How to protect your luggage and keep your valuables safe while travelling

If you’re travelling with your favourite items, you’ll want to keep them safe while you’re away. Here's what you can do to help keep valuables safe while travelling so you can experience more and worry less.

Source: Getty

What’s half the fun of booking a trip? Planning what you’re going to take with you! Yes, we’re not ashamed to admit we get excited about preparing our packing list. Think: shopping for new or pre-loved clothes, accessories and toiletries, deciding what we’re going to wear, and how we’re going to capture all the incredible travel memories.  

But, holidaying with a suitcase packed full of great items comes great responsibility. So, do you know how to keep your valuables safe while travelling? It’s not exactly fun to think about, but it’s oh-so-important to plan.  

When you’re visiting popular travel destinations, the chances of thieves (and sometimes even organised groups of thieves) lurking around so they can nick your hard-earned stuff increases.  

One of the best ways to keep your valuables safe on holiday and well away from naughty thieves is this: don’t make it easy for them to get their hands on your precious cargo. Yes, it’s all about using common sense and being aware of what’s around you. 

“It’s up to us as travellers to do our best to outsmart thieves. If you leave items like designer bags and expensive jewellery at home, you can reduce your chance of becoming a target.

“As for the stuff you do take with you, don’t forget to keep a close eye (or hand!) on your valuables while you’re out enjoying yourself on your holiday. If you don’t, you’re almost asking for trouble.

“If your stuff is stolen on holiday and you need help, you can lean on our emergency assistance team, 24/7. No matter where you are, we’re here to care for you. From helping you find the nearest police station to report the theft to finding the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate if you need replace your passport, we can help you worry less during a tricky situation.

Rodger Cook, Cover-More’s General Manager of Global Security

Do you need our help right now?

Our 24/7 emergency assistance team is standing by. Here are two ways you can reach us:

• Tap the emergency assistance button in our Cover-More app. 
• Call +61 2 8907 5619 from anywhere in the world.  

Hoping to set off on your travel adventure armed with tips on keeping your stuff out of the hands of thieves? You’re in the right place. 

7 tips for keeping your valuables safe while travelling:

1. Don't leave your stuff unattended in public places
2. Avoid leaving valuables unattended in a vehicle  
3. Carry valuables in a day bag to keep with you while you’re travelling  
4. Buy well-made and easily recognisable luggage to reduce the risk of theft at the baggage claim  
5. Pack light so you can store your bags in overhead compartments or shelves where you can see and be close to them on public transport  
6. Wear a crossbody bag or backpack when walking around busy areas 
7. Be smart with your stuff at beaches and pools – don't leave it unattended.  

Here’s how you can help keep your valuables safe on holiday

Tip 1: Don't leave your stuff unattended in public places

Do you ever leave your bag on a nearby chair in a coffee shop? Or maybe on a luggage rack on a bus or train? You might not think twice about it at home, but even in Australia, it’s not exactly safe to trust strangers with your belongings. Most of us are good eggs, but it only takes one bad egg to steal your bag.

So, no matter if you’re holidaying in Hobart or Honolulu, keep your stuff on you (or within your eyesight and reach) or give it to someone travelling with you who you trust. This is super important in crowded places like public transport hubs, by the hotel pool, at a beach, or even in your hotel or hostel lobby, because if it’s not on you or within your eyesight and reach, we can’t cover it.  

Don’t want to drag all your stuff around with you all day just to make sure it’s safe? We hear you – and we have some savvy solutions! Whether you’ve got a long wait between flights, buses, trains or ferries, or you want to go to a restaurant or go shopping while you wait to check into your accommodation, there’s usually a way to help keep your stuff away from the prying eyes of thieves.

Some sage travel advice to steal (pun intended) and even claim as your own:

• Remember lockers? They’re not just for school kids! Lockers are an option available at most transport hubs, accommodation or popular places of interest, such as museums. Make use of them! For a teeny fee, they’ll keep your things under (sometimes literal) lock and key until you’re ready to move to the next place.
• If you’re in a cafe, restaurant or bar, don’t make the mistake of thinking your bag is safe hanging off the back of your chair. It’s a thief’s favourite spot! Because when you’re relaxed and your guard’s down, it’s super easy for a thief to stroll away with your bag without you realising.  

Read the big print: Had your stuff stolen and want to a make claim? We’ll evaluate your case carefully, just like we do with every claim we receive. When you travel with us, we expect you to take reasonable care of your belongings. This is something we’ll consider when we’re processing your claim, so be sure to tell us what you’ve done to prevent them from being taken!  

Have a read of the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for all the details or call our friendly customer service team on 1300 72 88 22.

Tip 2: Avoid leaving your valuables in an unattended vehicle  

It’s easy to assume that if something's locked in a car or campervan, it’s safe, right? We wish this was the case! Unfortunately, having expensive-looking things in plain view is oh-so-enticing to thieves – and precisely what’ll make them break into your vehicle.  

