The only thing worse than losing your wallet is losing your wallet while traveling. Mobile payment applications can get you out of a jam, but the loss of IDs, credit cards, and cash will soon make the loss more unbearable.
Traveling with two wallets can significantly enhance your journey’s safety and ease. Here’s how.
1. It cuts your losses if you lose your wallet
The loss of a lone wallet loaded with all of your cash and credit cards can be irreversible. If your money is divided between two wallets, losing one wallet to theft, accident, or absentmindedness won’t mean “game over.”
Keep your high-limit credit cards safer in your second wallet. This will eliminate the risk of them being misused in case you don’t immediately realize you’ve lost your wallet. In addition, you’ll have a greater credit limit at your disposal to manage your travel expenses should you lose the first wallet.
2. It helps you protect your IDs
If you carry a single wallet, losing it usually means you’ve lost all of your IDs as well. Having to find alternative ways to identify yourself at airport security checkpoints and hotels can be quite taxing, more so if you have your wallet stolen in foreign country.
When traveling with two wallets, you’ll have some IDs safe inside your second wallet. You can continue on your trip without having to face more unsavory hurdles on top of having lost a wallet.
3. The second wallet is useful as a decoy
Traveling always involves risks such as pickpocketing, thefts, and muggings. A decoy wallet that contains just the bare necessities comes in handy in these situations. It can help you avoid incurring any heavy losses in the event of a mugging or theft. The reduced financial risk can also make such situations less stressful.
4. A light spare wallet is more convenient to travel with
Carrying a bulging wallet at all times can be an inconvenience. All your credit and debit cards, bills, coins, and IDs can make a wallet cumbersome. A spare wallet containing adequate cash, a credit card, and an ID is light enough to carry in your relaxed tourist clothes. It also allows for greater freedom of movement.
5. Two wallets help you be more organized
A typical fully stacked wallet contains cash, one or more IDs, credit cards, debit cards, and membership cards. It may also contain items such as photographs, receipts, and scribbled-over paper slips. At times, just locating the right card in your wallet can take a minute.
Two wallets help you unclutter. Move the cards and stuff you’ll need frequently on your trip in the wallet you keep on your person. Leave the rest inside your safe second wallet.
Tips for traveling with two wallets
1. Invest in anti-theft wallets or bags
Anti-theft wallets come in a variety of forms. Basic anti-theft wallets can be hung around your neck and under your shirt to ensure they can’t be lost. A smart wallet includes a dedicated GPS tracker that enables you to locate it using your Smartphone.
Some smart travel wallets also include features such as an alarm, remote video recording, and photographing. A typical smart travel wallet can perform these remote functions within a range of 12 to 15 meters.
If you prefer not to carry your wallet in your pocket, opt for an anti-theft bag, purse or backpack. Features like locking zippers, cut and slash-proof material, and shoulder straps reinforced with steel wires make them perfect for holding your wallet.
2. Be smart with what you pack in each wallet
Your primary wallet should include the items most important to you. The bulk of your cash, high-limit credit cards, debit cards, and important IDs should be stored in your primary wallet.
Your second wallet should ideally contain just enough cash to get you through the day’s expenditures. Throw in some loose change, a nonessential ID, and a flexible credit card, and your second wallet is ready to go.
3. Store your wallets safely and separately
Handbags, waist packs, and neck pouches are all good spots for keeping your second wallet. The back pocket of your shorts or trousers is one of the worst spots for carrying your wallet. Switch to the front pockets instead.
Make sure not to carry too much stuff on your body. Having a lot of items in different pockets can increase the chances of misplacing, or even losing your belongings. If you’re staying at a reputed hotel, you can leave your primary wallet locked inside a suitcase or in the room’s safe.
You can hide your wallet under your mattress after housekeeping has fixed your bed. Make sure to push your wallet to the mattress’s center. You can also tape your wallet under a piece of heavy furniture such as the bottom of a sofa or drawer.
4. Restock your secondary wallet every day
Make sure your second wallet doesn’t run out of cash or spare change. Before you set out for a new day’s adventures, make sure you’ve added enough cash into it to cover for a couple days’ expenses.
If you’ve hidden your primary wallet in your hotel room or rental car, make sure you check on it regularly. If you suspect your room or car has been tampered with, report to the hotel/parking security, and move your wallet to a different spot.
In addition to the aforementioned measures, make sure you’re carrying photocopies of your essential IDs with you. Also, don’t forget to buy adequate travel insurance. A travel insurance plan customized for your individual insurance needs can protect you against the myriad uncertainties of travel. Remember, it’s always best to travel safe and prepared for every situation.
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