Here's a classic tip for remembering to retrieve important things (like a passport) from the hotel safe--- place one shoe in the safe along with your valuables. Make sure it's one of the shoes you plan to wear the morning you checkout. Easy.
GREAT IDEA! I lost a really good knife in a hotel once because I did not want to leave it out to tempt housekeepers to take, I had put it in the nightstand drawer under the bible. Forgot to take it with me when I left, and of course no one knew anything about it when I called later. Sure would not have left wearing one shoe! I love ideas like this which are brilliant because of their simplicity.
If you're worried to leave valuables behind in the safe: Put one of the shoes you will wear when you check out in the safe too. Sounds weird but actually helps.
Actually some of my friends work as stewardesses and that's their trick to not forget anything from room safe. Imagine stewardess at the airport who realized she forgot her passport. Ouch!
It's a good idea to leave a picture of your passport with someone you trust (mom, dad, wife, husband, sister, brother, etc...) when you travel abroad. You can also leave copies of your other important documents. That way, you don't have to keep the info saved in your email (in case you're worried about getting hacked). In the event that your important travel documents get lost or stolen, you can just call/Skype/email the person who has the copies of your info. :)
Usually when I travel, The first thing that I used to do it is going to my embassy at the country that I travel to then they will record it to there records then they give me a certified copy of my passport to use it when I walk around in that countery and save my original at a safe box or to front desk .. Thats all .
Definitely the safest option. Safes at hotels are actually not safe at all. The staff are usually decent and don't go about opening them, but it could easily happen. I always use a small travel cross-body (Kipling has excellent ones), that practically sits on my belly, so no one can mess with it without me noticing, where I keep my bare essentials - id, wallet, hotel key, phone, map, pen and notebook. And then I carry anything else in my back pack or shoulder strap bag.
I don't think I trust leaving my passport in my hotel room without a safe. When I was in Paris 10 years ago for a school trip, the housekeeping staff at our hotel was reaaaallly good at finding hidden valuables. One of the teachers hid her money inside the lining of her suitcase. When she came back at the end of the day, all of her hidden cash was gone. This was one time that I was happy to be the dork with the money belt.
Exactly! I always carry mine in my money belt just in case: the hotel burns down, hotel room got ransacked and the safe was stolen, I got lost and I have to prove my citizenship; plus, I felt so much at ease that I have the most important document with me. I can always buy whatever I need, but getting a new passport in a foreign country?
I'll second the requests for videos on staying in hostels and good purses for traveling. Additionally, how does one carry a nice camera around without being a walking signal saying, "I'm a tourist, steal from me"?
I agree with the viewer who mentioned safes are not safe. they aren't. nothing is foolproof. So I'd rather always know where my vital things are...and would never feel confident if my passport's kept in a purse or bag which is .....over.......there ;) I use PortaPocket to hands-free carry that on my body, in addition to other essentials like my ID, cash, cards, cell phone etc. every day. Have for 7+ years. Whether I'm traveling across the street or around the world, it's always with me. Works! :)
Keep a photocopy of the first page of passport AND page with entry visa. Keep them with you along with business card of lodging. Might save you from being frog marched back to your hotel by a couple of bored cops with chips on their shoulders about Americans. Most countries you are required by law to have your passport with you, it is the only legally identifying document. Most countries, citizens are also always required to have their national ID card. The U.S. is an anomaly. Hide another copy in your luggage. Don't email credit card copies- not secure enough. use Dropbox or Drive or Evernote etc. A ziplock bag with a strong magnet inside allows some more hiding options. Tie a big, annoying ribbon or card that cannot be ignored around luggage handle as a reminder to take hidden documents.
I was just in Italy in September, and we stayed in apartments, via Airbnb, with no safe or lock box. So, what do you do? I just left my passpirt in the apartment, but carried a photocopy with me, plus I emailed a copy to myself. I did use a money belt, with extra credit card in there, when I traveled by train because I like to sleep on the brain. It just made sense to have my passport on my body when I was sleeping on a train. It all worked out fine.
