Abroad (Outsmart Thieves!)

Use these anti-theft travel tips on your next trip to learn how to protect luggage from theft. (click "show more" to see links mentioned in this video and ad disclosure 👇)
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▶ Airtags to track luggage: amzn.to/3PftHxr
Whether it’s preventing theft of your checked bags, securing your valuables in your hotel or accommodation, or keeping your stuff safe and avoiding pickpockets while traveling, these clever safety tips will help you outsmart pickpockets and thieves.
#traveltips #travelhacks #travelsafely
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🔴 C H A P T E R S:
0:00 Intro
0:35 Secret hiding spots for cash
1:02 Anti-theft carabiners
2:02 Close zippers strategically
3:30 Tips for securing valuables in your accommodation
5:21 Protect checked bags from theft
6:39 Protect “irreplaceable” items
7:11 Protecting valuables on travel days
8:19 Carry daypacks the right way
8:50 Tips to track luggage
9:05 Next-level anti-theft travel tips
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🟣 A L I T T L E A B O U T U S
Heyo! Mitch and Day here 👋🏼
We’re just your typical American-Colombian couple determined to live every second of our precious time here on earth to the fullest. After a 10-month solo backpacking trip through South America, I (Mitch) stopped in Cali, Colombia to take salsa dancing classes 💃🏻. I only planned to stay for a couple weeks, but God had other plans for me. I met a cute Colombian girl (Day) in class, those couple weeks turned into a couple years, and before we knew it...we were married 👰🏻🤵🏼
Now we’re traveling the world full time as digital nomads, supporting ourselves by working online 👨‍💻👩‍💻
Our goal with these videos is to inspire you to step outside your comfort zone, give you an inside peek at our crazy imperfect lives, and show you that you don’t have to be rich to live an extraordinary life...all you need to do is make the choice!
___
Advertiser Disclosure:
This video may contain links through which we are compensated when you click on or are approved for offers. The information in this video was not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Offers are current only as the time of the video publishing date and may have changed by the time you watch it.
Project Untethered is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Milevalue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. Project Untethered does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hit the SUBSCRIBE button to get all the new travel hacks I discover to travel smarter for less 😎 Do you have any travel safety wisdom to share? Help other people in the comments below! 👇

[@jholm11]

I had Zip Ties fasten on the bag on the back of my wheelchair to keep people from taking my bag. I also kept extra Zip Ties inside my bag. However, when I went through Security at the Airport in Australia, they told me that it was a security risk to have Zip Ties in my possession on the plane.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Interesting! Zip ties can be another good way to close your zippers on checked bags, just make sure you leave enough room for the tsa to cut if needed. Of course, anyone else can cut as well, but at least it’s harder to open than having nothing

[@etherealbolweevil6268]

All foreigners are trying to steal/murder/abduct you, just stay at home where the entire population is trying to steal/murder/abduct visitors and you are completely safe at all times.

[@Its_the_Whole_Everything]

At hotels I put extra cash and a spare credit card under the ironing board cover.

[@etherealbolweevil6268]

The crazy women with mad hair and wrinkled clothes will hit the ironing board first, then steal all the clothes hangers while their ally scours the place for enhanced hair dryers. Best place to hide cash & cards will be the used underwear bag.@@Its_the_Whole_Everything

[@michaelirish4704]

Working as a photojournalist I was told by an old veteran photographer he always brings his photo gear around in an old cartoon diaper bag. Nobody wants to risk dirty diapers

[@ProjectUntethered]

Genius!

[@sadhnasc4416]

Now everyone will know this trick 😅😅❤❤

[@jeanneprice6736]

What I appreciated about this video is the quick start to getting into your topic. So many people take up 2-5 minutes of jabbering before getting to the point. The longest time I have waited was 7 minutes. Never again.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks for the kind words, I do my best! But sometimes I feel like I still jabber haha.

[@beejereeno2]

Ha ha YES! "In this video, I'm going to talk about XYZ... blah blah" for 2 minutes - I just fast-forward and yell "Stop telling me what you're gonna say, just get to the video!"

[@judefernandez827]

Spot on

[@sylviescopazzo8670]

Exactly!!! And the flashy musical intros! I always have to fast forward.

[@annoyedok321]

Create a checklist if you hide stuff in a hotel room to check before leaving. Always more likely to forget something than have it stolen.

[@Kgbko]

Please!!!

[@jerryrobinson7856]

I hid a spare credit card in the back of a painting back in the days with no room safes. Circa 1980. Yep, I forgot it once and did not realize it was missing till my next trip wondering where it was. The problem is you are often in a rush for check out.

