The #1 Mistake That Gets Your Jewellery Stolen at the Airport.

The #1 Mistake That Gets Your Jewellery Stolen at the Airport.

The TSA Tray Trick That Cost My Friend His Rolex

My friend Alex was going through airport security. He did what he thought was right and put his $15,000 Rolex watch into the gray TSA tray to go through the X-ray. After he walked through the metal detector, another passenger’s bag set off an alarm, causing a delay and a distraction. By the time Alex got to the other side, his tray was there, but the watch was gone. The number one mistake is letting your valuables out of your sight in a public tray. The pro move: put your watch inside a zippered pocket within your carry-on bag just before scanning.

I Traveled with a $100,000 Watch. Here’s How I Kept It Safe.

The “Naked Wrist” Strategy That Saved Me from Being a Target

I had to travel for a wedding with my grandfather’s vintage Patek Philippe, a watch worth over $100,000. I was terrified. Instead of wearing it, I followed a security expert’s “naked wrist” strategy. I wore a simple $50 Timex through the airport. The Patek was inside a soft pouch, tucked into a sock, deep inside my beat-up carry-on backpack. I didn’t take it out until I was securely inside my locked hotel room. The key is to never display high-value items in transit. The goal is to be completely anonymous.

Why You Should Never Put Jewellery in Your Checked Luggage.

My Lost Luggage Contained My Grandmother’s Ring

My friend Sarah was flying to her destination wedding. To be “safe,” she packed her grandmother’s diamond necklace and her own wedding jewellery in a small box inside her main suitcase, which she then checked. The airline lost her bag. She spent the first two days of her wedding week in a frantic, tearful panic. While the bag was eventually found, she learned a hard lesson. Airline liability for lost luggage is capped at around $3,800, and they often don’t cover jewellery at all. Your valuables must always be on your person or in your carry-on.

The “Hotel Safe” is Not as Safe as You Think. Here’s Why.

The Master Code That Unlocked My Sense of Security

I always felt secure using the hotel room safe for my watch and earrings. Then I met a former hotel manager. He told me that every hotel safe has a master code or a physical override key. It has to, for guests who forget their code or when the battery dies. This means a dishonest staff member could potentially access your valuables. He said a hotel safe is good for preventing a casual “crime of opportunity” from housekeeping, but it won’t stop a determined, knowledgeable thief. It’s better than nothing, but it’s far from impenetrable.

How to Get Through TSA Security With High-Value Jewellery Without a Hassle.

The “Consolidate and Conceal” Method

I used to panic at the TSA line, fumbling to take off my watch and necklaces. A flight attendant gave me her pro tips. First, fine jewellery like gold or platinum chains and rings usually won’t set off the metal detector, so just wear them through. For a heavy watch or bracelet, don’t put it in an open tray. Instead, consolidate and conceal. Just before you get to the scanner, take it off and tuck it securely inside a zippered pocket within your carry-on bag. Your bag goes through the X-ray, but your valuables are never exposed.

The Ultimate Guide to Jewellery Insurance for Travel.

The “Worldwide Coverage” Clause That Saved My Vacation

Before a trip to Europe, I called my insurance agent to double-check my policy. I had my $8,000 engagement ring listed as a “scheduled item” on my renter’s insurance. I specifically asked if it had “worldwide coverage” for loss and theft. He confirmed it did. On the trip, the ring slipped off my finger and was lost in the ocean. I was heartbroken, but I was also relieved. Because I had the right kind of policy, I filed a claim and received a check for its full appraised value. Never assume you’re covered; always verify your policy’s geographic limits.

The Decoy Wallet and Other Tricks for Protecting Your Valuables Abroad.

The Fake Wallet That Fooled a Pickpocket in Barcelona

While traveling in a city known for pickpockets, my friend uses a “decoy wallet.” He keeps it in his back pocket. Inside is an expired credit card, a few small bills, and some old business cards. His real wallet, with his main credit card and cash, is in a secure front pocket or a money belt. One day, a pickpocket snatched the wallet from his back pocket and ran. The thief got away with about $10, and my friend avoided the nightmare of losing his real cards and identification. It’s a simple, brilliant piece of misdirection.

