In the past, traveling has had its bit of risks and rewards. For the most part the traveler could be confident in their travels so long as he or she had a watchful eye. And while the traditional precautions have not changed, the methodology in which thieves and criminals are taking to obtain personal data, finances, and such has. It is a digital age, filled with 3D models, aps, videos, and as such the smartphone, mobile devices, tablets, and other electronics are being used as the means in which to perform criminal acts. How can you, the traveler, protect yourself? Here are 3 ways.
Have an RFID blocking wallet
Wallets typical are the means in which all of our financial information is carried when we travel. The bad news is that the newer technology, specifically the RFID chip which is located on these cards has your personal and financial information stored within. Even your driver’s license has an RFID chip (usually a silver circle with the state emblem on it). Because the information is right there, and because the RFID is an electronic scan able device, thieves have developed scanners to take data from RFIDs. To protect yourself from such happening (as you would be totally unaware that his is occurring as some scanners can gather the information from quite a distance), have a RFID wallet. Basically, the wallet has a thin sheet of metal constructed into the walls of the wallet which block signals from going in or from coming out. You can tell that a wallet is RFID block (1) by the label which will specifically state that it is a RFID scan block wallet (2) by the thin design of the walls which keep the leather and the metal tight and (3) there will be a slight crinkle when you open and close the wallet from the metal bending. There are several companies online which showcase their RFID wallets, some even including a 3D model of the wallet with customizable features. You are sure to be able to find one that suits your style and needs.
Password Protect all your devices
If you have a computer, laptop, mobile tablet, or phone ensure that you have a password protection set on the device, especially if you are ever planning to leave it in your hotel room. While we do not want to think that a maid, janitor, or maintenance person would use the computer or steal information by accessing it from your computer. It does happen. While in the past one only needed to worry about locking up jewelry and cash in the room’s safe, today we should worry about our assets online and in our digital and electronic devices.
When setting a password, ensure that it is something that you remember, but at the same time make it something which cannot be guessed easily. Try to avoid anniversary dates, birthdays, and social security numbers. If you must use such combine it with something random yet memorable such as (and this is purely made up) RedridinghoodsDragon22982. Note that it is long that it has numbers and letters, and that it is easily remembered as it is unique.
Don’t blog about tomorrow’s plans
The best way to avoid setting yourself up for getting robbed or worse is to keep a level of ambiguity while on your travels. Do not give out information which is not necessary. Where the traveler should know not to give out plans, places, and information to strangers on his or her travels, often this is exactly what occurs just in digital format. A traveler goes onto their blog and they give all the information about where they are going and what they are going to see and do. And while this is all done to build up the anticipation for the next day’s travel blog, it also gives any criminal full access to your schedule. Plus, anyone who follows you at home now knows that you are away from your house and can take advantage of the situation. The best method is to wait until you return. Keep notes in a journal or on a password protected 3d journal and then fill in the information on your blog when you are safely back home.
Above all trust your instincts
When traveling, trust your instincts. They are usually spot on. If something about an area or a person seems off, take note. Have fun when you travel, take pictures, write about your adventures, but be safe. It is a world of wonder, don’t let anyone ruin yours by being unprepared.