No one would ever want to be caught into the trouble of losing travel documents, the only proof of your identity when travel abroad.

1. Make paper copies

It is vital to make copies of your important travel documents including passport, visa, credit cards, birth certificate, work permit, driver's license and other documents in both black and white form and colored form. Separate these copies from the original and store them in safe and different places. Leave at least one copy back at home so that your family or relative can fax you when you lost your documents. You can either bring the copies when you go out or leave them at hotel but take the original ones according to the hotel's security condition. An extra set of original passport photos is also necessary to replace your passport easier.

Besides, write down on a memorandum the serial numbers, date and location of the issuing agency of the traveler's checks, as well as the phone number of your credit card company in case of losing your contact. Do not forget to leave a copy at home.

2. Make electronic copies

Besides making paper copies, you can also make electronic copies. Scan your travel documents and upload them into your email box, then you're able to access them anywhere anytime with computer and internet connection. However, the high-skilled hacker can crack down your online system even if it has been encrypted.

If you want a more secure online copies saving, you can apply for a third-party online safe deposit box for it offers a sophisticated secure system with a complicated encryption technology that will not be cracked down easily, making your documents absolutely safe.

3. Keep documents in a safe deposit box

When you arrive at your destination in another country, the very first thing to do is to find a deposit box, either at a bank or at your hotel, and store all your important travel documents there. It is worth paying some rent for the safe deposit box because they can keep all your documents safe till you leave or require taking them back.

Some hotels do not charge for the safe deposit box service, and you can leave your documents in the dainty safe of your room and lock it while you are out. Being able to store documents in your room is a real convenience, but it is advisable to ask for a cover for your documents and leave them in the main safe of the hotel for more secure storage. Remember to fetch them when you are leaving the hotel.

4. Keep documents close to you

If you want to carry your travel documents with you, keep them close to you, for example, in the inside pocket of clothes, waist wallet under clothes or arm bag. Never put documents in outside pocket, backpacks, handbags or in other places where they are easy to be target. Try not to put the documents together.

5. Find appropriate containers

During travel, it's wise to get appropriate containers for your travel documents. Some multi-featured document holders can keep all the necessary documents handy and safe. And it's suggested that you keep all your important travel documents in a waterproof plastic bag, even when they have already been put inside the document holder. Waterproof plastic bags are extremely useful in unforeseeable situations such as split drinks or inks, rainstorm, or even hurricane.

6. Avoid theft

Take more caution when you are in a crowded place, such as supermarkets, parks, parties, stations, subways and buses.

Keep a low profile to avoid thief's attention. Do not wear designer clothes or effulgent jewelries.

The six guidelines mentioned above offer you a way to safely organize and store important documents while traveling abroad. Following these tips will enable you to enjoy your vacation and save the trouble of calling the police or embassy or consulate to find your documents or replace them.