The Best (and Worst) Travel Jewellery Cases.

The Pouch of Tangles vs. The Organized Case

For years, I traveled by throwing my jewellery into a single velvet pouch. I would arrive at my destination and spend 20 minutes untangling a massive knot of necklaces and searching for a missing earring back. It was a mess that risked damaging my pieces. My sister gifted me a structured travel jewellery case, and it was a game-changer. It has separate compartments, padded ring rolls, and little hooks for necklaces. Now, nothing gets tangled or scratched. The worst case is a single pouch; the best is a compact, organized case that protects your pieces from each other.

What to Do the Instant You Realize Your Jewellery is Missing on Vacation.

The 3 Steps to Take Within the First 10 Minutes

My heart stopped when I realized my diamond earrings weren’t in my hotel room. I fought the panic and followed a plan. First, I immediately retraced my steps for the last hour. Nothing. Second, I went to hotel security, filed a report, and had them check my room’s key-card log. Third, I called the local police to file an official report, which I knew I would need for my insurance claim. Taking these calm, methodical steps within the first hour gives you the best chance of recovery and is essential for any future insurance claim.

The Unspoken Rules of Wearing Flashy Jewellery in a Foreign Country.

My Rolex Almost Got Me Mugged in Naples

I was on vacation in Italy, proudly wearing a new Rolex watch my dad had given me. I was walking down a side street when I noticed two guys on a scooter slow down and stare at my wrist. I immediately felt a chill. I ducked into a shop, took the watch off, and put it in my pocket. I learned a valuable lesson: wearing a flashy, recognizable luxury item in some areas is not a status symbol; it’s an invitation. It marks you as a wealthy tourist and a potential target. The rule is simple: when in doubt, be discreet.

How to Declare (or Not Declare) Jewellery at Customs.

The “Personal Use” Gray Area

I was traveling back to the US with a new, expensive watch I’d bought in Switzerland. I was terrified of customs. A seasoned traveler gave me this advice. If you bought it abroad, you are legally required to declare it. However, for jewellery you already owned and are traveling with for personal use, you generally don’t need to declare it upon re-entry. To avoid any issues, he told me to have a photo of myself wearing the piece before my trip, or a copy of its original receipt or appraisal, saved on my phone to prove prior ownership.

The “Vacation Ring”: Why You Should Leave Your Real Engagement Ring at Home.

The $50 Ring That Saved Me So Much Anxiety

For my honeymoon, a two-week backpacking trip, I was terrified of losing or damaging my $10,000 engagement ring. My solution was a “vacation ring.” I went on Etsy and bought a beautiful but inexpensive sterling silver and cubic zirconia ring for about $50 that looked very similar to my real one. I wore it for the entire trip without a single moment of worry. I could swim, hike, and explore without constantly checking my finger. Leaving the real ring in a safe deposit box at home was the best decision I made.

The One Document You MUST Have When Traveling With a Rolex.

The Paperwork That Proves It’s Yours

When my friend travels internationally with his expensive Rolex, he always carries one crucial document in his wallet: a copy of the watch’s original, dated sales receipt or a recent appraisal. He does this to prove to any skeptical customs agent that he owned the watch before he left his home country. Without that proof of prior ownership, a customs agent could suspect he bought it abroad and is trying to avoid paying import duties and taxes, potentially leading to the watch being confiscated until he can provide proof.

How Thieves Target Tourists With Expensive Jewellery.