I forgot my passport once in the safe and it was a nightmare. So always always remember to take your passport or keep a reminder in your phone. Save a lot of hassle.
put in a plastic bag, seal it nicely, and then put(glue) it somewhere onside your rarely used bag(only u know what that bag is!!) and it's safe.I do that myself.
I found since getting a brightly coloured passport cover I've never lost track of it. I see it clearly and because its in a cover, most people (or at least people I know) didn't even realise it was a passport because it wasn't glaringly obvious, which did make it a little pain when on holiday in the States for whenever I got ID'd, they always wanted me to get it out of my case :I Fingers crossed I'll never lose/leave my passport :)
Not sure whether this applies in other countries, but in the Netherlands any person over 14 is required to carry identification. If you visit, either keep it with you or stay out of trouble (the police will only ask for it if you're doing something you're not supposed to).
Me subscribi a tus videos hace un par de días y no puedo parar de verlos, son muy divertidos inteligentes y al punto. Muchas Gracias ! Mi esposo es piloto de una de las Aerolineas mas grndes de Estados Unidos y viajo con frecuencia, tus videos van a mejorar muchísimo mis habilidades de viajera en el futuro. Angela D
Thanks for the tip of taking photos and emailing! Never thought of that! (I always did the photo copy and wondered what would happen if I lost both the document and the photocopy, ha ha).
I learned to put a few rubberbands around passports, wallets, and any cash in your pockets. It makes it much more difficult for a pick-pocketer to snatch your stuff.
But how do you keep it safe if you are travelling to a new location every day? I.e. if you stay the night, then check out in the morning and do not check in to another hotel until night time?
Nice tips :-) I have one more: when the safe is carriable, you should keep it somewhere else (like taped under a table). I say this because once the safe from my hotel room was robbed! Yes, the whole safe (guess they could not open it, so they carried it away). I was lucky because my boyfriend told me to always take my passport with me.
Could you please make a video all about surviving really long flights, what to bring on carry on, what to do on the plane. And can you also make a video about packing for winter but for a 4 week vacation but you know you are going to shop at the destination. Thank you xx
Very Helpful! My next question is would it be safe to lock your passport in your luggage? that's what we were told to do when I went to Fiji. Also I am planning a HUGE Europe trip (8 months) & plan to take some camera equipment, such as a DSLR, 1 or 2 spare lenses, small tripod etc & would like to know when not using it where & how should I store it? I'll be staying in hostels mostly maybe an occasional private room but would a locker suffice? and if a locker not available?? HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!
Do you have any tips for taking for passport to a music festival where you are camping (its across the boarder so i need my passport to get there)? Is there anything i can do other than carry it will be at all times?
I have just came across your videos. I love them. You are cute, present them nicely, keep it short and you are delivering the information in a funny, but interesting way. Thank you! I was wondering if you could make a video about how to travel by plane with babies when it comes to long flights... I wish you a blessed 2017 and happy travelling wherever you may go. :)
Sonia, can u film a video about how to pack my luggage of a 5 to 6 days japan trip, in winter?? I have a 30 inches luggage and i always packed up a butch of stuff:( plsssss
From personal experience I can tell you that most embassies are way more cooperative if they see that you actually have a passport or had. I never tried learning my passportnumber..plus it's easier taking a picture. And some countries accept passport copies.
What do you do with your passport when you are going out at night and you need it for ID? Do you just take a little purse?? Love you and your videos! xx
When traveling, I keep some cash ($100) in a front pocket walet. The rest of which is in my carry on bag or personal bag. Also, as a man I tend to wear a blazer, it is much easier to have these items stowed away making security easy.