We know you can’t just lug all your stuff around during your entire trip. Sometimes, leaving stuff in your car might seem like the easiest way to keep your valuables safe while travelling. Trust us, we get it. If that’s the case, there’s a bit of a workaround you could try.  

Some (more) sage travel advice:

• If you absolutely must keep your stuff in a car, make sure it’s invisible to others. Lock it away, out of sight, in a storage compartment or the boot of the car. That way, it’s less likely anyone will try to steal from you – because they won’t know there is anything of value to steal. Phew! Plus, our cover won’t apply if the items are lying around in the car for all to see. 
• If your valuables don’t fit in the boot, take them with you. Or, find somewhere safer to store them. You could leave them in your accommodation. Or, maybe you could store them safely in one of those nifty lockers we mentioned before.

What if the boot is broken into and your stuff is stolen? Don’t panic! If there are signs of forced entry (not just because you left the boot unlocked!), we may be able to help. You could have cover for up to $500 for each stolen item, up to a maximum of $2,000 if your stuff was stolen during daylight hours. Check your policy details for the cover limits that apply to you.

Read the big print: It’s important you never leave anything in an unattended vehicle overnight. Keeping your valuables and things with you in your accommodation overnight is the smart thing to do. If you do leave your stuff in a vehicle overnight and they’re stolen, our cover won’t apply. (Don’t say we didn’t tell you!) You can learn more about this in our PDS.

Tip 3: Carry valuables with you in a secure backpack or day bag instead of your checked luggage

What’s the best way to keep your valuables safe while travelling? Not taking them with you in the first place! Yes, your expensive jewellery and handbags will look great in your holiday snaps. But, is it worth the risk of attracting pesky thieves?

If you end up packing some nice things, there are ways to try to keep them safe. Our go-to strategy is to always keep them safely hidden away on us or within our sight and arm’s reach. Here are a couple things you can try.

Some (more) sage travel advice:

• Travelling between destinations? Don’t put all your fancy or valuable items in your checked or stowed luggage where you can’t see it (unless security measures prevent you from keeping them on you). Try carrying them in a backpack or another bag that closes securely. That way, you can keep your nice things on your lap, back or within your sight and arm’s reach. This travel hack works for planes, trains, busses, ferries… you name it.
• Want to take small valuables with you as you sightsee? Here’s an idea: invest in a crossbody bag! Even a small bag or pouch will probably fit essentials like your passport, phone and credit cards. This means you can worry less about your stuff and focus on exploring your destination.

Read the big print: Unless security regulations prevent you from keeping your valuables with you,  we can’t cover your valuables that are lost or stolen while in the care of a transport provider. (We can cover your non-valuable items, though. Check the PDS for details.) If this does happen, speak to your transport provider – they’ll know what to do. Don’t know what a security regulation is? Here’s an example: a recent security concern means no electricals (e.g. laptops) can be taken on the plane and must be checked in instead.

Tip 4: Buy well-made and easily recognisable luggage to reduce the risk of theft at baggage claim

There’s just no escaping it – if your trip involves a flight, you’ll probably have to check in your larger suitcases. You might have to do this for some boat, bus or coach rides too. No matter the transport, this is when you’ll likely have to say ‘cya’ to your luggage and wait to be reunited at your destination’s baggage claim.  

Wondering how to protect your luggage during this part of your trip? We’ve got some clever tips for you!  

Some (more) sage travel advice:

• Invest in well-made and easily recognisable luggage. Pick bright colours and eye-catching patterns – the more outrageous, the better! If you do, it’ll likely be easier to spot a thief breaking into or making off with your vibrant suitcase.
• Travel with luggage that comes with a combination lock or padlock. If a thief is around, they’ll probably avoid stealing a bag that’s hard to break into. You could also buy a lock and attach it to the zips to make it harder to undo.  

Read the big print: If your bag is delayed or stolen while in the care of a transport provider, don’t forget to report the loss so they can reunite you with your bag. Yes, paperwork can be boring, but we’ll need to see a copy of the loss report when you submit your claim if the transport provider can’t reunite with your back quickly (or at all). For example, if it’s delayed or stolen when you’re travelling with an airline, we’ll need to see a copy of the Airline Property Irregularity Report (PIP) as part of your claim.

Step 5: Pack light so you can store your bags in overhead compartments or shelves within your eyesight and reach on public transport

Are you a light packer? Or do you lean towards overpacking? There are so many plus sides to packing light or travelling with only hand luggage: you’ll never get stuck on long luggage-related lines, and it’s easier to move around with less luggage. Plus, the best thing about packing light? Most avid travellers will agree having less stuff to keep track of means you can worry less and relax more.

If you’re travelling by bus or train, there’ll only be a few options for storing your luggage. Sadly, this can make it harder to keep your luggage safe. But, when you travel with a smaller bag, it can be easier to keep your luggage within sight or easy reach.

