Comments on: Win a Tucker & Bloom Mini Messenger bag!

By: RhileighAlmgren

RhileighAlmgren — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 21:38:17 +0000

Eyeglasses cases that open like clam shells are a convenient and innocuous container for valuables, particularly jewelry, which is often otherwise carried in obvious boxes or rolls. This is useful if other precautions fail and your luggage is rummaged, although much less helpful if your luggage is stolen entirely.

I prefer large, latchable cases. The best I’ve used are the cheap plastic cases that come with glasses I’ve ordered online, because they’re protective enough for shipping. I can fit a rigid bracelet wrapped in a protective cloth in my largest case, and the latch prevents accidental release of the contents.

By: John C.

John C. — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:28:18 +0000

My suggestion would be to take out the ear buds and pay attention to your surroundings. Too often I’ll see someone on the metro or walking down the street, oblivious to what’s going on, almost get hit as they are crossing the street. Keeping distraction-free, especially in an unfamiliar location, will help keep you safe and aware and able to respond quickly to potential threats.

By: Mark Gillespie

Mark Gillespie — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 04:46:23 +0000

One more thing…if you still have the “old” US passport that doesn’t have the RFID chip in it…hold out as long as possible before you get a new one. Here’s why…RFID readers are easily available anywhere in the world, and the standard the US insisted on using broadcasts all of your personal information — including your nationality.

Why is this so bad? Let’s say a really smart terrorist wanted to target Americans specifically with an IED in a trash can, backpack, etc. It’s not that hard to use an RFID reader that can pick up the passport’s signal from 20-30 feet away (unless you use a special wallet that blocks the signal), and program the bomb to only go off when it picks up a signal that identifies a person nearby as an American.

I’m sorry to be a killjoy, because I really love traveling. However, this is a really dumb move on Washington’s part.

By: J.

J. — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:36:35 +0000

I think all the comments recommending that a traveler carry minimal funds for a given outing make for solid, practical advice. If you spread your risk incrementally across multiple outings, you guarantee that no single instance of bad luck will hit too hard.

As for less ‘concrete’ advice, I would suggest not being fazed by the ‘strangeness’ of travel. Sure, the streets might look different and the language sound strange, but a bad vibe is a bad vibe, no matter where you are. Trust your instincts. Be mindful. If a situation feels funny to you, assume it is. Extricate yourself smoothly and quickly to the safety of a crowd. Paranoia can be laughed off, but it’s only paranoia if you’re wrong.

By: Bill A.

Bill A. — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:24:50 +0000

Be observant at all times.

Blend in. Don’t “look” like a traveler/tourist.