Latest news with #LloydFiggins
CNN
05-04-2025
- CNN
A relative or friend is missing abroad. What should you do?
Fear and anxiety over a loved one missing overseas can be compounded by a lack of access to local officials and basic information, as well as time differences or language barriers. But some basic steps can – and should – be taken if you fear someone has been caught up in a disaster or gone missing. Here's where to start: The US Department of State recommends discussing plans for staying in touch with friends and relatives before they leave. Agree on how frequently they will be in touch and whether it will be over the phone, via email, or via text. It's advisable to keep their contact information and a copy of their travel itinerary, including flight and hotel information, handy, the State Department says. These details can be vital for officials to use in their search efforts should a disappearance happen. The more information you can provide, the better they may be able to help. In most cases where people are believed to be missing, a change in itinerary and travel to an area without cell signal or internet may be the reason for a falsely raised alarm, travel safety expert Lloyd Figgins told CNN, highlighting the importance of providing updates should travel plans change. If travel plans include a remote destination, bringing equipment like a small satellite communicator that doesn't need internet connectivity to work and may have limited texting capability, is also advisable. 'That will alert people to exactly where you are and what sort of situation you're finding yourself in,' Figgins said. He also recommends downloading the What3Words app onto your phone. The app uses a geocode system to identify any location with a resolution of approximately 3 meters when you open the app – even without internet or cell phone connectivity. Sometimes, American cell phones don't work well overseas. This is especially true when there are lots of calls overwhelming phone services. The State Department recommends texting, which may work better than calling from abroad. Also, try checking on your loved one's social media accounts to see if they have made recent posts. Some social media sites let people 'check in' to say where they are during a crisis. And try contacting your loved one's travel companions and close friends, as well as their tour operator, hotel, school, or any organization with which they are working. 'Particularly if they're traveling with a friend or another family member, if you can get hold of them, or if they have spoken to friends or other family members, gather information from them as quickly as you can about where they were going, who they were with, where they were planning on traveling to next,' Figgins said. 'Any details you can get from people that might have seen them or might have been with them is really key to get as quickly as possible.' If you've reached out to your US citizen relative or friend with no response, the first thing Figgins recommends is notifying the police, both in the location where they were last known to be or where you think they're missing. Each US Embassy and Consulate has local emergency numbers on their websites. Your local police department may also be able to notify the police in the location of the missing person through Interpol, Figgins said. 'A lot of people think that they need to wait 24 hours to raise the alarm. That is not the case, he said. 'If you are genuinely concerned, do not wait 24 hours, because that 24-hour window is key, particularly in things like abductions … the reality is, if someone is in danger, we need to get to them as quickly as possible.' Figgins also recommends contacting the State Department's Overseas Citizens Services office in Washington, DC, or nearest US Embassy or Consulate. State Department officials can ask authorities abroad for help and check for reports of a US citizen who has been hospitalized, arrested, or is unable to contact those looking for them. The Overseas Citizens Services office can be contacted at 1-888-407-4747. To assist officials, it's important to establish if your friend or loved one has any medical conditions. 'If they have a pre-existing medical condition, they could have had a medical episode. Therefore, you'll need to check with local hospitals, clinics and so on,' Figgins said. Another thing to do from home is to provide officials with a recent photograph of the person who is missing, taking care that the photo closely resembles what they currently look like. 'If it is looking like the worst-case scenario, you might be asked by the police to provide a DNA sample from that person, and that you'd be able to get from something like a hairbrush or toothbrush from home,' Figgins said. There are steps to take to make sure you are getting the support you need, Figgins said. Hire a translator: If English is not the first language in the country where someone is missing, make sure you get local help from a translator as 'things can be lost in translation,' he said. 