This tip I learned from a Japanese journalist who I met while traveling solo in Poland: From the grocery, save the plastic carrier bag and use that to carry a few things like your guide book. When abroad it's fairly easy to pick out who's not local. But carrying that grocery bag says, "yes, I'm not from here (perhaps you are working there or studying) but I do know my way around." It's enough to throw people off a little and it makes you a little less of a target.

In most places I’ve been, wearing a backpack and non-fashion trainers in a city is pretty indicative that you are a tourist. I always try to dress as much like a local as possible and have been mistaken for one in virtually every country in Europe. I carry a crossbody or shoulder bag large enough for my essentials. I used to carry everything I thought I could possibly need for a day out and found that I didn’t use half of it; I was. a just carrying around extra weight. Never get out your “secret stash” in public! Go to a restroom or dressing room to access it. If possible, download a map on your phone. It’s much less of a tip-off that your a tourist than carrying around a map. I have also hidden a map in a magazine or book and just pretended to be reading on a bench.

Be careful on trains and buses. My sister, a frequent traveller, was on the train to the airport when someone knocked on the window from a station platform to get her attention. The moment she turned her head, someone took her briefcase from the seat beside her and was gone. Arriving at the airport, she discovered that five people had the same thing happen on that train. Lesson learned - never take your hands off your briefcase.

The first rule will always "There are pickpockets everywhere"! The second rule is always "Don't act like a tourist"!

I travelled around the world 40 years ago (Kathmandu to London, around Europe, hitchhiking and taking the train and bus for three months & spent a year in South America from top to bottom.) I never had one thing stolen and I always always kept my travelers cheques, cash and passport in a slim bum bag that I wore on my tummy. It had a zipper & I just rested my hand on it all the time. Even when I was asleep on the bus, I had it on my body. One of my traveling companions, used to take hers off when she went to sleep on public transport and would stuff her valuables down the bottom of her sleeping bag. She awoke one day, to find a 6 inch slit cut into the bottom of her sleeping bag. That took 2 weeks visiting her Embassy in Brazil to sort out the Passport problem. She had to return home early because her parents didn't have the money to give her to keep traveling. True story!! Never EVER let your stuff out of your control. If you think you'll nod off to sleep, make sure you cuddle your bag that's attached to you and turn away from the public & face the wall. Also, very good advice from this lady was to not wear Blingy jewelry. Especially Nowadays - not things like an I watch. Go get yourself an Analog piece of crap for $20 & hide your Iphone. In South America, for a whole year, I never wore earrings or rings, or indeed watches or necklaces. Nothing. I also hid a small stash in my shoes in case I got mugged not just pickpocketed. It's utterly vile that there are all these cheating, lying thieving bastards out there taking people stuff. it makes me sick. If they were desperately poor people, like the women in Afghanistan that I saw trying to feed their children, you would be more sympathetic. But They are not. They are a thriving, very well organized criminal gang. I seriously do not understand how people in Europe put up with this shit, and why there's not more to be done to crack down on it. There would have to be 30 million CCTV cameras in Europe by now. Why aren't these gangs prosecuted, and sent to gaol for a long long time? Here's an idea. Offer rewards of millions of dollars to Anonymously Dobin the big guys. Their names and whereabouts. Then the big guys should be sent to jail for 30 years. They would be running scared in no time.

I watched a pickpocket take place on a subway in Spain, and it happened to a lady wearing a front hanging fanny pack. It was amazing...in a crowded car. I finally realized that I could yell from across the car and the thief stopped... Phew.

This is SUCH an important topic, thank you very much for this video. Most of my travel has been in the developing world, so I have seen many types of scams and robbery methods. Once when my entire bus was robbed by a bunch of guys with weapons, I did lose my purse, but had holdout cash and credit card in my sock pockets and my passport in a baggie in my underwear (yes, Amazon sells travel undies with a zippered pocket in front big enough for a passport! I am big on clothes with hidden pockets.

Laurie, I know you filmed this ages ago, but just wanted to say your feelings about Brussels train station were totally right. My friend is a very experienced traveller, but was thrown to the ground and mugged there. Not a safe place.

One way to prevent bag snatching is to travel with what is obviously a diaper bag with a easily seen bottle sticking out. No thief wants to risk being caught and end up with dirty diapers. It will also make you look more like a local.

I just saw the thumbnail and had to say..., pink looks really good on you! You look so pretty!

We're traveling in Vietnam right now. I like Pacsafe products with all their built-in safety features (slash proof exomesh, zippers that clip in place, RFID blocking pocket). The main thing I do is only carry one day's worth of cash in a coin purse. They way if the coin purse gets stolen it's not a big deal. 🌺 Heidi

Thanks Laurie! I learned a few new tricks here❣️

Thank you lady for your valuable advice.

I love EVERYTHING you put out Laurie! Thank you!!!

Always useful tips for traveling! Thank you.

Thank you so. U h for all the tips. I can say be aware of the surroundings and always be alert when people are sooo friendly and making. Distractions

I wear a travel vest with my valuables in the inside pockets: SCOTTeVEST featherweight or Magellans’ lightweight travel vest.

Love you in that cozy hot pink sweater! Great vid as usual!

Laurie, thank you for all these tips. I followed your packing tips and they were so helpful. Leaving for England and Norway in April.

Thanks for some really helpful tips. We’re traveling this spring to Spain and Italy. I appreciate advice from a trustworthy source!

Thanks for your great tips Laurie. I am also a Houstonian, planning a trip to Vegas in May and we returned recently from a river cruise in Europe. I love binge watching your videos, you have the most helpful ideas!

Thank You for these Great tips.!

I usually wear two layers even on hot day. I try to cover up from getting a sun burn. I have a small cross body bag and I wear it between layers. I can shorten the strap so it’s not hanging below my outer shirt or jacket. When in a crowded area I can button or zip up the top layer for extra safety measures. When I’m eating I keep the bag on and shift it over so it’s sitting on my lap. Bonus if I spill any food my pants are saved and my bag can be cleaned with a damp cloth. I have the black version of the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag. It holds all the things I need for a day out.

Love this. Thanks for sharing.

I can't say enough about preparing ahead of time. I am a solo Traveller (thank you for all of your tips and support Laurie!) and require help to my gate etc. I make sure in my passport wallet to have pre counted folded bills to tip anyone that helps me. No fumbling through wallets or other dangerous moves. I made my first trip abroad this past October and couldn't have been more pleased with myself!! 🇺🇸😉🇬🇧

I'm really enjoying your channel. Heading to Naples Italy in a couple weeks and just brushing up on my crime prevention.

Wow it was like an eye opening for me! We are traveling to Portugal. I can certainly use some of the tips. Thank you!

I've got a pocket scarf too and it's wonderful! Perfect for when I visit Christmas markets as they're usually so crowded.

Glad you got the bra stash. I usually put 2 credit cards and a couple of large bills in mine, just in case I need to access it easily.

Very helpful video. I’m so excited to say I’ll be traveling to Italy in the fall. I can’t wait and plan to put to use all the tips and tricks I’ve been learning from you.

I’m a57 yr old female solo traveler. I’ve been to Europe four times. For my peace of mind, I keep my passport and cash in a waist under the clothing belt. I don’t advertise I’m American with my clothing. I carry a IT carry on luggage that is easy to travel on trains with. I look up where I’m going ahead of time to not look like a tourist. If you stay vigilant you can travel on your own without any issues. I’ve had people ask me for directions. They don’t know I’m not local until I answer with my ALABAMA accent that definitely gives me away.

Going to Barcelona next week. Thank you so much for all the great ideas!

I'm not going out of the country but am visiting Seattle, WA and San Francisco, CA. I've been looking for ways to further protect my purse items. Thanks for all the great tips!

Am new to your channel but love, loving it and bingeing your travel videos. Am a 2+MM traveler. I wear a small pouch under my shirt, RFID is best. Also wear REI type cargo pants with zip pockets. Keeps stuff safe. Can afford to lose anything else I carry. Plus take photos of all your docs and leave with trusted friend or family at home. Can’t wait to get on the road again!

