Summary:
When we’re arranging our annual vacation, few of us take into account the need to deter thieves. Yet when traveling in a foreign country it always pays to carry out as much research as you can on the local “crime spots,” and to look and act more like a local than a tourist. This article gives tips and advice that will help you to avoid becoming a victim of theft when traveling abroad.

Details or Sample:
How to Reduce your Chances of Becoming a Victim of Theft when Traveling Abroad

So you’ve got your credit card, passport, and camera, and you’ll be picking up sunscreen on your way to the airport. What else do you need? How about any anti-theft devices you might have gathering dust in the house? No one wants to think that the part of the world they’re planning to visit harbors dangers and unscrupulous people eager to rip them off at every corner, but rather that they’re heading for an undiscovered paradise. However, it does no harm to leave for your destination as prepared as you can be and, when there, to take the precautions required to ensure that your holiday isn’t marred by any unfortunate incidents where your belongings are concerned.

Because few tourist organizations issue safety advice for fear it may scare off potential visitors, it can be difficult to find such information about the spot you’re traveling to. However, in most cases you can use your common sense. If you look conspicuous and very much like a tourist, you are not only signaling that you are probably carrying a large amount of cash, but also that you’re perhaps feeling a little vulnerable in a city many miles from home. These are green lights to a thief. Most people think that carrying a camera around identifies them as a tourist, but in some cities what you wear and where you wear it is just as strong an indicator. For example, anyone wearing shorts on the Barcelona metro or in the city center will stand out as a tourist (the people of Barcelona are almost obsessive about how they dress!). That doesn’t mean you have to take a suitcase full of designer gear, just that making a few modifications to what you wear and when, as well as to how you act on your vacation, could very well reduce your risk of becoming a victim of theft.

Almost every city has its unsavory parts and a little research will help you to identify these. While you may be one of those tourists who feels that he or she hasn’t truly experienced all a city has to offer unless it involves sampling the areas that the guide books recommend steering clear of, try to do so with someone who knows the region and can advise on how to behave to protect your safety. Alternatively, sign up for a guided tour of the areas (if available) so that you get to see them in safer conditions.

Always look after your belongings. Wear them as close to your body as you can. A backpack or messenger-type bag that’s worn across the body is a more secure place for your belongings than a purse that hangs from one shoulder. Similarly, don’t unnecessarily expose your camera, iPod, or cell phone, or leave them unattended. You may think that your cell phone is safe resting on a table some inches away from your hand, but a clever con artist will find it easy to distract you for the seconds it takes for him to steal it.

The following tips will help keep you and your belongings safe during your travels:

• Act confidently and with a sense of purpose. Thieves are less likely to prey on a tourist who looks in control of a situation.

• Be wary of groups of people who approach you or try to attract your attention. Con artists usually work in groups – one or two distract you while the others steal your belongings.

• When wearing a backpack, make sure that no valuables are in the outer pockets, especially if you plan to wear it while traveling on public transport. A thief could easily gain access to your belongings if they’re in an outer section of your pack while you remain completely oblivious.

• Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t carry them in such a way as to make it easy for a thief to snatch them from you (i.e. don’t carry a camera suspended by a strap around your neck).

• If you need to consult a map, do so discreetly – in a café or side street.

• When in cafes, bars, or restaurants remain vigilant. It’s easy to switch off when you’re relaxing, but don’t leave any belongings on the floor or where you can’t see them at all times. Don’t hang your purse on the arm of a chair. It’s a good idea to wrap the strap of your purse or bag around something that will act as an “alert system” should someone try to take it (e.g. your leg!).

• Carry only as much cash as you need.

• When removing your wallet from your bag, do so discreetly, especially in areas where thieves are likely to operate (e.g. train stations, tourist attraction sites). If a thief knows where you keep your wallet he is more inclined to believe he can steal it from you and more likely to attempt to do so.

A few sensible measures will ensure that you come home having had only your heart stolen in your vacation paradise!

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