the duffel

Hey y’all. These are my top tips to avoid sightseeing theft while traveling abroad or to big U.S. cities. These are just a few easy changes you can make to your travel routine and habits that will limit the number of opportunities that someone has to take your possessions.

Use a bag with a chain instead of a leather strap.

Leather straps are easy to cut. People can often cut your bag and have it slip off your body without you even noticing. Try carrying a bag with an anti-cut or metal strap.

Wear your bag under your clothes.

If you are wearing a jacket over your outfit, try this hack. Put your bag on before you put your jacket or coat on. This will only work if you are wearing a shoulder strap, crossbody, or small messenger bag. Your jacket most likely will not fit over a backpack, and if it does then my bet is that it will be extremely uncomfortable to wear. By wearing your jacket over your bag, you are minimizing the amount of strap that is showing. This means that it is harder for people to brush passed you and cut the strap.

Do not use outside pockets.

This goes for your bags and your clothes. If you have a backpack that has a front and/or side pocket(s), you should not put important items in them. I know that many people put their wallets in there for quick access but that also means quick access for everyone. Imagine this, it is rush hour and you are on the metro/underground/subway. There are so many people that you are all standing front to back to each other. If someone moves, everyone moves. This makes it easy for someone to quickly dig in your outside pockets with you being none the wiser. This also applies to your clothing.

Wear your camera strap.

Often, we are traveling with photography cameras, vlogging cameras, action cameras, you name it someone has it. Most of the time these devices come with straps. As unflattering as they can be, it is more important to make sure that we are limiting the opportunity that someone has to take them. My vlogging camera has a small strap that connects to my wrist, and I do not use my camera without putting that strap on. It not only makes it difficult for someone to ride pass me on a motorbike and take it, but it also ensures that I do not drop my camera. So, buy a nice strap for your camera, put it around your neck or wrist, and shoot with the comfort of knowing that it is protected.

Do not look like a tourist.

I know that this is hard, especially if you have equipment that you are using during your trip, but this is probably the most important tip. If you are standing out in the open with a map or constantly checking your phone for directions, then you most likely are not paying attention to your surroundings. This makes you an easy target. Go over the route before you leave your accommodation or current site. When you stop to check the route and your progress, stand off to the side or by a wall.

I hope these tips were helpful. Luckily, I have never had anything stolen while traveling. These tips are just things that I picked up on doing during my travels abroad and to major cities in the States. Hopefully, we all continue to be aware of our surroundings and avoid the hassle and stress that comes with being a victim of theft. If you wish to have a more visual guide, you can check out my YouTube channel. Wishing you safe travels. Be sure to check out other the duffel articles here.

As ever,

Angelique Michelle