How to Outsmart Pickpockets and Stay Secure on Your Adventures
My goal in writing this is not to make you nervous but to help you feel more confident and less apprehensive. Pickpocketing is a reality worldwide, but you shouldn’t live in fear. As a veteran traveler of more than 20 years, I’ve visited Europe countless times and even lived there. Crime can happen anywhere—even in your own hometown—but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. Here are my top tips for staying safe while traveling anywhere in the world:
Don’t Make Yourself an Easy Target
Pickpockets look for easy marks, so don’t be one. Always stay aware of your surroundings, minimize distractions, and plan your route in advance. And please leave your designer bags, expensive watches, and valuable jewelry at home. These items don’t impress anyone but pickpockets—and they make you a prime target. I don't even wear my wedding ring when traveling.
Eliminate Opportunities for Pickpockets
Pickpocketing is a crime of opportunity, so don’t give them one. I always travel with an anti-theft, slash-proof crossbody handbag—many great options are available on Amazon. My personal favorite is from Travelon, which has locking zippers. While I could loop it securely onto my chair at a restaurant, I never do—I keep it on my lap. It’s not always the most comfortable, but it makes me feel secure.
Never place your handbag or phone on a restaurant table, especially in tourist areas. It can be swiped before you blink. Be cautious about keeping valuables in a jacket pocket, and always stay mindful of your belongings.
Smart Wallet Tips for the Men
Keeping your wallet in your back pocket, or even the front pocket, is a sure way to lose it. I would highly recommend a belt wallet or money belt. It is very normal for men in Europe to wear sling bags on their front.
Don’t Overthink What You Wear
No matter what you do, you will look like a tourist—so don’t stress over your outfit. Facebook travel groups love to debate the perfect travel wardrobe, but here’s the truth: no one is critiquing your outfit, and no one cares what you’re wearing. Wear what makes you feel happy and confident. That said, bright colors and bold prints can make you stand out, so if you prefer that style, be extra vigilant.
More importantly, prioritize comfort, especially for your feet. Foot pain can ruin your trip, so wear supportive, comfortable shoes—even locals do!
Stay Alert on Public Transportation
You already know this, but be extra cautious on the metro in any city. If you carry a backpack, stand against the wall on the opposite side of the doors. If you wear a crossbody bag, keep your hand on it. Avoid looking at your phone while on the metro. If possible, sit; if not, avoid standing near the doors, as pickpockets target those areas for quick getaways. Stay away from groups of young people if you can, and if you can’t, hold onto your belongings. If the metro is too crowded for your liking, wait for the next train—you’re on vacation, not rushing to a meeting.
Speak Up If You Feel Targeted
Pickpockets don’t want attention. If someone gets too close or you suspect you’re being targeted, don’t be afraid to yell, “Pickpocket!” Avoid physical confrontation, especially in a crowded metro, but if you’re outside and feel safe, assess the situation and act accordingly.
Use a Phone Lanyard
I love phone lanyards. If I’m wearing a jacket, I keep my phone under it. Otherwise, I wear it crossbody under my bag (it’s more comfortable than around my neck). Pickpockets have learned how to remove phones from lanyards, but they are still safer than holding your phone in your hand. Plus, a lanyard reduces the chance of dropping and cracking your phone on cobblestone streets!
Should You Carry Your Passport?
This is a personal choice. Some travelers worry about theft from hotel room safes, though incidents are rare. I think chances are much greater that you lose your passport if you have it on you as you are out and about, so I almost always lock it in the safe but carry a copy on my phone in case I ever need it. That said, some countries do require that you have it on you at all times, so please check local laws.
IF you plan to shop at high-end stores and plan to get reimbursed for the VAT tax, many of them do require a physical passport.
