4 Ways To Track And Recover Your Stuff If It Gets Stolen When Traveling
We’re beginning a new era in the cycle of travel theft in favor of the victim despite the amount of coverage of what thieves can do to you with technology. Yet, our stuff that is so tempting to steal, is also getting smart enough to protect itself, fight back, and find its way home. You’re probably carrying smaller, more expensive electronics today than you ever have – two good reasons to prepare yourself in the craftiest ways possible.
1. All Around Laptop, Tablet, Mobile Phone Recovery: Project Prey
I am a huge fan of Project Prey and if there’s one solution you should use as part of a physical security plan for your gadgets, Project Prey is it. This free piece of software runs on your laptop (Windows, Mac, and Linux), mobile phone (iPhone and Android), and tablet (yes, iPad too); remaining hidden until you activate it. If your gadget gets stolen, you activate Project Prey remotely (through a free account on their website) and you can track it, get secret screenshots, steal passwords, and even get pictures of the crooks covertly with any built-in camera. Need more convincing? Project Prey helped Matthew recover his Macbook Pro in Panama.
Mac users can also take a look at iCloud (although it doesn’t work nearly as well).
2. Set A Decoy Wallet Trap To Surprise A Pickpocket
I’ve talked about decoy wallets before as part of a broader travel security plan to reduce your loses if you’re unfortunate enough to be pick-pocketed. Decoy wallets also make good dummy targets but if you want to add a small chance of catching the thief, be sure to leave an unused – but activated – credit card in yours. This won’t work in every country but if the pickpocket decides to use that credit card somewhere and you’ve reported it stolen, police can use surveillance footage from stores to track them. More criminals are caught this way than you might think. Plus your credit card company likely won’t hold you liable for unauthorized transactions.
You probably won’t get your wallet back but justice may still be served.
3. Find Lost Or Stolen Luggage With An Inexpensive GPS Tracking Unit
Although controversial, GPS tracking units are often used to follow the movements of criminal suspects in many countries around the world. These small-palm sized devices broadcast radio signals that can be used to track them from a computer. Place Hide one of these (the Winplus AC13268-72 Beacon GPS Tracker is $29 or the Telespial TrackStick $149) in your backpack or checked luggage to find out where it is when it’s not where it’s supposed to be.
4. Keep A Digital Eye On Your House With Your Desktop
There are plenty of uses for that clunky desktop when you’re traveling; one of which is to act as security guard. Both Yawcam (Windows) or iAlertu (Mac) can snap and email you photos when they detect any motion – especially useful when things should be motionless. A picture of a potential burglar may help you get your stolen things back. Plus, you’ll finally know if you’ve really trained your cat not to jump on tables when you’re at work.
In addition, iAlertu (and Laptop Alarm for Windows) can put some muscle on your laptop so it sounds a loud alarm if moved. Useful for those times you’ve just got to hop up for a napkin or your 6th cup of coffee in a cafe with your laptop just within visual range.
Hope For The Best But Plan For The Worst
No security is absolute – the first rule of security – and that’s why any plan without a backup is doomed to fail eventually. Remember, your data is more valuable than any piece of electronic equipment you own so don’t screw up your vacation by preparing for mini-disasters. Recruit your gadgets and technology to work on your side for protection and preparation just in case.
Do I Need A Pacsafe To Protect My Valuables While Traveling?
This is a question that pops up in my inbox frequently and one that backpackers often have during the mid-to-latter part of the travel planning process. A Pacsafe is certainly something to consider while you’re choosing the right backpack but let’s focus on whether you need one to keep your electronics and other valuables safe.
What Is A Pacsafe?
I should clarify that Pacsafe is a brand name referring to the company that makes several travel security products; but also the common name for that company’s most popular product – a stainless steel wire mesh that covers the exterior of a backpack. That mesh which can be locked to some fixture in a hostel, hotel, or guesthouse. Pacsafe aren’t specific to backpacks technically (though they tend to shaped for them) and can be fit around other handbags as well as some smaller bags and suitcases. There are also some competing products out there, though for the sake of simplicity I’ll stick with calling all backpack-protecting steel meshes Pacsafe for the rest of this post.
