The worst way to come home from a vacation is to get your credit card bill and find out you’ve been ripped off. It’s the fastest way to go from “Wow, what an awesome holiday” to “I can’t believe I actually liked that place”.

Keep yourself safe when you travel. Unfortunately, tourists present a real target to thieves, identity scammers, and con artists. You’re in a new location with unfamiliar customs and a new language. It’s easy to get distracted and find yourself the victim of yet another tourist theft.

Protect yourself while you travel and keep your happy memories and your money in your own pocket.

Stay Off Public Wi-Fi

It’s too common to jump on to public Wi-Fi only to have your data stolen. Thieves have gotten a lot more technological with their attacks. Public Wi-Fi is too easy a mark for them by which they attempt to steal your stuff.

How do you prevent yourself from falling victim to these attacks? Bring along a Wi-Fi router if you need to access the Internet. You create your very own secure hotspot. You just have to use a local SIM card that you can get from most airports and electronic shops wherever you go.

Password Protect Your Phone

If your phone is stolen, don’t allow it to be easily accessed. Keep all your secure information locked behind a secure password or fingerprint scanner. Most smartphones have the ability to remotely delete data and lock the phone. If you store personal information like your passport photos, your credit card info, or anything else you wouldn’t want to broadcast, keep it secure while you travel, with a password.

Lock Up Your Documents

When you’re out on the town, taking a tour, or just wandering around during the day, keep your valuable documents stored in a safe or locked away in your bag. Hotels offer complimentary safes that grant a reasonable amount of protection. Keep your original passport and travel documents safely stowed away.

It’s also helpful to have photocopies of everything stored in a separate location. That way, if you need to replace something, you have all the information on hand.

Have a Fake Phone and Wallet

When Brazil was hosting the World Cup, visitors were advised to take a fake phone and wallet because it would be the perfect target for thieves to steal valuables. It’s not a bad idea if you’re concerned about losing your precious smartphone or money while you’re out.

If you feel like the areas you intend on visiting are a little off the beaten track, take a fake wallet with minimal money and a phone that you wouldn’t mind losing. You won’t lose sleep if you find that they’ve been taken from you. And if the worst happens and you are pressed to hand over your wallet, you won’t feel bad about actually giving them something to diffuse the situation. Let’s face it, losing a fake wallet and a couple of bucks is better than a holiday-ruining disaster.

Disperse Your Valuables

You know how they say not to put all your eggs in one basket when you are investing? It’s the same when you travel. Keep your stuff spread out while you travel, including any cash you may have. If you get a purse taken, you still have a credit card or two back at your accommodation. If you  lose your suitcase, you still have some emergency cash stashed in your wallet.

When you keep your stuff separate, you minimize the risk that a small theft becomes devastating to your life. Keep some stuff on you, leave some back at the accommodation, in different bags. Be as creative about dispersing stuff as you can.

Don’t Look Like a Tourist

This is the number one tip to avoid being ripped off while you are on holiday. Do your best to not look as blatantly obvious as a tourist.  If you can minimize the risk of looking like a victim, you won’t be a victim. And unfortunately, thieves and scammers love to work on tourists.

Keep your camera tucked away so you don’t appear to be new to the city. Wear something that’s culturally appropriate and  don’t wear socks with sandals or a huge backpack that screams which country you’re from. Wear muted and toned down clothing that doesn’t draw attention to you. Be aware of your surroundings even if you’re in a new city.

Protect yourself from the people who would wish to do you harm. Your holiday is meant as a way to relax, to soak up the sun, to enjoy your freedom, and reconnect with loved ones. Keep it that way with some simple preventative measures and smart security planning.