Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the not-so-fun side of travel and that’s getting robbed. It happens, tourists sometimes get robbed. Sometimes, it’s falling for a scam while other times you get your pocket picked. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to reduce your chances of being robbed while traveling.
Being a Tourist
That’s right, sometimes tourists are robbed for no other reason than just being a tourist. Tourists make an easy target for thieves; we often carry large sums of cash and don’t always have the number to call if we lose our credit card, so thieves have more time to rack up charges. There’s not much you can do to avoid this one, other than doing your best to blend in and not look like a tourist!
Showing Off Money
Whether it’s wearing fancy jewelry or designer clothes, looking rich can easily make you a target to be robbed. Showing off how much money you have is a big mistake when traveling! Designer purses or expensive watches tell thieves that you have a lot of money and you aren’t a savvy traveler.
Not Paying Attention
Most likely, you are traveling to see amazing sights, and the beautiful architecture of a foreign country can be distracting. If you are walking around and gawking at the sights, you may lose your self-awareness, which can easily make you a victim of theft. We’re not suggesting you don’t look around at the sights, but always pay close attention to the people around you, as well as who is in your personal space. Likewise, headphones or earbuds can also prevent you from knowing what’s happening around you.
Most Common Spots for Pickpockets
Being Intoxicated Late at Night
Many travelers like to have a good time and enjoy a few local beers or spirits. There’s nothing wrong with that! But, if you have one too many drinks and find yourself stumbling around late at night, that’s when you can easily become a target for theft. If you are traveling (and drinking) alone, then it is even easier to become a target. For solo travelers, try to keep your wits about you. If you’re in a group, make sure you are looking out for each other.
Getting Scammed
Not all travel thefts are going to be pickpocket or robbery situations. There are lots of bad vacation scams out there, and thousands of tourists who fall for them. Sometimes even the savviest travelers fall for a new travel scam, especially when children or babies are involved. The “best” city scams are great at making it seem like they are helping you, when in fact, their accomplice may be robbing you while you are distracted.
How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs
Being Old
Sadly, older travelers are much more often the target of travel scams and pickpockets. Obviously, there’s not much you can do about your age, so just use extra precaution and know that you may be more likely to be targeted, so heightened awareness is best.
US State Department Website for Travel Advisories & International Travel Information: CLICK HERE
Traveling with Children
Of course, we love traveling with our kids. But keeping track of your kids can be distracting and scammers know this! A child can run off in a split second, and once you chase them, you’ve left your stroller and purse unattended. Scammers look for these situations, or may even be the ones to distract your kids with something like a puppy or a trick or game.
Trusting the Wrong People
Part of the joy of traveling is meeting new people and making new friends along the way. Unfortunately, some people may not be as nice as they seem. This is especially true if you are traveling solo and going out drinking with new friends. Make sure you’re in a group and not alone with your new friend. Use caution with any new friends and always keep your wits about you. (if you are drinking, this means always keeping your drink with you, too. Don’t leave it unattended!)
Bad Luck
Some travel thefts are preventable, but you could do everything right and still find yourself missing a wallet or watch at the end of the day. Truly, sometimes, you just might find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Don’t beat yourself up because it happens to even the most seasoned travelers.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Travel is an amazing opportunity to experience new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. But travel can also have some downsides like people who prey on tourists. Study up on our travel safety tips and pay attention to your surroundings. Check out these other blog posts with our best travel tips: