Scams and thefts happen to everybody. Infact, it’s the worst part of traveling. It has happened to me, whether I was in a large group or solo. It sucks, but we keep moving on, because travel is so worth it. So for today’s blog, I want to tell you some of the things that have happened to me, or to my friends, and give you tips on what you can do to possibly prevent it during your travels.
See our video of Safety while traveling abroad here on YouTube.
So first of all, if this happens to you, don’t panic… These scammers are professionals. There isn’t really anything you can do. You have to just learn from it and move on, and try not to sulk.
Get a theft protected purse. One that is slash proof, or that can lock, or has concealed pockets. I sometimes just do a crossbody purse now with concealed zippered pockets. If I really feel unsafe, I will put a sweater over the crossbody part, for it to look more hidden. I also have been known to carry a fanny pack across my body, too.
Consider carrying a waist pack under your clothes. I don’t really do this, because people will watch you if they want to rob you, and will know if its under there when you’re purchasing something. Guys… don’t put anything in your back pocket.
Regardless of your purse or wallet situation, don’t carry everything on you at once. I have a little coin purse, that I keep my daily spend in, with some currency and one card. It has a little clip on it, so I can secure it within my purse, onto a zipper.
My old coin purse stolen from me in Paris, but I am very thankful that I only had 20 euros and some coins in it. No cards, and not my entire bulk of euros.
When I’m traveling from one spot to another, I have my cash in a certain spot in my bag that is NOT easily accessible, and once I’m in my hotel, I put it in my safe, with my passport and other cards. When I leave my room for the day, I take maybe 20-50 dollars worth of currency with me, and the one card of my choice, usually my Chase Sapphire card.
I have been known to carry a fake wallet with me. One of Brian’s old ones, with some old cards that are expired, and a few dollars. If someone tries to rob me, I will hand them that, and run. I have not had to use this yet, but I like having it, just incase.
Be aware of scams. Every big city has scams they are known for. Literally google them. There are so many, specific to that city or country. I could make an entire blog on this alone.
Never let anyone handle your bags at an airport, whether its before or after your flight. People will pretend they work for your hotel or taxi driver, handle your bag, and then keep it until you give them money. I fell for this in Colombia, and it cost me a lot.
Always talk price with a taxi before you get in. Taxis can scam a lot and can lock you in until you pay them the amount they want. This happened to me in South America. Also, don’t fall for a broken taxi meter trick, or the “your lunch place/hotel is closed” trick.
Always be aware when you are buying something on the street, or when someone approaches you. They might have a partner, who is reaching into your bag, while you are distracted. They might even be kids! It’s a classic trick.
Share your itinerary with friends and family back home, just incase they don’t hear from you for a few days.
…but dont share too much with the general public. I don’t like to share my hotel info or post to social media until AFTER I went to said hotel or restaurant. Just incase.
Make copies of important documents, and have them in your favorites, and in your email.
Beware when you set your stuff down to take a photo. Better yet, just don’t set your stuff down at all. Especially your phone. On a table or bar or empty seat. (I’m looking at you, Frankie, in Cape Town)
Be extra aware in a very crowded place, like a super filled metro train. When it’s crowded, there are more bumps and nudges, and that nudge was probably into your purse.
Don’t draw too much attention to yourself. I like to be unique, and you should be, but try to blend in when it comes to safety. You don’t want your actions to scream “I’m a tourist! Rob me!”
When wearing a backpack, wear it in the front, so you can keep an eye on it.
Be weary of what you are doing on public wifi. Hackers, ya know?
Consider a lanyard for your phone. We always have our phones in our hands while traveling, to look at directions, or take photos. A lot of people I’ve seen have phone lanyards, to wrap around their wrists, for a better grip, especially in Europe.
Use ATMs that belong to banks during bank hours. A friend once used an ATM after hours and the machine ate her card, and she didn’t have a debit card for the rest of the trip. (Using only bank ATMs is such a good tip in general, because you will get the best exchange rate!)
Take photos of things before you rent them, like a car, or a mini bar. You don’t want any scams, if they say you dented it, and you have no way to prove it.
Last of all, just simply be aware. We are all famous for being on our phones all day, and if that’s the case, we aren’t always aware of whats happening around is. Which is stupid when youre traveling, because youre missing out on stuff, but also because you can get taken or pickpocketed easily.
Travel safely, everyone.
Lauren Kelly