THANK YOU! I am one of those who have requested for this video. ah! you saved me from looking like Rick Steves with my money belt in Europe lol (love Rick btw :). xx
if hotel room or airbnb rental has tv box cable i take out the 4 small screws out of the cable box with my multi tool plate slides out easy lots of room for passport and cash cards in tv box but never turn on your tv unplug the box and tv it could catch fire and there goes your vacation.
Never thought of taping it somewhere. But even though you reiterate to never forget your passport, I know that if I did tape it somewhere I would forget. So, I just photocopy it, email myself pictures of it, and strap my passport (and extra credit card) to my chest.
Loving your videos! Straight to the point and clever insides. Been robbed in Paris a Galerie Lafayette last September. I was with my Passport to obtain Tax Refund. Tourists are target because usually have cash and credit cards. What should I do, dear adviser? C:
This is great advice! But what's the use in taking a picture of your passport? Will officials accept just the picture? If not and the info is just for personal use, isn't it just as efficient to memorize your info? Help!
Thanks for this travel tip. But il I'm in Europe, they often ask people to show passeport in many cities. Can I show them the i have taken in my my phone ? Do they accept it ?
Do you know of any unlimited internet plans/providers there are that could enable you to roam through Europe and stay connected? hotels have internet but not all of them are stable or reliable.
Here's a tip I use in order to hide the passport and remember to take it with me when I leave which I agree with because the hotel safe cannot be trusted the hotel staff can easily open them so what I do is I find a nice hiding place and then I stick a piece of paper a boarding pass whatever on the back of the hotel door make it real obvious to stick out so that I cannot miss it before I actually check out
Here's a classic tip for remembering to retrieve important things (like a passport) from the hotel safe--- place one shoe in the safe along with your valuables. Make sure it's one of the shoes you plan to wear the morning you checkout. Easy.
GREAT IDEA! I lost a really good knife in a hotel once because I did not want to leave it out to tempt housekeepers to take, I had put it in the nightstand drawer under the bible. Forgot to take it with me when I left, and of course no one knew anything about it when I called later. Sure would not have left wearing one shoe! I love ideas like this which are brilliant because of their simplicity.
I always put a note in my empty unpacked suitcase.
Or, set your cell phone alarm at a time you know you'll be packing to leave, with a reminder note.
If you're worried to leave valuables behind in the safe: Put one of the shoes you will wear when you check out in the safe too. Sounds weird but actually helps.
Great!!!!
+Annika Bock -it actually does work, every time!!!
Actually some of my friends work as stewardesses and that's their trick to not forget anything from room safe. Imagine stewardess at the airport who realized she forgot her passport. Ouch!
It might be helpful to put a reminder in your phone "to take your passport with you." When the alarm goes off, you take it.. and go..
Great idea! Will definitely keep it in mind..
It's a good idea to leave a picture of your passport with someone you trust (mom, dad, wife, husband, sister, brother, etc...) when you travel abroad. You can also leave copies of your other important documents. That way, you don't have to keep the info saved in your email (in case you're worried about getting hacked). In the event that your important travel documents get lost or stolen, you can just call/Skype/email the person who has the copies of your info. :)
Usually when I travel, The first thing that I used to do it is going to my embassy at the country that I travel to then they will record it to there records then they give me a certified copy of my passport to use it when I walk around in that countery and save my original at a safe box or to front desk .. Thats all .
Agreed
Definitely the safest option. Safes at hotels are actually not safe at all. The staff are usually decent and don't go about opening them, but it could easily happen. I always use a small travel cross-body (Kipling has excellent ones), that practically sits on my belly, so no one can mess with it without me noticing, where I keep my bare essentials - id, wallet, hotel key, phone, map, pen and notebook. And then I carry anything else in my back pack or shoulder strap bag.
I don't think I trust leaving my passport in my hotel room without a safe. When I was in Paris 10 years ago for a school trip, the housekeeping staff at our hotel was reaaaallly good at finding hidden valuables. One of the teachers hid her money inside the lining of her suitcase. When she came back at the end of the day, all of her hidden cash was gone. This was one time that I was happy to be the dork with the money belt.
