Being a victim of theft is always an awful experience, but it becomes a lot worse if you’re abroad. You might not speak the language of the country you’re staying in or you could miss your flight home because your passport’s been stolen.

It’s difficult not to look like a tourist, especially if you’re wearing shorts and carrying a camera on a strap around your neck, but there are several things you can do to decrease the risk of being a victim on holiday.

Make copies

Before going abroad, photocopy your passport and travel documents, leaving one copy with a friend or relative in case of an emergency. Keep a second copy separate just in case your documents do get stolen.

Case the joint

Before leaving for your destination, do some research to find out about crime hotspots and general safety of the area. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides useful information for travellers.

Act natural

Don’t draw attention to yourself when out and about and try to blend in with the locals. Make sure that expensive cameras, MP3 players and mobile phones are kept zipped up in bags or left in the hotel.

Plan ahead

Make sure you know where you’re going on which day. This way you won’t be so reliant on maps or guidebooks, which makes you an easy target for thieves.

Leave it behind

If you’re going out in the day, ask yourself if you really need to take your phone, laptop or passport with you. It’s just something else that could get stolen.

Play it safe

Most hotels have a pin-operated safe in the bedrooms so leave unnecessary valuables in the safe when you go out. If there’s no safe, speak to a receptionist for advice about where to leave items.

Be penny wise

Each day, work out how much money you think you’ll need and then leave the rest behind. You may even want to consider a money belt.

Share the wealth

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. When you go out, keep any valuables separate and place money in different pockets of bags and clothing.

Avoid crowds

Tourist destinations can be full of people and quite crowded. Thieves can easily ‘bump’ into you without you paying much attention until you realise that your wallet’s gone.

Get covered

With a suitcase full of clothes, gadgets and toiletries, personal luggage can be worth as much as £3,000, so it’s more important than ever to have Travel Insurance to protect your valuables abroad.

How can John Lewis Travel Insurance help?

If you are unfortunate to be a victim of theft whilst abroad, having Travel Insurance gives you financial protection against theft or injury.

John Lewis Travel Insurance offers cover for loss or theft of your passports as standard, Personal Possessions Cover up to £2,500, plus up to £8,000 towards cancellation costs.

Don’t worry if you are injured or fall ill as your Travel Insurance provides you with up to £10 million Medical Cover.

Terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply.

John Lewis Insurance is a trading name of John Lewis plc. Registered in England No. 00233462. Registered office 171 Victoria Street London SW1E 5NN.

John Lewis plc is an appointed representative of Ageas Insurance Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Ageas Insurance Limited. Registered in England No. 354568. Registered office: Ageas House, Tollgate, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO53 3YA.