'You need to make sure that the information you're getting is absolutely correct because that will enable you then to act upon the information that you've been given.' Send a person to be a physical presence in the country: If you are able and it is safe to do so, having a physical presence in the country is also a good idea. But he warned sometimes immediate family members can be too close to the situation. 'If you are going to have somebody go out there, make sure that somebody is prepared and capable of dealing with what could potentially be the worst-case scenario and the worst news.' Sending someone to the respective country has the added benefit of putting them in the right time zone, facilitating easier access to information, he added. Get the media involved: 'If it is a case of a missing person, the media have been exceptionally useful in some cases where they can raise awareness,' Figgins said. 'They can get images of the person out on TV, on social media and so on, and that might jog someone's memory as to having seen that person, and that then gives you a time and a date stamp for when they were last seen.' The travel safety expert does not advocate involving media in a kidnapping case, where he encourages letting officials or hostage negotiators do their work, as interference can be detrimental. Use social media: Lastly, it might also be a good idea to post a public message on social media so others who might have information can see it and respond. Helpful things to include in your post include a recent photo of the missing person, their name and where they were last seen or last headed, said Figgins. However, the State Department warns to be careful not to give out too much information in a public message, because identity thieves and scammers might see it and try to take advantage. Things you'd want to leave out of your public post are where your friend or loved one is from and any direct contact information. All enquiries should be directed to police and authorities, rather than family, as scammers could use direct access to the family for financial gain and could, in some cases, demand ransom even if they have no knowledge about the missing person. Above all, if you do suspect that somebody is missing or there is unusual behavior, Figgins said, it's important to act quickly. 'If somebody usually sends messages, or they post on social media daily, and then, for no reason, there's no explanation as to why that suddenly stops – that's a big red flag.' 'If you can't call them, they're not answering, they're not responding to usual channels of communication - that is the time to raise the alarm,' he said. 'Time is of the essence wherever a missing person is involved.'
CNN
05-04-2025
- CNN
A relative or friend is missing abroad. What should you do?
Fear and anxiety over a loved one missing overseas can be compounded by a lack of access to local officials and basic information, as well as time differences or language barriers. But some basic steps can – and should – be taken if you fear someone has been caught up in a disaster or gone missing. Here's where to start: The US Department of State recommends discussing plans for staying in touch with friends and relatives before they leave. Agree on how frequently they will be in touch and whether it will be over the phone, via email, or via text. It's advisable to keep their contact information and a copy of their travel itinerary, including flight and hotel information, handy, the State Department says. These details can be vital for officials to use in their search efforts should a disappearance happen. The more information you can provide, the better they may be able to help. In most cases where people are believed to be missing, a change in itinerary and travel to an area without cell signal or internet may be the reason for a falsely raised alarm, travel safety expert Lloyd Figgins told CNN, highlighting the importance of providing updates should travel plans change. If travel plans include a remote destination, bringing equipment like a small satellite communicator that doesn't need internet connectivity to work and may have limited texting capability, is also advisable. 'That will alert people to exactly where you are and what sort of situation you're finding yourself in,' Figgins said. He also recommends downloading the What3Words app onto your phone. The app uses a geocode system to identify any location with a resolution of approximately 3 meters when you open the app – even without internet or cell phone connectivity. Sometimes, American cell phones don't work well overseas. This is especially true when there are lots of calls overwhelming phone services. The State Department recommends texting, which may work better than calling from abroad. Also, try checking on your loved one's social media accounts to see if they have made recent posts. Some social media sites let people 'check in' to say where they are during a crisis. And try contacting your loved one's travel companions and close friends, as well as their tour operator, hotel, school, or any organization with which they are working. 