Security vs. Sanity: The Cost of Keeping Your Belongings Safe While Traveling
Getting robbed in Turkey was a turning point; a shift in the way I viewed personal security and how I would protect my things. Everyone who’s traveled beyond their own neighborhood has given some thought to keeping their belongings secure. While there are endless tips to reduce the likelihood of getting robbed, tricked, or swindled, it is important to know just how secure you really want to be.
I stood on the cliffs above the sparkling Praia do Camilo, viewing the scene below me with photographer’s eyes first. I take in the dancing light from the waves and the breathtaking palette of pastel hues so rich that perhaps calling them pastels almost seems unjust. I’m struck by the landscape and the ease of the people interacting within it. I spend a while shooting, challenging myself to capture what is laid out before me, from whole scenes to the most minuscule details.
The Canon 6D is my most prized possession. On days like this, it is also the reason my feet are enveloped by socks and trusty black New Balances rather than Mediterranean currents and wet sand. My camera gives me the joy of making images, but it is also the reason that I’m wearing jeans instead of a bathing suit. It’s why I’m looking down at the surface of the water instead of experiencing the silent euphoria of swimming beneath it. As strongly as the water beckons, the fear of my camera walking off with some sticky fingered opportunist is stronger. A gift from my parents, the 6D is the most precious thing I own, and, with the lens, cost more than my car. There’s no chance I risk leaving it lest someone takes it. I spend the next couple hours taking in the sights, watching the birds, shooting, and exchanging greetings with the occasional passerby. I keep walking.
Getting robbed in Turkey was a turning point; a shift in the way I viewed personal security and how I would protect my things. Everyone who’s traveled beyond their own neighborhood has given some thought to keeping their belongings secure. While there are endless tips to reduce the likelihood of getting robbed, tricked, or swindled, it is important to know just how secure you really want to be. While there are endless tips to reduce the likelihood of getting robbed, tricked, or swindled, it is important to know just how secure you really want to be. Surprisingly, “as secure as possible” is not necessarily the best option when you consider the idea that security has a cost. Having “constant vigilance” as Professor Moody always advised is stressful. Not a focused stress like being up against a deadline or late for a flight, but a slow burn stress that builds unnoticed for months. The real question every traveler needs to figure out is, ‘Where do I want to fall on the spectrum between the two extremes of blissful blind trust and paranoia?’
A good indicator of where you will fall on this spectrum is how generally trusting in humanity you are. Trust reduces stress and improves life, but also makes you an easier target for theft. Conversely, being distrustful is less risky, but stress inducing nonetheless. In Istanbul, weeks of meeting an endless stream of wonderfully helpful and genuine Turks built up my trust in humanity to a level that burned me. A man (and his unseen partner) who, through the guise of helping, gained my trust and robbed me. After that incident, the pendulum swung the other way. I became exceedingly cautious. I may not have been robbed after that, but I paid for my security with an increased level of vigilance that is so subtly taxing on the mind that I was not even conscious of it. It manifested itself in a million little tendencies such as:
Constantly covering my pockets containing my phone and wallet with my hands while on trains or busses.
Being wary of people offering to help.
Putting valuables in my apartment out of sight before having company over.
Constantly padlocking the zippers together on my baggage.
The availability of personal safes next to each bunk becoming a factor in hostel selection.
Having to find clever hiding places for valuables when hostels don’t provide safes.
Before napping in a park, on a train, or anywhere outside of a bedroom, positioning my body and belongings so that nothing of mine could be lifted without waking me up (ie always sleeping with my backpack strap wrapped around my arm and placing the bag under my head).
Putting my ID and credit card in separate pockets from wallet when walking through neighborhoods where I may get mugged.
Not going into bars with friendly people I meet in touristy places.
Reading about common scams and petty crime in places you’ll be spending time.
Walking a little further to find an ATM off the beaten path
Hell, I have a whole list just for using ATMs now, which I’ll spare you.
Heightened awareness and lowered trust in those around you is a good start when it comes to protecting your belongings. That said, it’s impractical and quite frankly, unenjoyable to go through life with your guard completely up. Following all of these tips will lower your chances of being robbed, but they unfortunately rob you of a lot of the carefree vibes that help make traveling so magical.