[@ProjectUntethered]

@jerryrobinson7856 yeah that is very true!!

[@richardsteele6776]

I knew a guy that had a pair of old white underwear with a painted brown stain in them. A hidden pocket was sewn into them. Nobody ever touched them.

[@ProjectUntethered]

I need to meet this legend.

[@user-de8mu8xh9j]

Best laugh I’ve had all day!

[@tonyhudson8698]

I traveled to India a few years ago, had a cloth vest, REAL DEEP POCKETS, with elastic stitched into them, that had clips to hold my travel wallet.. Wallet attached to me by fishing trace wire, and a clip onto my belt. Same for camera, worked well in USA, so did the India trip the same. Muggers Wallet, old bank card, of any sort / discount card..some cash..Easy to give up.. Also a whistle at neck, came in handy at Sanfansico, two guys hanging off my elbows, TILL I PULLED OUT MY LITTLE ALERT WHISTLE. They were GONE. Traveled on my OWN. ... Take care out there. Cheers..

[@incognito595]

The whistle idea is fantastic! Why didn't I think of that? Thank you!

[@glaubhafieber]

Love my pacsafe. A lady in Bangkok reminded me to be aware of pickpockets at SkyTrain stations. I told her that i give her 500 baht (15USD) if she can take something out of my bag within 1 minute. She gave up after 5 and i invited her for lunch

[@pommydiva1]

you suggested really good tips. i shall try to remember them if and when i travel o`seas again. my daughter and her fiance went to europe few years ago, but an actual cleaner for the room stole some souveniers and money they had inside their backpacks whilst in Italy. they mentioned it to the manager of the hotel, and he looked at the footage of who the cleaner was, and noticed that this particular male cleaner entered their room TWICE, which was not normal. The cleaner confessed it was him. he was sacked. but just goes to show, you cant even trust cleaners

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow I’m sorry to hear that. We try to put the no cleaning sign up or at least lock up our valuables inside our backpack when we leave.

[@tonylevoyageur]

If you don't need a laptop for work don't carry one with you. You can do 95% of you stuff with your smartphone today.

[@DrVVVinK]

You don't need 95% of the shit Americans with backpacks take with them on vacation, especially if you go anywhere in Europe. All you need for clothes (for guys) is 7 pairs of underwear/socks, 2 or 3 pairs of pants, 2 button down shirts, 5 solid color t-shirts. Charger, toothbrush, toothpaste (which one could and SHOULD, along with their suitcase, NOT backpack, leave in their hotel room) and €100 cash (need more use a ATM). That's it.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah travel is definitely less complicated when you’re not mixing it with work!

[@rons2079]

I’d recommend a basic tablet in lieu of a laptop. Much less weight and easier to carry. Plus much less cost to replace if stolen.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That could be a great option! I’m not sure if I could get used to working on one though 🤔

[@robertwilliamson922]

@@DrVVVinK I travel the tropics. So I take a total of three pairs of pants, (one of them I wear on the plane). A packable brimmed hat. Three button shirts, (one of them I wear on the plane), two pair of Teva Holliway men’s sandals. (One pair wear, one pair packed). One pair of socks for on the plane. A packable clothesline by Sea to Summit. I wash my clothes in the sink or shower and hang them to dry in my hotel room or apartment if I rent an apartment. Tech is my iPad Mini, iPhone 13 Mini, and Sonim XP3 flip phone. 21 litre backpack and a small crossbody sling bag. That’s all. Carry-on only. Even if I go for months at a time.

[@sylviescopazzo8670]

Back in the 80's when we used traveler's checks. I hid allll my cheques under a carpet when in Barcelona. When I got to France, I realized I forgot them!!! 😆

[@thehun1234]

@5:23 Years ago an airport employee told me that one should not use expensive brand name suitcases, although they are probably more secure, because thieves think that expensive suitcases probably have more valuables in them.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That makes a lot of sense! Or maybe the best of both worlds would be to slap some duct tape on it 😎

[@makiavelli6101]

TSA are often times the ones doing the stealing

[@ProjectUntethered]

Has that happened to you??

[@wasabiginger6993]

I know of a local here in Hawaiian Islands who makes museum quality shell leis for a living … TSA stole them all

[@sewitseams5632]

I got an old iPhone stolen out of my luggage by Colombian airport security. It does happen, keep all valuables with your carryon bags.

[@davettbr6425]

@@ProjectUntethered We don't know if it was TSA or the baggage handlers but my wife's Blue Official Handicrapper Placard was stolen out of her suitcase when we left DFW for our Hawaii trip. So, I don't trust any of those devils.....ANY of them. Relinquish control of your stuff and you are at risk of being robbed.