Thanks. This video was helpful.

Thank you for all the great tips. I am from Kenora Ontario Canada where it is presently -40c. Brrrrr. My husband and I love to travel. We are off the Mexico for some sun and sand on Monday and we have a 3 week tour of South Africa coming up in April. Funny you commented on wearing your backpack on your front. We have travelled to China twice. You see a lot of the Chinese women wearing their backpack this way probably due to the huge population. Crowds are unbelievable. I used a great sling bag that I purchased on Amazon to use as my daily bag while out on tours. Loved it and felt very secure. We have been very lucky in all our travels that we haven't run into any issues. Thanks for taking the time. Again just love all the tips....especially packing.

I bought an infinity scarf with the hidden pocket for my trip to Europe. I love the scarf!! Actually holds a lot!! It looked great and my valuables stayed safe. Also have the bra card holder. It’s ok but not great. Love your tips...have used so many of them and never had any problems with theft.

I recently went to Israel. Instead of ordering a cab from my GETT app on my phone, we hailed a cab from the street in Tel Aviv (mistake #1). Obviously we spoke about the resteraunt we were going to (mistake #2). I gave him a 200 shekel bill to pay for the ride (mistake #3). While we sat in the outdoor area waiting for our indoor table to be ready, a man stole my purse hanging on the back of my chair (mistake #3). We think he targeted me with the help of the cab driver. I ran after him (crazy woman), screaming at him, he handed my purse back and ran away....maybe too many people around! Glad to report a HAPPY ENDING!!! love all your tips and tricks!!!

Hi! Not traveling right now. Like your tips, we can never be too safe. Love your hair! Hehehe!

I don't want to travel fearfully, but informed, so ty. I love the joggers band Stashbandz Running Belt, Money Belt, Insulin Pump Belt, Fanny Waist Pack, Travel Pouch, 3 Large & 1 Zipper Security Pockets, Phone & Passport Holder

I just got a PacSafe backpack for a trip to Paris. It’s slash resistant, has RFID protection and a safety lock for the zipper. It’s a pain to get into it but that’s the reason I got it. It’s a great size, not too big but big enough. We’ll be visiting a lot of museums and most have limits on bag size and don’t provide storage.

Carry a small wallet or pouch that has a D-ring on it. Many purses have a key leash inside or a D-ring to attach a key leash. If your wallet has a D-ring, it's easy to clip it inside to the key leash. Then if someone tries to remove your wallet, it will be attached to your purse. Love your channel and tips, Laurie, I have learned many things from you. I love the tips that involve putting your valuables inside your underwear or clothing. Also, I never travel with anything that would break my heart to lose.

Velcro is your friend against getting pick pocketed. Although a woman, traveling in Europe I am known to wear a man's suit jacket (weather dependent). I sewe the inside pockets with heavy velcro where I kept my wallet. Too difficult for thieves to access. Where I am unfamiliar with the language, I like to learn a few phrases in the local language. 1) When surrounded by children in Turin know to your pocket, I spoke, "No, go away." very loud. They dispersed. 2) When hounded by street vendors in other countries, the phrase was, "You are wasting your time. There are others to sell to behind me." Situational awareness it always key.....even here in the States.

Were going on a cruise to the Mediterranean, will be in Barcelona, Italy, France. I'm not worried on the ship but we will be doing tours. Haven't ever been out of the country. I just purchased the back pack and I love it.

I used this bag in Europe - very light & comfy, RFID, and slash-proof! Travelon Anti-Theft Front Pocket Crossbody Bag with RFID

Wow..I never thought about all the different things you can hide money in..ty

Stumbled onto your channel today! Great content. My husband also got pickpocketed in Barcelona. Someone squirted “bird poop” on their pants. Yelling big big bird! Tried to be “helpful” with cleaning up. They got his wallet that was in his front pocket! Luckily they noticed immediately and he called me and we got everything canceled.

Also, the "trains in Spain" had pairs of pickpocket teams are around our travel group.

Thank you for your tips! We’re going to Oahu in May!

