Luggage in the car?

Question

I’ll be visiting on a road trip and didn’t think about having my luggage in the car between Big Sur and pacific grove on one of our days. This would involve some of the viewing stops and light hiking in the area.

Generally how risky is it to store luggage in the car but take all valuables with us when leaving it parked? We’d probably have them bike lock cabled together (4 small suitcases) and closed off in the trunk of a sedan.

The other option would be to skip Big Sur lodge and just stay 2 nights in pacific grove instead. Taking a day trip out to Big Sur with only day packs.

Answer

Storing luggage in your car while visiting Big Sur and the surrounding coastal areas is fairly common among road-trippers, but there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind.

Car break-ins in Big Sur and Monterey County are not extremely common, but they do happen, especially in popular tourist spots and trailhead parking areas. Thieves tend to target visible bags and electronics, so taking precautions is essential.

Keep valuables out of the car: Wallets, passports, electronics, and anything that might look tempting should be taken with you or hidden completely out of sight.
Use the trunk: Placing your luggage in the trunk is safer than leaving it on the seats or in the back hatch area. Make sure the trunk is fully closed and locked.
Consider securing with a cable lock: Using a bike-style cable lock for multiple suitcases may deter opportunistic thieves, but it won't stop someone determined enough to break into the car.
Park in well-trafficked areas: Choose designated parking lots or areas near other cars and popular trailheads where there is a higher likelihood of other visitors, which discourages theft.

Alternative options to carrying luggage include:

Stay two nights in Pacific Grove and make a day trip to Big Sur: This allows you to carry only day packs, which is easier and safer when parking at scenic stops or for light hikes.
Check if your Big Sur lodging offers luggage storage: Some lodges may allow early drop-off or late pick-up of bags, even if you’re not staying overnight there.
Use a shuttle or guided tour: If available, you could leave luggage in a safe location and explore Big Sur without worrying about your bags.

Overall, storing luggage in your car is doable if you take proper precautions, but for maximum peace of mind and flexibility during hikes or stops, traveling light with only day packs is the safest and least stressful option.

Luggage in the car?

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