The “Mustard Squirt” Distraction

I was in Paris when a man “accidentally” squirted mustard on my friend’s jacket. He was incredibly apologetic and started trying to help clean it off. While my friend was flustered and distracted, the man’s accomplice tried to pickpocket him. It’s a classic distraction technique. Thieves work in teams. One person will create a disturbance—dropping something, asking for directions, causing a scene—while the other targets your watch, wallet, or bag. If a stranger creates a sudden, chaotic situation, your first instinct should be to secure your valuables, not engage with the distraction.

I Hid My Jewellery in the Most Unexpected Place in My Hotel Room.

The Hollowed-Out Book Trick

I never trust a hotel safe completely. My go-to hiding spot is a “book safe.” It’s a fake book that is hollow on the inside. I put it on the shelf or desk with the other books and magazines in the room, and it becomes completely invisible. No thief is going to waste time flipping through every book in a room. Other friends swear by hiding valuables inside a disposable diaper in their luggage (no one wants to touch that) or inside an empty, opaque bottle of shampoo in the shower.

The Best Jewellery to Travel With (Versatile, Secure, and Understated).

The “Go-Anywhere” Travel Trio

I’ve perfected my travel jewellery “capsule.” It consists of just three things. First, a simple, durable pair of small gold hoop or stud earrings that I can wear from the beach to a nice dinner. Second, a simple, mid-length chain necklace that doesn’t have a big, flashy pendant. And third, a classic, understated watch with a leather strap, which is less flashy than a metal one. These pieces are versatile enough for any outfit, secure enough that they don’t have complex clasps, and understated enough not to attract unwanted attention.

The Dangers of Wearing Jewellery at the Beach or Pool.

How the Ocean Stole My Wedding Band

I was on my honeymoon, joyfully splashing in the ocean. I felt a slight slip, and my heart sank. My new wedding band was gone, vanished into the sand and surf. I learned a brutal lesson that day. Cold water makes your fingers shrink, causing rings to become loose. Sunscreen creates a greasy, slippery film that makes it even easier for them to slide off. The sand can also scratch soft metals and get lodged in delicate settings. The beach and the pool are the two most dangerous places for your fine jewellery.

How to Create a “Digital Inventory” of Your Jewellery Before You Travel.

The Photo Album That Could Save You Thousands

Before any big trip, I take 10 minutes to create a “digital inventory” of the jewellery I’m bringing. I lay each piece on a white piece of paper and take a clear photo with my phone. I also take a picture of any corresponding receipts or appraisals. I then upload these photos to a secure cloud folder, like Google Drive or Dropbox. If anything is lost or stolen, I have a complete, time-stamped visual record for the police and, more importantly, for my insurance company. It’s the best, free insurance policy you can have.

The Story of a “Distraction Theft” and How to Avoid It.

The Woman, the Baby, and the Missing Watch

My dad was sitting at an outdoor cafe in Rome. A woman holding a crying baby came up to his table, speaking frantically and holding out a map, covering the table. My dad, flustered, tried to help her. She left after a minute. He looked down, and his watch, which had been on his wrist resting on the table, was gone. The map was the cover, and her frantic story was the distraction. The lesson: if a stranger invades your personal space, especially in a crowded tourist area, your first move should always be to physically secure your valuables.

The Safest Way to Transport Your Entire Jewellery Collection When Moving.

The One Box You Never Let Go

When I moved across the country, I was terrified about what to do with my jewellery collection. A moving expert told me to never, ever put it in the moving truck or ship it. He said the only safe way is to treat it like a priceless artifact. I packed my entire collection into a small, hard-sided case. That case went into my personal carry-on backpack. I did not let that backpack out of my sight for the entire three-day drive. For high-value collections, some people will even hire a specialized, bonded courier to transport it separately.

The “Broken Clasp” Nightmare: A Mid-Vacation Repair Guide.

The Dental Floss and Band-Aid Fix

On vacation in a small town, the clasp on my favorite necklace broke. I was devastated. With no jeweller in sight, I had to get creative. I used a piece of dental floss, which is surprisingly strong, to loop through the two broken ends of the necklace and tie a secure, tight knot. I then covered the knot with a small piece of a flesh-colored Band-Aid to stop it from scratching my neck. It wasn’t pretty, but this temporary fix allowed me to safely wear the necklace for the rest of the trip until I could get it to a professional.

