When the unexpected Happens: How to Keep Your Cool

What do you do when you are far from home and you lose your bag with your passport, credit cards and extra cash?

Be Prepared- to avoid losing it all, be prepared.  Keep a few $20 bills in a separate bag or hidden somewhere on your person.  Carry a photocopy of your passport and any required visas and keep in a place separate from the original.  Or store important documents in a password-protected account online or in your smartphone. 
Don't Panic- Even the most careful traveler can have a problem
Ask for help- If you are in a country where little English is spoken, enlist the help of a hotelier or at the tourist office to assist you in making phone calls or explaining the situation to the police
File a police report- Find a police officer and report the loss.  Having a police report may help with replacing your passport and credit cards, and it's a must if you file an insurance claim.
Use the internet- get online at your hotel or a public internet terminal and find contact details for the nearest U.S. Embassy and your bank, retrieve information you have stored online or ask family back home for help.
Replace your passport- Without a passport, you can't leave the country, and it will be difficult to check in at a new hotel or receive wired funds.  To replace your passport , you will need to go in person to the closest American embassy or consulate.  Having a copy of your passport will make this easier.  A replacement passport costs $140 and generally can be issued within a dew days or faster if you explain that you need it right away.
Cancel debit and credit cards- Within two days, cancel your lost or stolen debit and credit cards and order replacements.  The global customer assistance center collect (Visa:  410-581-9994; Mastercard:  636-722-7111; American Express:  623-492-8427).  You will need to tell them the name of the bank that issued the card and the type of card; identification-verification details.  Your bank can generally deliver a new card to you in Europe within two to three business days.
Keep track of your stuff- you're more likely to inadvertently lose your bag than to have it stolen.  You're especially vulnerable when you're tired, confused or using public transportation.

Posted by Reid Travel of Boca Raton, FL