Be Wary of Groups and Distractions
Pickpockets often work in groups. One serves as a lookout, identifying easy targets. They can be any age, but I go out of my way to avoid groups of teenagers or young adults. If someone approaches you with a clipboard, a petition, or a political issue, walk away—it’s likely a scam. In Europe, it’s unusual for strangers to approach you for genuine help. 99% of those who do are trying to pickpocket or scam you. Ignore them!
The Odds Are in Your Favor
Yes, pickpockets exist, but millions of people travel every year without incident. By staying aware of your surroundings and keeping a close eye on your belongings, you can enjoy your trip worry-free. Most importantly, make the most of your travels—you worked hard for this! See the sights, savor the food, and HAVE FUN!
Passport
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
Never pack your passport in checked luggage—keep it with you at all times.
Make two photocopies of your passport’s photo page:
-One for your luggage (stored separately from your passport).
-One for a trusted family member or friend (your emergency contact).
Scan and email a copy of your passport to yourself and your emergency contact for easy access.
When you are carrying your passport with you, make sure it is in a secure holder, such as a money belt or a crossbody bag with security features (RFID blocking, locking zippers). Keep a hand on it in crowded areas.
Communication
Download WhatsApp before departure—it’s a free app for calling and video chatting over Wi-Fi. Ensure your family, friends, and important contacts have it installed.
Group Chat: Set up a WhatsApp group chat for your trip so you can stay connected. Be sure to download the app and test it before you leave!
WhatsApp works anywhere with internet access, making it the easiest way to communicate while abroad.
Carry-On Bag
I highly recommend packing light—stick to a carry-on with compression packing cubes to maximize space. Consider bringing a foldable duffle bag—you can pack dirty clothes in it and check it on the way home, freeing up your carry-on for souvenirs. If you do check a bag, I would highly suggest using an AirTag, just in case!
What to Pack:
Prescription Medications-
Bring more than enough medication for the trip, as regulations vary by country, and keep it in its original prescription containers. At a minimum, take a photo of your prescription labels and store them in a designated folder on your phone in case you need to provide proof—though this is rarely required.
Small Medical Kit – I recommend a zip-lock bag with:
Band-Aids, Dramamine, antibacterial cream, eye drops, etc.
Allergy medicine, aspirin, stomach relief meds (Tums, Pepto-Bismol).
It's wise to take daily probiotic to help prevent stomach issues from new foods.
Personal Items & Extras-
Notebook & Pen/Travel Journal – Great for recording experiences or key details.
Extra Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses – A must if you rely on them!
Weather-Appropriate Outerwear – Weather can be unpredictable wherever you go, be prepared and pack a lightweight rain jacket that compresses into a small bag. Evenings can be chilly, so layering is key. (I don’t pack umbrellas—I’ll buy one locally if needed.)
Sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen (travel-size), and earplugs – Handy for comfort during travel.
Personal Hygiene Items – Tissues (great for public bathrooms), sanitizing wipes, and other travel essentials.
Clothing & Footwear-
Comfortable Walking Shoes (2-3 pairs) – Must be broken in, supportive for cobblestone streets, and waterproofed in advance. Wear one pair, pack the other.
Socks & Underwear – Pack light! Laundromats are available everywhere if needed.
Comfortable, wrinkle-free clothing – Stick to lightweight layers (pants, shirts, sweaters, jacket). Comfort over fashion!
Sleepwear & Earplugs – Essential for light sleepers.
Laundry & Clothing Care
Stain remover wipes & travel-sized laundry soap
Travel-size Febreze/Wrinkle Releaser – Freshens up clothes between washes.
Toiletries & Electronics-
Packing Tip: Leave extra space in your luggage! If your suitcase is full, reassess what you truly need. I usually bring half of what I initially plan—you can always buy clothes locally (and they make great souvenirs!).
Miscellaneous Travel Tips-
Jewelry & Valuables – I don’t travel with expensive jewelry—it’s too easy to lose, and it can attract pickpockets.
Money & Security – Keep your passport, cash, and credit cards in a money belt or crossbody bag with security features (some have lockable zippers—check Amazon).