Should You Tell the Hotel Staff About Your Valuables?

A Recipe for Unwanted Attention

A hotel security expert told me that, counter-intuitively, you should never announce to the front desk staff that you have valuable jewellery. While you think you’re encouraging them to be more diligent, you might actually be making yourself a target. You are broadcasting to multiple employees that there is something valuable in your room. A dishonest employee could see this as an opportunity. The best strategy is discretion. Be polite and friendly, but keep the nature of your valuables to yourself. The less people who know, the better.

The Rise of “Smart” Luggage and Jewellery Trackers.

The AirTag in My Jewellery Case

I travel with a small, hard-sided case for my jewellery that goes inside my carry-on. Tucked inside that case is an Apple AirTag. It’s a tiny, $30 Bluetooth tracker. If my carry-on bag is ever stolen or misplaced, I can use my phone to see its exact location on a map. While it won’t prevent a theft, it dramatically increases my chances of recovery. For a small investment, these tiny trackers provide an incredible amount of peace of mind when traveling with anything valuable.

How to Spot a Pickpocket Who is Eyeing Your Watch or Necklace.

Look for the “Observer”

A former pickpocket explained his technique in an interview. He said he rarely works alone. He has a partner, the “observer,” whose only job is to stand still and watch the crowd, identifying potential targets. The observer looks for people who are distracted, lost, or displaying expensive items. If you’re in a crowded tourist area, take a moment to scan the crowd. Look for the person who isn’t moving, the one who is just watching everyone else. That is often the person you need to be most wary of.

The Most Common Places People Lose Jewellery on Vacation.

The Hotel Nightstand is a Black Hole

I asked a hotel’s head of housekeeping where guests most often lose jewellery. Her number one answer was the hotel nightstand. People take their rings and earrings off before bed, and in the morning rush to check out, they completely forget about them. The second most common place is the bathroom counter. And the third is by the pool, where pieces get taken off for sunscreen application and left on a table. Her advice: have one designated spot for your jewellery, like a specific pouch, and never leave it out in the open.

The Psychology of “Situational Awareness” for Jewellery Owners.

Be a “Hard Target,” Not a “Soft Target”

A security consultant taught me that thieves are like predators; they look for the easiest prey. A “soft target” is someone who is distracted, buried in their phone, looking lost, or openly displaying wealth without a care. A “hard target” is someone who walks with purpose, makes eye contact, keeps their valuables concealed, and is generally aware of their surroundings. You don’t have to be paranoid. You just have to project an aura of awareness. This simple psychological shift can make a potential thief decide you’re too much trouble and move on to an easier target.

The Pros and Cons of Using a Portable Travel Safe.

A Good Deterrent, But Not a Perfect Solution

I bought a portable travel safe for a trip. It’s a small, heavy-duty fabric pouch with a steel mesh and a locking cable. The pro is that I can lock it to a permanent fixture in my hotel room, like a pipe or a heavy piece of furniture. It’s a great deterrent against a quick smash-and-grab theft. The con is that a determined thief with a pair of bolt cutters could still get through the cable. It’s a significant security upgrade from the standard room safe, but it’s not a foolproof solution.

My Friend’s Engagement Ring Was Stolen from Her Finger. Here’s How.

The Scooter Snatch-and-Grab

My friend was walking down a street in Southeast Asia, looking at Google Maps on her phone. A scooter with two people on it zoomed up onto the sidewalk behind her. The person on the back grabbed her hand, yanked the engagement ring right off her finger, and the scooter sped away into traffic. It was over in three seconds. She was targeted because she was distracted and her valuable ring was clearly visible. It’s a terrifying but common crime in many cities. The lesson: in crowded areas, turn your diamond inward or put your hands in your pockets.

