One time when I was in Marseille France, I purposely put my garbage in my backpack. And guess what, a few hours later all my zippers were opened with my garbage gone. Thank you robbers for helping me get rid of my trash!

I just finished a two week solo backpacking tour through Europe. I am a man in my mid 30s I got left alone in Paris, Barcelona, and other common tourist cities, my secret? I keep my mouth shut (so people don’t know what language I speak natively), I keep all my tour guide/maps on my phone (so I don’t draw attention), I keep my AirPods in my ear (but turned off or low so people think I am a commuter), I walk with purpose, ignore anyone approaching me, and I try to dress like a local.

We JUST found your site before my daughter went off to Europe and DAY ONE someone ran up to her crying that they lost their plane ticket and need money to get home. We had watched your videos and she told the woman to back up and to find a local police station. 😂

We just did a two week trip to Italy and your videos on scams and pickpocketing were super helpful! We encountered the petition scam “to stop drugs” the flower scam, the begging nonnas, and some potential pickpocketers sizing us up in Venice. Because I had watched your videos I was able quickly identify those situations and get away from them. Your tips helped us have a fun and safe honeymoon without getting anything stolen. I really appreciate your videos!

I will never forget getting on a train in Pisa with luggage that was heavy. These two "sweet" girls in their early 20's helped me. I was thrilled! Went to sit down, looked in my purse, and my wallet was gone. I did not even feel them open up the zipper on my purse. They were working together and truly professionals. Someone found the wallet on the train and was calling my name while walking down the aisle to see if they could find me. All credit cards were there, but they took all the cash. "Only" 120 euros, so could have been worse.

Also a story: I was in Stockholm with my fiancé in a less than safe area and a local came up to us and told us that my fiancés purse is exposed he saw someone eyeing it and he wanted to make sure she secured her purse. I guess the moral here is secure your valuables, and for every person who is a robber in another country, there’s also a Good Samaritan looking out for tourists.

Visited Budapest last summer and was targeted by a pickpocket after visiting a money exchange. I didn't notice him at first, but my hubby told me he had been following us for at least 5 minutes. He stared at him with a super angry face and the guy left. You need to acknowledge that you've noticed them and they will leave you alone.

Why would you ever sign a petition in a country that you don't live in? Heck, I don't even sign them here.

My brother got his diaper bag stolen in Barcelona. The thieves got a bag full of baby wipes and diapers. I hope they enjoyed them. 😂

I’ve never been robbed on vacation in Europe, but I use my common sense ! Don’t wear expensive watch or jewelry , don’t have an expensive camera etc on show , if you have a bag keep it across your front not your back. Never have more than about $50-100 on you, keep the rest (and your passport, bank cards, tickets home etc ) in a safety deposit box at hotel.

I was in the Pigalle subway station in Paris with my brother, and all kinds of shady stuff was going on. Someone had supposedly dropped money at the top of the escalator and was blocking pedestrians, so they got all scrunched up. I started walking backwards on the escalator, to stay out of the crush. When me and my brother got to the top of the escalator there was a fist fight going on--also suspicious. I practically ran through the turnstile to get out of there, but my brother stood there gawking at the fight. I yelled at him "Get OUT OF THERE." He seemed totally oblivious to all of it and stayed for a while. I was so angry I was speechless. Then five minutes later my brother said "My wallet!!" To me it was not just that he was unobservant, but also that he couldn't sense anything I didn't exactly know what was going on, but I knew it stunk, and that we'd better get out of there.

The one thing that I've noticed in these videos is the people who get robbed tend to ignore BASIC precautions. These warnings aren't really that much different from what I was taught as I grew up in the inner city. My lesson here is always be ALERT. The location that you're visiting probably has rough areas (or sketchy people) where there's people ready to take advantage of you.

Just got home from Paris and London. The first day we got off the Metro at the Eiffel Tower. An old couple from Chicago and got pickpocketed. Luckily the husband didn't have nothing but a few coins in it. I live in NYC. I saw every scam I see at home. Pickpocketing is increasing here as well.

