Anyone who has been on holidays knows that while it’s awesome, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. I’m looking at you travelers diarrhea. Today I want to chat about one of the pitfalls of traveling – being a magnet for pickpockets. And theft in general. It’s not nice but it happens and solo female travelers are even bigger targets. Here are my tips on how to avoid pickpockets while traveling and keep your belongings secure. I hope they can help you have a safe, stress-free vacay!
A Realistic Guide On How To Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
Choose a good bag
When it comes to avoiding pickpocketing, some types of bags work in your favor more than others.
If you are using a purse or handbag, look for long strap bags (long enough to wear over your shoulder) that can be closed with a zip.
When you are out, wear the bag so it makes a diagonal line across your body from one shoulder to the opposite hip. This way, it can’t be grabbed or taken easily because your body would go with it.
Sit the bag on the front of your hip instead of the back so you have full sight of it.
If you will be using a backpack, get something that can be closed securely. Something with a zip and top cover is best.
Bags to avoid:
- Bags that can’t be worn on your body as they can be easily lost or stolen. E.g. clutch or small handheld bag.
- Backpacks with easily accessible sections. E.g. bags with a loose flap to close the section and no zips or ties.
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Organizing your bag
Having a good bag doesn’t entirely solve the problem, there’s also a knack to organizing your bag.
If possible, it’s best to have your valuables in the areas of the bag that are most difficult to access and closest to your body.
For example, if I am out exploring with my Herschel backpack then nothing valuable is in the small front pocket or at the top of the backpack. Those areas are too easy to do a quick grab – even if I was wearing the bag and I might not notice.
However, getting to the section of the bag which is touching my back or the bottom of it would require some effort and wouldn’t go unnoticed.
If your bag has secure pockets inside the bag then that’s a good option for your valuables – or as many as can fit in there.
Getting a good RFID wallet or bag is an extra step to protect your passport or cards being scanned (hacked) while you’re out. The RFID protection is like a forcefield to block people being able to pick up the signal from your items.
Split up your money
If you are traveling and will have a bit of cash on you, don’t hold it all in the one place.
This way, in the worst case scenario if your bag gets stolen then at least it isn’t all your cash.
If you won’t need it all on the day you’re going out then you can always leave some in the hotel safe if your room has one.
If you will be using it throughout the day or don’t have access to a safe (or just don’t trust them), another option is to use a cash belt like this one. This way you can put some cash and ID cards in the belt and it will be secure if your bag is lost or stolen.
Another idea is to use an infinity scarf like this one which has a hidden pocket in it.
These types of things are handy for avoiding pickpocketing as well because they keep your valuables in hard to get places.
Also, splitting up the cash is more relevant for trips where you need a decent amount of cash. If I was only getting out $100 or so, then I wouldn’t stress too much about splitting it up.
But for longer trips or places where cash is king, I would get out a few hundred at a time to save on ATM fees and on those occasions I split it up.
Keep your belongings on you
And actually on you or attached to you in some way.
I’ve heard so many stories of people leaving a bag under the table while they eat or on a chair next to them and it getting stolen. It’s so easy to disappear without you knowing because we are thinking about so many other things while we travel.
My general rule is that my bag is always attached to me while I’m traveling. We become one!
If I’m on a train, I’ll have one arm linked through the strap if it’s next to me. Or if I’m sleeping at the airport during a layover, I’m either using the bag as a pillow or have my arm or leg in one of the straps.
It’s never not connected to my body.
The same goes for my camera which I always have hanging around my neck.
Protect your personal space
This is kind of obvious, but pickpockets can only get your stuff if they can get close to you.
Just for general safety while you’re traveling it’s a good idea to always be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to who is around you, where you’re walking, and take control of maintaining a distance.
Reduce the likelihood of something shady happening by limiting the opportunities.
It’s not always possible to avoid crowds while you’re traveling though. When you’re visiting somewhere crowded, keep your valuables away from easily accessible areas – never in your pocket, and just be aware of the people around you. If something feels shady, just move.
Other guides you might enjoy
What To Look For When Booking A Hotel – Here’s My Research Process
Travel Diary Ideas – 21 Thoughtful Prompts For Your Travel Journal
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Good info here, Katie. And thank you for providing helpful informaton to us fellow travel-loving females!
As for me on this subject…
I won’t leave home without my PortaPocket wearables. It’s a fully modular system that lets me keep small essentials almost anywhere on my body, and can work both under or over clothing. Much more versatile than any neck safe or money belt, & goes from casual to black tie. I’ve even used them at water parks w/ the optional Loksak insert. I find it invaluable while traveling but useful every day too… I even use ’em at home so I don’t misplace my cell :))
Been lauded as “best travel accessory we’ve ever used” by seasoned world travelers,
While this is my baby/2nd child, it’s always gratifying to help others make their daily lives easier. 😉
Take a peek? there’s demo on home at portapocket.com
Many kits are also on amazon.
Cheers!