When planning my five-month trip, safety was a secondary concern. However, after visiting five cities, traveling on buses, and staying in various hotels and bus stations, I’ve reached two vital conclusions about travel safety. First…
A Money Belt is Essential for Travel Safety
Your passport is the most critical item you’ll carry as a traveler. Without it, you can’t buy bus tickets, board planes, check into hotels, or cross borders. Losing it could leave you stranded and unable to continue your journey.
If you lose your passport, you must locate a U.S. Embassy, prove your citizenship, and hope there’s an embassy in your current country. Even if there is, reaching it might be impossible depending on your location. Additionally, you might miss flights or lose money due to missed connections, making a money belt indispensable.
A money belt is a small, flat pouch attached to an elastic belt worn around the waist, typically under your pants. It’s like an extra, hidden belt. The one I use is surprisingly comfortable. Initially, I frequently checked to ensure it was still there, worried it might have somehow fallen off.
In my money belt, I carry my passport and some cash. This precaution ensures that if my luggage is lost or stolen, or if I’m robbed or mugged, I can still proceed with my trip. It also allows for comfortable sleep on overnight buses, which is common for many long-distance routes. For example, last week, I took a bus from Sofia at 10:30 p.m., arriving in Bucharest at 6 a.m.
Tips for Using a Money Belt
To get used to wearing a money belt, wear it for a few days before your trip. This helps you adjust to its presence and find the most comfortable way to wear it. It also prepares you for using the bathroom while wearing it, avoiding any awkward situations. Second…
Ensure Your Hotel Has a Safe
I now prioritize hotel safes when booking accommodations. I even canceled reservations in Bucharest, Romania, and Skopje, North Macedonia, because the hotels lacked safes. Having a safe is crucial for long-term travel.
I’ve used two types of hotel safes: in-room safes and front desk safes.
In-room safes allow you to set your own code, usually four digits long. Only this code will reopen the safe. You can change the code daily or each time you lock it. The safe was large enough to store my laptop, camera, and other valuables.
Front desk safes function like safety deposit boxes. I paid about $10.00 for five days to use one. The staff placed my belongings in the safe, turned two keys, and handed one key to me. To retrieve my items, I returned the key, and they unlocked the safe. Warning: Losing this key could be very costly.
Both options allow you to secure your passport, laptop, and other valuables, enabling you to explore without worry. Unfortunately, in two cities, I had to carry my laptop in a backpack and wear my money belt, which was not ideal.
Conclusion
As a fixed-income nomad or any traveling nomad, these are my top two safety tips for securing your possessions and ensuring peace of mind during long-term travel. I hope these suggestions help. Please share any tips or comments. Travel safe, and…
Till next week, enjoy life’s journey.
Joe O’Brien