Another pro tip is make sure to hold your phone securely when using it. A friend of mine had her phone stolen out of her hand

My husband, my teenager and I went to Italy last year and didn’t have any problems. We live in a U.S. city and take normal precautions. We are not smiley Americans. I used 2 safety pins on each pocket to prevent pickpocketing. I wore a crossbody bag.

as a tour guide, pet peeve is luggage bigger then you, left all over the place expecting "someone else " will handle it. It took two big men to load one suitcase in the bus. the female traveler laughed. I'm not a guide anymore.

Also a tip to avoid getting your stuff stolen at the hotel is: NEVER put your purse/bag on your chair in the breakfast area to claim your seat and then leave it to go get food. I worked in the breakfast are of a hotel many years ago and would always warn people. A lot would actually be annoyed with me that I would bother them for such a silly thing, they think nothing can happen to them because they are in an area that is only accessible to hotel guests and staff 🤷‍♀️ But yeah, that is how my mom’s friend bag got stolen while they were in Barcelona. Even though I did warn my mom about this before due to having seen this risky behaviour during work. Her response was the same «But we were inside the hotel!» There can also be hotel guests that will take the opportunity for some easy cash when they see it 🤷‍♀️ Luckily I have never been succesfully pickpocketed myself (knock on wood) but the most pickpocket attempts I experienced or noticed were definately in Paris.

I just went to Barcelona this past weekend to watch the Formula 1 race. As soon as we landed we jumped onto the metro to go to our airbnb. I was with my Daughter and nephew and we obviously had our luggage. We sat down on 3 of the 4 seats on one side of the metro, 3 of the 4 seats across from us were empty. Some guy wearing sunglasses sat right next to me instead of sitting across from us in the empty seats. The sunglasses and the fact that he sat right next to me instead of the empty seats across from us were definite red flags. He had earbuds in and was talking to someone on his phone...the next stop another shady guy got on the train and also stood very close to us. They were definitely together. The next stop the transit police got on and immediately went up to us and told us that the guy sitting next to me was a pick pocket. They stayed in our area on the metro for another 4 stops before they left. Not to long after that the guy sitting next to me got up and made another phone call and the next stop another one of his crew jumped on. So now there were 3 of them. I stood up in front of my Daughter and nephew and was expecting something to happen soon. Then at the next stop the guy that originally sat next to me sneezed 3 of the fakest sneezes that I have ever heard, and all 3 of them got off together and we could see them talking together on the platform as they got off. Just know that they usually work in groups, one might try to distract you while one tries to take your bag or something else. If you are always cautious and know your surroundings and are one the lookout, you will be in a better position to avoid problems. Most times they look for the easiest person to steal from, so always pay attention when you are in a situation where pick pockets happen most, ie metro, trains, crowded areas. The thiefs want the least resistance as possible so make sure that you are aware at all times. A taxi from the airport to your hotel might cost more than the metro, but it might save you headaches. Then after you have dropped your luggage off taking the metro is fine as long as you don't have too much stuff with you. Avoid flashy jewelry on the metro. Jewelry and luggage make you a target. Keep your wallet in your front pocket, backpacks and purses on your lap. I guarantee that the guy that sat next to me as soon as we got on the metro from the airport is there everyday and gets on at the first stop after the airport looking for targets. So always be aware of what is going on around you.

I had my wallet stolen from my suit jacket pocket on Brompton Road right in front of Harrods in London. One of the doormen saw the 'bump' that I didn't even feel and started to blow his whistle for a Bobby. He ran into Hyde Park and they found and returned my wallet to me. All my credit cards were still there as well as my ID. I always use a money clip when I'm abroad so I had only maybe £10 or £20 in my wallet. My inside suit jacket pocket where my wallet was had 3 buttons and I always used them. So in just a second this guy was able to reach in to my tailored jacket, unbutton a three button pocket, and lift my wallet and I didn't feel a thing!!

Great video and makes total sense. *knocks wood* I haven't been robbed. But my mom and I were followed in a shop. We were in Germany and in a supermarket. We were speaking to each other in English. And these 2 young women (teens?) decided to follow us around the store very closely. At one point I stepped to the side to allow them to pass, and they didn't. But as I was paying for our things I made sure to make eye contact with them and double checked my purse was zipped and locked. At that point, my mom had said, "We've been lazy. From now on, when we're out in public, we speak German."

