Street Smart Abroad As a travel advisor, I want my clients to focus on the joy of exploring—not on the stress of replacing stolen passports or dealing with lost cash. Unfortunately, petty theft is common in many tourist destinations. But the good news? With a little preparation and awareness, you can greatly reduce your risk. Here are some simple, but powerful, ways to stay safe and protect your belongings while traveling.
1. Blend In
Tourists often stand out, making them easy targets. Avoid flashy clothing, expensive jewelry, or branded bags. Learn a few local phrases and observe how locals dress and behave.
2. Don’t Flash Valuables
Keep your phone, camera, and wallet out of sight unless needed. Taking out large amounts of cash or wearing high-end tech invites attention.
3. Use a Money Belt or Hidden Pouch
Wearing a concealed pouch under your clothing keeps cash, passports, and cards safe—especially in crowded areas.
Please remember if your passport is stolen, you NEED a police report from the country where it happened. It will go along way in helping you get an emergency passport.
4. Leave the Extras at Home
Only bring what you absolutely need for the day. Keep backup cards and IDs in your hotel safe or locked suitcase.
5. Watch Your Bags in Public Spaces
Keep essentials ON your body — not near you, not beside you, ON you. Restaurants, train stations, airports, and busy plazas are hotspots for theft.
6. Be Alert in Crowds
Pickpockets thrive in crowded places—markets, metro stations, festivals. Backpacks can be easy targets, so consider using crossbody bags worn in front.
7. Use Anti-Theft Bags
Invest in bags with lockable zippers, cut-resistant straps, and RFID-blocking compartments. There are brands that specialize in these bags.
8. Stay Aware of Distraction Tactics
Thieves often work in teams. One may spill something on you or ask for help while another grabs your belongings. Stay polite but cautious when approached unexpectedly.
9. Don't Trust Everyone Too Quickly
While most people you meet are friendly, avoid giving away your travel details, accommodation, or daily routine to strangers.
10. Photocopy Important Documents
Scan your passport, ID, and travel insurance and email a copy to yourself. If something gets stolen, you’ll have a backup. Also, leave a copy in your hotel room and with a friend at home.
11. Use Hotel Safes Wisely
Use the safe for passports, extra cards, and valuables—but don't store everything in one place. Divide and conquer.
12. Avoid Isolated ATMs
Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls rather than ones on the street. Shield your PIN and watch for anyone hovering too close.
13. Secure Your Tech
Enable location tracking on phones and laptops, and back up your data before travelling. A stolen device won’t mean losing your memories or files.
Make sure “Find My” is turned on — for everything.
Before you travel, double-check that “Find My” is active on your phone, and that your AirPods, laptop, iPad, etc. are updated, registered, and attached to your Apple ID.
If they’re not synced or haven’t been located recently, the system will only show the last known location when they were online, which may not help when they’re stolen. (This is really important)
If your devices are stolen, go online immediately and lock them remotely.
Use iCloud or your device management platform to mark them as lost, display a contact message, and erase them if needed. This prevents anyone from accessing your personal files, emails, or apps — even if the device is offline now, the action will trigger once it’s turned on.
14. Trust Your Gut
If a place, person, or situation feels off—trust your instincts and remove yourself. Awareness is your best tool.
15. Get Travel Insurance
It's not just for medical emergencies. Good travel insurance can cover stolen belongings and help you recover quickly if things go wrong.
Final Thoughts from Your Travel Advisor
Travel is about discovering the world—but staying safe ensures you enjoy every step of the journey. As your travel advisor, I’m happy to help with packing tips, safe accommodation recommendations, and pre-departure checklists. Don’t hesitate to reach out before your next adventure!
Article by Samantha Leeming, Travel Advisor with Gin & Tonic Travel
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