How to Clean Your Jewellery After a Sandy, Sweaty Vacation.

The Post-Trip Spa Treatment

After a week at the beach, my jewellery was a mess. It was caked in a film of sunscreen, salt, and sand. The worst thing you can do is try to rub it clean, as the sand will scratch the metal. The solution is a simple “spa treatment.” I fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. I let all my pieces soak for about 30 minutes to loosen the grime. Then, I use a super-soft baby toothbrush to gently scrub the crevices. A final rinse, and they look brand new.

The Best Travel Insurance Policies for High-Value Items.

Look for “Scheduled Personal Property” Coverage

If you have valuable jewellery, your standard homeowner’s or renter’s insurance is not enough. Most policies have a very low limit, like $1,500, for jewellery theft. The best option is to get a “scheduled personal property” rider or a separate policy from a company that specializes in jewellery, like Jewelers Mutual. This policy lists each individual item and its appraised value. Crucially, you need to ensure it includes coverage for “mysterious disappearance”—which covers you even if you just lose it—and has worldwide protection.

The “Fake Wedding Ring” Travel Hack.

The $20 Ring That Makes You a Less Appealing Target

When my friend was backpacking alone through South America, she used a simple but effective travel hack. She wore a simple, fake cubic zirconia wedding ring. She said it helped her in two ways. First, it made her a less appealing target for thieves, as she wasn’t wearing a valuable diamond. Second, she found that it helped to ward off a lot of unwanted male attention in certain cultures. It was a small, $20 investment that provided a significant amount of both security and peace of mind.

The Most Dangerous Cities in the World for Watch Owners.

The “Rolex Rippers” of London

While theft can happen anywhere, certain cities have become notorious hotspots for watch theft. Security firms consistently list cities like London, Barcelona, and Naples as having a major problem with “Rolex Rippers”—organized gangs on scooters who specifically target and violently snatch high-end watches off tourists’ wrists. Before traveling with an expensive watch, it’s worth doing a quick search for recent news reports of watch theft in your destination city. If it’s a known hotspot, it’s probably best to leave the real one at home.

How to Handle a Customs Inspection of Your Jewellery.

Be Calm, Be Honest, Be Prepared

On a recent trip, I was pulled aside for a random customs inspection. The agent asked me to open my bag, and he saw my jewellery case. I followed a simple script. I stayed calm and polite. He asked about a specific necklace. I answered honestly, “That’s a vintage piece my grandmother gave me.” For a watch I had bought months earlier, I had the receipt saved as a photo on my phone, which I offered to show him. Having documentation and a cooperative attitude turns a potentially stressful situation into a smooth, professional interaction.

The One Thing You Should Photograph Before You Leave Home.

A Picture of You Wearing the Jewellery

Before I travel, I do one thing that could be crucial for an insurance claim. I take a quick photo of myself in the mirror wearing the specific, valuable pieces of jewellery I’m bringing with me. This creates a time-stamped, visual record that proves I had possession of those items right before my departure. If a piece is lost or stolen, this photo, along with a receipt or appraisal, makes it much harder for an insurance company to argue that I might have lost it long before the trip even started.

The Pros and Cons of Shipping Your Jewellery Ahead to Your Destination.

A Risky Convenience

My friend was getting married in Italy and was considering shipping her wedding jewellery ahead to the hotel. The pro was convenience; she wouldn’t have to worry about carrying it through the airport. The con, however, was a huge risk. Using a standard carrier like FedEx or UPS for high-value jewellery is often against their terms of service, and their insurance coverage is very limited. If the package is lost or stolen, she would be out of luck. The only semi-safe way is to use a specialized, high-value armored courier service, which is incredibly expensive.

The Most Secure Way to Wear a Necklace or Bracelet While Traveling.