'Particularly if they're traveling with a friend or another family member, if you can get hold of them, or if they have spoken to friends or other family members, gather information from them as quickly as you can about where they were going, who they were with, where they were planning on traveling to next,' Figgins said. 'Any details you can get from people that might have seen them or might have been with them is really key to get as quickly as possible.' If you've reached out to your US citizen relative or friend with no response, the first thing Figgins recommends is notifying the police, both in the location where they were last known to be or where you think they're missing. Each US Embassy and Consulate has local emergency numbers on their websites. Your local police department may also be able to notify the police in the location of the missing person through Interpol, Figgins said. 'A lot of people think that they need to wait 24 hours to raise the alarm. That is not the case, he said. 'If you are genuinely concerned, do not wait 24 hours, because that 24-hour window is key, particularly in things like abductions … the reality is, if someone is in danger, we need to get to them as quickly as possible.' Figgins also recommends contacting the State Department's Overseas Citizens Services office in Washington, DC, or nearest US Embassy or Consulate. State Department officials can ask authorities abroad for help and check for reports of a US citizen who has been hospitalized, arrested, or is unable to contact those looking for them. The Overseas Citizens Services office can be contacted at 1-888-407-4747. To assist officials, it's important to establish if your friend or loved one has any medical conditions. 'If they have a pre-existing medical condition, they could have had a medical episode. Therefore, you'll need to check with local hospitals, clinics and so on,' Figgins said. Another thing to do from home is to provide officials with a recent photograph of the person who is missing, taking care that the photo closely resembles what they currently look like. 'If it is looking like the worst-case scenario, you might be asked by the police to provide a DNA sample from that person, and that you'd be able to get from something like a hairbrush or toothbrush from home,' Figgins said. There are steps to take to make sure you are getting the support you need, Figgins said. Hire a translator: If English is not the first language in the country where someone is missing, make sure you get local help from a translator as 'things can be lost in translation,' he said. 'You need to make sure that the information you're getting is absolutely correct because that will enable you then to act upon the information that you've been given.' Send a person to be a physical presence in the country: If you are able and it is safe to do so, having a physical presence in the country is also a good idea. But he warned sometimes immediate family members can be too close to the situation. 'If you are going to have somebody go out there, make sure that somebody is prepared and capable of dealing with what could potentially be the worst-case scenario and the worst news.' Sending someone to the respective country has the added benefit of putting them in the right time zone, facilitating easier access to information, he added. Get the media involved: 'If it is a case of a missing person, the media have been exceptionally useful in some cases where they can raise awareness,' Figgins said. 'They can get images of the person out on TV, on social media and so on, and that might jog someone's memory as to having seen that person, and that then gives you a time and a date stamp for when they were last seen.' The travel safety expert does not advocate involving media in a kidnapping case, where he encourages letting officials or hostage negotiators do their work, as interference can be detrimental. Use social media: Lastly, it might also be a good idea to post a public message on social media so others who might have information can see it and respond. Helpful things to include in your post include a recent photo of the missing person, their name and where they were last seen or last headed, said Figgins. However, the State Department warns to be careful not to give out too much information in a public message, because identity thieves and scammers might see it and try to take advantage. Things you'd want to leave out of your public post are where your friend or loved one is from and any direct contact information. All enquiries should be directed to police and authorities, rather than family, as scammers could use direct access to the family for financial gain and could, in some cases, demand ransom even if they have no knowledge about the missing person. Above all, if you do suspect that somebody is missing or there is unusual behavior, Figgins said, it's important to act quickly. 'If somebody usually sends messages, or they post on social media daily, and then, for no reason, there's no explanation as to why that suddenly stops – that's a big red flag.' 'If you can't call them, they're not answering, they're not responding to usual channels of communication - that is the time to raise the alarm,' he said. 'Time is of the essence wherever a missing person is involved.'