Love your videos Laura😀

That Travelon cross body bag has got an amazing capacity for that small bag !!👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶✈️💞

This video is the best I have seen on this subject and I have seen alot!!. I have luggage locks for my backpack and air tags, and one of those belts that go under your shirt. I also have some personal alarms , cheap ones on amazon, and I have a whistle around my neck . Did i forget anything? Thanks for the videos and I also left you many questions (???) on the comments on carry- ons video. From the "looney questions guy" Richard.

When I was a student in London, I would wear a cross body bag under my sweater when I went out at night, or if I needed a bigger bag I would attach it to the inside of a tote bag. I use the carabiner trick in the grocery store or walmart attaching to the cart.

Hi Laurie, I really enjoy all your tips and have made many notes to help with future travels. Many of your videos I’ve watched multiple times! Here’s a tip for your Travelon crossbody you’ve mentioned in many videos. To wear it around your waist you don’t need a belt (and sometimes you may not have one) use the crossbody strap to go around your waist after threading it through the loops you’d put your belt through! Hope this helps. I still prefer crossbody over “fanny pack” style though, I feel more secure across my body.

Excellent video! I'm watching this with a slightly different perspective than your other viewers... Years ago, I took a criminology course, and our professor assigned a different crime for each student in the class to report on. Mine was pickpocketing. At first I thought I'd struggle to find details to write on, it seemed like a cut-and-dry type of crime. But the more I delved into it, the more I became fascinated with it as an "artform", if you will. There's a psychology to doing it successfully, much of it using misdirection but also strong dexterity helps as well. I ended up breaking down the motivations, tactics, scenarios of pickpocketing, even which gender I thought was better at it and why. I finished my report for the class by stating that the best way to educate yourself about defending against pickpocketing was to engage in a little playful lifts...and I returned the three wallets I had slipped from the pockets of two students and the professor himself before class! 😉😏 On a completely different topic, you look fantastic in pink with your hair styles like that! Love your videos!

Hey Laurie ! Elena from Montreal here ! Love your videos ...have been watching them a lot lately getting ready for a trip .. so I found you and now I just can't get enough ... You have so many tips I could not even think about , so helpful ! Thanks !

Love Travelon reinforced straps and bags

I use Travelon bags. My backpack has locks and RFID protection as well as slash proof.

Hi Laurie from Ireland. I love your videos.I travel solo a lot.My next trip is to Krakow next week.

Hi Laurie! Gotta have that bubble gum pink sweater, link please? You look terrific in that color.

Great tips. I was careless (tired and stupid) in Croatia while my friends and I were distracted by some “nice” ladies. Busy travel year for us: Mexico, Croatia, Austria, Ireland, UK. We’re going to Spain next month. Before that, Miami, Atlanta, Philly. Traveling is the best. One thing helps me with the money: I keep the small coins in my right pocket and the larger coins (meaning 1 or 2 euros) in the left pocket so as not to have to be digging around so much. This helps more in the Middle East and in South America with their currency exchanges.

Thanks for this video !!! Yours & Rick Steven's video reminded me that I haven't gotten a money belt !!! Lol. I used to wear those everywhere as a tourist ! They have come a long way !! Lol. They're more desirable looking than how they used to look !! Lol. In various colours of choice ,too !! I think I'll get neutral, nudish one so that it won't peak through under my summer tops & bottoms !Lol.👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶✈️💞

When I travelled to SE Asia it was difficult to look anything but a tourist, because I am not Asian. So I used a bag that fit under my arm quite snugly. It has a short strap and is made from a thick cotton/ hemp fabric that is washable. All of the enclosures are either against my body or at the front close to my shoulder. It isn’t large but holds my passport, a small card holder and coin purse (I always split those up for security) plus other personal items like tissues, glasses and lipgloss.

Just an FYI from what I have heard DO NOT DO NOT call waist packs fanny packs when you are in the UK.