The Clasp Goes in the Front

A police officer who specializes in theft prevention gave me a great tip. When you’re wearing a necklace in a crowded public area, rotate it so the clasp is in the front, just under your collarbone, instead of behind your neck. A skilled thief can unclasp a necklace from behind without you ever feeling it. By keeping the clasp in the front, you can see it and are far more likely to notice if someone’s hands are getting too close. It’s a small, simple adjustment that makes you a much harder target.

The Anxiety of Traveling With an Irreplaceable Heirloom.

The Weight of History on My Wrist

For my cousin’s wedding, I had to travel with my great-grandmother’s diamond bracelet. It wasn’t just valuable; it was the one remaining piece of her jewellery. The anxiety was immense. Every moment, I was conscious of it. I’d check my wrist every five minutes. I couldn’t fully relax by the pool or on a walking tour. I realized that sometimes, the emotional stress of traveling with an irreplaceable sentimental piece outweighs the joy of wearing it. Next time, I will probably opt to leave it safely at home and wear something beautiful but replaceable instead.

How to Blend in and Not Look Like a Target.

Dress Like a Local, Not a Tourist

The easiest way to avoid being a target is to not look like one. When I travel, my goal is to blend in. I look at local style blogs before I go. I avoid wearing clothes with big American brand logos or carrying a map. I wear comfortable, stylish sneakers, not bright white tourist sneakers. I keep my expensive watch at home and wear a simple, understated one instead. By making an effort to look less like a tourist and more like a local, you make yourself infinitely less interesting to potential thieves.

The “What If” Scenarios to Plan for Before You Travel.

My Pre-Trip Paranoia Session

Before any big trip, I have a five-minute “paranoia session.” I ask myself a few “what if” questions. What if my wallet is stolen? (Answer: I have photocopies of my passport and credit cards in a separate bag and saved online). What if my engagement ring is lost? (Answer: I have a photo of it and my insurance policy number saved on my phone). What if I’m a victim of theft? (Answer: I know the local emergency number and the location of the nearest embassy). Thinking through these worst-case scenarios beforehand makes you prepared, not paranoid.

The Best Materials for Travel-Friendly Jewellery.

The Titanium and Steel Solution

I love wearing jewellery when I travel, but I hate worrying about it. I’ve started building a collection of “travel-friendly” jewellery. I have a few cool rings and bracelets made from stainless steel and titanium. These materials are incredibly durable, scratch-resistant, and inexpensive. They have a cool, industrial, modern vibe. I can wear them in the ocean or on a hike and not worry about damage. I get to express my style without the constant, low-grade anxiety of potentially losing or damaging a piece of precious metal.

The Post-Vacation Jewellery Check-up: Looking for Loose Stones and Damage.

The Missing Prong I Didn’t Notice

After a two-week vacation, I took my engagement ring to be cleaned. My jeweller put it under his microscope and showed me that one of the tiny prongs holding a side stone was completely gone. I had no idea. It must have gotten snagged on something during my travels. I was lucky the stone hadn’t fallen out. It’s a crucial reminder: after any active trip, you should always take your valuable, stone-set jewellery for a professional check-up. Travel is rough on jewellery, and it’s better to catch a loose stone before it becomes a lost stone.

How to Discreetly Adjust or Remove Jewellery in Public.

The “Napkin on the Lap” Trick

I was at a dinner in a crowded restaurant when I felt my bracelet clasp come undone. I didn’t want to make a big show of taking off my expensive bracelet. I used a simple trick. I dropped my napkin on my lap. Under the cover of the table, I “retrieved” the napkin, and in the same motion, discreetly unhooked the bracelet and slipped it into my pocket. It’s a smooth, invisible move that avoids drawing any unwanted attention to your valuables in a public space.

The “I’ll Just Wear It” Fallacy and Why It’s Dangerous.

The Safest Place is Not Always on Your Body

My friend’s logic for travel was, “The safest place for my expensive watch is on my wrist. That way I always know where it is.” This is a dangerous fallacy. Wearing a high-value item makes you a walking target for theft. The truly safest place is often in a secure spot at home. If you must bring it, the next safest place is concealed on your person or in your bag while in transit, and only worn in secure, trusted environments like a nice hotel or a private event, not while walking down a crowded street.