We just returned from a two week trip and visited London & Paris. I have to say we both felt very safe and we just made sure to be aware of our surroundings. My husband normally wears sports shirts at home but I put him in plain shirts and I wrote plain clothes with scarves. Actually, a couple of times in paris both tourists and locals would start speaking to us in French- I guess we blended in! I will say the main area we kept high alert up was in the tube and metro. The tube especially be aware if you’re taking it from the airport, I noticed when we were waiting at Paddington station there were some people just standing on the platforms with no bags looking at others with no bags… kinda got the vibe they were working together. In paris the metros tend to get very cramp sometimes quickly, just make sure to have your hand on your personals and keep an eye on who is around you. Overall we had such wonderful stays in both cities and Mark need to thank you for your videos and hard work! Your videos were a BIG help in keeping us informed and safe in new cities.

I was in Naples a few years ago, and while buying a ticket for the Metro at Garibaldi station, a 14 year old kid with slicked-back hair and a leather jacket told me that the machine was broken and that if I gave him my credit card, he’d help me buy it on another machine. Knowing that he was going to take my credit card or wallet and run, I just used the machine I was going to use (it was manual and had no English. A nice local taught me how to use it earlier in the day), and while the kid kept saying “no, il no funcione,” I got my ticket, and then just got on the Metro. There was a cop nearby and I think he was in on it. Anyways, the manual ticket machine usually works in Naples. The kid telling you it does not is trying to rob you.

I’ve traveled extensively all over Europe as a solo male American traveler. I don’t flash bling and dress very plainly. However, I’ve been targeted frequently, as I am of east asian descent and therefore stand out more as a tourist I guess. Definitely sucks to have your phone & wallet stolen constantly.

That's the reason why I like jackets with inside pockets...

Good thing about being from South America is that these are basically everyday precautions, so it's easy to do it while travelling. BTW - love your channel, man, hope to have you back in Uruguay sometime.

I was in Berlin last week, minding my own business, looking at books at a stall on Unter Den Linden, I was in a world of my own, some deaf girl came up with a petition, I signed it, she wanted 20 euro, give her 10, she seemed genuine, she come across as deaf. Second time I've been scammed, first time was in Rome. Be careful out there. Still love Berlin, going back in September, gotta take the rough with the smooth. :) I did drop my jacket in Alexanderplatz last week with my phone and my passport in my pockets. Was the luckiest guy on earth, a fly flew into my eye, realised my jacket was gone, had only dropped it a couple of mins walk away, it was still there with my passport and phone still there. That fly saved me, don't know what I would have done without my passport. Had to thank my guardian angel for that. :)

Great video, thanks for all the advice. 👍🏼

Hey Mark, great observations. What I've noticed from dealing with cruise ship folks in Alaska, tourists when they travel enter a separate reality when they travel. They would step off the ship and walk into traffic as if every car will just stop. You touched on this a little here. Maybe you can do a whole video on this strange state and how to be where you are when you are there.

I love your videos!!! I have seen them all and we have traveled to many countries ...we've been able to see the scams and pick pockets before they target us. We've been able to get away from those situations and avoid many mishaps. Thank you for all your insight. I'm sure it's helped many others too.

Thank you so much for these videos! We’re planning our honeymoon to Italy, and all of your videos have helped us feel very prepared for our first international trip together.

