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We enjoy our vacations in some areas where others come to ply their trade- thievery!
Some thoughts? Now, know that most dive destinations are just fine, and there's nothing to fret about. Sometimes, though, your gateway cities are quite dicey. Common gateways for North Americans include Quito, Guayaquil, Belize City and the mainland of Venezuala. Twitchy? More often than not.
Worst possible cases:
Assault on the street: Gimmee your money!
Of course, be compliant and non threatening. Carefuly withdraw your wallet, open and display it's contents of credit cards and dollars, then- toss it to your left and ahead (assuming he's righty handed) ... make him chase it while you leave. How does this relate to the "what to bring along" nature of this thread?
The wallet is known as a "drop wallet", something you prepare in advance. A thin, bifold wallet seeded with those phony credit cards that they mail you all the time. Put four $1 bills in it, some papers... make them believe and focus on this decoy. Make your exit immediately, running and yelling.
Pickpocket tip? Stuff a crumpled up sheet of paper in your pocket atop the real wallet. Harder to get at... unless they just razor blade your pocket while you don't notice!
We have defeated more than one attempted assault by displaying a large 4" lockback knife. You may carry it in your checked baggage, but you'll have to figure out if you want to push the issue by displaying it at the right moment. Most mopes will turn tail and run... looking for a soft target.
Room issues? We sometimes tip a chair at the door so that it will flop over with the lightest movement, the same result can be obtained with an upturned soda bottle.
A length of thread, monafilament or string can be an effective door or window trip wire for a soda can rattle. Such cord is always a good idea for emergency repairs and making clotheslines.
In the room, consider bringing a short length of aircraft cable 3/8" (like a bike lock) and locking your Pellican case to something substantial. Unfortunately, this says, "Steal here for maximum bennefit". I find it better to secrete my valuables in unlikely places. Very few theives will look through stinky laundry for cash in a pocket or sock. (Cash will withstand diving with no bad effects). A room is full of hiding places- no need to bring a safe.
Silver Tape (Duct Tape) is a must have... bring the last bit of a used roll. Repairs and holds anything- I have repaired full foot pocket fins, overhead doors on aircraft, gas hoses on outboards. Excellent waterproof bandages can be created with a patch of paper towel and some triple antibiotic ointment. Razor blades, the single edged kind and a heavy duty sewing kit for everything from suitcase blow-out to bc repair.
Pens and Magic Marker. Make a "Diver's Calling Card" to hand to your new friends. It doesn't have to be fancy, just have all your contact info and then laminate them over at Kinkos. A great way to stay in touch.
Cable ties, nail clipper, Ibuprofin (for ear issues), Ethyl Rubbing Alcohol, medical grade tweezers, a magnifying glass, BIC lighter, maybe a real live 'big to large' Swiss Army Knife (or nice small tools and a good scissors). If you doubt the usefulness of the above, you've never dealt with an urchin surgery! Bring a small, high powered flashlight (a SureFire), it illuminates like an x-ray any foreign objects in your skin, etc.
Large safety pins, the remnants of a roll of clear packing tape, cable ties of all descriptions, zip lock baggies, office suply spring clips to close food bags, two large garbage bags, and if you want to eat, carry a spoon in your carry on. You never know.
A large thermal insulated travel mug is the best way to stay hydrated when not diving. If you dive and don't have to pee at least once, you are dehydrated.
Most importantly- start, develop and use a checklist for packing.
Some thoughts? Now, know that most dive destinations are just fine, and there's nothing to fret about. Sometimes, though, your gateway cities are quite dicey. Common gateways for North Americans include Quito, Guayaquil, Belize City and the mainland of Venezuala. Twitchy? More often than not.
Worst possible cases:
Assault on the street: Gimmee your money!
Of course, be compliant and non threatening. Carefuly withdraw your wallet, open and display it's contents of credit cards and dollars, then- toss it to your left and ahead (assuming he's righty handed) ... make him chase it while you leave. How does this relate to the "what to bring along" nature of this thread?
The wallet is known as a "drop wallet", something you prepare in advance. A thin, bifold wallet seeded with those phony credit cards that they mail you all the time. Put four $1 bills in it, some papers... make them believe and focus on this decoy. Make your exit immediately, running and yelling.
Pickpocket tip? Stuff a crumpled up sheet of paper in your pocket atop the real wallet. Harder to get at... unless they just razor blade your pocket while you don't notice!
We have defeated more than one attempted assault by displaying a large 4" lockback knife. You may carry it in your checked baggage, but you'll have to figure out if you want to push the issue by displaying it at the right moment. Most mopes will turn tail and run... looking for a soft target.
Room issues? We sometimes tip a chair at the door so that it will flop over with the lightest movement, the same result can be obtained with an upturned soda bottle.
A length of thread, monafilament or string can be an effective door or window trip wire for a soda can rattle. Such cord is always a good idea for emergency repairs and making clotheslines.
In the room, consider bringing a short length of aircraft cable 3/8" (like a bike lock) and locking your Pellican case to something substantial. Unfortunately, this says, "Steal here for maximum bennefit". I find it better to secrete my valuables in unlikely places. Very few theives will look through stinky laundry for cash in a pocket or sock. (Cash will withstand diving with no bad effects). A room is full of hiding places- no need to bring a safe.
Silver Tape (Duct Tape) is a must have... bring the last bit of a used roll. Repairs and holds anything- I have repaired full foot pocket fins, overhead doors on aircraft, gas hoses on outboards. Excellent waterproof bandages can be created with a patch of paper towel and some triple antibiotic ointment. Razor blades, the single edged kind and a heavy duty sewing kit for everything from suitcase blow-out to bc repair.
Pens and Magic Marker. Make a "Diver's Calling Card" to hand to your new friends. It doesn't have to be fancy, just have all your contact info and then laminate them over at Kinkos. A great way to stay in touch.
Cable ties, nail clipper, Ibuprofin (for ear issues), Ethyl Rubbing Alcohol, medical grade tweezers, a magnifying glass, BIC lighter, maybe a real live 'big to large' Swiss Army Knife (or nice small tools and a good scissors). If you doubt the usefulness of the above, you've never dealt with an urchin surgery! Bring a small, high powered flashlight (a SureFire), it illuminates like an x-ray any foreign objects in your skin, etc.
Large safety pins, the remnants of a roll of clear packing tape, cable ties of all descriptions, zip lock baggies, office suply spring clips to close food bags, two large garbage bags, and if you want to eat, carry a spoon in your carry on. You never know.
A large thermal insulated travel mug is the best way to stay hydrated when not diving. If you dive and don't have to pee at least once, you are dehydrated.
Most importantly- start, develop and use a checklist for packing.