How Does A Pacsafe Protect Your Stuff?
Exterior-fitting Pacsafe work by making your backpack mostly slash-proof, protecting it against someone who might slice through the fabric to steal your things when you’re out, say, sightseeing. Pacsafe are also designed to be locked on to things like radiators and the like that are bolted down so someone can’t bolt with your entire bag. It’s worth noting that the company Pacsafe and others make some form of internal steel mesh that can protect some of your things while you’re actually traveling but for the most part a Pacsafe goes into action when you’re not around.
Sounds Good In Theory: The Drawbacks Of A Pacsafe
Much like our waistlines, backpacks tend to gain weight over time if they go unchecked and a Pacsafe will add 600 grams (~1.3 pounds) to your luggage. That’s not an insignificant amount of weight, especially when considering most airlines’ upper limit before fees is around 20 kilograms (~47lbs).
- You can of course put your backpack on a diet to compensate for the added gravitational down force if you’re willing to take it on.
In addition to the added weight, a remember the physical space inside of your bag a Pacsafe will take – 16 x 10 x 5 cm (or 6 x 4 x 2 inches) – under ideal conditions. Ideal conditions meaning that you’ve been able to wrap up the Pacsafe how it came first packaged; which for many (including myself) requires summoning the powers of magic helper elves or drinking enough vodka not to notice. Pacsafe also tend to be quite cumbersome to take on and off, requiring some practice to get the technique down on a consistent basis.
Yet There Are Advantages, Even If You Don’t Have Magic Elves
I may have made Pacsafe seem like a nightmare not worth its weight in security but they can be very useful in particular travel situations. Guesthouses, in particular, are a good example as they typically don’t have safes and realtively little security from the outside. (Camp sites are another good example.) They can also give you added protection against cleaning staff and others who may have access to your room legitimately while you’re not around. Those of you carrying specialized equipment (e.g. video and sound) in one bag may also think about a Pacsafe depending on where you may be traveling and staying.
Pacsafe also not only protect you from bag-slashers, but also from those who know how to undo a zipper whether it’s locked or not.
How To Get (Close To) Pacsafe Security Without A Pacsafe
Pacsafe tend to run around $75-100, a cost you can save on with some preparation and alternative tools. You won’t be able to get the exact kind of security a Pacsafe provides (it’s hard to beat a backpack covered in steel mesh bolted to a pipe in a hotel bathroom) but you can get pretty darn close while remaining a bit more conspicuous.
- Start With Planning – Most hotels and hostels will list whether or not they have lockers on booking sites (I recommend you always travel with a least 1 large padlock) and it’s something you should look for.
Before we go on, remember to focus your protection on the things that need protecting most – electronics, jewelry, and other valuables. I once had socks stolen from me, I can’t say I was too broken up about it and you too should compartmentalize what counts most.
- Lock Your Zippers – Two locked zippers are often enough to deter most opportunistic thieves who generally don’t have much time to waste. Airport baggage handlers (or the TSA), hotel staff, and shifty dorm-mates go for the easiest targets and simple locks can put you ahead a step. For added protection you can even use a laptop lock to loop through the zipper locks to secure to something bolted down.
You may be able to get away without a Pacsafe but can still use Pacsafe – the company’s products, that is. Pacsafe make many smaller bags with the steel mesh built-in, which protects you against bag slashing and is inconspicuous at the same time. They also make smaller, lockable travel packs for passports, wallets, and other, smaller, essential travel items.
So, Do You Need A Pacsafe?
For most people, the answer to this question is going to be no. I travel with more electronics than the average traveler – having traveled with and without a Pacsafe I’ve come to the conclusion many of its benefits can be had with things you’re likely already traveling with. That’s not to say a Pacsafe shouldn’t be a part of your backpack security system – just that it’s not an essential component or the end all to theft on the road.
Typically common sense and adding time to a potential theft is enough to protect your belongings, rather than using a more visible, brawny solution.
