It doesn’t matter where you travel — there will always be pickpockets and bad actors around who take advantage of tourists and lazy locals. Some pickpockets are sneaky and discreet, while others work as a team to distract you with games or questions while the other person robs your belongings.
Regardless of their criminal style, all of these forms of theft can be devastating and ruin your next vacation, leaving you without your money, smartphone, proof of identity and other valuables.
The truth is that everyone is susceptible to the sticky fingers of these sneaky robbers, even if you’re from a big city and street smart. So, how can you protect yourself from becoming a victim?
I’ve put together a list of my favorite travel gear to help protect you from pickpockets both at home and abroad.?From anti-theft travel bags to the latest travel tech, this checklist has you covered.
Anti-theft money belts and fanny packs
The money belt is the classic anti-theft go-to for travelers. Its flat design allows you to wrap it around your body — underneath your clothes — so you can keep your valuables close to your chest (literally) without adding bulk. Pickpockets will never know where your items are, as you keep them tucked away and hidden from sight.
This ultra-lightweight fanny pack can be collapsed down into such a small space that it takes up almost no room in your luggage. When you want to walk around town with a little more than the basics but still want to be hands-free, the hip pack is the perfect solution.?I love this dusty rose version, but it comes in green and black as well. Columbia even has full-size backpacks to match, so get ready to make a set.
Anti-theft travel backpacks and purses
I can't travel without my Nordace backpack; it’s a travel staple. It's not only super stylish but also well thought out. It has an anti-theft zipper pocket that runs on your back so that pickpockets cannot get into it while you’re walking around. It also has numerous pockets and zippers on the outside and inside where a pickpocket won't know to look. Plus, these pockets help keep you organized so you can find everything quickly.
But you don't have to spend $100-plus on an anti-theft backpack. This sub-$25 backpack is a reader favorite with features like built-in zipper locks and a hidden anti-theft pocket for your phone and passport. It can accommodate up to a 17-inch laptop, and its conservative design fits in well at the airport and the office.
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If a messenger bag is more your style, this anti-theft bag is a must-have. Our reviewer loved its locking zippers that keep valuables safe, so you can rest assured your wallet won't disappear on the subway. There's also plenty of internal organization, and it's made from slashproof material that prevents someone from cutting the strap and running off with your bag.
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Don't want to upgrade your backpack? Consider adding a lock to your existing bag. This TSA-friendly luggage lock's cable is small enough to fit through most backpack zipper pulls. Just set a four-digit code, lock your zippers, and your laptop and other valuables are secure.
Most crossbody bags are either flat or sporty. However, if you want to look and feel sophisticated while you travel, you’ll love this crossbody capsule bag from Paravel. It’s elegant and you can even have it monogrammed to make it extra posh.?It's big enough to hold your keys, cards and phone but small enough that you barely know it’s there.
If you love to shop while on holiday, then the Foldie is the perfect anti-theft travel bag to take with you as you explore the city. Instead of walking around with open paper bags from the shops that allow your items to be stolen easily, you can pack your new products into your Foldie.
It’s packable, so it can collapse down into a tiny bag that barely takes up any space in your luggage. Oh, and did I mention it has various internal pockets, interlockable zippers, a trolley sleeve and a crossbody strap? You’ll never travel anywhere without this bag once you’ve tried it.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when traveling around is wearing a purse or handbag that has an open top or sides that give easy access to your belongings. These types of bags may look stylish but are just begging to be robbed.
As a New Yorker, it is ingrained in me to never buy one of these bags. I look for bags with zippers or panels that go over the top and then have little locks on them. It’s easy to find bags at all price points that meet this criteria.
If you want something a little more luxurious on your trip, I recommend a Mulberry bag. Nearly every design is stunning to look at and packed with anti-theft features. My favorite is The Amberley.
I never knew how much I needed a phone wristlet until my mother gave me one as a Christmas gift. Not only can I use my phone to take photos over the sides of boats or from extreme heights without worrying about dropping it into the abyss below, but I can also use my phone in public with confidence knowing that thieves and pickpockets will be deterred from snatching it right out of my hands as I’m looking down at the screen.
You can’t take everything with you while you’re out and about, so it’s a smart idea to attach a tracking device to valuables you leave in your hotel room. You can attach an AirTag to your keychain, your luggage, your laptop, your camera or almost any other item that's important to you. If you suspect it’s been stolen, just use Apple's Find My app to locate it.
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One great hiding place for your valuables that no pickpocket is ever going to find is your socks! Pocket Socks is a brilliant brand that makes fun socks with pockets and zippers, allowing you to be both safe and silly at the same time. The brand has everything from standard athletic socks to dress socks and even compression socks that are perfect for air travel.
KangaRoos were created in 1979 by jogger and architect Bob Gamm, who needed someplace to put his keys while he was out on runs. This sneaker brand is synonymous with its cute little hidden pockets that hide your valuables in their little kangaroo-type pouches.
You’ll find secret compartments either on the side panel or in the tongue of the sneakers for you to place your money, keys and other small items. Plus, they're comfortable and stylish to walk around in all day as you explore new cities.
This wallet is loaded with anti-theft features, including RFID-blocking technology and a chain you can use to attach the wallet to your pants. This way, a thief can't take your wallet out of your pocket and quickly run off into a crowd since it's attached to you. The wallet also has a zippered money pouch and room for up to five credit cards.
Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards?CNN Underscored Money?chose as the?best travel credit cards?currently available.