[@DMS20231]

@@ProjectUntetheredAfter my grandmother died, my mom was flying home with a bunch of grandma’s jewelry in her checked bag. TSA stole it all.

[@watersbey25]

I look at my travel check in luggage and say, " Can I live if I lost all if this?" When I say yes, I know I'm ready to travel.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That’s a good mantra to live by!

[@MajorAddiction]

Great mindset. We can’t be too attached to things

[@BOULDERGEEK]

Exactly. I take nothing that I can't afford to not come home with. We've been in South America for 11 or the past 12 months. I stopped carrying my primary phone out in the street. I got a cheap $80 phone off Amazon and use it with a local SIM card at $10 a month for far more data than I use. Still works fine for navigation, translarion, reading and photos. But if stolen, no financal apps, no PII even if cracked on a computer.

[@ruedihuber8798]

Thanks for all info! We travelled to many dubious countries with a big hardcase roller delsey for the 2 of us. No way of taking it and run away and you can even sit on it when waiting. When standing in line at ticket offices I walk with toes first on the floor and step down on thr foot of people getting too close behind me, with a sorry and a smile. Doing some stretching with elbows out and body twisting also helps.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahaha I love the foot squishing trick! 😂😂😂

[@tonyhudson8698]

I have stepped Back, arm in air, to scratch back of neck. Works so well, plus keep the Elbow out, is another good move..

[@tomm9540]

I now travel wearing these stretchy Wrangler Cargo Pants, that look nice but have two zipper pockets down at the knee level where You can place your passport in one, and wallet and money in the other.......Also the waistband is stretchy so if you bloat on a long flight, they are still comfortable. About 25 bucks

[@ProjectUntethered]

Zipper pockets FTW!

[@PeterMeinl]

Not only can luggage zippers easlily be opened with a pen, they also can be closed again without leaving any evidence, thus making it easy to plant things in your luggage.

[@pg618]

I keep a good new phone deep in my money belt and I hotspot tether to the one in my hand. Also you can put a tracker on your phone. Inside the lining of my suitcase is where I store some extra money. Also I only carry a copy of my passport in public. Once coming into Peru I sewed chicken wire on the bottom of my backpack and the immigration officer when he saw it said oh I see you know my people. One time in the Philippines I was so angry at the abundance of pickpockets I wanted to put fish hooks on string inside my backpack so that when they reached in they were definitely be attached and then just bring them to the police. Watch sometimes when walking near a 2,3 m. fence or wall sometimes people will grab stuff and throw it to their partner over the wall. Also beware when someone touches you on your left shoulder look to your right side first. If a pretty girl tries to catch your attention turn around and see what's behind you. One time in Guayaquil Ecuador a youth wrapped his arms around my arms and my chest from behind while another one stuck his hand in my pocket and grabbed my money. I chased them down the street screaming for the police and two plain-clothes cops came out of nowhere and grabbed the sob and gave me back my money. After fifty years of travel I've learned a few things.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow those are some amazing tips! The fish hook one made me laugh 😂

[@tpkyterooluebeck9224]

Thank you! I found your tips most helpful!

[@wasabiginger6993]

The state of the world where thieves now rule it … is so tragic

[@emfgdr3150]

thx for the tip about looking in the opposite direction!

[@milesdavis6043]

In Argentina, they wear the backpack on the front. And, if you're going to use an old phone as a drop phone, make sure you take the sim card out. Bad guys have incredible access to your accounts with your sim card.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Very good tips!

[@margarethasalas6072]

I do wear my backpack 🎒 on my front when is crowded and when I noticed people get close to me .

[@Roadent1241]

What accounts? You can save things to SIM cards??? What can you do with a mobile SIM that I have no idea about because I'm so used to not having signal and only ever use WiFi? What research do I need to do?

[@zlauriault]

​@@Roadent1241Do a Google search for personal data stored on your SIM card. Or will benefit more than a short explanation.

[@auntlynnie]

Also, a double-sided “S” shaped carabiner to connect two zipper pulls together. It’s not a lock, but it’s harder to open the bag if both zipper pulls move together.

[@mentonerodominicano]

If you hide your stuff on weird places, remember to write that down on your phone, so you can check for them before you leave and don't leave them behind!

[@LifeOfTheParty323]

I'm never leaving my house.

[@user-re7wt2yc8b]

😂😂😂

[@poysianism]

😂😂😅

[@carolynmurtaza1180]

Also in your hotel room at night put your case behind the door with the handles facing away from the door opening, Anyone trying to get in will be in for a surprise and the noise will wake you up.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Smart idea!