National Geographic
06-02-2025
- National Geographic
The best money belt for travel in 2025
By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below.* Protecting your valuables while traveling is just as much about being vigilant as it is about taking precautions. The U.S. State Department, for example, recommends carrying cash and traveler's checks 'under your clothing in a pouch or a money belt.' 'Money belts are particularly effective in mitigating risks associated with theft and pickpocketing. They are most useful in high-risk areas known for petty crime, such as crowded tourist hotspots, markets, and public transportation,' Lloyd Figgins, the London-based security expert, former police officer, and chief executive officer of the Trip Group , writes in an email. 'By keeping essential documents like passports, credit cards, and emergency cash close to the body and out of sight, travelers significantly reduce the likelihood of opportunistic theft.' The best money belts have zippered pockets and are made from high-performance fabrics that are comfortable and functional. Some also protect against digital theft through RFID-blocking technology. Our overall favorite, the Venture 4th Travel Money Belt has plenty of pockets, yet is slim for tucking under clothes. Keep reading for a full breakdown of what to look for in a money belt and a list of our top picks. The best travel money belts It's important to choose a money belt that's both convenient and secure. Zippered pockets, adjustable straps, and high-quality workmanship are all important factors. Out favorite money belts include a variety of styles and sizes that work for different situations and types of trips. Best money belt for travel overall: Venture 4th Travel Money Belt Photograph courtesy Amazon Venture 4th Travel Money Belt Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: This money belt is a fantastic universal option that balances functionality and comfort. While it has only two main compartments, each has several more mesh pockets for additional organization. The slim profile is easy to conceal under clothing, while the adjustable elastic strap makes it comfortable for all-day wear. It's water-resistant, but most importantly, it's soft, so it won't cause discomfort when you move around. The breathable mesh panel on the back helps with air circulation—an essential when you're touring busy sites. We love the color variety too—20 options. Keep in mind: At five by 11 inches, some people with smaller frames may find it a bit too large. Product details: Fabric: Nylon | Size: 11 x 5.5 in. | Pockets: 2 | RFID: Yes Best money belt for men: Peak Gear Travel Money Belt Photograph courtesy Amazon Peak Gear Travel Money Belt Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: With its large pouch and soft elastic strap, this traveler-favorite money belt is ideal for stashing documents, cash, cards, and everything in between. Two pockets give you plenty of room for valuables, while a hidden ring allows you to keep keys secure. The strap has a dual-release buckle for extra security and all-day comfort. The pouch is made from durable, water-resistant, RFID-blocking nylon, but the best part are the two global recovery decals that the brand says can help you track the money belt if it's lost or stolen. Keep in mind: The pouch features a mesh lining on the back that, while helpful in deflecting body heat, will not wick away all the moisture if you wear it for a long time in warmer climates. Product details: Fabric: Nylon | Size: 13 x 7 in. | Pockets: 2 | RFID: Yes Best money belt for women: Fitgriff Running Belt for Men & Women Photograph courtesy Amazon Fitgriff Running Belt for Men & Women Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: While this is technically a running belt, we've found the slim, soft construction incredibly comfortable for travel too. The long, narrow pouch is stretchy and divided into two pockets, each secured with a weather-sealed zipper. The pockets can fit everything from keys (there is a safety hook in the small pocket) to loose change, and even a passport, stored lengthwise in the large compartment. Additionally, a convenient cable outlet in the large pocket lets you use earbuds. The fabric is made to stand up to the rigors of travel, protecting belongings from moisture, sweat, and rain. However, the company warns against exposing this money belt to a prolonged downpour, as it is not fully waterproof. Keep in mind: The largest belt size would fit a waist of up to 48 inches. This belt is not suitable for carrying extra-large items and does not have RFID-blocking capabilities. Product details: Fabric: Spandex with water-resistant coating | Size: 16 x 2.3 in. | Pockets: 2 | RFID: No Best leather money belt: Quince Italian Pebbled Leather Sling Bag Photograph courtesy Quince Quince Italian Pebbled Leather Sling Bag Buy it now at Quince Why we like it: With its slim silhouette and