Unfamiliar locations, when we are on vacation for instance
, seem to be the most likely times when things will start to go wrong. Problems that could leave you with bad memories and a dislike of the local people, and maybe having to replace lost items; it could cost you lots of money and end up ruining your holiday. Things can even get to the point where you can feel like a prisoner as you become reluctant to leave your room.
It is easy to drop your guard when you are on vacation and enjoying yourself but this is when you are most vulnerable so traveling safely relies on your common sense to guide you.
Trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right, do something about it. A big mistake made by many tourists is they take everything of value with them which makes it very easy for thieves and pickpockets to steal their whole identity in one go. You should only ever take just what you need for the day and safely store the remainder (essential travel documents and cash) in the room or hotel safe.
One easy thing to do to protect your money is not carry all of it around at once or leave it in just one location where a thief can steal everything you have quite easily.
It is also never a good idea for a couple to use the same credit card, when to travel safely it just is a simple matter to take a second card from a completely different account; as a replacement should one be mislaid or taken. Some people just make it easy for snatch thieves who specialize in grabbing bags and cameras from unsuspecting tourists who have them hanging from their shoulder; to prevent this make sure the strap is over the head as well.
When you walk out make sure you are on the sidewalk as motorbikes and cars can't drive here and if you have your bag or camera dangling off the shoulder furthest from the road it won't be so easy to take. There are many ways to scam tourists and you are vulnerable when you are on vacation so it is an easy task as these people are very good at what they do.
We can become complacent believing it will not happen or we are cleverer than them but this is how they make their living and in many cases the way that they feed their family every day. For instance, when carrying small bags (rucksacks for example), it is not a difficult job to place a small combination lock on it to put thieves off; remember they are always looking for the easy victim!