No matter how secure you want to be, on some occasions, trusting in others is essential. On one such occasion in France, I put my suitcase with nearly all of my belongings into the trunk of a car whose owner I had just met ten hours earlier. I took down every piece of contact info she had, verified the numbers, and stood on the side of the road at 3:30 AM waving as she drove off. I let her take my luggage so that I could hike a mountain the next day to check off what has long been on my life’s bucket list: watching a stage of the Tour de France! Sometimes, in order to maximize your experience, trusting in others is essential and you have to rely on your judgement of the situational context and people involved.
Sleeping on the train, leaving things in hostels during the day, or even just handing a cell phone to a stranger so they can take a photo of you in front of the a landmark are all little risks travelers take daily (some without a second thought). All are small opportunities to slide right or left on the spectrum between blind trust and paranoia. Forgo the nap? Bring everything in your day-bag so you don’t leave anything behind in the hostel? Skip the touristy photo op and just hold onto the phone? These are all examples of tiny decisions that affect both your security and sanity while traveling.
- ProTip: if handing someone a phone/camera to take your photo, ask the most obese person you see because 1) they can’t run off with it 2) they’re probably American so there won’t be a language barrier.
One thing every traveler should do is prioritize what is valuable. Valuable may not be the same as expensive. As a photographer, the most valuable things I had were the devices that held all of my photos, my camera, wallet, and passport. Everything beyond that I didn’t worry so much about. Figure out what items would be most painful to lose, and focus mainly on protecting them.
While cautiousness is essential for security, trust is essential for sanity. From a security standpoint, trust is stupid; it’s betting on the good in those around you. It also happens to be a key building block of interpersonal relationships and dramatically enhances the lives we lead. Every once in a while, though, trust can burn you. For anyone looking to get the most out of their travels while simultaneously keeping themselves and their belongings safe, finding a balance between cautiousness and trust is paramount.
During my time in Europe, especially since getting robbed, I guarded my valuables constantly. For seven months straight, if my Canon 6D wasn’t under lock and key, it was on my person. I carried it everywhere I went for about 14 hours a day, including Praia do Camilo on that beautiful afternoon. The following day I decided to return, this time with my camera, wallet, passport, and phone locked away in my hostel safe. I felt an unparalleled level of freedom walking the streets of Lagos this time. My shoulder, accustomed to the weight of my camera strap, felt light under a towel. I wasn’t able to take any photographs that afternoon, but the water felt incredible.
The Ten Best Museums
"Guidebooks, tour guides, and that random dude holding the same pole as you on the tram will all point you toward the best museums. While some can be boring, a good museum offers all you need, and a great museum can make your experience in a new city unforgettable."
When you put local inhabitants of any major city in the world on the spot by saying "I'm from far away, what should I check out before I leave?," there's no response more common than "go look at the famous so-and-so museum." Actually, that response is in second place a long way behind "Go look at how massive our cathedral is!" if you're in Europe. Anyway, museums are a standard answer because they are the quintessential travel spot for a few reasons:
1) Informative - What good is travel if you're not learning along the way?
2) Reflective of the places they are built - Most museums seem to reflect the cultural, historical, technological, or design related elements of the communities in which they reside.... for example, the 9/11 Memorial reveals an integral part of contemporary New York identity.
3) Free wifi - Wifi. Yeah, just wifi. It's a must have for when you're traveling out of the country and have no cell plan.
Guidebooks, tour guides, and that random dude holding the same pole as you on the tram will all point you toward the best museums. While some can be boring, a good museum offers all you need, and a great museum can make your experience in a new city unforgettable.
Because I've been to so many cities, I've visited a lot of museums. I saw a list of the top ten museums in the world on the interwebs today and instead of commenting what I didn't like about the list, I decided my time would be better spent concocting my own. I shouldn't have to state that I have only been to a tiny sliver of a percent of a fraction of the world's museums, so this list is limited to the ones I've visited. Feel free to comment which I should add to my hit list and for the overachievers, say why!