If you’re a normal person that watches your surroundings you’re gonna be fine trust me. Ik this video might scare some people and make people paranoid but honestly it’s not that bad. When going to Mexico I acted like it was back home and guess what I never got robbed. Just don’t do anything stupid to make yourself stand out like Walter said

These tips are so valuable. All part of research to have a good time on holiday. Not hard to be safe, research and awareness of surroundings. 👏

Very sensible advice! Good video 👍🏼

The main reason why there are so many pick pockets in W.Europe is the leniency …. usually a slap on the wrist and they would come out again and again in couple of months if indeed they’d be jailed … crimes pay .. why there’re so many professional pick pockets there .. working in a group of 2 to 3 .. really a great earning for criminals .. As Asian tourists .. we stand out right away … why I only carried one credit card and a few paper notes in a plastic zip-lock bag .. and into my tight front pocket .. a wallet would stick out from the pants .. and it’s a goner probably .. and my wife wouldn’t carry purse .. what a pain in the ass to travel .. feeling you’re not safe

There is a couple (French/American) with a UKposts channel mostly about Paris, who were videotaping at a restaurant and caught on video a woman (along with a man) at the next table sticking her hand into their bags, taking out his wallet and putting it back and they never noticed. Not until he was reviewing the footage the next day!!! The woman had managed to take just one credit card. That's how smart and BOLD these thieves are.

Exactly this! I've been abroad traveling around Europe for a little over a month. I tried to dress up a bit more while still being comfy. I brushed up on the various languages so that I could communicate a little bit, I keep my purse in front of me with my hand on the zipper, and I make a point of talking quietly. I've recently joined a group of other Americans, and several of them are annoyingly obvious. They don't dress appropriately, they're loud, they don't pay attention to the separation between the bike and walking lanes... Some of them are better at the local language than me, but they all stick out from a distance. Most people don't realize that I'm a foreigner until I open my mouth to ask a question. I've even had locals/other tourists approach me and ask me a question in the local language. Usually for directions. I love everyone and they're nice people, but most of them seem really reluctant to adapt and oblivious to their surroundings.

Top tip, DON'T carry your passport or anything that you cant afford to lose out with you on the street. Take a "street" wallet containing cash only keep a debit card in a tight front pocket. Everyone has an old phone for pictures etc, use that for tourist stuff.

Dark and Stormy in Florida right now. Thank you for the videos that are informative, interesting and fun.

Great tips. I take a taxi from the airport always, I think that I am worth it. I always ride the metros and buses after arriving but try to blend in with the locals. One way my friends were robbed on the Barcelona subway while entering the subway car, four people at the same time, snatch and grab. I always wear my purse across my body as most Europeans do. It helps being from a big city and knowing to pay attention to your surroundings. Two months in France and Spain last fall and never had a problem.

Great video and extremely informative. Good job!!!

I just came from Europe after a trip with my wife, where we visit France, Italy, Greece and Croatia. We took many precautions and nothing happened to us, but in Venice a group of tourists next to us in the train station were victims of pickpockets when we were boarding the train, and in Rome a tourist guide near the Colloseum was robbed too. Things like these happens all the time, and people are not aware of that.

Wolters---I love your enthusiasm !

"I wanna rob you just to shut you up" LOOOL One thing I've learned is to either sew or buy clothing with inner pockets. Only you have access to those and it's easier to just pat that part to see if your passport or wallet is safely there. A bit tricky when you're buying stuff in the street, but safer in the long run

Going to Greece in Nov to run the marathon. Your videos are great, fun and informative.

Great advice. I love your videos. When I'm on vacation, I dress down, and while sightseeing, I carry very little with me. In my hotel room, I keep my stuff neat and out of the way. I try...

People everywhere, tourist or not, present themselves as an easy mark to thieves. Always be prepared to crack someone in the head and you will be in great shape

We decide on a “local” name when we travel and practice before. It’s easy to call a name loudly and get other person’s attention even if you don’t know many phrases. For example, Jack could become Jose and Jenn might become Juanita. Take the time to learn a few phrases too like please and thank you, no, help, and go away. When going through scanners send someone through first to collect your bags.

Excellent advice 🇨🇦

Just came back from España, France and Italia. Yep! I only went out with my cell phone. And I had my hand in my pocket all the time. No robbing here. To be honest, some tips you give at times made me super paranoid. No ripping off at restaurants either. Even very free Limoncellos in Italy after a fantastic outdoor meal too! Yes, free as in gratis!

Biggest thing is to be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are in an area where it is easy to be an target (such as a crowded train or bus terminal). I had someone try to pickpocket my wallet (front pocket) at the Versailles train station, and I was on alert because it was a "pinch point" for traffic exiting the station. All he got for his troubles was a broken thumb.

