Nothing ruins a good vacation like having your camera and all your pictures stolen. While some destinations are notorious for their clever and resourceful thieves, some tourists also make it easy for them by underestimating the risk of having their camera stolen or by thinking it won’t happen to them ...

… until it does happen to them.

So how can you keep your prized electronics safe?

Don’t pack your camera equipment (or any other valuables) in your checked luggage. A Google search for “camera stolen from luggage” reveals hundreds of stories of cameras disappearing while bags were in the hands of the airlines. (In fact, two TravelMuse staffers had personal items lifted from their luggage within days of each other during the holidays.) When you get your airline ticket read the fine print on the back. Most tickets have a disclaimer that releases the airline and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from any responsibility. If possible put your camera and other valuables in your carry-on bag.

Use common sense. Never leave your camera unattended, even for a minute, and don’t assume that your hotel room is safe, no matter the quality of the hotel you’re staying in.

Avoid carrying a brand name camera bag. It announces that you’ve got valuable gear, and that is exactly what thieves are on the lookout for. Choose a bag that looks generic instead, and if it has a brand name logo on it, cover it with a patch or pin of some kind.

Consider bags with concealed zippers. The Lowepro Flipside has a zipper that is accessible only from the back, making it impossible for thieves to open when you’re wearing it. It’s also a good idea to wear your backpack against your chest where you can see it when in crowded situations.

Be aware that some thieves work in teams. One will create a distraction while another grabs your camera right out from under your nose by cutting the shoulder strap of your purse or bag or slashing the material and letting your valuables drop out. Common places to watch out for this scam: subways, but terminals, crowds.

There are now camera bags and straps on the market that protect against ‘slash and grab’ thefts. Pacsafe bags are equipped with steel mesh hidden in every panel, making them impossible to slash. Combined with similarly slash-proof shoulder straps, tamperproof zippers and anchor clips that allow you to securely attach the bag to a stationary object, these bags can provide a lot of peace of mind.

With a little bit of preparation and planning you can greatly reduce the chances of having your camera stolen, making your vacation much more relaxing.