All great tips! I have to laugh when people say "blend in with the locals". Most places outside of the USA that is impossible, so you might as well take all the precautions, as well as wearing your backpack in the front. Try going to Peru with 2 men over 6"4""and a blond women. No way to act or dress like a local. LOL

Great tips. Target sells anti-theft bags that clip zippers closed. Each zipper has a teeny tiny beamer clip that clips to a nearly invisible d-ring. Also the straps are cut resistant. I am actually going to get this for my trip in october. Been eyeing it for weeks since I also sometimes work in a costco that is in a very touristy area. As for fanny packs I have only one. I use it when I take my dogs somewhere to loop their leash on the belt and hold their fabric water bowls and poop bags in. It helps me travel with them hands free.

I think it’s easier to blend in when you dress “nicer” without blingy jewelry if traveling through Europe. A fake wallet with old fake credit cards is seriously an awesome thing! Also, I love to use the passport necklace under my shirt to hold some cash and cards (I’m a woman and find it can work).

I use a Travelon crossbody bag, zip top that can be fastened closed, with the slash resistant strap. Cash & credit cards go directly into its zipper compartment. No wallet. Everything else that goes into the bag gets attached to the liner of the bag with a lanyard. Junque jewelry only on trips. I only bring what I wouldn’t care if I lost it. So far so good. I hope I haven’t jinxed myself now! 😂

Walking in Naples, Italy a few years ago with luggage, my husband in front of me with a backpack fully loaded...and a thief all in grey clothes jumped between us, and I surprised him with an involuntary string of profanity (my mother would have been horrified). It must have shocked the thief because he was gone in a blink! Thank-you for your wonderful list of ways to travel safely.

One note, if you use the bra stash for credit card, be sure and use an RFID card around your credit card to protect it. I have used most of these tips and they are great. One other place to hide cash is in a panty liner that is in your purse or bag.

Clothing Arts has pickpocket proof pants for men and women with hidden pockets. People write in when pickpockets tried to rob them and the pants prevented it. Pretty cool.

Some of the waist packs, or fanny packs, are also made with anti-slash materials in the straps and locking strap connections.

Thank You for the tips. Travelon makes a slash proof bags, it has a lock to lock it, RFID, and had a carbine to put on your chair. If I was going over seas I would consider one of those.

Icarry an Ebags anti theft crossbody/waist bag. It is rfid and its slash proff and there is a wire that runs thru the strap. I or I can just run my belt through it. I am not a fan of crossbody bags but this bag is so small and perfect that I make an exception.. Probably the best travel accessory I have bought.

thank you

I get zippered mesh laundry bags (like to wash delicates) at the dollar store, cut them down where they're still large enough to hold my passport and sew them to the inside of my pants waist band with the zipper towards the waist band. I keep my passport and the majority of my cash there. No worries falling asleep on the plane.

Great advice ..I always carry small daily amounts of money seperate and always have a 2nd hidden debit card in seperate luggage....take photos of your money cards front and back and also your passport ,then email them to yourself , anything happens to the originals you have the details in your email ....this will also show the phone numbers on your money cards to phone the Banks with card details to put stops on the cards

I have two bags that I can use as Fanny packs. Only one is RFID so that is the one I use the most. My husband also uses a wallet for his front pocket. I’ve seen two pickpockets in Paris on the subway and while in a hotel restaurant in London, I saw a man nonchalantly grab a briefcase from a chair while the owner was getting breakfast from the buffet! Every one needs to be aware!

I have the anti-theft backpack too and prefer to be ‘handsfree’ as much as possible when traveling. It’s nice to have the option to carry this one like a ‘purse’ in tourist areas/buildings that do not allow backpacks.

I find so many of your tips so helpful. Just wondering if you could recommend a travel adapter/converter that would work with a hair straightener?

I’m surprised you didn’t mention the Travelon anti-theft purses and bags. They have anti slash straps, RFID protection and zippers with hooks.

I I use a body belt…very flat and comfortable and is invisible even under t-shirts. I also have some travel pants with hidden pockets. I also have a small PacSafe crossbody that is RFID and slash proof.

