Traveling solo means you’re responsible for all your belongings. And with keys and phones being some of the most important personal items, how do you keep them safe at the beach?
You can keep your keys and phones safe in a waist pouch at the beach. It must be waterproof to protect the key from potential corrosion and the phone from damage. This way, you can even get into the water without fearing for your valuables. However, leaving them behind at your lodge is much safer.
Continue reading to learn more about keeping your items secure when alone at the beach. I’ll also discuss quick steps to take if they ever go missing.
Best Ways to Keep Your Belongings Safe at the Beach
Unfortunately, beaches have become popular haunts for thieves who mainly target unsuspecting visitors.
When you’re with a companion, it’s easier to take turns looking at any valuables brought along. But it’s an entirely different case when you’re alone.
You must always be on guard, all the while trying to catch some waves, sip from coconuts, or relax in a fancy shade. Luckily, these are safe ways to keep your belongings, especially keys and phones, at the beach:
1. Locked in a Waist Pouch
If you must bring your keys, phones, or other belongings to the beach, a waist pouch can come in handy. This way, they’re always on you, whether you’re unwinding under an umbrella or building sand castles.
I recommend the AiRunTech Waterproof Pouch
(available on Amazon) if you don’t already have a pouch. It is opaque, spacious enough for your small, essential valuables and comes with an adjustable, tight strap.
Most importantly, the AiRunTech Pouch is waterproof, so you can go swimming, surfing, or snorkeling, and your valuables will remain perfectly dry.
Wear it around your waist or sling it conveniently across your chest.
2. In a Lock Box
If you don’t like moving around the beach with your belongings, locking them up in a safe box is a good alternative.
These boxes come in different types, sizes and shapes. The one I recommend the most is the Master Lock Portable Safe (available on Amazon).
True to its name, the safe is portable and safely houses your smaller belongings like keys and phones. Each safe comes with a four-digit combination code, so you won’t need to worry about having another key.
Although you can leave your secure box(es) in a corner or under your towel, it’s still better to keep an eye on them. There’s no telling how desperate potential crooks can be.
3. Bury Your Valuables
Out of sight is out of mind. And this holds true when it comes to safeguarding your belongings when alone at the beach.
There’s hardly any better way to ensure this than picking out a safe spot for a surreptitious burial.
- First, ensure no one’s watching while you dig your preferred spot. Use a small shovel and confirm the site is far from the sea to avoid water contact from waves.
- Wrap your valuables in your beach towel, place them in the hole, and mark the spot extensively. Forgetting the exact spot defeats the aim of burying your possessions, so place as many indicators as possible.
Provided you’re also on the lookout wherever you are, this method is highly effective.
4. Hide Them in Unpredictable Places
Most thieves at the beach are rather opportunistic, so ensuring your keys and phones are entirely hidden is one of your safest options.
Unlike lock boxes that obviously hold items, potential thugs won’t suspect your prized possessions if they don’t see any sign of them.
People have hidden valuables in diapers, empty sunscreen bottles, and other unpredictable places. There are also diversion water bottles for keeping your stuff, and even beach towels now have discreet pockets.
However, conditions vary at the beach, as some are too tidy for you to find empty bottles or leave diapers lying around. So, just put your creative mind to work and stash your belongings anywhere you deem unexpected.
5. Keep Your Belongings at the Provided Locker(s)
Many beach resorts have taken note of the increasing theft rate thus provide a locker facility. You’ll most likely pay to access it, but that’s okay if it ensures you have some peace of mind.
You’ll also need to protect your locker key, depending on the type of locker. It could prove costly if it got into the wrong hands.
So, before selecting the perfect resort to get sand between your toes, the availability of a lockable locker should be an essential criterion.
6. Leave Them at Your Lodge
This is hands down the safest way to ensure your valuables stay safe, especially when alone on vacation.
You’ve come to the seaside to loosen up or engage in fun-filled activities, so why distract yourself with too much stuff?
Learn to leave unnecessary items at your hotel room or wherever you lodged whenever possible. Drop your key at the reception and stroll unencumbered to the beach.
What to Do When Your Keys and Phones Go Missing at the Beach
First and foremost, covering your vacation with travel insurance is vital.
You may do your best, but miscreants might still get away with your belongings at the beach.
If you’re ever a victim of beach theft, don’t fret. Quickly take the following steps:
- Report the incident to the resort’s officials first. Your belongings may not have been stolen – they may have been found by a good samaritan.
- If your room keys were in the mix, promptly report to your hotel’s front desk for them to take swift action.
- Report the incident at the local police authorities.
- Contact your insurance agency asap. Most agencies will refund the cost of your stolen items.
- If a phone was among the stolen items, you may want to contact your carrier to disable your service and possibly track it.
Chances are pretty low you’ll recover your stolen items. However, try tracking them as much as you can after ensuring those you have left are safe.
Conclusion
When you’re at the beach alone, the best place to keep your belongings safe is in a waterproof waist pouch. They will be with you wherever you go without the risk of water damage.You can also keep them:
- Locked in a safe
- Buried in sand
- In a locker facility
- At your lodge (leave them behind)
Ensure your vacation is insured by an insurance agency to enable you recover from any potential loss, cost-wise.
Ultimately, try to remain calm while contemplating your next move to avoid losing more stuff.