We’re really quite cautious. Don more so than me, but some of his caution has rubbed off on me, and some of my adventurousness has rubbed off on him so it’s a win win. I would not have thought of locking my valuables away in the past, nor even thought of luggage not arriving with the flight. I did a lot of travelling and never had any security mishaps. Just lucky I guess. Even travelling overland in Africa, years ago, others I was travelling with had things stolen but not me. I always felt safe. Maybe it’s a different world now. Maybe it’s a lifetime of cautionary tales from other travellers. Maybe it’s just being “older and wiser”. Anyway we’re both quite conscious about keeping all our “stuff” as safe as we can, in whatever ways we can, and the only times we haven’t obeyed our own rules we’ve paid for it.
Even though every hotel room is our home, we lock away everything of value every time we leave the room, even if it’s only to go down to the hotel restaurant for a cup of tea. Valuables are locked in the room safe (if there is one) and/or in our cases. In the past I never travelled with a lock on my case, even less did I think of one on my backpack (as if such a thing were possible), but now it wouldn’t occur me to go without one. Backpackers face a whole lot of other issues to do with security of personal belongings and valuables. We at least have cases we can lock, a room we can lock, and often a safe in the room we can lock. Can we trust the hotel staff ? – probably, but why leave things lying around available for people who have a lot less than we do. It’s not fair to anyone.
We were advised to take a flexible bike lock for travelling on trains in India. Even if the case is locked it’s easy enough to make off with the entire case. We did actually use it one time, locking both cases to an immovable railing in our cabin. Although we always used the safe in our apartment in La Manzanilla, Mexico we heard from a couple who live there that they’d had a break-in and the entire safe had been chipped out of the concrete and taken. There are no guarantees. There’s only doing as much as you can and then handing it over. Do we fret about security? Rarely. But we do as much as we can to keep our valuables safe.
And then there’s personal security. Almost every day, especially the days that we’re on the move, we put our lives into the hands of strangers. The taxi driver – is he more interested in our stuff than in our safety and getting us to our destination? Is he a safe driver? Same for the driver we’ve hired for a tour, and the tour guide. We do our research of course and don’t know how we’d have done this before the advent of the Internet. Thanks to the Internet, and all the people who contribute travel reviews and information, it’s relatively easy to discover the best people to travel with, the safe taxi companies, whether or not there’s a pre-paid taxi desk at the airport or bus station. We know we’re taking risks, but the risks are very small really. No matter your lifestyle, some days it’s a risk just to get out of bed! And backpackers face a whole other of level of risk because they usually are travelling on the cheap, so instead of looking for what’s safe, they’re looking for the cheapest.
I met a man in the little town of Santa Maria Del Tule in Oaxaca, Mexico. He’s an English teacher in Mexico City, and an ex Interpol agent. He warned us about Mexico City, telling us to stay away from areas where there was not a strong police presence. But where are those places exactly? We didn’t know. We wanted to go to Xochimilco and Frida Kahlo’s house, both way out in the suburbs, and both quite a long walk after taking public transport to the nearest point. We did it anyway. We love to take public transport, to get a feel for the ordinary life of the people. Also this is when we often actually get to meet some of them. It’s worth the risk. It’s not as if we travel by taxi wherever we want go, or can afford to, so we go anyway. Sometimes, actually frequently, we just have to trust our intuition.
We never leave our stuff unattended in public places: we each wear a daypack and always fasten the chest strap when wearing the pack so that it cannot easily be ripped off our back. Sometimes, if we’re in very crowded places we’ll wear our pack on our chest, even if we look like nerds doing so. The only time of breaking this rule resulted in Don’s daypack being stolen literally from under his nose at an outdoor dance performance. “I put it on the ground between my feet instead of wearing it as I usually do because there were so many people standing close behind me that I thought it would be safer at my feet: wrong. I was so engrossed in the dancing that I paid no attention to my backpack until I looked down and saw that it was gone”.
We’ve been royally ripped off by taxi drivers twice, both times in Italy (sorry Italy) and both times we didn’t do our research. We learned the hard way – always ask first!
We make sure we actually witness baggage tags being put on our cases at the airport, and that the tags have the correct airport code for our destination. I just can’t walk away with out seeing those tags go on the cases, and our cases onto the conveyor belt. Also I stand outside to watch our cases being loaded into the hold of the bus. Once I see the cases on board I’ll get on the bus – don’t want to arrive and find out our cases are still on the curb back in the town we left some hours before, or more likely, have disappeared completely.
From Don: Almost every day we travel we put our lives into the safe keeping of the hands of strangers: we get into a cab or a bus and we have no idea until we start moving about the skill level of the driver or the craziness of the other drivers on the road. We board a plane and hope that it has been maintained well enough to stay in the air, and that the pilot has the skill to keep it in the air and land it safely if anything does go wrong. We go out to eat at a restaurant and hope that the chef has washed his hands before preparing the meal and the waiter has washed his hands before sticking his thumb in our soup. There’s a certain level of risk in travelling and we have to rely on our intuition and our inner guidance to know what to do.