Actually, the money belt alternative sounds easiest to me.
Exactly! I always carry mine in my money belt just in case: the hotel burns down, hotel room got ransacked and the safe was stolen, I got lost and I have to prove my citizenship; plus, I felt so much at ease that I have the most important document with me. I can always buy whatever I need, but getting a new passport in a foreign country?
vmvlkc I always use the money belt but my sons cringe ! They call it “the anti-dignity belt” 😂😂
I'll second the requests for videos on staying in hostels and good purses for traveling. Additionally, how does one carry a nice camera around without being a walking signal saying, "I'm a tourist, steal from me"?
Don't carry a camera use your phone 😉
I agree with the viewer who mentioned safes are not safe. they aren't. nothing is foolproof. So I'd rather always know where my vital things are...and would never feel confident if my passport's kept in a purse or bag which is .....over.......there ;) I use PortaPocket to hands-free carry that on my body, in addition to other essentials like my ID, cash, cards, cell phone etc. every day. Have for 7+ years. Whether I'm traveling across the street or around the world, it's always with me. Works! :)
Hi Sonia,
Just wanted to say 'thank you' for all the great info you share with us on here. I watch all your pod-casts. Muchas Gracias!
Keep a photocopy of the first page of passport AND page with entry visa. Keep them with you along with business card of lodging. Might save you from being frog marched back to your hotel by a couple of bored cops with chips on their shoulders about Americans. Most countries you are required by law to have your passport with you, it is the only legally identifying document. Most countries, citizens are also always required to have their national ID card. The U.S. is an anomaly. Hide another copy in your luggage. Don't email credit card copies- not secure enough. use Dropbox or Drive or Evernote etc. A ziplock bag with a strong magnet inside allows some more hiding options. Tie a big, annoying ribbon or card that cannot be ignored around luggage handle as a reminder to take hidden documents.
I was just in Italy in September, and we stayed in apartments, via Airbnb, with no safe or lock box. So, what do you do? I just left my passpirt in the apartment, but carried a photocopy with me, plus I emailed a copy to myself. I did use a money belt, with extra credit card in there, when I traveled by train because I like to sleep on the brain. It just made sense to have my passport on my body when I was sleeping on a train. It all worked out fine.
I picked up a vintage purse in Paris which happened to have a lock and key! Perfect!
Que buenos tips
I never thought leaving it wold be a good idea, but I trust you Sonia! I'll leave it and hide it, then remember to pick it up when I'm leaving
Hi, many thanks for your tips and keep it up, they are all useful.
Because you are awesome! :)
Good tips, enjoyed the video as always.
Gracias, Sonia. Voy a estar en España este verano y tus vídeos me han ayudado mucho :)
The winner was announced in the description of the contest video. Her name is Amanda and her cubes are already on the way... :)
Nice video! I like the idea of emailing a pic of my passport!
Love this. Though personally I always feel safer taking my passport with me.
I forgot my passport once in the safe and it was a nightmare. So always always remember to take your passport or keep a reminder in your phone. Save a lot of hassle.
what about if you are staying in a hostel?
put in a plastic bag, seal it nicely, and then put(glue) it somewhere onside your rarely used bag(only u know what that bag is!!) and it's safe.I do that myself.
I found since getting a brightly coloured passport cover I've never lost track of it. I see it clearly and because its in a cover, most people (or at least people I know) didn't even realise it was a passport because it wasn't glaringly obvious, which did make it a little pain when on holiday in the States for whenever I got ID'd, they always wanted me to get it out of my case :I
Fingers crossed I'll never lose/leave my passport :)
Not sure whether this applies in other countries, but in the Netherlands any person over 14 is required to carry identification. If you visit, either keep it with you or stay out of trouble (the police will only ask for it if you're doing something you're not supposed to).