[@dsrrellgriffith1161]

no need,,,u can buy very cheap door blocks,,,,then impossible to get inside when u sleeping

[@user-uz8rr7fi1w]

Where can you buy door blockers?

[@zlauriault]

​@@user-uz8rr7fi1wlook up portable door lock. They're as cheap as a sandwich. You could also consider a door wedge alarm, but you can travel with the batteries in as it's extremely loud if accidentally triggered, and then there is also that issue of batteries and keeping them in your carry on.

[@PsychologyMix]

“IF SOMEONE WANTS TO STEAL MY WALMART T-shirts used underwear and moist toothbrush, they probably need it more than I do…”🤣🤣🤣💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀

[@averythompson5838]

A crossbody bag is something I use to help me be more comfortable on an international trip.

[@animated000]

I have secret pockets too. It's called my sock and shoe 😂

[@ProjectUntethered]

That’s a good one!

[@nyc-exile]

I always put straps (the ones that have to be broken to be opened) in all checked luggage. Because in many airports they do put drugs inside. If I find any broken ones, I call security. It´s also a good idea to take pictures of them when arriving to the airport.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Very smart!

[@jerryrobinson7856]

To purchase these, they are called "seals" OR "numbered seals".

[@elizabethparkhurst2824]

My tip, 0% need for more than a carry on suitcase and a crossbody skinny bag under your clothes. Make copies of all documents and put in different places and give to fellow travelers

[@HD613YOW]

Dude! I have been carrying dummy wallets and phones and sewing secret pockets in my travel pants for years, and spreading the gospel! So cool to see a KZbin video recommending this!

[@nancygonzalez6788]

Thank you! For your info 👍🏼

[@rrl4245]

Great ideas. Thanks In the military it was all about 'situational awareness' - pay attention to the things (people) around you!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Exactly! If you were in the military, travel will be a cakewalk haha.

[@jackaw1197]

If I stop to check my phone or something in the middle of a town square during the day in a tourist area, I will stand so I can see my shadow, then I can easily see if someone walks behind me without needed to constantly look. I also take my wallet out of my pocket and zip it in an inconvenient/deep internal pocket.

[@ProjectUntethered]

@jackaw1197 very clever!!

[@elisabeth1677]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@thebraz21]

I’m not traveling overnight on a bus through sketchy areas that’s one way I avoid that problem

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wise choice!

[@MajorAddiction]

Cautious without constantly worrying. Great advice 👍🏼

[@MuckoJumbie]

Knowledgeable guy and very good tips ! 👍

[@sally3570]

I ordered hard shell luggage without zippers and with TSA locks because my son showed me how easy it is to open a zipper with a pen and then rezip it. I couldn’t tell afterwards!

[@ProjectUntethered]

That is honestly probably the most anti theft way to do it!

[@rosariogamboa1661]

It is nice to keep valuables in locations where thieves don't know where they are hidden. I watched a video of a housekeeper in a hotel trying to steal until she saw a camera that was on and stopped her attempt to steal.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yikes! Yeah I may be paranoid, but I usually opt out of housekeeping unless I know my stuff is safe.

[@jacdgzmn]

Excellent advises. ❤

[@CynthiaCCalvitti]

How do you get through security with hidden money wallets like ones you attach to bras or undies. I’ve been known to load my secret cloth wallets with cash and put them in my carry on. Once I clear security I hit the restroom and relocate my ‘stash’ to my body.

[@hgu123454321]

6:23 I certainly said that to people from time to time ;-) The hotel staff knows every hiding place in every room, far better than you every will. Don't try to hide your valuables that way, it won't work. Buy a decent flight bag (that's a cover that goes around your luggage), and put a lock on it. Sure, someone with a knife can still get through, but none of your items will be visible. And if you come back to your hotel and your flight bag is ripped open the hotel has to explain what happened (who had access to your room, are there camera images, etc.), as there is clear evidence of vandalism, at least. And of course you can use the same bag while you are actually in transit.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That would definitely be idea, but if you don’t have space (or don’t want to carry) the extra cover, I think hiding your valuables is more secure than not hiding them. Even if they know all the hiding spots, they’re not gonna want to be in your room for long in fear that you’ll return. This is even more true in airbnbs and guest houses where it’s not just the hotel staff that you have to worry about. Putting your wallet in the grilled cheese maker is far more secure than leaving it out on the bedside table (just don’t forget it! 🤣 )

[@jerryrobinson7856]

In my younger years before room safes never existed and the Hotel wanted you to use the front desk hotel safe deposit boxes, that was a royal PITA. I had put a spare credit card (different than I carry) tucked behind a painting over the bed. Worked okay until one time I was in a hurry for the airport and left it there. I just did not even remember I did not have it. It was never used. Perhaps found years later and out of date when they remodel the room. See you may want to see my posting about using a locking canvas bag in the room safe - so no one takes photos of your cards who has a master key. Also for TSA. The article is long but well detailed on how theft rings work as employees of the Hotel, especially maintenance workers that have not been there long. They can do skimming undetected for years.