1) The Louvre (Paris)
"God you're SOOOOOO cliche--I'm out" HOLDUP! Before you close this tab, let me just say that its fame is well founded. While some think it's overrated, the most famous museum in the world combines sheer quantity with fantastic quality in seemingly endless collections curated and designed by the best in the business. I thought a day would suffice; I was sorely mistaken. They shut the museum down on me and I had the distinct feeling I needed at least three days to get my fill. From the iconic glass pyramids to the notoriously underwhelming Mona Lisa, this is everything I hoped it'd be and so so so much more. It's a good thing it's not open 24/7 or I might've forgotten to eat (hyperbole - I never forget to eat).
2) Auschwitz (Auschwitz)
Let me start by saying this place will ruin your day. Let me supersede that by saying this is the most powerful place I've ever set foot. I'm not Jewish and don't have many close Jewish ties (hell, I've never even been to a Bar(t) Mitzvah **sideeye to all my jewish "friends"**, but it's impossible to walk into a gas chamber and not be shook. It's about humanity and a reminder of what monsters we can become if we don't speak out for what is right. Following the same footsteps of nearly one million people who were eradicated- I'll stop. I can't form with words the feeling of being there. As a matter of fact, as I was leaving I thought to myself, I won't be able to explain what I felt today to anyone. While 'favorite' is not a term well suited to describe this museum, and 'museum' might not exactly be the best word to describe this place, Auschwitz would definitely come in number one on my list of "You Just Gotta Go's."
3) The Vatican
Put simply, the Vatican is mind-blowing. The amount of artisan man-hours logged to create everything in that bad boy is incomprehensible. The paintings go up, up, up; many covering entire walls in those not-so-modest rooms and hallways. Like the Louvre, I was kicked out when the museum closed, having lost track of time. Luckily, or unluckily, I had finally made it to the Sistine Chapel right before close. When I walked in my head went up and my jaw fell down. Half the thrill is just seeing in person what you've seen in books, the internet, and the projector screen in Clapper's art history course throughout your life. What separates the Vatican from the rest of this list is that while most museums are buildings filled with art, the Vatican is art built around art painted with art and then filled with more art. Another museum I wish I could have another day or two (or ten) in.
4) Museo Nacional Del Prado (Madrid)
FRANCISCO. GOYA. The darkest of all paintings, that of Saturn Devouring his Son, resides as it has in the Prado since Goya's death. I can't explain the origins of my (and my friend Dan Raube's) fascination with this piece, but I satiated my Goya appetite in Madrid. At first, the Prado struck me as a fantastically designed space, with lovely colors and immensely impressive collections. I wandered about in awe, taking it all in until, once again, I realized the Museum was about to shut down. I raced frantically through the rest of the museum searching for the moody Goyas and found them at last! Luckily, I was able to sneak a selfie with Saturn as he cannibalized his kids and only seconds later was ushered out of the room. The only drawback to the Prado is the crazy line you have to wait in to enter, which wrapped around two sides of the sprawling building. Bright side: Madrid is a beautiful place to wait in line.
5) Saumaya (Mexico City)
The Saumaya Museum is miles ahead of Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg for the title of most pleasant surprise. This place is SICKKKK. Also, it gets extra points for being unconventional: an entire floor devoted to paintings of all styles whose only thing in common is that they are of Venice... I mean you gotta love the quirkiness. It gives away the fact that this whole museum is a personal collection, belonging to the filthy rich Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim. While the architectural facade of the building is enough to land it on some lists of awesome museums, the collections inside do NOT disappoint! Au contraire, they impress greatly and compliment the Bellas Artes across town well. Highly recommended for any museum goer headed south of the border.
6) National Gallery (London)
The interior of the National Gallery is fit for a king. I loved the colors, the patterns, the vibe created by the intersection of simplicity and luxuriousness. Someone found a way to cover massive walls with vibrant pastels that are powerful but not overwhelming. Combine that with the details in the wallpaper, moulding, and frames, and this museum shows off some of the most striking galleries I've ever seen.
So it turns out I didn't take any photos at the Churchill War Rooms. Here's a meme I found in my camera roll when I went back to the dates I was in England...
