You hear about it all the time:  Americans being targeted by thieves abroad.  If you’re lucky, you might only have to cancel a few credit cards or say good bye to your favorite wallet.  If you’re not so lucky, replacing your lost cash, passports, and other items can cost you considerable time, effort, and resources.

Molly Feltner was traveling in France when she became a victim of theft.  “My passport was stolen while I was sleeping on a night train from Lyon to Lourdes, France,” said Feltner.  Luckily, Feltner knew what to do immediately.

She made her way to Paris, where she immediately contacted the U.S. embassy.  Since she carried a copy of her passport with her, the embassy was able to reissue Feltner a passport within the hour.

Feltner’s story illustrates two important travel safety tips:  avoiding thieves while traveling abroad, and knowing what to do in case of an emergency.  Having a clear plan of action and knowing how to act – and react – in emergency situations abroad is essential to protecting you and your property.

Before you leave:

·         Pack Lightly – This is always a challenge, but packing lightly – even for a long-duration trip – can protect you against thieves.  Never take anything you’d hate to lose.  Avoid bringing valuables, like expensive jewelry, and be sure to leave behind unnecessary items like your social security card and library card.  The less luggage you carry around, the easier it is to keep track of it.

·         Secure Your Cash – It’s never a good idea to carry cash around with you in a foreign country.  Bring traveler’s checks and one or two credit cards instead – they’re easier to replace.  Remember, if your wallet full of cash is stolen, you will have no recourse for repayment.

·         Stay Connected – The United States State Department continually updates its website with travel warnings and travel advisories, so check any threats in your destination country before you depart.  The State Department also allows you to register your travel so that you may be contacted in case of a family emergency at home or crisis in the country of your destination.  In order to protect your assets, make two copies of your passport, credit cards, and traveler’s checks:  leave one copy with a friend or family member at home, take the other copy with you and carry it in a separate location from your documents, like your luggage or backpack.

At your destination:

Use your common sense and take a few extra precautions while traveling abroad than you would on a daily basis.

Safety on the Street

Traveling creates many obstacles, but the key to staying safe in public is maintaining a low profile.  The rules are simple:

·         Never walk alone after dark

·         Never use alleys or poorly lit streets

·         Avoid loud conversations and arguments

·         Avoid public protests and demonstrations

·         Be aware of pick-pocketing scams; pickpockets will try to distract you in any way they can, including engaging you in conversation or bumping into you on the street

Dressing the Part

The way your present yourself in public makes all the difference between smart travelers and not-so-smart travelers.  Be sure to:

·         Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or clothing

·         Avoid wearing clothes with distinctly “American” logos – plain clothes are best

·         Always wear the shoulder strap of your purse across your chest and both shoulder straps of your backpack

·         Place a dummy wallet in your back pocket; keep your wallet and valuables in a front pocket or special money belt

Safety Using Transportation

As Feltner discovered, thieves never sleep.  Be especially vigilant about your belongings on public transportation and follow these tips:

·         Never hire an unmarked taxi

·         Distance yourself from menacing people on subways, buses, and trains

·         If you are sleeping or napping on public transportation, be sure to discretely place your passport and valuables underneath you or your pillow

·         Notify authorities if you feel threatened in any way

And finally, the golden rule of traveling abroad:  Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately during an emergency.

Because she was prepared, Molly Feltner’s stolen passport is nothing more than a distant memory of a minor inconvenience, and one good story.  While at the embassy, Feltner said, “I did have to pass a little oral test to prove my American [citizenship].  They asked me questions such as ‘What was your high school like?’ and ‘Who is your favorite Simpsons character?’”

Like Felnter, safeguard your money and your memories by being vigilant about your safety while traveling abroad and, as always, bon voyage!