Nothing ruins a vacation faster than losing your hard-earned cash to pickpockets or careless mistakes. Smart travelers know that where you stash your money can make the difference between a dream trip and a financial nightmare. Avoiding these common money-hiding mistakes will help keep your funds secure and your adventures worry-free.
1. Back Pockets of Your Pants
Pickpockets love back pockets because they’re incredibly easy targets, especially in crowded tourist areas and busy public transportation. Your wallet practically advertises itself when it creates that telltale rectangular bulge.
Professional thieves can slip their fingers into back pockets without you feeling a thing. The constant sitting and standing while traveling makes items fall out easily too.
Keep your wallet in a front pocket or invest in a money belt instead.
2. Unattended Bags and Backpacks
Leaving cash in backpacks or purses gives thieves the perfect opportunity to unzip compartments and grab your money without detection. Even a momentary distraction can cost you dearly.
Outer pockets and easy-access compartments are particularly vulnerable when you’re navigating airports, restaurants, or sightseeing spots. Thieves often work in teams to distract while others steal.
Always keep valuables close to your body in hard-to-reach, zippered sections with your hand nearby.
3. Hotel Room Drawers and Nightstands
Hotel rooms might feel secure, but housekeeping staff, maintenance workers, and other personnel have master key access throughout your stay. Even luxury hotels can’t guarantee complete privacy.
Drawers and nightstands are obvious hiding spots that experienced thieves check first. Previous guests might have also discovered your ‘secret’ hiding place.
Use the in-room safe for cash and cards, or keep money on your person when leaving the room.
4. Checked Luggage and Suitcases
Airlines lose thousands of bags daily, and checked luggage gets handled by numerous airport workers during transport. Your suitcase might take an unexpected detour to another continent.
Baggage handlers and airport staff have been caught stealing from luggage, and damaged suitcases can spill contents everywhere. Security screenings also require opening bags.
Keep all money in your carry-on bag or on your person where you maintain complete control.
5. Obvious Tourist Wallets and Purses
Flashy designer wallets and oversized purses scream ‘wealthy tourist’ to every pickpocket within sight. Criminals specifically target visitors who appear to carry significant cash.
Large, bulky wallets make you stand out in crowds and slow down your reaction time when reaching for items. They also tempt you to carry more money than necessary.
Switch to a slim, discreet travel wallet or RFID-blocking money belt that blends with local styles and stays hidden.
6. Rental Cars and Glove Compartments
Rental cars are magnets for thieves because they often contain tourist belongings and are easily identifiable by license plates or rental company stickers.
Glove compartments are the first place criminals check when breaking into vehicles, and car windows offer no real security against determined thieves. Parking lots near tourist attractions are particularly risky.
Never leave money in vehicles, even for short stops, and always carry valuables with you when exploring.
7. All Your Money in One Place
Keeping every dollar in a single location creates catastrophic risk if that spot gets compromised. One successful theft shouldn’t end your entire vacation.
Smart travelers split their money between wallets, money belts, and secure luggage compartments. This strategy ensures you always have backup funds available.
Distribute cash across multiple hiding spots, keep some in your hotel safe, and maintain emergency money separate from daily spending cash.