I love this channel. Great advice of both Do's and Don't's of many different aspects of traveling. But as far as getting robbed, it happens. People get robbed in the comfort of there own cities. You may get robbed you may not. These are great tips not just for Europe but in every continent.

Crossbody bag!! Wear it in the front too. Pay attention to your surroundings and if something doesn't feel "right" make an adjustment to put yourself in a safe situation.

Hi Wolter, thank you for great tips.Chaos

Agree. People do dumb things when they travel. There are thieves everywhere. We had a fellow in Bruges trying to show us the sights. He kept offering to take our picture with my expensive camera. He would have raced off with it! We had a hard time getting rid of him as he was very persistent. Using your spider sense helps!

I really like your videos, great job! so funny me and my wife ran into you at Atlanta airport yesterday (or was it still today? Back in Germany now and getting confused with the time differences 🙂)....Cheers!

excellent video again Wolter! I travel for a long time now and got robbed at the airport of Barcelona, it was incredibly crowded, and my wallet got stolen from my trousers (yes, even from the front part) and in San José, Costa Rica, a long time ago: i hold my backpack not on my chest but on my back. Looking forward to your new videos!

Could you do a video on car rental safety? Re: theft? You just unlocked a new concern! LOL! Thank you. I love your channel! Have watched for years!

Great information,, Thank you,,,,CJV

Great stuff, teach!

My husband and I travel A LOT worldwide and have for over 20 years with no issues. However, last week, we were in London with our teenage niece. We were outside at a pub in Soho. My husband went inside to use the restroom and a guy approached my niece and I pushing newspapers in our face over our table saying something in a foreign language. We both vehemently said "no, not interested" but then he reached over table in my niece's face, which I now believe was the distraction, as I went into protective mode and pushed him away and he then left. However, when my husband returned to the table he asked "where's my phone?" At that time, after looking through all our belongings and inside the restroom, we realized that the guy used a diversion tactic to swipe the phone under the newspapers while we were looking at him and not what his hands were doing. It was a Galaxy 23+ phone so that dude just got a $1300 phone!! We filed a UK police report but they could care less and didn't even want to do it, but we insisted for insurance purposes. We let the pub know and they appreciated it so they could alert other patrons. Luckily, we were able to get a new Samsung phone at the Samsung store on Bond Street , albeit with a UK number and then walked across street to get Vodafone daily data plan. When we got back to Chicago, T-Mobile was luckily great about replacing SIM and him getting his new number back. The whole experience just feels so violating though. It's not even that the phone got stolen but how slick they are about it and you realize it could've been even worse. I leave for Barcelona tomorrow, and now I'm really paranoid since I heard it's the worst city for pickpockets and robbery. I'm going to try my best to enjoy trip while being extra vigilant.

Great video!! helpful tips and most is common sense. I always keep my crossbody purse in front of me, I even separate license in another location. I heard that wearing backpacks in front vs behind is good strategy. I got pickpocketed when pregnant and busy with my toddler picking out shoes. I put my purse over the stroller and my wallet was taken. I was pickpocketed at the Alamo when my thin crossbody was more to my side than in front. In a crowd, as I was looking at glass display, I was unaware and someone stole my wallet. I learned my lesson.

Great tips!

are we going to ignore 7:33 😂 but thanks for the advice! am currently in paris, thankfully nothing has been taken (and i hope it stays that way).

Hi, thx for the great info u r sharing. Altho I’m aware of most of the tips in this video, 1 new & important thing I learnt from this video is that, before we visit any foreign country, we should learn how to yell for help & for police in local language!!

On a bus tour night out in Rome, our guide told us before we prepared to enter the restaurant that pickpockets would be all around us and that women should hold their purses with both hands. We we walking no more than 20 metres!

