Summers on the beach sipping coconut juice and winters spent on a snow capped mountain are ideal vacation spots for most. Personally, being a busy person with lots of errands never lets me plan out a good vacation.
However, I do wish to someday go on one of those dream holidays and have the views of Instagrammable spots along with food that so satiable can only be dreamt of.
Unfortunately one flaw is also ‘pickpockets’. Yes, the pesky thieves ruin the experience to most rat infested popular tourist destinations where your money can get pick pocketed quicker than a scenic sunset photo being clicked.
Pickpockets are a class of competitive thieves whose sole business is to relieve carelos beggers of their treasures when they are pickpocketed. Below listed are some of the prime pick pocket destinations one would want to steer clear of.
Paris: Anyone who has Paris in their dream destination would be aware of the Eiffel tower along with iconic croissants. As beautiful as Paris sounds, one simply cannot avoid the chaotic streets and subway stations that become a goldmine for pick pockets.
Firstly metro stations attract pickpockets as they have bulks of tourists boarding and deboarding the metro, making them loose cognizance of their precious belongings. A simple trip that is supposed to be fun and full of frolics turns out to be the worst nightmare possible.
Poland: With the beautiful over the top Brandenburg gate in Poland comes countless crimes taking place under the surface. There has been a rise of murders, because of gaining unethical mental stimulation and the increase of economically motivated cybercrime.
Apart from serving as eye candy, Poland equally is known for the amount of pick pockets they lure while they serve fake street petitions that no one should trust.
Rome, Italy:
As well as the herds of pickpockets. They usually come in packs – one distracts you while another snags your belongings.
Belt bags and backpacks with locks are your new best friends during your visit.
Lisbon, Portugal:
Portugal is considered relatively safe when it comes to crime, but Lisbon’s tourist hotspots (eyeing you, Bairro Alto and Tram 28) do lure some suspicious characters.
Hide your valuables under layers, and keep them securely zipped.
Barcelona, Spain:
To be honest? Barcelona’s a tinderbox for petty theft. Whether you’re soaking in the sights on Las Ramblas or relishing some coffee, remain watchful.
Athens, Greece:
From ancient ruins to modern-day issues. Even in sites like Acropolis or Syntagma Square, pickpocketing is rampant.
Fun fact (not so fun): some organized crime groups make thousands of euros off tourists daily.
Amsterdam, Netherlands:
It’s quaint, it’s picturesque – and it comes with a side of pickpockets. Are the train rides from the airport suspicious? You bet.
Dublin, Ireland:
Imagine cozy pubs with a side of warm and welcoming locals… and also, tram muggers. Gangs composed of women in neatly pressed dresses strike on the Red Line.
Istanbul, Turkey:
Bazaars, grandiose mosques, and of course, crafty crooks.
Some thieves go as far as masquerading as English students just to get close. Be alert.
Sneaky Tricks That Will Do The Most
Pillagers have gotten more innovative, Some traditional diversions they employ include:
- Someone pours something onto you
- Surprise “help me” moments
- Fake Questionnaires
- Loud disagreements in a public place (while their accomplice robs you of everything you own)
If someone is making a ruckus around you, ensure that your bag is within reach.
Plan of Action: How NOT to Get Robbed on Vacation
If you are traveling to any of these locations — or honestly, anywhere crowded — here is how to remain one step ahead:
Protect your belongings:
If needed, wear your backpack on your chest. Straps should face outwards.
Do Not Stand Out:
Visibly flaunting or brandishing cash… just don’t. Remain unnoticeable.
Always Keep Your Bags Attatched To You:
Loop the sling of your bag along your limb when seated at a café or resting by a fountain.
When someone speaks to you out of nowhere, the “friendly” strangers could be the most polite warning you have of danger.
Such a swift offer to assist or provide with a change can be a deceiving trap.
Skimming lines is better accomplished by pre booking online, you won’t have to waste your time in the line.
Wearing Anti-Theft Equipment:
Those hidden money belts under your clothes? A bit silly, right? Highly productive.
Pickpockets certainly wouldn’t want to waste their efforts on an empty individual.