[@tonymilone5458]

Very creative suggestions. Thanks!

[@zunnies]

Super useful 😊

[@drewf5885]

Mobile phone wrist straps. Avoid having your phone on a table or in a pocket

[@Roadent1241]

I would, as I have through most of my life where possible, but they don't have those corner holes anymore. Try putting one in a casing thingy, the whole thing breaks.

[@catpat4754]

(just to say that english isn't my first language) My first big trip was in Indonesia with a college group (the teacher made it every year) when I was 19. I kinda new security tips and had bought a CAA travel handbag that I always had on me (with all kind of security stuff built in) where I put all of my essentials in (medicaments, passport, etc). Lets just say that I was glad that I did this, because not even 10 hours in Indonesia, our minibus that was parked in a place with some convenience stores around was robbed of all of the stuff that were left on the seats (except my raincoat, I guess I was lucky). Our big backpacks in the trunk were still there, but half of our group had their passports stolen because they left them in their bags that were stolen. We were not even in a tourist area, it was like 4am during Ramadan (so stores were open) and so we just waited in a Mcdonald making our first contact with our parents and the teacher and our driver were devastated. In the end they never found their passports so our trip was changed a bit to make new ones. Anyway, even the simplest action to keep your things safe could make or break your trip. :)

[@ProjectUntethered]

I’m glad you didn’t lose yours! You bring up a really good point. When I’m traveling between places, I always keep my passport in my Fanny pack so I never get separated from it!

[@apy2499]

Great video. Thank you!

[@WhiteSiroi]

very useful, thank you

[@santarosa6676]

My dummy wallet was picked in Nicaragua. The con was brilliant, but I was happy to have the last laugh. One tip is to use your pad lock to lock your room door. Did this once in Granada (Island) and it saved me.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Haha you should have a dummy wallet and put Monopoly money in it 😂

[@bque9444]

They make toilet paper money bills. Haha.

[@wilkowanders]

Really helpful tips! Thanks for sharing these valuable insights to keep our belongings safe while traveling. 👍

[@3VAudioVideo]

Very good tricks and information here! A lot of these are not the typical ones mentioned in other videos. Thanks!

[@ProjectUntethered]

I’m glad you found them helpful! That’s what I was going for 😋

[@GultenA529]

Thank you for your tips. You are right, just to be prepared and protect our goods in advance so we won't get disappointed and frustrated.

[@TracyKMainwaring]

On my backpack, I use an old metal diaper pin. You have to slide the cap up, then pinch inwards to open the pin. I'm very sensitive to touch, so that helps too. I love the dummy wallet idea.

[@sonialo777]

I absolutely loved your video video

[@bgregg55]

If the sofa cushions have zippers that's often a good place to stash. Use zip ties to lock backpack zipper pulls together.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That’s a good one!

[@allyson1691]

Great info which I haven’t seen elsewhere. Thank you.

[@w_w_whitey]

Good job - one of the best videos I've seen on this topic!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks for the kind words! 🤗

[@yvonnesmith8245]

Great precautions-excellent safety advice! Thanks so much 🙏

[@annethall]

When we are in a airbnb type of place that has a kitchen or a hotel that has a little kitchen, I hide my valuables under or in old pots and pans in lower cabinets. If the garbage can is big enough and has a plastic liner in it, I will put valuables between the liner and can at bottom and make sure I have junk on top. I find that the biggest issue is to have a check out on my phone to remind me before checking out to get my valuables. I also have on the check list adapters because I have left several in rooms plugged in.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow as long as you don’t forget anything, that sounds like a 100% theft proof plan. Unless perhaps the cleaning lady at a hotel accidentally through it away haha. A checklist is very smart too.

[@Brotheroftheroad-ec7ei]

This was slot of help thanks

[@Janika-xj2bv]

I just avoid going to certain countries/places.

[@chrisvoy10]

Thank you, learned something new.

[@ProjectUntethered]

You’re very welcome! :-)

[@norrisbethke7770]

Good ideas, especially for novice travelers 👍🏻

[@user-ww1zr2qt2h]

Bonus for the thieves getting two for one on the night bus, great job

[@mandygriffin5241]

The zip idea is great. Having the zip at the top - it’s closer to your ears to hear it!