Some (more) sage travel advice:

• Try travelling with a smaller, carry on-sized suitcase. If you do, you can store it in an overhead shelf or compartment where you can keep your eye on it and ward off robbers.
• Keep your smaller luggage with your valuables with you on your lap, or under the seat in front or next to you. If it’s within sight and arm's reach, it’ll be so much easier to keep your luggage safe from thieves.

Read the big print: Our cover won’t apply if you leave your luggage unattended in a public place. So, keep your luggage in your sight and within easy reach when you’re travelling on public transport.

Step 6: Wear a crossbody bag or backpack when walking around busy areas

When you’re exploring a city or country for the first (or fifth!) time, you want to enjoy it. But you also want to feel safe and confident. Wondering how to focus more on taking in the sights, and less on keeping your stuff safe?

Some (more) sage travel advice:

• Make things harder for any would-be thieves or pickpockets! It’s a good idea to only carry what you need for the day – maybe sunscreen, water, your ID and your phone. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Keep your passport, jewellery, and any other important belongings, locked up safely at your accommodation if you can.
• Whatever you’re carrying, keep it in a discreet crossbody bag, under-clothes pouch or backpack. If you really want to step up your travel safety game, wear a bag with inaccessible zips.  

It’s always clever to be aware of your surroundings when you’re in a new, unfamiliar place. Maybe keep your bag on the side of your body furthest from the road. And, keep an ear out for revving motorbikes, which unfortunately could be carrying organised bag-snatching thieves.

Read the big print: If someone steals your stuff, it’s important to stay as calm as possible. When you’re feeling ready, call our 24/7 emergency assistance team for help or advice. We’re happy to help you figure out what to do next. As soon as you can, report the theft to the police. (Just don’t forget to do it within seven days whenever possible!). Once you’ve got a copy of the police report, submit it with your claim and we’ll validate it.

Step 7: Be smart with your stuff at beaches and pools – don't leave it unattended

Ahh, the beach – the place you can feel free, sit back, and relax... once you’ve secured your belongings, that is.

Sadly, beaches and public pools are hotspots for thieves. They know swimmers are less likely to be focusing on their stuff while they’re relaxing or taking a dip.

But don’t stress – there are clever tricks to keeping your valuables safe during your beach or pool holiday, whether you’re catching rays on the Gold Coast or Amalfi Coast. Curious? Keep reading.

Some (more) sage travel advice:

• Take only what you need to the water – your towel, sunscreen, hat, goggles, book, etc. Leave everything else at your accommodation. Need to take your phone, bank cards or cash (or even your luggage because you’re between destinations)? See if there are lockers available; they’re usually near the changerooms.
• Take turns to watch your travel buddies’ gear while you swim. This means you can all enjoy the water while also outsmarting thieves. Travelling solo? You could invest in a waterproof pouch, so you can take your valuables in the water with you.

Read the big print: We can’t cover unattended items. And yes, leaving your bag on the shore or beside the pool while you’re swimming even just a few metres away is considered leaving it unattended. So, if you do this and your stuff gets nicked, unfortunately, your cover won’t apply. Here’s the good news, though: If your items are stolen when they were on you, or within your sight and reach and you did your best to prevent the theft, you can make a claim for stolen valuables and other stolen items. We'll need to see the receipts for the lost or stolen items, so gather them up and then start the process. You can learn more about this by checking out our PDS.

More confidence, less worries – holiday with our travel insurance

We always want you to feel safe and supported when you travel. Most holidays go off without a hitch. But if things go wrong? Our Cover-More travel insurance plans can help.

If you’re concerned about keeping your luggage safe on holiday, we’re here to tell you this: you can worry less, because our cover may help with the cost of replacing stolen items. Luggage and Travel Documents cover is included in all our international plans, our inbound plan and both our comprehensive domestic plans. (Yep, our domestic Basic plan is the only one that doesn’t cover this.)

But! (And this is a big ‘but’.) Travel insurance cover can’t cover absolutely everything, so be sure to read the PDS to see what we can and can’t cover when it comes to the stuff you take on holiday. As an FYI, here are some important points on what we don’t cover:

• any items left in a vehicle during the day, such as a car or campervan, if they aren’t stored in a locked compartment. (If they are taken from a locked compartment, limits apply.)
• any items left in a vehicle overnight
• any belongings left unattended in a public place
• valuable items that are stored away with a transport provider instead of staying with you (unless security regulations mean you were forced to check them in).

Spoiler: there’s quite a lot we can cover. We probably cover more than you think! Have a look at all the benefits of our travel insurance cover to learn more.

What should I do if my belongings are stolen on holiday?

We really hope it doesn’t happen. And, if you follow our tips above, you’ll be doing your jolly best to help stop a theft. However, we can’t expect to always outsmart thieves.

On the off-chance someone steals your stuff, we can help. Read our guide on what to do if it happens before your next trip. We hope it helps you feel more confident about travelling so you can worry less. If things do go pear-shaped, you can lean on us for help.  

Want to feel taken care of when you travel?

Pack one of our travel insurance plans.