Hi All.


We are travelling around oz for a year or two in about 3 weeks time I'm looking for advice on how other long term travellers keep their personal items secure eg: Passports.  

You can PM on the topic if you want.  

First Timers

How are you travelling, First timers? Caravan, motorhome, tent, motels? A lot depends on if you have a house or only your travelling home? Some caravans/motorhomes have a little safe bolted to the floor, or you could do that yourself. Keep the phone numbers to call for lost/stolen cards etc separate to the cards. One thing that gives us peace of mind is that we have made photocopies of important documents, cards etc, and keep those at home while we are away. Or you could keep them with a trusted relative. Good luck!

Hi Gerty Dancer

Thank you for the reply.... we are travelling with our caravan and Ford Territory.


 We are researching the possibility of a caravan safe being installed.

Thanks again for your advice.

First Timers

We purchased one of these Caravan-safes [http://www.caravan-safe.com.au/] at a Caravan Show many years ago.

Our requirement was for a secure storage for Shirley's stock of "heavy duty" medication when we were on extended trips. It also contained copies of our bank/credit card numbers etc in the event of them being stolen/lost.

We bolted it to a shelf in one of the cupboards in the Campertrailer then transferred it to the Caravan when we upgraded. Being somewhat low profile we stack stuff on top of it, thus loosing little cupboard space, as we only needed to access the safe once a fortnight.

-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Friday 11th of February 2011 10:02:03 AM

in addition to the suggestions above check out http://www.securesentinel.com.au/

The use of a safe is a good approach & should be used.

In addition, I have located a number of 'unused spaces' in the van & use these to hold things like camera, laptop, wallet & handbags on a day to day basis.

Most vans have these little nooks & crannies that can be disguised to conceal them from all but a careful, detailed search.

Putting valuables out of sight takes them out of reach of the casual thief.  If you choose your hiding places carefully then it becomes a simple task to put things there as a matter of habit.

cheers ..

ps.  Don't forget some emergency cash, duplicate keys, card details & key phone numbers.

pps.  I have also fitted a key operated night latch (chain) to suppliment the door lock.

-- Edited by Cupie on Saturday 12th of February 2011 08:30:44 AM

Thank you all so very much for your input in my enquiry...... only 21 sleeps until we hit the road for a year or two. Yeeha!!!!

I am a full time van dweller, so therefore have no home to secure things. I have nooks and crannies out of sight. What the eyes don't see the hands don't want. Never leave valuables unattended in the awning/annexe, on the table or benches in the van, in clear view from the door or windows. Crooks need to be quick so if they have to search it reduces the opportunity. Look, Lock, Leave is a common sign around van parks. Also never leave things in full view from car windows. The same principle applies. Cash, GPS, phones, laptops and cameras are common targets because the little villians can sell or trade them for cash to top up their drug funds. You can never have too much trust, but if you keep your paranoia at the maximum you'll be too up-tight to have a good time. Safe and happy travels to you.

cupie, thanks for the idea of a extra latch chain on the door, will look into that one. I have found my back doors only lock from the outside, with the key, but the side sliding door locks on inside as well as outside so will be looking at every measure possible to make sure they are secure. Have found a few good nooks suitable for hiding valuables. It the same as in a car when up town, never leave anything in sight and no reason for crooks to want to break in. Have always been very careful in that situation.