[@Roadent1241]

Works if you're hearing. I'd need them with a stick attached to mine so I can feel the vibration XD

[@timelessmusicfamilymusic9175]

You can leave a dummy wallet stuff with old used-up gift cards at your hotel where a criminal can see it. They're usually searching for a wallet & more likely move on.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Very smart! I got tired of carrying the dummy around, but leaving it out in the open in your room is a smart and easy idea!

[@peterc5167]

Great tip with the air tag.

[@FeistyFelineYT]

Your videos have been in my recommend for the last 48 hours and I am traveling out of the country for the first time and I have been finding these super helpful. Definitely subbing. Thanks.

[@ProjectUntethered]

So glad you found it helpful! Where are you traveling? Hope you have a fun trip!

[@FeistyFelineYT]

@@ProjectUntethered traveling to Newcastle upon Tyne from the USA. It will be next year, but I’m excited and nervous.

[@s1mone477]

Same here! These tip videos really ease my nerves, but also raise them at the same time. 😂 Hope you had a lovely trip.

[@GnomeEU]

Hotel Safes are not secure and staff has the key anyway. So I never bother with them.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Do you normally just hide your valuables then?

[@fmdday]

In the Philippines they will cut your backpack with a razor and also cut your pocket. They will just follow you and wait for your stuff or wallet to hit the ground

[@zoeydeu2261]

get slash proof Pacsafe bags

[@mickeytheking8963]

This was super helpful. Love your videos. Perhaps the best you tube travel guy around.

[@ProjectUntethered]

You just made my day! 😇

[@carolynmurtaza1180]

My hard case. I use yellow cable ties and tie them to the handles. Someone also told me you can buy Anti tamper proof number seal tags in bright colours. Also go buy a cheap dress/ engagement and wedding ring.

[@philgray1023]

A mugger didn't want to take my friends gold rolex because the thief said it was a fake, and that he wanted his real watch. It was and still is real. That was a $10,000 watch.

[@oc2phish07]

I use a LowePro backpack and an OGIO wheeled travel case (the one pilots use). The zipper pulls on these all have small holes so I can lock pairs together with small 'Travelmore' combination locks. This way ALL of my individual pockets and compartments are protected.

[@jerryrobinson7856]

❤ My concern is hotel room pilfering, especially by new or transient hires in the cleaning staff. Long term staff are usually solid people. I bring a thick reinforced canvas bankers courier bag zipper pouch with a lock, size is about 8” wide 6” tall and 1/2” thick, so I put my spare cash, spare credit and atm card and medicines in this and use the room safe. This way no one can pilfer some of your stash and not take photos of your stored card(s) or be tempted to take prescription meds. Although my bankers bag are a key, you may want to use one with a 4 digit wheel code lock so you don’t have to worry about loosing or someone pick pocketing the key. I am a security expert witness, so as to room safes, many hotels buy crap. Many have crappy key overrides. The good news is most Reasonable hotels have card locks on the room with time stamp and memory for the last 100 users. Good room locks, lock out the previous guest card either based on dates and/or as soon as a next guest card is used. Btw, these bankers bags are about $30.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Awesome advice! Do you have a link to one of those bags?

[@philgray1023]

My friend worked for a major supermarket chain in a country town back in the days of cash. They would take the whole stores takings down to the bank in plastic supermarket bags. Just looked like regular shopping.

[@tennesseeterri]

It's a canvas bag that can be stolen and cut open later. Kept in a safe that's not safe.

[@jerryrobinson7856]

@seeterri Hi There Terri, In reference to your comment about a canvas bag can be cut open or stolen, you are correct, but there are some details I need to explain. This should make perfect sense. If you put your credit cards and cash RAW in a hotel room safe, and someone uses an over ride safe code or has a back up master key, your contents can be skimmed (take a twenty or two out of a few hundred in cash, most wont notice it), and the thief takes photos of your credit cards without your knowledge and leaves them as they were - all locked back up. The credit card information can be used for a bunch of online purchases or sold on the dark web. You probably wont know you have been hit until the bill comes. Some people don't read it till they have to pay it. That could be 30 to 45 days. The thief will keep using it till its dead. If its a group doing this, they sell the card information on the dark web. Its far better to go undetected. Take a maintenance man who has a master key card for all the rooms. He has computer screen access to see what rooms are occupied and which ones are empty. Additionally he (or she) may be who is called on a safe lock out and has the override key or code. They type up a service ticket for a room, leak under sink so he has an excuse to go into the room. He slips in rooms when the people are gone for the day. Some of these "skimming" types groups go undetected for years. However, in the locked canvas bag, they cant SKIM cash or take photos. There are long term over a year or more groups that skim some cash and take photos of your back up credit cards if they can just see them. The reasoning is that virtually all Hotel room locks have an exact audit who came in your room. No one is checking this audit if no thefts are being reported. If they take the bag, you will know in a matter of hours or a day. You call your credit card company up pronto and the Hotel now has to open an investigation. Skimmers on a long term plan wont steal the entire bag. They will leave it and relock the safe. I also use the bag going through the TSA. I keep it locked and if the day comes they actually ask that I unlock it, I can do so on the spot with my eyes on what they are doing. I also keep the bag in my roll onboard bag with the outer zipper locked with a mini padlock. Its locked up that way before I travel to the airport. Nothing is 100% secure, but this game changer for travelers with a lot of cash, medications they need and of course you should have a totally different than what you carry back up credit card and ATM card on all trips. If you are hit on the street, you have a easy Plan B. I also use an asset air tag hidden tucked up with sticky velcro in the bag next to the lock mechanism. I hope this helps explains the methodology reasoning. I took the time to explain for you and others with the same though you had. Sorry for the ambiguity. Cheers. Jim from Chicago