The easiest way is just dont be loud and dont talk to those random people who sell bracelets etc... Because once they hear you talk loud in american english you are like a jackpot. I had a funny experience when we almost got robbed by 4 guys on night bus in lisbon. They really looked shady like no one i have seen in lisbon before. And they started with the typical questions "do you have a cigarette?" etc... but when i turned to one of my friends to tell him this is going to be a problem and they heard slavic language, they completely changed their tune, and literally stopped talking, looked out of the window and pretended not to be there at all 😁 From my experience in europe if you speak english or german, you are more likely to be a target, but when you speak some slavic language or arabic, they dont want to have any of that 😁

Trains, trams, and buses are big targets for pick pockets. We got picked in Zaragoza Spain on the bus last time I was there about 20 years ago. Sister had her passport and credit card stolen and I lost a debit card. Generally speaking Europe is very safe but you need to be careful on public transportation, and while walking around in crowded places like De Wallen in Amsterdam or Las Ramblas in Barcelona among many others. Safety. Safety first then teamwork : ) Happy travels people

I live in Paris and I NEVER EVER put anything in my back pocket, it’s not always great looking to stuff thing in your front pockets, but it’s a necessity wherever you go.

I dress in alternative fashion, which I guess makes me blend in more with locals than the tourists since I've never been targeted (also good luck for the pickpockets to try and find my pocket from the side of a big flowy skirt, takes me some patting too to find the opening 😂)

This is such a fear of ours when travelling!!! Touch wood we’ve been ok to date!

Awesome and important video

Backpack security: if you have outer pockets on a backpack, take a simple safety pin and pin the zipper from the inside the backpack. It lowers the easy opportunity to slide open zippers. Feel free to look like a dork. Carry your backpack on your front at busy airports, venues, and busy places.

Great Channel.. Really appreciate all the pointers and things to be aware of... I'm getting ready to go to Italy for a couple weeks (new traveler in this area) and find I have an extra 2 days to spend in either Naples or Florence (These 2 areas because of other family stuff going on). Where to spend the extra time? Recommendations?

7:29 I burst out loud laughing! I wonder what those two guys were up to!

The number one reason is not because "you're a tourist." It's "because people are scummy thieves." My husband still has his wallet in his front pocket. He lived in Italy for 6 years and that is a holdover. Although, really good ones could probably get it from the front too!

I try to research what locals wear, and am very vigilant in public. It’s taken me quite far up to this point. No one has pick pocketed my Monopoly money I planted on me so far.

This is good to know ,when I hear stuff like this feel blessed I live in OZ land I have always felt safe walking around the city of Melbourne you never hear of tourist being robbed .

A criminal tends to choose easy victims: if you look distracted, if you look unaware of your surroundings, if you look like you've got valuables on you... well, you're a very likely victim.

worlter I love you, how you try and teach people basic common sense. Clothes are a massive big give away in Barcelona, ive lived here for 17 years almost and I always remember it being a city. Bingo, a city has issues like all cities in the world. Most of these people who come to Barcelona are from big cities, big cities have problems, and I am sure they wont dress like they do in Barcelona. Stay safe Wolter.

Great video, what are your thoughts on Pac-Safe backpacks and hip/fanny packs?🙂

I think, on a serious note, if you don't feel like someone is on the up and up, walk away. Don't be afraid to be rude if you're not sure. You'll never see that person again and if they're legit, sure you come off as a d bag but they'll be fine. And if they're a thief? You just helped yourself

Thank you

Very useful video. Unfortunately tourists are a target for pickpockets. But if you follow some rules and if you are careful you will not be robbed, if you are extra cautious in public transportation and places with a lot of tourists, well-known to be a little bit unsafe.

For my recent 2 1/2 Week trip to London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin I almost exclusively used Apple Pay on my Apple Watch. Prior to my trip I got 100 pounds for London, and 150 Euros for Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Apple Pay works EVERYWHERE except at some mom and pop restaurants, and certain Taxis. Kept enough cash in my pocket, the bulk in a money belt. Safe and secure.

A man tried to rob me on a tram in Prague once. I felt his hand in my messenger bag so I grabbed his wrist, said “Can I help you?” in Czech then watched him freak out an run off the tram.