7) Churchill War Rooms (London) which I apparently took zero photos of :(
I've never really been captivated by WWII, but no matter your interest level, I'm confident that anyone with the slightest curiosity for history would enjoy the Churchill War Rooms. Due to constant fear of bombings, Churchill and the higher ups in the British Government and Military were headquartered in the cramped labyrinth buried underneath Her Majesty's Treasury. It's chock full of real items left there when the war rooms were abruptly abandoned once the war was won.
8) Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia)
I'd be remiss if I didn't concede that this coming in at number eight mayyyyy reveal some hometown bias, but regardless, don't think for a second that this isn't one of the best Museums in the World. From the Van Goghs, Picassos, and Van Eycks to medieval armor to full scale Indian temples and Japanese houses from halfway around the world, there's a something for everyone in this place. Even if you're more into sports than art, you can always get a workout in on the "Rocky Steps," which I have actually never done. The best part of the museum is the show they have in the main atrium every Friday night. On top of all that is a staff full of wonderful people and the ever lovely Diana, who balances beautifully atop the grand central staircase.
9) Museo Nacionale de Antropología (Mexico City)
Mexico City comes through with its SECOND top ten spot on my list with the Anthropology Museum. Between the massive falling water centerpiece in the courtyard, the informative tours in every language, the extensive Aztec artefact collection, and the model chunky court, this is the best Archaeological museum I've been to. If you like human history and ever find yourself in central Mexico, this is a must-see!
10) Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze (Florence)
David... what a hunk. What I might guess is the most famous statue in the world, David has been standing there in Florence since 1873. For those that don't like mental math, thats 144 years in that very gallery. It was awe-inspiring and I had to sit and draw that guy to really gain total appreciation for Michelangelo's handiwork. Apart from David, there were a lot of other statues and a bunch of medieval Christian oil on wood panel paintings I really have no taste for. David alone is literally enough to earn this museum a spot on my list.
HONORABLE MENTION
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (Washington D.C.) - You're unamerican if you haven't been.
Anne Fank House (Amsterdam) - Efficiently powerful; packs a lot of punch for such a tiny space
International Spy Museum (Washington D.C.) - If you grew up liking the Holy Trinity of JB's (James Bond, Jason Bourne, Jack Bauer), you'll love this museum. I've only been once when I was a teenager, but I don't think I've ever in my life said "whoa that's so cool" more times in the span of two hours.
Met (New York) - To all of the hoity toity highbrows throwing mental shade at me for my conspicuous lack of the Met on my list.... I haven't been since high school and don't remember all that much. Maybe if I go again it'll appear
Smithsonian Air and Space (Washington D.C.) - Who isn't intrigued by airplanes and the infinite mystery of the cosmos?
LAST PLACE
The Guggenheim (New York) - Having seen it on the list that originally inspired me to make my own, and having never been, I went on my last trip to New York two weeks ago. Although it contains what have to be the most fabulous rose gold water fountains in the world, the museum left a lot to be desired. This isn't a fair assessment because all but two of the exhibits were closed when I went in Sept 2017. That, coupled with the impending controversial exhibit of videos displaying borderline animal cruelty, led me to think the only redemptive qualities were the interior spiral and aforementioned water fountains.
BUCKET LIST!
D'Orsay (Paris), British Museum (London), Van Gogh (Amsterdam), Rijks Museum (Amsterdam), Uffizi (Florence), Tate (London),
Dondurma Varmı
I miss just about every place I've ever traveled. I've had some less than savory experiences, from getting robbed in the streets to spending nights sleeping on them, but I would go back in a heartbeat. It's crazy how things we know we don't like can be so fondly reflected on, as though the passage of time turns sickly scents sweet. I've always hated the smell of cigarettes, but a slight whiff of nicotine in Roxborough can transport me back to a sidestreet in Beşiktaş in the blink of an eye, and the longing for ice cream and walks with friends a half a world away can overwhelm me with joyful suffering. I'm writing to capture as many fleeting feelings and memories as I can before they're lost to the history trapped on the other side of only those things that I can recall.