[photos by: Sheep"R"Us (Pacsafe), The Prudent Cyclist (yellow lock)]
Use The 80% Rule To Pack Like A Pro, Avoid Fees, And Be Productively Lazier
Not packing your backpack or luggage to capacity is something we’ve talked about before, but the 80% rule isn’t only prudent for long-term travelers or large backpacks. Even on short trips there are many benefits to only packing your bags to 80% of their capacity – not least of which is saving you considerable time each time you open or shut your luggage.
Don’t Use Closet Mentality
Often when packing, we try to turn our bags into mini versions of our own closets. While variety in your fashion is sensible, don’t try to pack for every-single-possible-surprise-gala-that-won’t-happen. Your luggage should carry the clothes you’ll wear – don’t turn it into your closet – which probably has a few shirts or pants you haven’t worn in ages. Instinctively when putting your luggage together you likely have a sense of what’s needed. If you’re continually staring at your leopard-print pants undecided…well, best to leave them at home.
One trick is to count in sequences of 4 days. I tend to run just about everyday so that’s the interval I need before doing a full backpack’s worth of laundry. I select what goes in my bag with four days in mind.
Remember, traveling for a longer period of time doesn’t mean a heavier bag! Packing for 2 weeks is no different than packing for 2 months.
Beat The Airlines In A Battle They’re Hoping You’ll Lose
The airlines are well acquainted with heavy suitcases and bags – gleefully charging people for exceeding modest limits. They know for the most part that travelers are a like gases – they’ll expand to fill up the empty spaces of any luggage. Except you, of course, since you’re using the 80% rule. Visually chop off the top 20% of your bag which will not only make any bags you check lighter – but also make most carry on luggage look smaller. That can help you avoid the scrutiny of an airline clerk who wants to weigh your bags.
Your clothes may betray you here but it’s your laptop that could get you caught paying a baggage fee; so best to give all of your bags a slim look. If you still get caught in a bind, you can use the Internet and 3,000 year old Chinese philosophy against the airlines, fees and all.
Build Laziness Into Everyday
Laziness is an intangible that isn’t easily quantified but a valuable benefit of the 80% rule. One of the best reasons to stick to 80% capacity is that after the first time you pack, it’s generally all downhill from there. You’ll be less efficient packing in tight hostel rooms, under the influence of jet lag, or on days you have to use the precision of a surgeon to fit your leopard pants into your bags.
The 20% wiggle room you give yourself allows for less-than-perfect packing, or the well-known “I woke up late for my flight and have to stuff my bags” approach.
The additional room you give yourself also forgives your faulty memory (for example if you forget a pair of shorts) or when you simply might want to pick up a few souvenirs from, say, Iceland.
Reduce Stress – Including Yours
Packing your bags to or beyond capacity can stress your backpack, suitcase, or any other type of luggage wearing down seams and corners before their time. You also aren’t doing your back, legs, or arms any favors and as you age those aren’t as easy to replace. Walking out the door with your bags filled 100% gives you no room for error and sets you up to spend time packing and unpacking things you don’t even need to be carrying.
[photos by: Miikka Skaffari (number 80), dolmasaxlil (closet doors), HeartLover1717 (hot air balloon from below), brotherlywalks (stuffed bags)]
Setting Up A Backpack Security System To Keep Your Bag Safe When It’s Vulnerable
Any good security system is layered, with many buffers against complete disaster. You may think of backpack theft as all or nothing when in fact your biggest threat are stealthy grabs when you’re not around to do anything about it. Instead of giving in, turn your backpack into a minefield of traps, tricks, and false hopes for even the most determined thieves.
Time Is On Your Side
One of the biggest advantages travelers typically have over opportunistic thieves is time. You can carefully craft and plan out a strategy against dishonest crooks while they’re the ones usually racing against a clock to get as much as they can without being noticed or caught. That’s where you’ll begin focusing your backpack security system – by increasing the amount of time anyone would need to get in and take your most valuable belongings.