My parents just arrived in Madrid yesterday for a two week trip through Spain. Their hotel room wasn't ready yet so they went to a local market. My parents are well aware of the scams and pickpockets and my father always wears a money belt. In that one hour, he didn't get into his luggage to get his money belt as he hadn't gone to get cash yet. After leaving the market as they went to an ATM, he realized his wallet was missing. He never even felt or noticed anything in the busy market, and with the commotion of just arriving in town, forgot to move his wallet to the front pocket. He was able to cancel his credit cards and they weren't used anywhere yet, so hopefully it was just the cash and everything else is in the trash. It happens that quick.

For your bags I recommend using a smart padlock 🔒 that has a alarm that will go off if someone touches it. With my phone I use a case with a strap so it can't be snatched if someone takes it and you can connect it to your belt loop when it's it your pocket. It's helped me alot doing this.

Mark said, “I wanna rob you just to shut you up.” Hilarious 😂.

My family & I will be taking a tour of Germany. There are 11 of us. Ages range 8 all the way up to 70. Will admit, I’m a little nervous with there being so many of us. Four of us used to live in Germany & Italy & never got robbed but with this many people…

Great video, thank you! I originally come from a country with a very high crime rate, mostly violent; as a result I’m very aware of my surroundings and of the typical scams. Against that backdrop, we’re going on a med cruise and to Rome later this year: as a photographer it’s unavoidable to have a bunch of expensive gear with me but I’m considering leaving my (obvious) camera backpack at home and buying one of those low key Pacsafe anti-theft backpacks to hold a camera cube instead. Thoughts? Am I being OTT?

People tried to rob me before being 'impaired' in a different way. I'm disabled and walk with a cane. But I'm also hyperaware of my surroundings and have my important stuff near my body.

Saw you in Barcelona two weeks ago. When's that video being uploaded?

That last point is important: you can reduce your odds, but never to zero. Even the most savvy travelers get pickpocketed.

I'm from South America, so all of this comes pretty natural to me. I've been to europe several times, luckily never got stolen. My best advice is: don't stand out. Keep in mind that thieves and pickpockets are always looking for the path of least resistance to their goal and have a special talent for identifying potential victims. None of it is random. If you've been a victim (or close to it) of this before it was probabbly because you looked more vulnerable than everyone else around you. Sad but true. In my case, I'm a white, black haired dude so I guess I blend in most places in europe. I also like to dress REALLY comfortable for walking around and sightseeing and I don't tend to look like I have a lot of money or valuables on me 🤣. Lately in my travels I've seen quite a number of people trying to pull the whole travel-model-influencer thing, dressing up real fancy and spending countless minutes at a single, super touristy spot trying to get the glamour shot they want. Those ppl are making themselves targets. Also, needless to say, avoid the "classic" tourist look and outfit. Of course, try not having a lot of cash on you and keep it in a money belt under your clothes. As for the (pants) pockets, I straight up never put my wallet or phone there; front or back, I never use them, period. I keep those valuables in a sturdy fanny pack/bag (great gift from an ex gf) that I always use facing front accross my chest. Avoid using big, bulky backpacks and handbags/purses, those are super easy to pick or snatch. I used to keep my passport at my hotel safe but now I carry it on me at (almost) all times since that time the turkish police stopped me at Istanbul and ALMOST arrested me for not having it... scared the crap out of me. Research ahead of time how much of a risk it is for you not to have your passport/id on you for that particular destination I know it's a lot and could make some people paranoid, but like most comments say: have common sense, don't be clueless and gullible and you'll be fine. Hope it helps!

I feel we could benefit from an efficient packing video. We are currently on a 16 day cruise (transatlantic) from Barcelona to NYC. We overpack and would like advice.

Great tips. On your next trip to London could you please stop at Hamley's toy store and take some videos. It's an amazing place.

front pockets can get pickpocketed too. Hubbie had that happen in Lisbon trolley. Yes, it was crowded. They are GOOD!

Makes me scared to go home South Africa 😢 but thanks for the advice

Pickpocket is everywhere in the world except it occurs more in Europe. I don’t usually wear anything fancy that stands out and rarely wear jewelry. I usually walk around like a local.

first off, great list. second, at 7:30 what were the costumed men crossing the street supposed to be?