Travelling hiding birthday gift

[Sprockermum]

Hi.. Advice please.... A question on insurance... We are travelling to Turkey and I have bought OH an expensive gift for his bday. I have it insured BTW. Is it better to a) gift it to him before we go(don't really want to as his bday is while we're away) b) carry it on me in hand luggage or c) pack it in suitcase?... I've read the small print on the policy but unless it's stolen by force or threat it won't be covered.... Thanks in advance...

NEVER pack items of value or essential medication in your suitcase. Bags go missing or get delayed all the time, and you just need one dishonest baggage handler in that whole process and it’s gone.

If you must take it with you then put it in your hand luggage. Also, hotel safes are not always that safe (I had some cash stolen from one in Thailand) so where will you store it once you’re there?

It would totally on what it was too. An expensive Rolex that might get nicked, particularly if it’s flashy, might be better kept at home until after the trip. Then just take a smaller gift with you and a promise of his proper gift when you get home.

I leave all my expensive jewellery, including my engagement ring, at home when I travel.

Good advice above. What not take a photo of the expensive gift, print it off and place inside a birthday card for him, leaving the gift with a trusted friend or relative back in the UK. It’s something for him to look forward to at the end of the holiday. You could still take a ‘token’ gift for him to open whilst away.

I know so many people who’ve had expensive jewelry and watches stolen on holiday....including safes being broken into and muggings. Just not worth it and you want to be able to relax on holiday, not looking over your shoulder all the time for people with ulterior motives. For what it’s worth I always take a cheap Timex watch with me on holiday, leaving my expensive Tag Heuer watch safely at home.