I like Marko's idea, too. I have one of those gizmos, but I haven't used it before. Dumb tech questions: can Word docs be read, and how do I know if my USB drive has the right drivers? Thanks.

Word is not part of a standard installation, but Wordpad is, so if you "Save As" in Rich Text Format, your documents will be readable on any Windows machine.

If you didn't have to install drivers the first time you plugged in your USB drive, it probably doesn't need any.

I think people will do what they need to do to feel like their belongings are secure.

If it means using a money pouch or a calf stocking or a bra pouch - or even "clip-on thises and thats" - then whatever works for them is what they need to do.

Alternatively, if you prefer to use no money pouch and walk around with your everyday handbag, that's fine too.

But just because your way of doing things may not be the same as others is no reason to imply that we're over-reacting to a non-existent problem.

Thanks, Robespierre. I didn't know that about the Richtext format. I haven't used the USB drive, but I may have plugged it in ages ago when I first got it--so I don't remember if I had to install drivers or not.

Someone has said to look like you are willing to beat the crap out of people and there is some truth to that. I kicked a man once for being sketchy with me at a bar (he was trying to get my wallet). No, not in the "spot", but in the shin.

Anyway, the bar was not in the best neighborhood and I had always been just a wee bit intimidated by the place. However, after that no one bothered me again. I fancy the notion that I sort of became "the one who fights back."

You go girl.

I was in a sketchy neighborhood of Barcelona, alone, at 4am (dont ask) and went running through the streets muttering mumble-jumble, a crazed look in my eye (no, i wasn't actually drunk). No one bothered me

I like the tactics of the "i could and will kick-your-ass glare" or the "i'm crazy, leave-me-alone run". (Then again, I wasn't so much afraid of pickpockets as I was of violence in general)

Unless you personally have successfully fought off and lived thru an actual attack (mugging, robbery, attempted rape) I would be real careful about the self-defense advise you post here.

ooby - there is truth in what you say. How you carry yourself has a lot to do with whether you are perceived as a victim. I read about the same people having been repeatedly mugged in Central Park.

Has anyone ever tried to put a shocker or even loose razor blades or something in your pocket, just so if someone stuck their hand in they'd learn a lesson?

suze--

I have actually been attacked twice.

once--I was stupid, only 21, and drunk...I was very lucky, a guy came to my rescue...all i lost was my purse/wallet and suffered a concussion (no rape or other injuries)

second time--I kicked the guy's ass, I wasn't drunk. HE went to the hospital. I'm much better at defending myself, noninebriated (I have had self-defense classes and highly recommend them; I have also practiced tae kwon doe in the past, boxed in high school, and played rugby as an undergrad. I don't typically think of myself as a target)

thefirstme, as long as you don't put those things in your back pocket, lol.

I was just reading somewhere last night, but I can't remember where, that some people use a canister of breath spray to warn away potential pickpockets. (I guess the theory is that the criminals aren't sure what you're about to spray in their direction.)

What do you think?

Maire- Firstly, I think you are not going to be pickpocketed. Secondly, if you se them coming, and have time to fish out your breath spray to aim at them... well they aren't very good pickpockets!!!

Very true, Suze!! I'm still laughing.

I think if you have a can of breathspray...they're obviously aware you have bad breath and subsequently stay away.

What a good strategy. I'll have to stick a can obviously poking out in my pocket.

Maire- Glad I could make you smile

I have no statistics to back me but firmly believe that:

1) most problems people have when traveling are basically their own fault: getting lost, misplaced belongings, leave things behind in a taxi or train, make a dumb move (i.e., do not hang your purse over the back of your restaurant chair in a sidewalk cafe!).

2) My next bad things category is along the lines of unforunate choice of a restaurant, ending up in the dreaded 'tourist trap', hotel reservation confusion or disappointment with the room, the museum is closed on the day you visit, etc. None are the end of the world.

3) Then comes minor inconveniences and aggravations such as delayed luggage, late flights, missing a train, someone is rude to you, like that.

4) Moving on to kind-of-awful things that could not be helped or foreseen(example, food poisoning or getting sick or injured).

5) Way way at the bottom of the list of possibilities and I personally do not know ANYone who has had any of these things happen in Europe are having something stolen from your hotel room, pickpockets, or attempted personal harm.

I like your theory, Suze. Actually, the more I read about pickpockets, here and elsewhere, the less concerned I become. I guess knowledge is power.

(But I do find it a fascinating subject though.)

Just pay attention to your surrondings!

I agree with Eloise. I have no special security gadgets. I keep my wallet and passport in my front pants pocket, and I carry a backpack full of things no thief would want. I can't imagine a pickpocket somehow sliding his fingers into my tight-ish jeans pocket and getting my wallet. I tend to think--and maybe I'm wrong--that people oblivious to their surroundings and women with purses slung behind them are the ones who are targeted. I just hope that I'm not tempting the fates by saying this...

So right, Maire. I always check the board on Rick Steves' site where travellers report the scams they encountered. This way, I'm up on the latest tricks. I wear my moneybelt (sometimes, yes, it shows through my stretch pants a bit but I don't worry about it) and a backpack. I don't think backpacks look touristy at all, given how many locals carry them. If someone does target my backpack and cuts it open, they won't get anything that would keep me from enjoying my trip. I walk around taking pictures, looking up at the sights and acting like a tourist--I am one! I wear a backpack because its more comfortable for full day of sightseeing, at night I carry a regular purse. I take precautions, sure, but not to the point where I stop doing what I travelled 5000 miles to do.

Londoners use maps, so don't feel bad about checking a map. Plus, safer to check a map and not wander in to a rough neighbourhood. I sling my backpack around to the front on the metro/bus or in crowds (dual purpose of covering my money belt and keeping my eye on my pack). I do the same things in Europe as I do anywhere else in terms of always trying to be aware of my surroundings--while still relaxing and having fun!