The Most Ingenious Hiding Spots for Jewellery While You Travel.

Hiding in Plain Sight

My security-obsessed friend has the most ingenious hiding spots for his valuables. He uses a hollowed-out tube of chapstick to hide a rolled-up emergency bill. He has a fake deodorant stick whose bottom twists off to reveal a hidden compartment where he keeps a spare memory card and a small ring. His theory is that thieves are looking for obvious valuables—wallets, pouches, electronics. They are not going to steal your deodorant or chapstick. The best hiding spots are the most mundane, everyday objects that can hide in plain sight.

The One Phone Call to Make Immediately if Your Jewellery is Stolen Abroad.

Call Your Credit Card Company First

If your wallet or purse containing your credit cards and jewellery is stolen, your first phone call shouldn’t be to the police. It should be to the fraud department of your credit card company. A thief can do far more financial damage in 15 minutes with your credit card than they can by selling your jewellery. Canceling your cards immediately stops the bleeding. Once your financial identity is secure, then you can take a deep breath and begin the process of filing a police report and contacting your insurance company about the stolen items.

The emotional Toll of Losing Something Sentimental on a Trip.

It Was Never About the Money

I lost a simple silver necklace on a trip to Greece. It wasn’t worth more than $100. But it was the first gift my husband ever gave me. I was completely wrecked. I spent a whole day in a funk, not because of the monetary value, but because of the sentimental value. Losing a piece of jewellery on vacation can cast a shadow over the whole trip. It’s a heavy emotional toll. This experience taught me that sometimes, the safest and smartest thing to do is to leave the irreplaceable, sentimental pieces at home.

How to Create a Travel “Capsule” Jewellery Collection.

The 3-Piece Rule for a Perfect Travel Wardrobe

For any trip, I pack a simple three-piece jewellery “capsule.” It consists of one pair of versatile earrings (like small gold hoops), one simple chain necklace, and my everyday watch. These three pieces can be worn together or separately. They work with a casual daytime outfit or can be dressed up for dinner. By limiting myself to a small, curated collection of versatile, high-quality pieces, I simplify my packing, reduce my security risk, and ensure I always look put-together without having to think about it.

The Most Overlooked Travel Security Tip.

Don’t Post on Social Media in Real Time

The most overlooked security tip in the digital age is to not post about your amazing vacation on social media while you are still on it. When you post a photo geotagged from Paris with your new diamond ring, you are not just sharing with your friends. You are broadcasting to the world that you are a tourist with valuables and that your home is currently empty. It’s an open invitation to both local thieves and burglars back home. Share your beautiful photos when you return.

A Pilot’s/Flight Attendant’s Guide to Traveling with Valuables.

The Carry-On is Sacred

I asked a pilot friend for her advice on traveling with valuables. She said the number one rule for all crew members is that your carry-on bag is sacred. It never gets checked, and it never leaves your sight. When they stay in hotels, many don’t use the room safe. Instead, they will either keep their valuables locked in their suitcase with a high-quality travel lock or take them with them when they leave the room. They are professional travelers, and their strategy is built on a healthy dose of mistrust and personal responsibility.

To Wear or Not to Wear: A Decision-Making Flowchart for Your Jewellery.

A Simple Chart to Decide What to Pack

Before a trip, I run through a quick mental flowchart for each valuable piece of jewellery.

1. Is it irreplaceable or highly sentimental? If yes, leave it at home.
2. Is its value high enough to make me a target? If yes, consider leaving it at home.
3. Will my activities (swimming, hiking) put it at risk of loss or damage? If yes, leave it at home.
4. Is my insurance coverage for it current and worldwide? If no, leave it at home.
   Only if a piece passes all these checks does it make it into my travel case.