Me subscribi a tus videos hace un par de días y no puedo parar de verlos, son muy divertidos inteligentes y al punto. Muchas Gracias !
Mi esposo es piloto de una de las Aerolineas mas grndes de Estados Unidos y viajo con frecuencia, tus videos van a mejorar muchísimo mis habilidades de viajera en el futuro.
Angela D
Always notify your embassy when travelling so if anything happens they can (hopefully) provide consular help
Fantastic tips!
awesome!
Sandra Bullock!! Really? Coool
New Subscriber and I have just watched all of your videos and love your travel tips keep it up :) x
Great tips!
Thanks for the tip of taking photos and emailing! Never thought of that! (I always did the photo copy and wondered what would happen if I lost both the document and the photocopy, ha ha).
What about if you go clubbing or to a bar and need some sort of ID to be allowed in?
Sonia, muchas gracias. saludos de Claudio
Genius lady,,, thnx for fabulous educ
I learned to put a few rubberbands around passports, wallets, and any cash in your pockets. It makes it much more difficult for a pick-pocketer to snatch your stuff.
But how do you keep it safe if you are travelling to a new location every day? I.e. if you stay the night, then check out in the morning and do not check in to another hotel until night time?
I love your style, where is your dress from? And where do you usually shop!
Hey Sonia, I had a question. I didn't get the obvious reason as to why you photograph your credit cards and passport. Thanks!
In case you loose it.. that way you have all the info handy to cancel the credit card, or to report your lost passport :)
wise advice!!!
Hey Sonia! Your videos are so helpful. I'm going on a month long trip soon and want some tips on how to pack for it. Thanks(:
Nice tips :-) I have one more: when the safe is carriable, you should keep it somewhere else (like taped under a table). I say this because once the safe from my hotel room was robbed! Yes, the whole safe (guess they could not open it, so they carried it away). I was lucky because my boyfriend told me to always take my passport with me.
I have always taken it with me and I have been in 10 countries already so.
how to pack for a month long trip! Pleaaaase Soniaaaa!
Could you please make a video all about surviving really long flights, what to bring on carry on, what to do on the plane. And can you also make a video about packing for winter but for a 4 week vacation but you know you are going to shop at the destination. Thank you xx
Is it safe to leave passport in your luggage at the hotel? Locked of course. That's what I do sometimes.
Who won the packing cubes? Thanks for all your great vids, Sonia.
Very Helpful!
My next question is would it be safe to lock your passport in your luggage? that's what we were told to do when I went to Fiji.
Also I am planning a HUGE Europe trip (8 months) & plan to take some camera equipment, such as a DSLR, 1 or 2 spare lenses, small tripod etc & would like to know when not using it where & how should I store it? I'll be staying in hostels mostly maybe an occasional private room but would a locker suffice? and if a locker not available?? HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!
Thanks it help but I just don't trust hotel sometime but sometime they gd it depend thanks anywere.
Do you have any tips for taking for passport to a music festival where you are camping (its across the boarder so i need my passport to get there)? Is there anything i can do other than carry it will be at all times?
please make a video on how to pack for like 2 months
first time viewer you are great...
Please could you do a video on how to pack your makeup without it spilling, cracking or breaking please?
I have just came across your videos. I love them. You are cute, present them nicely, keep it short and you are delivering the information in a funny, but interesting way. Thank you! I was wondering if you could make a video about how to travel by plane with babies when it comes to long flights... I wish you a blessed 2017 and happy travelling wherever you may go. :)
Sonia, can u film a video about how to pack my luggage of a 5 to 6 days japan trip, in winter?? I have a 30 inches luggage and i always packed up a butch of stuff:( plsssss
Please make a video on packing for two weeks in a caryon. Thanks
Can you do a video on a stylish yet practical and secure travelling purse?! Your videos are making my life so much easier :)
Didn't think of taking a photo, but I do make photo copies of it :p
Are you Lois Lane?