Daypack Option – A small, collapsible daypack can be useful for:
Tissues, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes
Small medical kit (Tums, aspirin, etc.)
Travel-size umbrella (optional—you can buy one locally)
Water bottle, snacks, and a lightweight jacket
Let me know if you have any packing questions—I want to make sure you’re comfortable, prepared, and stress-free for an amazing trip!
How to Get the Best Exchange Rates and Keep Your Money Safe Abroad
Money & Credit Cards
Credit Cards: You can use credit cards 95-99% of the time, but it’s always good to have cash on hand. I use Apple Pay almost exclusively in Europe and the UK—upload your credit cards before leaving.
Cash: Order Euros or British pounds from your bank a few weeks before departure. Some banks (like Zions Bank) offer this service with no fees for customers.
Secure Storage: Keep most of your cash and credit cards in a money belt or secure bag, carrying only a small amount of daily spending money in your purse.
Best Practices for Credit Cards
ATMs & Emergencies
Pro Tip: Always use ATMs located inside or attached to a bank rather than stand-alone machines on the street or at the airport. Bank ATMs are less likely to have card skimmers and typically charge lower fees. Plus, if you experience any issues (like a card being eaten), you can go inside the bank for assistance.
Bonus Tip: When withdrawing cash or making purchases abroad, always decline the currency conversion if given the option. Choosing to be charged in the local currency rather than your home currency ensures you get the bank’s exchange rate, which is almost always better than the inflated rate offered by the ATM or merchant.
Budget Tip: I typically budget around $50 per day for expenses on a trip, but that can vary. A nice sit-down dinner can cost at least $50, which is why I often opt for lunch at nicer restaurants—lunch menus are more affordable! In certain areas of Europe, many restaurants close around 1:00-2:00 PM to prepare for the dinner rush, but bakeries and cafés always have sandwiches and to-go options which are much cheaper.
If you are on a tight budget, google the area you are visiting and "budget tips" and "travel blogs" for more specific ideas on how to save money traveling.
Tipping in Europe and the UK is quite different from what we’re used to in the U.S. – and it’s important to respect the local customs. Unlike in the U.S., waiters and service staff are paid a living wage and do not rely on tips to make ends meet. In fact, overtipping — especially the standard American 20% — is often considered inappropriate and can even be frowned upon. Europeans have gone so far as to say that American tipping habits have “ruined it” in some places. Instead, it’s customary to round up the bill or leave a small tip for excellent service — around 5 euros at a sit-down restaurant is plenty. For casual dining or street food, simply rounding up or dropping 1–2 euros in the tip jar is appreciated.
Note: Reservations are usually recommended. If you need help making reservations, ask the concierge at your hotel.
You will usually need to ask for the check when you're ready, as your table is yours for as long as you’d like to stay.
When it comes to other services: tip hotel porters 1–2 euros per bag, drivers 2–3 euros per person per trip, and personal tour guides about 10 euros per person for a full-day excursion. Tips should always be given in local currency. These small gestures go a long way — and doing them the local way shows cultural respect.
In Europe and the UK, access to public restrooms often comes with a small fee — usually around 50 cents to 1 euro (or pound). You might find coin-operated turnstiles or attendants collecting payment, especially in train stations or busy public areas. It’s a good idea to carry a few coins with you just in case. If you’re dining at a restaurant, always take the opportunity to use the restroom there — those are free for customers, and it's smart to go even if you think you don’t need to. Planning ahead can save you both money and stress while you're out exploring!
When using Google Maps to navigate and avoid stairs, follow these steps:
Enter your destination in Google Maps.
Tap the three dots in the upper right corner next to your destination.
Select "Options."
Under "Route Options," check the box for "Wheelchair Accessible."
This will help you find routes that avoid stairs and highlight stations with elevators. Keep in mind that while some metro stations have elevators, navigating underground can still be a maze.
Also, be sure to download your maps for offline use, as cell service can be spotty in metro stations.