Keeping your valuables safe is one of the biggest worries when you travel, especially if you’re carrying passports, cameras, laptops, or important documents. With a little planning—and by choosing the right accommodation—you can relax and focus on enjoying Iceland instead of stressing about your belongings.
At Ourhotels.is, with locations like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, we see every day how a few simple habits can make a big difference in peace of mind.
Here’s how to store your valuables safely while traveling in Iceland and beyond.
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### 1. Decide What Really Needs to Come With You
The safest valuables are the ones you leave at home.
Before you pack, lay everything out and ask:
– Do I really need this piece of jewelry?
– Can I travel with a backup credit card instead of all of them?
– Can I store some documents digitally instead of carrying paper copies?
Bring:
– One main bank card + one backup card
– A small amount of cash
– Your passport and driver’s license
– Essential electronics (phone, camera, laptop if needed)
Leave:
– Expensive, sentimental jewelry
– Large amounts of cash
– Unnecessary cards and IDs
Traveling lighter makes it easier to keep track of what truly matters.
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### 2. Use Hotel Safes Wisely
Many travelers underestimate how useful a hotel safe can be when used correctly.
At Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll typically have access to secure storage options, either in-room or at reception. These are ideal for:
– Passports and IDs
– Backup credit cards
– Extra cash
– Travel documents
– Electronics you don’t need that day
Tips for using hotel safes:
– Don’t use obvious PINs like 0000 or your birth year.
– Store only what you don’t need to carry that day.
– Keep a note (on your phone) of what you’ve placed inside so you don’t forget anything at checkout.
If you’re unsure about the safest option at a specific property, just ask the staff at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn—they’re used to helping guests store valuables securely.
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### 3. Keep Essentials on You—But Hidden
Some items should stay with you almost all the time:
– Passport (unless you can safely leave it in the hotel safe)
– One payment card
– A bit of cash
– Phone
Use:
– A money belt or hidden pouch under your clothes
– An inside pocket that zips
– A crossbody bag that stays in front of you
Avoid:
– Back pockets
– Open tote bags
– Leaving bags hanging on the back of chairs in cafés or restaurants
When you’re staying at Stykkishólmur Inn and heading out to explore the harbor or take a boat tour, for example, keep your essentials in a small, secure bag and leave everything non-essential locked up in your room or at reception.
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### 4. Split and Separate Your Valuables
Never keep all your “lifelines” in one place.
Try this:
– Card A + some cash + ID on you
– Card B + extra cash in the hotel safe
– Digital copies of documents stored online
This way, if you misplace your wallet while exploring Ísafjörður or hiking in Borgarfjörður near Hvítá Inn, you still have a backup card and some money waiting safely at your accommodation.
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### 5. Protect Your Tech: Laptops, Cameras, and Phones
Iceland is incredibly photogenic, so many travelers bring expensive cameras, drones, and laptops. These need extra care.
When you’re out:
– Carry only what you’ll use that day.
– Keep camera bags zipped and in front of you.
– Avoid leaving gear visible in parked cars, even in quiet areas.
When you’re at your hotel:
– Store laptops and cameras out of sight, ideally in a safe or locked suitcase.
– Use a simple cable lock for laptops if you have one.
– Enable “Find My Device” or similar tracking on phones and laptops.
If you’re staying at Ísafjörður Inn and heading out for a long day in the Westfjords, consider leaving your laptop locked in your room and taking only the camera gear you truly need.
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### 6. Use Digital Backups for Important Documents
Losing your passport or travel documents is stressful, but digital backups make recovery much easier.
Before you travel:
– Scan or photograph your passport, driver’s license, and insurance documents.
– Store them in:
– A secure cloud service (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, etc.)
– An encrypted folder or password manager
While staying at any Ourhotels.is property—whether it’s Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn—you’ll usually have Wi-Fi access, so you can quickly retrieve these backups if needed.
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### 7. Be Smart With Cash and Cards
Iceland is very card-friendly, so you don’t need to carry much cash.
Best practices:
– Withdraw small amounts of cash as needed.
– Keep a little in your wallet and the rest in your room safe.
– Use contactless payments where possible.
– Notify your bank you’re traveling to Iceland to avoid card blocks.
If you’re driving between Ourhotels.is locations—say, from Stykkishólmur Inn to Hvítá Inn—keep only what you need for fuel, snacks, and emergencies on you, and store the rest securely.
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### 8. Don’t Rely on Your Car as a Safe
Even in peaceful areas, a parked car is not a secure place for valuables.
If you must leave something in the car:
– Keep it completely out of sight (in the trunk, before you arrive at your parking spot).
– Never leave passports, wallets, or laptops in the car.
– Park in well-lit, busier areas when possible.
A better approach is to plan your day from your base at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn so that anything truly valuable stays locked up in your room while you’re out exploring waterfalls, fjords, or coastal villages.
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### 9. Choose Accommodations That Support Safe Travel
Where you stay has a big impact on how easy it is to protect your valuables.
When you book with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland and the Westfjords, you benefit from:
– Staff who know the local area and can advise on safe parking and routes
– Secure rooms and storage options
– Smaller, friendly properties where you’re more than just a room number
For example:
– **Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður** is a great base for exploring waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields. You can leave your valuables safely in your room while you enjoy the countryside.
– **Stykkishólmur Inn** puts you right in the heart of a charming harbor town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, perfect for boat tours and coastal walks without carrying everything you own.
– **Ísafjörður Inn** is ideal for adventurers heading into the dramatic Westfjords—come back from a long hike or kayak trip knowing your important belongings are secure.
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### 10. Trust Your Instincts and Ask for Help
If something feels off—an unlocked door, a broken lock, or a situation that makes you uncomfortable—act on it:
– Ask reception to change your room or check the lock.
– Use additional security like a luggage lock.
– Keep especially important items with you.
The teams at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn are used to helping guests with practical safety questions. If you’re unsure where to store something or how to handle a particular item, just ask—they’re there to help you feel at ease.
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Traveling through West Iceland and the Westfjords should be about wide-open landscapes, quiet fjords, and cozy evenings—not worrying about your passport or laptop. By combining smart habits with the secure, guest-focused environment at Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you can enjoy Iceland with confidence, knowing your valuables are well looked after.