From personal experience I can tell you that most embassies are way more cooperative if they see that you actually have a passport or had. I never tried learning my passportnumber..plus it's easier taking a picture. And some countries accept passport copies.
Just posted it today.. How to pack for long trips.. check it out
Can u please do a video on how to pack gifts or presents in the suitcase?
Question: how about when you need to take ur passport with you for identification purposes?
what about when you are traveling in a country that requires visitors to always have passports on then?
Keep your passport ON you.
If anything happens to you, you need to be identified. The hospital doesn’t have the code to your phone to identify you.
What do you do with your passport when you are going out at night and you need it for ID? Do you just take a little purse??
Love you and your videos! xx
When traveling, I keep some cash ($100) in a front pocket walet. The rest of which is in my carry on bag or personal bag. Also, as a man I tend to wear a blazer, it is much easier to have these items stowed away making security easy.
Can you make a video for people who are flying their first time ?
I'd not leave anything valuable in room safes. They are astonishingly simple to open. Front desk safe is probably the best bet with a receipt.
THANK YOU! I am one of those who have requested for this video. ah! you saved me from looking like Rick Steves with my money belt in Europe lol (love Rick btw :). xx
if hotel room or airbnb rental has tv box cable i take out the 4 small screws out of the cable box with my multi tool plate slides out easy lots of room for passport and cash cards in tv box but never turn on your tv unplug the box and tv it could catch fire and there goes your vacation.
I made a copy of my passport, visa, credit cards, birth cert, etc. and I scannd them to a flash drive and I backed it up to another flash drive.
Thanks:))
Never thought of taping it somewhere. But even though you reiterate to never forget your passport, I know that if I did tape it somewhere I would forget. So, I just photocopy it, email myself pictures of it, and strap my passport (and extra credit card) to my chest.
best day off the week (:
Great video, great tips! Perfect for me now that i'm traveling a lot! Keep on!
BTW: You look beautiful in that dress! ;)
is it ok to keep it in the room safe?
Loving your videos! Straight to the point and clever insides. Been robbed in Paris a Galerie Lafayette last September. I was with my Passport to obtain Tax Refund. Tourists are target because usually have cash and credit cards. What should I do, dear adviser? C:
This is great advice! But what's the use in taking a picture of your passport? Will officials accept just the picture? If not and the info is just for personal use, isn't it just as efficient to memorize your info? Help!
Please could you make a video on how to get a pet Into
Thanks for this travel tip. But il I'm in Europe, they often ask people to show passeport in many cities. Can I show them the i have taken in my my phone ? Do they accept it ?
What about keeping your passport at a bank safety deposit box? Does anyone know if that is a good or bad idea? Any comments?
Do you know of any unlimited internet plans/providers there are that could enable you to roam through Europe and stay connected? hotels have internet but not all of them are stable or reliable.
I put mine in a little side pocket in my suitcase, and then lock it before i leave!
What about leaving it in your suitcase luggage padlocked up in the hotel room.
Loved your spanish :3
Stunning 😍
Here's a tip I use in order to hide the passport and remember to take it with me when I leave which I agree with because the hotel safe cannot be trusted the hotel staff can easily open them so what I do is I find a nice hiding place and then I stick a piece of paper a boarding pass whatever on the back of the hotel door make it real obvious to stick out so that I cannot miss it before I actually check out
bring a Xerox copy of all your documents! lol
I wish that video was 24 minutes, not 2:40 :)
Hmm ... is the hotel safe really more secure than your locked luggage? Doesn't the hotel personnel have a key?
Cute dress !!! PLEASE share where you got it from ??? ... luv the travel tips girlie !!! Keep them coming !!
;-)
But what if you're staying at a B&B or a dorm bed??
Please could you make a video on how to get a pet into a hotel room
I HAVE DONE THE EXACT SAME THING
I tape it beneath the desk so I can verify its there anytime easily