compact size, this sling bag can easily double as a money belt. I often wear mine under a bulky black sweater or a hoodie without anyone noticing. The high-quality construction makes it my go-to for storing valuables while traveling or running errands at home (it's basically a money belt and a sling all in one). The main front compartment has a card slot and comfortably holds basic travel essentials (including a passport), while the hidden back pocket is ideal for storing a smartphone and cash. The nylon strap closes with a loop that I have found very secure (for aesthetic reasons, I also prefer it to a classic buckle). Keep in mind: The strap is not elasticized, but it is adjustable. Product details: Fabric: Italian pebbled leather | Size: 5.7 x 11 x 1.5 in. | Pockets: 2 | RFID: No Best budget money belt: Daitet Money Belt Photograph courtesy Amazon Daitet Money Belt Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: This money belt costs just 10 bucks but has many impressive features. A few key characteristics that stood out to us include the front-facing buckle and the RFID-blocking material. We also appreciate the hidden back pocket—while it's not zippered, it still does a good job of keeping spare cash and other items you need easy access to. Plus, that back panel is made of breathable mesh to help repel moisture and sweat. We were also impressed with this money belt's light weight—if you just carry cash, you may forget you have it on. The strap is one of the most flexible on this list and stretches up to 55 inches. Keep in mind: The pouch is made to resist some water, but it is not fully waterproof. Product details: Fabric: Nylon | Size: 11.2 x 5.5 x 0.2 in. | Pockets: 3 | RFID: Yes Best large-capacity money belt: Lanney Money Belt for Travel Photograph courtesy Amazon Lanney Money Belt for Travel Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: Don't let this money belt's lightweight appearance fool you—it's an organizational powerhouse that can fit an impressive number of items. The main pocket alone has three compartments for larger items such as passports, phones, and travel documents. The smaller one is ideal for cash, coins, and cards. We especially love that this money belt comes with 10 RFID-blocking card sleeves. The pouch itself is reinforced with RFID-blocking panels, so you're fully covered. Other anti-theft features—the anti-skid zippers, front buckle, and reinforced stitching—are more reasons to add this money belt to your travel pack. Keep in mind: There is no hidden back pocket. Product details: Fabric: Nylon | Size: 10 x 5.5 x 0.1 in. | Pockets: 2 | RFID: Yes Most versatile money belt: CamelBack Ultra Running Hydration Belt Photograph courtesy Amazon Camelback Ultra Belt Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: I love this money belt for its convenience and durability. Instead of having that classic 'money belt' look, it resembles a wide belt that's lined with four pockets. One of the pockets is zippered and expands for bulkier or oddly shaped items (it fits a passport and a phone). The back pocket has a fabric loop to attach keys, and another pocket has two smaller loops for other small items. However, my favorite thing about this money belt/running belt is its lightweight construction. It feels like a mesh belt; it doesn't make you sweat or overheat, no matter what you're doing or how long you wear it. The belt comes with a foldable water bottle that fits in a pocket. Keep in mind: This is a slip-on belt, so there are no buckles, which means you cannot adjust the fit. Product details: Fabric: Mesh and sustainable nylon, according to the brand | Size: 4.7 x 13.4 x 2.4 in. | Pockets: 4 | RFID: No Most compact money belt: Bison Designs T Lock Money Belt Photograph courtesy REI T Lock Money Belt Buy it now at REI Why we like it: It doesn't get any more literal than this money belt. With no bulky pouch, this belt doubles as a cash wallet thanks to a zippered compartment that runs 28 inches along the entire length of the belt and secures via a zipper. Another great feature is the plastic buckle, which not only holds the belt in place (the strap is adjustable) but also lacks any metal parts so that it won't set off the metal detectors at the airport. Keep in mind: If you fill it up, it may feel stiff. And other than cash and smaller items like earbuds or lip balm, it won't fit much else. Product details: Fabric: Nylon webbing | Size: 38 x 1.3 in. (size M); 46 x 1.3 in. (size XL) | Pockets: 1 | RFID: No How we chose the best hidden money belts To find the best money belts, we talked to travel experts and leaned on our own experience testing out some of these products. We also dug deep into online resources for the pros and the cons for each of the belts on our list. Here's what we considered: • Third-party reviews: We sifted through online customer reviews to ensure the quality of our picks was consistent. We also considered the recommendations and opinions of editors, travel writers, and frequent travel experts on what they consider the best money belts and tips for shopping. • Anti-theft features: Things like RFID-blocking panels, difficult-to-slash straps, zippers, and sturdy buckles help keep valuables secure while traveling. • Fabric: When it comes to travel accessories like money belts, durable fabrics are essential. We favor products made from water-resistant and high-quality materials that protect your valuables for many trips. • Storage: While money belts have limited storage capacity, the best ones feature multiple pockets and compartments to help organize items. • Comfort: Since money belts are worn under clothing, often in direct contact with the skin, they should be lightweight, soft, and comfortable. Most styles have an elastic belt that improves the fit. • Functionality: This is one of the few travel accessories where functionality may trump style, so we focused on designs that impressed us with their utility, anti-theft features, and comfort first before considering style. Tips for buying a money belt for travel Size Money belts vary in size, depending on their function. That can affect storage capacity and, to an extent, comfort. Before investing in one, think about your needs and what you will store in it. Larger money belts may feel more uncomfortable and bulky than smaller ones. 'When properly concealed, money belts significantly reduce the likelihood of theft,' Figgins says. 'Conversely, visible or bulky money belts can have the opposite effect, attracting attention from thieves who recognize them as a likely storage place for valuables.' Material Most money belts are made from synthetic materials like high-performance nylon, which is known for its durability, abrasion- and water-resistance, and strength. However, keep in mind that synthetic fabrics are not breathable and trap heat, which may cause sweating and skin irritation. RFID blocking Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) uses radio waves to identify objects and collect personal data. Many bags, wallets, and other travel accessories are now made from RFID-blocking materials to prevent remote scanning by thieves. Personal documents, such as passports, often have an embedded chip that stores sensitive information. If you plan to carry these items, it may be worth it to look for a money belt that is reinforced with RFID-blocking components. Pockets Money belts may be small, but internal storage is still necessary. I often pass through multiple countries on a single trip and try to have at least some local currency on me, which I keep in a separate pocket from U.S. dollars. Most money belts have at least two compartments for bills and coins, as well as documents and other essentials. Pro tip—don't keep your smartphone and cash in the same pocket because coins can scratch the screen. Frequently asked questions What is a money belt? A money belt is a slim pouch with an adjustable band designed to be worn under clothing to conceal valuables such as cash and travel documents. Money belts can help keep your things safe from pickpockets while traveling. How do you wear a money belt? Money belts should be worn like regular belts, but under clothing. Secure them around your hips with the pouch in front so you can easily access cash and cards. Can you wear a money belt through TSA security? The TSA does not allow money belts through security because it categorizes them as travel accessories, similar to sling bags and regular belts. It 'strongly recommends' removing items such as wallets, belts, bulky jewelry, and money to 'reduce the likelihood that you will alarm the walk-through metal detector.' However, if you are carrying a large amount of currency, TSA recommends asking an officer to conduct a private screening away from the public. However, travelers who have TSA Pre Check are permitted to keep money belts on through security. What is the difference between a money belt and a sling bag? Money belts should be concealed underneath clothing, so they usually feature a small zippered pouch that sits flat at the front. Sling bags, on the other hand, are roomier and can be worn as crossbody bags or hip packs over T-shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Should I open my money belt in public? 'Ultimately, the effectiveness of a money belt depends on its concealment and the traveler's awareness,' Figgings says. He suggests opening your money belt in private, such as in a restroom. 'Avoid drawing attention to the process, as exposing the money belt in public can compromise its security.' Dobrina Zhekova is a lifestyle journalist based in Alexandria, Virginia. She specializes in travel and design and has written about a variety of topics, plus product reviews, for numerous online publications, including Travel + Leisure, Forbes, Vogue, and Departures. *Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