So in the end we just surrender. We’re here, now. Ultimately this is all we have. What will be will be. We trust we’re being guided. We trust the mystery of life. We hold the vision and intention of being safe, and know that there are no guarantees. Is our life more risky than staying at home in one “safe” place? Not necessarily. Anything can happen anywhere anytime. So we do all we can to take care, and over and over we surrender to here, to now, and give thanks for what is.
Photo of the day: Istmo dancer, Guelaguetza Festival, Oaxaca, Mexico – a taste of posts to come.
All words and images by Alison Louise Armstrong unless otherwise noted.
© Alison Louise Armstrong and Adventures in Wonderland – a pilgrimage of the heart, 2010-2015.
I agree with the approach that, even though we surrender and trust the universe to guide us and take care of us, we must do our bit as well… do whatever we can to contribute to our own path and wellbeing, and only then leave the rest to trust. I like that, as well as taking care physically, you added that you also “hold the vision and intention of being safe.” Yup, bases covered! 😉
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Yes, we understand that we must do our bit. I think we have all the bases covered. And then let go and have fun 🙂
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Nice post! Thanks for the tips 🙂
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Thanks Daniella. Hope you find it useful. It’s just common sense really.
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One thing I learned in a previous job was that thieves go for the easiest and fastest target. So even if you are not as secure as you optimally could be, the clueless tourist wandering down the street gazing at things, with their bag hanging open and the expensive camera dangling from their wrist, is always going to be more attractive to a thief.
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I think that’s what happened when Don lost his backpack – too busy gazing at things (i.e. the dancing, to be paying attention to his pack). We learned the hard way about becoming complacent. Still, we’ve never walked around with our bags hanging open! 🙂
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I love “why leave things lying around available for people who have a lot less than we do. It’s not fair to anyone.” So true, and what a gracious way of looking at things. I was an auditor years ago, and we were taught that principle – that most people are (or at least want to be) honest and ethical, but if they are financially struggling at some point, they may go against their morals if an opportunity arises, so controls need to be in place to protect the company and them.
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Thanks Kelly for your kind words. I guess it’s just so much easier if stuff isn’t easily available. Temptation can be a powerful thing if you’re struggling. And I do agree – most people are, or want to be, ethical and honest.
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You said it with your reply cover you bases then let go and have fun. And, where’s the switch to be mindful and paying attention all the time to our stuff? We can do everything “right” and still… Your attitudes count for everything, that in the end that can’t be taken away from us, what we make of our responses. At least I’m working on that one. Hugs to you both!
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Yes, in the end it’s all about how we respond (or react) when things go ‘wrong’. We’re both getting better at just being with what is, and then dealing with whatever we have to deal with. *And* following all our rules to keep our stuff and ourselves as safe as we can without stifling the experiences available to us.
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You’re right — It boils down to educated, cautious trust.
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Oh you said it so succinctly! Educated, cautious trust. I love it.
Much of it is common sense really. And knowing that people, being human lol, make mistakes, so we try to pay attention to minimize that where possible.
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I’ve become more cautious as well, Alison. A bit of Peggy’s paranoia has worn off on me. 🙂 For one thing, I sometimes wear a money belt when traveling. I was ever so glad I was when a team of pickpocket kids hit us at a subway station in Rome last fall. Mainly, I subscribe to don’t take foolish risks but don’t let your worries stop you from traveling or from enjoying your travels. Ultimately, if you lose something (other than your life), it’s only stuff. –Curt
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Oh that’s so funny – Peggy’s caution rubbing off on you, and Don’s rubbing off on me. That’s what happens when you spend a lot of time with another person I guess (grin!) (And the good stuff too!)
Don often wears a money belt, especially when we’re on the move.
I agree – don’t take foolish risks, but don’t let worry stop you from enjoying yourself. And in the end it’s only stuff!
Alison
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Such a wise post, Alison and Don. We do have to do the most we can, then just let go and trust. Intuition is also key.
I had two interesting experiences in South America. In Chile we left a brand new Channel Islands surfboard on a bus accidentally. The cost of this board was probably equal to a couple of weeks salary of the bus driver. The next day, the driver came back and dropped off the board to our campsite.
Then in Brazil, we had a brand new surfboard sent to a friend’s house. It had to clear customs before delivery. It arrived in Brazil, but was “lost” in customs.
You just never know. {{{Hugs]}} Kozo
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Thank you Kozo. I do agree intuition is key. And as you said, doing all we can reasonably do, and then let go and trust.
I do believe things often get lost in Brazilian customs 🙂
In India of all places I had my camera returned to me after I’d left it on a train – by an “honest injun”, surely a country with a high reputation for ripping of the foreign tourists. So, as you said – you just never know.