[@lche0728]

Very useful tips..now need to buy carabiners..and will use zipties... If u use zipties always keep a nailclipper so that u have something to cut it when u open ur backpack/suitcase..its more handy than scissors.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That’s a very good point!

[@tennesseeterri]

Plus, you cannot fly with scissors.

[@eileenb1855]

Anyone can open zipties anywhete, anytime in seconds.

[@robbatayaki5505]

1/ I will never put my passport or credit card in a bag. Only on myself in zipped pockets 2/ how about locking your bag in the room, and putting the valuables outside in weird places !

[@ProjectUntethered]

That's pretty clever!!

[@andiorl]

Thanks for the tips. And dude, I wish I had those eyes!

[@fogrunr5075]

If you don't want to lose anything to a taxi, book a four-seater taxi just for you. Insist on having both bags with you. This is because some taxi drivers may try to charge an inflated flat rate instead of using the government directed meter. Then they'll try to force you to pay that and while your bag is locked in the trunk. The only service I use in Southeast Asia is Grab cars (besides tricycle taxis or habal-habal motorbike taxis). Grab rides are positively tracked, you can see the driver's face and ID the car, and also share ride tracking with a friend.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Very good tip! Yeah apps like a grab and a Uber make things a lot safer and prevent scams. I love them!

[@0913749]

I have travelled the world and never had an issue. One must know their surroundings. Pickpockets and thieves in many countries usually work in groups. Crowded areas are ideal for them. Fanny packs are easy for them no matter if you have them in the front. When traveling simplicity is best. Low key on Jewelry, nice casual clothes works well. I never use the safety box of the hotel room but instead, always use my luggage to store items of value which are locked at all times. Lastly, all my bags have Samsung Galaxy SmartTag trackers hidden inside. I know where they are at all times even when the airlines have them.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks for sharing these great tips!

[@rianitas1467]

Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag trackers 👌👍. Great idea. Tq 4 sharing

[@newgabe09]

I often hang my passport/cards belt in the curtains of a room. It hides nicely in the folds. When travelling I wear it with a fairly loose strap so it hides inside my underpants, not tight around the waist. Certainly never have serious valuables in a handbag or daypack! I also wear a sleeveless travel vest with multiple internal 'secret' pockets for phone etc and never ever take it off.. apart from going through security screening of course. The outer pockets are ideal for having boarding pass/light cash and a card easily available without messing around with a bag. And the pockets are big enough to carry things like a power bank, so they don't weigh down my hand luggage (weight limits)

[@Roadent1241]

Great job telling people to look in curtains XD

[@newgabe09]

@@Roadent1241 Quite right. I never hide my stuff in curtains. Just wrote it as a decoy :)

[@brucelatham6636]

I actually have small locks that you can lock 🔒 the 2 zippers together. I also have a bike lock for my hotel room

[@puravida5683]

Now the thieves know what tourists can do.

[@jeanniebennett3708]

Very good content. I subscribed.

[@ProjectUntethered]

I'm honored to have your as subscriber!

[@bettinakatze1]

Great Video, thanx ❤ ...the thieves can watch it aswell, though 😂

[@Keith_Aerotrunk]

A sling bag tuck in front of me is a must when i travel. 👍👍👍

[@CynthiaCCalvitti]

Here’s an idea…bring a money belt. Pack it in your checked or carry on luggage for use when you get to your destination. Once at your hotel put $ or other valuables in the belt then hang the belt in the closet behind your coat, dress clothes or what ever. I never EVER pack all my $ in one place. $ will go in my socks, my bra LOL, or any other place that doesn’t look suspicious.

