We usually don't give much thought to having our wallet lost or stolen, however it is a subject that everyone should at least consider to avoid having to deal with extreme inconveniences in the future if a thief or someone with a bad intentions were to find your wallet.

The following is a list of a few items you should give extra thought about not putting in your wallet:

1. Spare Keys

A lost wallet containing your home address (likely found on your driver’s license or other items) and a spare key is an invitation for burglars to do far more harm than just opening a credit card in your name. Don’t put your property and family at risk.

Instead: Keep your spare keys with a trusted relative or friend. If you’re ever locked out, it may take a little bit longer to retrieve your backup key, but that’s a relatively minor inconvenience.

2. Checks

Blank checks are an obvious risk—an easy way for thieves to quickly withdraw money from your checking account. But even a lost check you’ve already filled out can lead to financial loss—perhaps long after you’ve cancelled and forgotten about it. With the routing and account numbers on your check, anybody could electronically transfer funds from your account.

Instead: Only carry paper checks when you will absolutely need them. And leave the checkbook at home, bringing only the exact amount of checks you anticipate needing that day.

4. Multiple Credit Cards

Although you shouldn't ditch credit cards altogether (those who regularly carry a card tend to have higher credit scores than those who don’t), consider a lighter load. After all, the more cards you carry, the more you’ll have to cancel if your wallet is lost or stolen. We recommend carrying a single card for unplanned or emergency purchases, plus perhaps an additional rewards card on days when you expect to buy gas or groceries.

Also, maintain a list, someplace other than your wallet, with all the cancellation numbers for your credit cards. They are typically listed on the back of your cards, but that won’t do you much good when your wallet is nowhere to be found.

Our site contains over 100 pages of travel safety tips and security tips that are useful for any traveler. You will find tips involving luggage theft, avoiding pickpockets, laptop theft, hotel burglary, and airplane, train, automobile, and boat travel crimes.