(((((hugs)))))
Alison
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Alison and Don, I loved this post for so many reasons. It reminds me of the beauty of travelling. The uncertainty of never really knowing what is around the next corner, the great highs along with the unfortunate lows and how we deal with it, either good or bad. It all makes for a wonderful book of stories one day. The amazing people that cross our paths and then others we wish we hadn’t had to have tangled with. Things happen for a reason right? I guess it is like they say …it is not the destination but rather the journey. Gut instinct matched with a little research goes a long way too.. Be safe kids and have a blast! cheers! k.
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Thank you so much, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Yes, it really is the journey, amazing people, amazing experiences, amazing serendipity. And all the while listening carefully to that inner voice, taking care, and having fun. Yeah, it seems things always happen for a reason 🙂
Hugs
Alison
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Love how you end it (which is how you live it).
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Thanks. Yes it is how we live it, or at least try too. Sometimes we get a metaphysical whack when we need reminding 🙂
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gorgeous dancer and the colors in your photograph – brilliant!
good to know about traveling and security tips. i guess our world is different from the days when people left their doors unlocked and neighbors kept an eye out for each other. also good to know you both are safe and enjoying all of life’s moment that come your way. blessings 🙂
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Thank you so much re the photo – with such a gorgeous subject it was hard to take a bad picture.
Yes, we’re both safe and enjoying our life on the road. And taking care of ourselves and our stuff! It just takes a little vigilance and common sense. Currently staying with family in rural Sweden – nobody locks anything here.
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Good to know you guys have a bit of “safe” time over in Sweden. sounds lovely! i would be tempted to set roots down. 🙂 ☼hugs!!
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Great post. I agree with everything you wrote 100%.
I am amazed at how many clueless people are on the road. This is not a rocket science and using some common sense would go a long way, but every day I see tourists making same mistakes over and over again. Pickpockets and street thieves generally are very good psychologists, so they prey on “vulnerable” tourists, but, at the same time these tourists are making it so easy to rob them. Every time I visit a street market I witness the same scene: a person drops his/hers bag/backpack on the ground and begins perusing fruits/vegetables/whatever… Funnily, my attempts politely to point out “your bag may grow legs…” were not always welcomed.
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Thanks travelingbytes. Yes, I agree it really is just common sense in the end. Just know that there are people who want your stuff and do what you need to to keep it safe. That’s all it is really.
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I have just turned 60 and decided that the next ten years will be the best of my life. My travels begin in India in November. I am getting concerned however that you think hostels are not safe and I can loose my backpack. I would then lose everything. Would you know how to keep a backpack/money-passport safe while you are sleeping?
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Well I don’t think I’d go so far as to say that they’re not safe, just that hotels are probably safer. Because I haven’t stayed in a hostel since my 30’s I don’t know what they’re like these days, or what arrangements they make for keeping valuables safe. Perhaps they have lockers? I do know that thousands upon thousands of travellers of all ages stay in hostels all over the world and surely not all of them are victims of theft. Probably only a small percentage. I would suggest you do a little online research. Try googling safety in hostels, or keeping my things safe while travelling, etc and see what comes up. I do believe there’s information on the net – all kinds of ideas to keep your stuff safe.
How exciting for you! India in November! Have a wonderful trip. India is jaw-dropping and amazing. I bet the next 10 yrs will be the best of your life – because you’ve decided they will be.
Blessings
Alison
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Alison and Don
Om Mani Padme Hum your worries on safety of your baggage and yourselves would have taken up 60% of your love for travelling. We considered it a ritual to rest
the chair back rest to the main entrance door knob every we sleep. Our baggage combination lock added a stainless wire linking them together back to the combination and seal with stick on barcode like strip. Walking around with a trekking pole. Just came back from Nepal yesterday.
Surrender with the Mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ all issues will be auspicious
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Oh I do agree KC – Om Mani Padme Hum is a very effective mantra. I’ve used it in the past quite extensively. Thank you for the reminder.
Nepal! How wonderful. Hope you had a good time. We want to go there for sure.
Cheers to you both
Alison
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Your post on security has some good advice in it. We just completed a two-part post on some of our own experience in this realm. If you travel enough — if you live enough — you have to accept the fact that “stuff happens”, learn from it, move on, and realize that it’s the price you pay for being out there. It’s interesting you mention the safety of drivers, yours and others – many people don’t think about this when traveling, but in our opinion, it’s the biggest risk most travelers take while abroad. To put things in perspective, we have never had a friend die in traffic overseas – but we’ve lost several friends that way in our own city. We try to read up on tricks and techniques, implement the ones we think are worth it, then get on the roller-coaster.
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Thanks for your comment, *and* for the pingback to your article which is full of excellent advice and links for further information.
Yes I agree, “stuff happens”. Don has actually written three posts about that – the “You get what you get” posts. And as you say, it’s the price you pay for being out there living life.
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