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While packing and preparing for your upcoming trip to the Caribbean , take one minute to consider the possibility of theft and or the loss of valuable and important items while on vacation. It seems like a drag to have to think about something so negative when a vacation is supposed to be all fun-in-the-sun, but trust me it's necessary. A few unsuspecting travelers may fall victim to a petty crime while traveling to the Caribbean, so you should know what to do just it case it happens to you. Although most Caribbean vacationers anticipate fun in the sun, thinking through a game-plan in case your valuables are lost or stolen will ensure you'll have pleasant memories to take home.

Possessions like photo identification including passports and driver's licenses, cash or other currency, and other items that may be of value will inevitably have to go with you on your Caribbean retreat. If these that if misplaced or stolen it could pose some major inconveniences to your trip. There are measures you can take to prevent the theft of your valuables. And if your important items do go missing, you can do something about that, too.

Avoiding Theft

By following some simple words of advice, you can avoid becoming a pick-pocketing or petty theft victim, and make it harder for thieves to abscond with your valuables. Consider the following travel tips to keep your possessions safe while visiting the Caribbean.

Don't flash large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry while on your Caribbean vacation. If you can help it, try not to travel with a lot of cash in order to prevent your money from being stolen or becoming lost without a trace. Credit cards and travelers' checks are often better options while vacationing overseas because these forms of payment can be tracked and easily canceled if necessary. If your credit cards or travelers' checks are lost or stolen during your vacation, contact your financial institution immediately. You should be able to cancel your missing or stolen credit card and track any purchases made after it was lost.

Don't leave your important or valuable possessions out of your sight during your vacation. If your hotel room has a safe available, use it to keep your valuables safe. Also, if you decide to go for a swim on one of your island's beautiful beaches or are visiting public places including restaurants or casinos, don't leave items such as wallets, purses, or other valuable personal belongings unattended because they can easily be picked up without anyone even noticing. Always be aware of your surroundings, and know where your personal items, including passports, identification, money and jewelry, are at all times. Thieves are less likely to prey on vacationers who look like they are aware of what is going on around them.

Keeping our Identity Safe

Not only can the loss or theft of items that may be worth a lot of money cause great dilemmas during your vacation, but also the misplacement or theft of your important documents like passports, visas, and identification or driver's licenses can cause problems on your Caribbean vacation. These items are necessary to carry with you while traveling, but if they are lost or stolen while on vacation, you could face unexpected frustration on your trip. Even if you take preventive measures to keep your documents from being stolen, there is still the possibility you could misplace them.

If your passport or driver's license is lost or stolen while visiting the Caribbean, immediately contact the island's local police as soon as you can. After you've notified the police, find the closest embassy or consulate to your home country on the island and report your loss to them as well. Once you realize that your passport, visa or I.D. is missing, it is important to notify the proper authority as quickly as possible to protect yourself from becoming a possible victim of identity fraud. Notifying the authorities is the first step to follow when your passport or other important documentation is lost. After you contact the authorities about your lost visa then you must apply for another one. You may not be able to receive a new passport immediately while in the Caribbean, so you may want to carry several other forms of identification with you just in case.

More than likely, you're not going to be robbed while vacationing in the Caribbean, but it is always best to be prepared for the unexpected rather than being caught off guard. To learn more about traveling safely in the Caribbean, visit Caribbean-Guide Crime for detailed information and useful safety tips.