Take me to Laptop Hobo!
   
   
View Ricardo's Photo Galleries
     (click "refresh button" to collapse all files)
Get your copy of Quit Dreaming and Go!

Bring along a length of steel (meshed) cable—looped on each endand padlock to secure your encased possessions.

SECURING YOUR STUFF

At the risk of making you paranoid over security (and please understand, it is not my intention to do so), you need to be aware that at any given time you will possess on your person the financial equivalent of what some westerners make in a month—or most people in the non-western world make in a year (or longer)—of hard work. Sometimes it's good to think like a thief. Staying mindful is your best security.How could one take advantage of me? By anticipating this ahead of time, you'll be that much more protected. Depending on the item and its value, you will want to secure it in one of several different ways.

 

Identify Your Packs

Before you leave for your trip abroad, be sure you have your name, address and telephone numbers outside and inside your backpack, daypack and all other pieces of bags and luggage. Cover the outside tag to avoid casual observation, and once you arrive at each destination, replace the outside tag of your daypack with the business card of the hotel or guest house where you are staying with your name written on it.

[to top]

Money-belt

Your money-belt is your primary safety net. You should take it off your person only when you are absolutely sure that it is safe to do so. [More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]

[to top]

Beltpack/Fannypack /Bumbag

[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]

[to top]

Daypack.

If anything will get lost or stolen first, it will most likely be your daypack. Items of great value should not be placed in it.

[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]

[to top]

Backpack

Although it may represent everything you have in the world at the time, do not loose your mind if your backpack is lost or stolen. You will still have your credit cards and travelers checks to buy new stuff with and the shopping experience may be a lot of fun. But to ensure that you don't experience such "unexpected fun," you will have to keep a watchful eye on your pack.

[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]

[to top]

Laptop Computer

Click to enlarge photoUse good judgment when it comes to using your laptop in public. In some neighborhoods you might be inviting trouble by displaying something that many might wish to have for themselves. Your hotel, or other more secured area, may be better location than the bus stand or bar.

[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]

[to top]

Be Mindful of Your Stuff

Be careful not to leave one of your packs behind just because you were in a hurry. Know at all times where your stuff is and who is next to you. When on a bus, be sure to watch your bag as it is being stowed in the baggage compartment and don't let it leave your sight until the compartment door is closed by the driver. If your pack is going on the roof, make sure it is secure up there, even if you have to tip the driver a little money or climb up there yourself to ensure that it is.

[to top]

Be Careful Where You Sleep

If you're inside a locked room, you generally have little to worry about. But when you're in public, napping in the park or traveling on a bus, you must be extra careful. Lock your pack to something stationary or sandwich it in a way which will prevent someone from walking off with it or getting into it. If you have a travel partner, one of you should stay awake and keep an eye on things.
<< back 1 page — forward 1 page >>  
 
 
© 2006 - All content is copyright protected