The best way to carry travel documents
If something happens overseas and you need to produce an important travel document, you want to be able to do so without having to empty half your suitcase. Keeping your travel documents organised can save you quite a lot of stress when you’re abroad.
But what’s the best way to do so?
We’ve taken a look at the options for getting your travel documents together, and provided some tips and tricks to do so. Organising ahead of time might be the difference between passing a border easily, and having to deal with an irate customs official.
Travel folder
There is a range of specialised travel folders on the market at the moment, but even something as simple as a standard A4 folder can do the job well enough, protecting your important documents from the elements while ensuring they all remain in the same place.
The advantage of using a travel folder is that it’s a relatively inexpensive solution, but at the same time if it’s not specifically designed for travel, some bulkier items like your passport can be loose.
Travel wallet
These items are becoming increasingly popular and it’s easy to see why, as they provide a neat little way to store all your important documents. They can also provide a stylish accessory, as we can see in this video which shows how anyone can make their own great DIY travel wallet.
Travel wallets are lightweight, easy to carry and reliable. The only disadvantage is that they are not really suitable for larger documents like booking confirmations.
Money belts
Another neat way to carry travel documents around, money belts are generally pretty discreet. Strapped around your stomach, it can be a great way to carry around your important travel documents without running the risk of them being nabbed by pickpockets. That being said, money belts are only so big, and might not be suitable for all of your travel documents.
Additional hints and tips
- Before you go, take time to make copies of your travel documents such as your passport and airfares, and be sure to carry these around in a separate place.
- Consider making digital copies of your travel documents as well. Save these on a USB, in an email or on an itinerary storage website such as TripIt.
- Review the Visa entry requirements of the destination you’re visiting.
- Be wary when a hotel or travel company asks you to hand over your passport.
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