I have been travelling well over 25 years and while I adore seeing and experience new things and cultures there is one thing that always seriously pisses me off: theft or loss.
I had cars stolen, laptops, mobiles, skies, etc. Some my own fault, some completely out of my control. Theft/loss comes inherently with travelling and theft/ loss risk increases exponentially while being more on the move.
Wondering how others positively reframe theft/loss situations and what your best security hacks/advise are while traveling?

Question

I have been travelling well over 25 years and while I adore seeing and experience new things and cultures there is one thing that always seriously pisses me off: theft or loss.

I had cars stolen, laptops, mobiles, skies, etc. Some my own fault, some completely out of my control. Theft/loss comes inherently with travelling and theft/ loss risk increases exponentially while being more on the move.

Wondering how others positively reframe theft/loss situations and what your best security hacks/advise are while traveling?

Accepted Answer

Poor people's taxation ;) Don't take it personally ... seriously, DON'T! Otherwise, you feel victimized and powerless and that's how people get traumatized. I've either been smart or lucky since, in my 55 years, the only time I remember being robbed was when I was traveling with my family (age 10) and we got stuck and a nice railway worker let us sleep in one of the cars at the station - and also helped himself to some money which my parents had left in their suitcase (which he helped keep 'safe' for us) - I don't recall the amount but it probably was what we would have paid for a hotel back then. Personally, I HAVE been stalked a few times (especially in Brazil and Buenos Aires) and have been assessed as a shooting target in Mexico and El Salvador - nothing happened because I tend to be hyper-aware so know when someone's watching me even before they're fully tuned in. I also do counter-intuitive things like move TOWARDS them vs away ... only crazy people do that (and most thieves are looking for easy, not crazy, targets). I'm also very friendly to locals so have often been alerted (you should learn "the look" when others recognize you're being targeted and are trying to tell you without being obvious ... it's international). Finally, take everything of value with you, secure it with someone you trust and/or distribute it (i.e. put your valuables in a few places so if a thief comes, they'll get their "score" but not get everything). Beyond that, take a Buddhist approach of non-attachment to your things as they are just things, not your life, not even your power (unless you choose to give that away by feeling victimized). I assure you that far worse shit happens to the people who are resorting to stealing ... and it's an everyday, often life-threatening, type of abuse. So, be grateful for where you were born (vs them) since that, largely, influenced which roles you got to play in all of this ;) Another one of my long diatribes - this covid-restricted lack of travel is driving me not only to drink ... but to write to excess!!! 🤣

Answer

I've never had anything stolen. My bags have padlocks and never leave my sight when I'm moving. And I'm extremely hostile towards people who attempt to invade my personal space.A lot of thieves rely on rapport-building and getting close to you. Don't let them do that.

Answer

I’m 41 and have been traveling solo since I was 16. I’ve never had anything stollen and I have no idea what I’m doing differently than others; but it is a fear of mine. I lock my doors, don’t bring my tech to public spaces, and keep my phone and wallet in hard to get places in my purse or daypack. I guess luck has been on my side so far. Knock on wood it lasts longer.

Answer

For reframing consider the thief might be doing it to survive and can’t escape their world. While you can afford to travel and can afford to replace whatever is lost. Its sort of involuntary philanthropy, like taxes

Answer

I’ve been traveling for over 25 years as well. I’ve only been stolen from once, in Hua Hin, Thailand. I left my stuff (bag with wallet, phone, etc.,) unattended on the beach for less than a minute and it was stolen in the blink of an eye.Luckily, I had backup cash hidden and stitched into my suitcase back at the hotel.I see zero need to reframe these things.Take it as a lesson and get better at sizing up environments and people around you and get better at taking precautions.

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