HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. -- Travel season is here and experts are offering some tips to make sure you don't get blindsided--whether by thieves targeting your stuff or misplaced items. 

People have become more savvy when it comes to protecting their identities and credit cards, but experts say when you jump on an airplane for a fun getaway -- you tend to let your guard down. 

"Think about it. You go on vacation to relax, right? You relax, you're guard is down. And that's probably the time you want to be extra vigilant," Christel Ventura with GTE Financial said. 

Ventura said travel identity theft happens to around 1 in every 4 people. Which can be an absolute nightmare when traveling. 

Ventura said there are a few ways to reduce your risk of being a victim. First, before you travel, alert your credit card company and bank that you will be traveling, that way it can flag your accounts and make it easier for them to spot any suspicious activity. 

Second, when you travel, don't take your whole wallet or purse full of credit or debit cards. Only take a couple and make sure they are widely accepted wherever you are traveling too. 

Third, never let your ID or credit cards out of your site. Leaving them in a bag on the beach, by the pool, or at a table, even for a short time, can put you at risk. 

And while you are traveling, experts say to always go online and check your accounts at least a couple of times to make sure all of your purchases listed are actually yours. If not, you might be able to catch identity theft before it gets worse.