How do you keep your stuff safe while backpacking?
To be honest, it's extremely rare that I've had anything stolen. Much more often it's my fault – I just forgot to bring something with me!
But that said, theft is always a concern.
I'm wondering what strategies backpackers can use to keep their stuff safe from theft.
Here are some that I used on my backpacking trips:
- Always bringing valuables with me but leaving cheaper / easier-to-replace items at my accommodation to lighten the load.
- Travel insurance sufficient to cover theft of my belongings.
- Keeping belongings at accommodation out of sight and hidden, e.g. on top of a large cabinet or under the bed.
- Keeping belongings in secure storage at accommodation. Some hostels provide this.
- Keeping belongings in a padlocked backpack. Not infallible, but deters casual theft.
- Keeping belongings in a hired car, locked, parked somewhere safe/convenient.
- Using AirBnB, where the reviews system tends to deter theft at least by the owner.
Any thoughts or ideas to add?