[@mortanicus5871]

Great video! I hope lots of people comment so the algorithm will get the word out there.

[@ProjectUntethered]

I hope so too!

[@rolfl6317]

When i am in a hotel und leave my room always put the no disturb sign on the door. I also quit room service, just put a plastic bag in the trash bin und put it in the morning outside the room.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Great idea!

[@spocksvulcanbrain]

Good ideas. One thing you got wrong (not explicitly though). That's the cable and lock for your room. NEVER EVER EVER use a master dial lock like the one you showed. They can easily be opened by striking it on the side in the right place. They just pop open. Use a keyed one that requires picking, not just a heavy object. Oh and NEVER EVER use a Master Lock - ever. Even the keyed ones. They are the worst of the worst of the worst for picking, opening without a key, and just in general opening by a thief.

[@rachaelr8044]

Don't worry, been paranoid long before this video. I enjoyed it and subscribed!

[@formeremployee326]

I live near Detroit. I always have an old phone and a fake wallet in a small purse I’m not crazy about. Nothing with my name or address- random prescription cards, a found credit card, some cash. I found a car key fob while hiking and that’s going in the bag. I keep a flip phone in my car trunk. You don’t need an account to call 911 on an old phone. If my phone is stolen or destroyed or (please, no) I end up locked in the trunk, I can call 911 and my auto maker can track my car. Thanks for the video!

[@ProjectUntethered]

That’s what I call preparation!!

[@robertwilliamson922]

Yes, but can a phone signal get through the trunk? If the trunk enclosure is metal, it might act like a Faraday Cage. Try putting a phone in the trunk and then calling it. Listen to find out if it still works.

[@formeremployee326]

@@robertwilliamson922 My trunk doesn’t act like a Faraday cage for my current cell when the phone is closed inside. Because I can’t call the old cell, I hate to climb in, close the lid and call the police. The battery still had a bar after MONTHS in the trunk. Also, I had forgotten how to turn it on! Press send and end together. I’m charging three other old phones, just in case. Thanks!

[@1sburdett1]

​@@ProjectUntetheredthose are my thoughts exactly!😮

[@user-hi1kb8hf5n]

I have travelled to many different not nice countries by myself female older lady am always careful and awate what is happening around me and have never had trouble with thieves or pickpockets. Must just be lucky i guess

[@wildeescape]

Great advice! And how do you like the 360 camera? I also use a carabiner on busses when the pack is with me (wrap it around the seat post).

[@ProjectUntethered]

The camera is freaking awesome! But we’re still learning how to use it. Yeah that’s a great tip! I also do that with the carabiner when I’m working out at the park

[@NoraDunn]

Fantastic tips! I like the unconventional hotel hiding spots. I usually lock my valuables in my luggage, but you’re right - somebody could see that and intuit that there’s something good in there and just take the whole thing 😳 The trick is to not forget where everything is stashed and leave something behind!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahaha yea that would be bad! We have one go to hiding spot but didn’t mention it in the video in case there are any thieves stalking us 😂😂😂

[@NoraDunn]

@@ProjectUntethered Ha ha! I'm not that smart. I share all my best tips on my channel. ;-)

[@csjames69]

I’ve got a Pacsafe backpack which has zippers that are locked so the compartments can not be opened quickly. A very well thought out backpack.

[@ProjectUntethered]

I've been wanting to test that out!

[@shinomiya89]

Another Tip: Blend in there where it is (if it is possible) possible. Don't look too much like a tourist , like for example taking pictures of every little things.

[@Roadent1241]

But I do that at home. I'm a tourist at home too? XD things are pretty unexpectedly!

[@jeffrystephan6992]

A great video. Greetings from Brazil.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Muito obrigado! :-)

[@jeffrystephan6992]

@@ProjectUntethered How is your experience in Brazil ? I hope not bad ones. Abraços

[@ProjectUntethered]

Loving it so far! 😎

[@0to100Art]

I love this . have a wonderful week my friend!🎷🎷

[@ProjectUntethered]

You too!

[@marksuddjian4570]

I avoid all the problems by staying at home. For extra protection I lock myself in my closet.

[@mesenteria]

I would put the zippers over one shoulder where your typical head swing is likely to pick up a hand there in your peripheral vision.

[@sgrant9814]

Just use tsa locks on your back pack i have for years and they are secure n easy and cheap. Tip: the plastic ones are lighter than the metal ones

[@wootle]

Thank you very much for this. I just found your channel and subbed! Excellent presentation and tips and the last couple of tips are really good!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks so much for the kind words, I’m honored to have you as a subscriber! 🤗