CAPH52

I've been giving this a lot of thought because of our upcoming trip to Barcelona. I have one question for the women who say they don't carry purses while traveling. How do you carry your camera?

Thanks.

Otzi

So far no sanctimonious posters telling you how foolish you were. We're improving. It's nice to read some civil responses as well as helpful tips. I can relate to your situation because I've been around numerous folks that have also been pickpocketed or scammed. My wife doesn't allow me to carry money, so I can only comment on events I've seen.

It's easy to say what not to do to someone else and I have been guilty of it myself, but until something like this happens, you are never quite ready for it. You can clutch your wallet to your chest for 24 hours a day over 7 day of vacation, but at some moment on the 8th day you drop your arms for one second, and poof...it's gone. That's all it takes. The clever thief can always come up with some sort of ploy to divert your attention. In truth, it's more often a case of bad luck than carelessness on the victim's part. All you can really do is minimize your chances of being ripped off by using a money belt and by using credit cards instead of money.

suze

I can't imagine traveling without a purse or some kind of tote bag, so am interested to hear the replies to CAPH52's question above. Where do you put your stuff?

SCFoodie

I didn't carry a purse on my last trip, but it was November so I had a travel coat that has a lot of zippered/secure pockets - most on the inside of the coat. I carried my ID, a credit card, a little cash, a small comb, a lipstick and my reading glasses in the various inside pockets. This left my outside pockets (which zipped) for my camera and tissues. My camera strap was almost always looped around my wrist. When traveling in a warmer climate, I use a messenger bag since I don't have the coat with all the pockets.

mnapoli

I carry a cross body Travelon bag that has a zippered flap that flips completely over the purse. It's a bit of a pain for me to get into, but it also makes it almost impossible for anyone else to try to get into the bag. Nothing is completely foolproof, but I recommend this type of bag for travelling.

kleeblatt

Just came back from Barcelona.

I carried a hidden wallet that loops through my belt and a small purse with a bit of loose change for metro tickets and small purchases. Worked perfectly. I left my ID and most of my money back at the hotel safe.

Here's the wallet:

http://www.best4travellers.com/produ...ieftasche.html

CAPH52

Thanks!

I asked this not only because of the camera (small guide book, tissues, etc.) but because in June in Barcelona, I expect to be wearing capris. And none of my capris have pockets.

I have a cloth purse that I bought at Monoprix that zips and then has a flap that goes over the zipper all the way to the bottom of the front of the purse and snaps. As long as I tuck it snugly under my arm so that the strap can't be cut, it would be pretty damn difficult for someone to get into.

I also like the fact that, because it's cloth, it's easily scrunched up and stuck in my carry on.

I hope it'll be a good choice for Barcelona. Though I'm thinking I might just get a money belt for my cash and credit cards.

SeaUrchin

Ha the way we prepare for travel it is like we are heading for a war zone but I do have to say that cloth purses can be knifed open and emptied while you are carrying it snugly. Keep all that is valuable in a money pouch.

On one of my friend's day tours a young lady had her purse knifed open and didn't even realize it until it suddenly felt lighter.

takemealong

My husband and I have traveled throughout the U.S. for over 30 years and throughout Europe for over 20 years. We have been fortunate enough to have never been the victims of a pickpocket. We both use money belts for most of our cash, credit/bank cards, and ID. I always carry a purse as well. Over the years, I have carried a variety of purses, small and large. I usually select a cross body style that has either a zipper or a large flap over the top. I always choose one that has zippered interior compartments as well. My husband and I both carry point and shoot cameras—mine is usually on a strap around my neck or in my purse. My husband puts his in his pocket. I make copies of our ID, credit card info, bank phone numbers, etc. I try to be aware of my surroundings, particularly in crowded situations. I try to look confident not fearful.

All of that being said, I am not naive enough to believe that I could not fall victim to a pickpocket. It only takes a minute of being distracted—something that can easily happen when you are traveling and trying to observe all the wonders of places that you may visit only once in a lifetime. I have had 3 friends (two women and a man) who have been pickpocketed (the women in France, the man in Portugal).

My best advice is to take precautions but don't be so fearful of being pickpocketed that your fear makes you a target. Enjoy your trip. Most people will return from their trips safe and sound with all of their possessions still in hand.

jenblase

Not that this helps for upcoming warm weather trips, but when we were just in Germany and Austria this December, I found that I barely had to carry a purse due to the handy inside pockets in my Lands End wool coat. I was able to put my small wallet containing a few credit cards, cash, and a lipstick in there with no problems. I could even fit brochures and things like that that I picked up along the way (I kept my passport in the safe back in the hotel room). I found it quite liberating, actually.

CAPH52

sferguso, I'm very sorry you had this experience. But I really appreciate your posting about it. There have been some very helpful responses on this thread!

Thank you to those of you who've given such great advice!

amsdon

Jenblase how about sharing a link or photo of that Lansend jacke? I'd be interested in one.

AnnMarie_C

sferguso, I am so sorry this happened to you. Thank you for posting, it's a good reminder to be cautious, vigilant about our belongings. We have not experienced this (dare I say, yet?) and with that comes a comfort level that can be dangerous. Look forward to reading your report!

kayd

I think that the best general advice I've heard is not to carry a wallet -- the item that quick-fingered thieves are most likely to grab. Divide cash and credit cards among two or three pants/jacket pockets or zippered pockets inside a purse. Or, in cool weather, wear a tiny flat purse cross-body under your coat.

luvtotravel

I bought a wrist pocket for going to the gym. It works well so I don't have to use a locker--I leave my purse at home. Here is a website for one--I bought the small one--slips on the wrist with a zippered pocket large enough to hold credit cards and some money. There are many online shops selling these. I have one made of fleece and another of something lighter and stretchy purchased through another online store. Worn under a long sleeve shirt it isn't easy to notice and would be extremely difficult for someone to access. I don't think it's large enough for a passport, though. I also bought a pair of socks (can't remember where) that has a zipper pocket. I also bought the reversible fleece hood from the website below, and will try it out next month.

http://www.sprigsville.com/home.html

MadridMan

This is a true shame but a story you hear again and again. Americans (like me), British, and Australians come from countries where pick-pocketing and purse-lifting is a true rarity. Street murders are more common. So we're not as vigilant as we should be in these countries where petty theft is much more common than violent crime (which, in many ways, is a blessing).

One can get really creative with the things they can to to guard against such thefts while enjoying scenery, a meal, or a tour. You mentioned wrapping the bag strap around your foot or under the foot of your chair. I use a rock-climbers' "Carabiner" to connect two ends of my (across-the-body) bag-strap around the arm of my chair when seated outside. They're easy to use and remove the ease of bag-lifting by thieves.

Again, sorry to hear of your experience but it's good that you share it with everyone so they can learn how to better protect themselves. People should also know that these petty thefts clearly exist throughout Europe but are by no means common. These things may happen to 1% (or less) of the total number of people traveling to X-City.

Still, I hope your visit to beautiful Granada wasn't a total downer.

Saludos, GranadaMan @ you-know-where!

lanejohann

really sorry to hear about this incident
thanks for posting
i keep all valubles on me- money belt and bumbag- usually im in a jacket so you cant really see the bum bag either

i did have my wallet stolen - twice at home
once when i was leaning over to buckle in my infant son into his stroller- a girl jogged past and took it as my handbag hung from my back

another time - again at Easter lol - wallet was taken from the babys bag which was hanging from the handles - was shopping for kids shoes and had the pram next to me but someone was watching obviously

im careful overseas but you just never know when youre guard might go down momentarily
so it is good to read these kind of posts
again- bummer but glad it wasnt a huge loss