Tips and tricks to stay safe while traveling: Paperwork Triple-check that your passport is signed, valid for at least 6 months after your return, and your passport must have at least 3 blank pages Always have a paper copy of all of your important documents- in color! Keep these in a different bag than your real documents. If you ever lose your passport, a color copy can expedite the process. Money Let your card companies know you are traveling. Most banks can order global currency so you can avoid ATM fees in country. Spread your cash around. If one bag gets stolen or lost you can access the other one. Never advertise how much money is in your wallet. When you go to pay for something, don't pull out a fold of 20s. I fold each bill individually in my wallet so I just pull out the bill I need. Bags If you have a backpack, turn it to the front of you when you are on metros, buses, pubic spaces, etc. Fanny packs should be worn on the front, not slun...
When packing light, make your list as specific as possible and tailored to you! I breakdown my packs into a carry-on suitcase, backpack, and fanny pack: Fanny Pack: I use the REI Co-op Travel Organizer- Large Cash (If I am only traveling with cash, I separate it in my fanny pack, backpack and suitcase) Driver's License Debit Card (don't forget to set your travel alert) Passport (depending where I am traveling, I may keep this with me the whole time) Vaccine Card (if required) Insurance Cards Chapstick Eye drops Hand Sanitizer Pen Small tube of medicine Epi-pens Mints Feminine hygiene products Phone Backpack: Depending on how much I need to pack, I flip between these two bags: Patagonia Black Hole 32L Travel Pack and Osprey Skimmer 16 Hydration Pack (typically without the hydration pack inside) Phone and chargers Photocopy of all documents, printed in color Water bottle- I live by the LifeStraw filter . Book/magaz...