Start With Basics
A small lock on closing your zippers together is a good place to start anytime you leave your bag by itself. Combination luggage locks are easier to manage since you don’t have physical keys to lose and are a good deterrent in luggage rooms common to hostels or hotel rooms where you aren’t sure about the staff. While it’s not recommended to lock your luggage if you check your bags due to security checks, keeping the zippers placed away from the ‘normal’ spots of at the edges or between corners can waste a few more seconds for a thief who only has a moment to make their move.
- Pacsafe – This company makes several security products for backpacks and other travel gear including an anti-theft mesh (review) and portable “Travelsafe” pouch (review) for smaller items.
These products can make your bags very conspicuous however are a powerful deterrent in a hostel room full of completely unlocked and unzipped bags. If you’d rather not travel with either of these, make sure you store your most valuable electronics and travel document (e.g. passport) in a locker which most hotels and hostels offer. (Remember to bring your own lock, most hostels don’t provide them or will overcharge you to buy one.)
Pack Your Electronics Deep When Checking In
You’ll want to keep any electronics away from the top of your bags, where they can be easily felt by a crook who might be rummaging around several bags. Place your valuable tech items deep within your bag, but disperse them throughout as well while avoiding the outer layer. For instance you could pack your iPod in a sock, while keeping your Kindle nicely folded inside a pair of jeans.
- Keep It To Your Carry-On – Keep a carry-on bag with you so you don’t have to check in any valuables (I’ve had them stolen from there before). Electronics also tend to be heavy and it’s a great way to avoid luggage fees. If the thought of traveling with two bags makes you queasy, check out the REI Travel Zip or something similar.
- Excuse Me, Do You Have Lockers? – First of all when booking a hostel or hotel, make sure to check if they have lockers, what size they are, and where they are located. If there is any ambiguity, email or call them to ask. Ideally this is where you want to keep your valuables when you’re settled in somewhere for a few days.
- Spread Out Your Cash – Keeping your items and money separately won’t save all of your stuff but might be enough to keep at least some of your valuables safe. Hide your money in various pockets, some on your person, maybe a bit in your toiletries pouch but not all in the same place.
When looking for a hostel, I’d consider a locker to be a strong deciding factor over another without one of a similar price. Some hostels also boast lockers but don’t mention that they’re not big enough to fit a laptop. Walking around with your valuables in your day pack is both cumbersome and aside from the increased threat of theft, might end up with you banging around your hard drive into an early grave.
Covering Your Bases And Maintaining A Security System For The Long Run
Much like when you start out packing, your security system is likely to be at its best when you’re first heading out on a trip. After a prolonged vacation or when shifting locales it’s a breeze to take it easy, be negligent about locking up your stuff and all of the other little tricks part of your personal travel security plan.
- Know Your Essentials – Your passport, cash, and and credit cards are essential when traveling and you should make sure you always have access to some bare minimum of funds. Do not neglect to keep these things secure. I’d also add any electronics that are too expensive or costly to easily replace (i.e. laptop if you work from the road).
- Automate It – Stay consistent with how you pack your bag so it becomes second nature. Don’t try to come up with something even more intricate every time you pack. Come up with a plan and tweak it but trying to reinvent it every time will only leave you frustrated.
- Have A Backup Plan – Encrypt your hard drive, save your digital photos from crooks, and use online backup for your data.
- Take Your Time – Not only will you be the least annoying person in any hostel dorm, packing ahead of time ensures you won’t rush through and neglect your backpack security system.
- Layers Upon Layers – Jodi Ettenberg (Legal Nomads) has some excellent safety advice which I highly recommend reading in this interview with her on Solo Friendly.
Adding a few seconds of effort to any snoops’ schedule may be all you need to deter or steal an opportunity from a thief. For those times when it’s just not enough however, finding that $50 you tucked away in your dirty socks at the bottom of your backpack will make you realize a backpack security system wasn’t so crazy after all.
[photos by: stacya (female backpacker), gsag (zipper), colijay72 (man digging hole), rpongsaj (locked safe)]
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