Great video we are going to Barcelona in June, I would put the straps for the fanny pack through my belt loops to make it harder to steal.and if necessary put a belt over it for added security

I never carry a wallet on me when I travel. I generally put one credit card and my ID in my front pants pocket, and a minimum amount of cash I need in the other front pocket. I've never lost or gotten anything stolen in 9 years of flying nearly every week.

These are all great tips. I travel solo to Europe and the only problem so far was inside a Trastevere restaurant in Rome. Obviously the owners let the "beggar" lady in and they let her stand over me! I refused to give her anything. But i left a tip! (Mad at myself now). I my tip: always ready cash in the front of my purse to give quickly or to pay so as to avoid fumbling...the rest is zipped up inside my handbag which i hold on to all the time in crowded spaces or restaurants. But glad to have a reminder about "distractions". Thanks!

I'm going to Colorado on Monday!

Nice tips. I always have my money in various places in my backpack and shoes 🤠 its old-fashion but helps me feel safe. And aslo a small bag carry my passport which I wear it like my necklake. 👻 thanks for sharing such goodtips. My next is Taiwan but let’s see that corona virus

Hi Laurie! Like your channel very much. We are going to Italy in May, very excited! I like to use a smaller Pacsafe crossbody bag. I have witnesses a few sketchy incidents over the years traveling, enough to be a little paranoid...but I would rather be safe than have my long awaited vacation ruined!

200K subscribers! 🖖🏻

For me money and cc are fine, I carry them as I normally do back home. My worry is the passport. Yet to find a way to carry it in a way that makes me happy. In recent trips, I put it in the back pocket of the small Tavelon slash-resistant backpack.

I love your hair color!

Slash-proof bags with slash-proof straps, that also have locking hooks, are the only thing I will carry. They also have RFID pockets, though I also enclose a RFID slim wallet which has room for cards, passport, paper and coin money (some countries/cities prefer coin).

A female friend onced in Portugal with his husband. They cut off /stole the handle of her crossbody handbag and that was 10 yrs ago.

When we were in Dublin, we started watching one of those street performance acrobatic acts. Turns out it was a perfect set-up for pick pocketers. We were very lucky not to be one of their many victims that day.

I’m headed to Greece in Oct. Great tips and I will definitely use a few of them. Despite the fact I’m seeing young women wear a newer style Fanny pack across their bodies here in the US, I still believe they scream “tourist”. There are some belt like items sold to wear while exercising. I have two. They fit close to your body, would be concealed under most T-shirts or blouses and are much thinner than the old fashioned money belts. It’s surprising how much they will hold. Definitely a phone, credit card and some cash.

There is a skirt made with a pocket sewed into the front of the waist. My daughter and grandson carried backpacks that had no visible pockets or zippers. The zipper was straight down the middle of the inside of the back, next to their backs.

EDIT: Made my comment before finishing the video. But I second the shoe thing for sure. EDIT 2: If you wear a slim crossbody bag and you're in a cooler climate or season, just put your cardigan or jacket on after putting the purse on! I'd much rather have to unzip a jacket to get to my purse than risk it getting nicked. Put cash inside your phone case or inside your shoe (under the insole if you wear removable ones). Just be sure you won't be taking your shoes off a lot, and definitely don't put it in your phone case if your phone might easily go astray!! Also, store cash in a book. The book can stay at your hotel/hostel/Airbnb etc and you can just get a daily allowance out each day. (A Bible is fun to do this with because you can put money at all of the verses that discuss wealth, riches, money, and other synonyms, and the hiding pots will be easier to remember!)

Just purchased your credit card holder. I never do a full size wallet even at home. I always like going light. Never thought of someone reading my credit cards while on vacation. That would be a nightmare!!! I'd be stuck away from home for God knows how long without my credit cards. Thank you! Switching out even at home. Don't wanna risk it. And thank you for the lanyard idea. I never thought of that. Duh!

I eat with my purse in my lap and 1 hand on top...I don’t like putting my purse down😂

I sew hidden pockets in some of my clothes to hold credit cards and cash. My favorite place is to put a pocket in my bra, on the side underneath my armpit. Even if you wear small bras the pocket can be open at the top and the cash or cards can stick up past the top edge.