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@@lionelm203 All of my new videos have no background music, but I can't do anything about videos that have already been published. Thanks for your patience, and I appreciate your feedback.
Love your videos and find this useful information. May I respectfully request that you avoid the use of music in future videos when you're speaking? It's really distracting for me and makes it hard to focus on your message. Best regards for a healthy, happy 2023.
Yes, Nora, as useful as the information is for travel planned for 2023, I finally give up around minute 9.00 as the music is simply too intrusive to fully absorb the content.
Wow - I had no idea the music was so out of balance and distracting! I have a bunch of videos “in the can” awaiting publication but I will take your suggestions to heart for all future videos. Thank you!
My tip is to keep a list of the 24-hour customer service phone numbers for your credit/debit cards separate from your wallet, so if they’re lost or stolen, you can freeze them quickly.
I lost my wallet two days ago, this would have been so handy. When I called they wanted specific transaction details that I was not able to tell them, so they were not able to freeze my cards. I did not know I was able to use my app to freeze the cards. Turns out my wallet was on the floor of a friends car. I got it back. But now I have a retractable clip on my wallet and now it's tethered to my purse. It just fell out.
As a lady in her middle 70's, I have found helpful ways to not forget items. When I travel on the plane, I wear pants that have pockets on the calf area of the leg, with a zipper. My ID and plane boarding pass go in there. Do not have to look in my purse, and no worries of it being taken. My grandmother would carry her wallet with her money tucked in her bra, under her arm bit. She would feel if anyone was trying to take it. Pulse out of sight was helpful! My phone goes into a case that has a string on the case that goes around my neck. I try to wear a jacket, so the phone is not showing. I no longer carry a purse. Being elderly, I'm an easy push over to the younger people. In my home the purse is kept in an out of way place. Not easy to find.
Good advice and strategy, I though that carrying a purse filled with some inexpensive stuff could be useful. You still have the important and valuables stuffed safely elsewhere and they would get nothing from your purse.
Another tip, be aware of your surroundings. Don't be afraid to make brief eye contact with people (don't stare, that's rude :)). If you keep your head down or eyes averted, you are a target. In the military, we call this keeping your head on a swivel. Thieves do not like getting involved with aware people. Also, I love my Pacsafe bags!
We used Pacsafe bags strapped across us in Europe and had no problems at all, not even on buses and subway trains. I suspected professional thieves know what they are and recognize them so were less likely to even bother to target us.
As someone who was mugged (in the parking lot of my bank … going in not coming out…. in broad daylight several years ago), these tips are life changing. PS They caught the guy and he went to jail, but the financial recovery was a nightmare. New subscriber. Definitely eliminate the music.
Gosh...you remind me of this exact incident while I was in St. Antonio TX. A lady got robbed in daylight in front of her hotel. She got beaten up on top of her bag being stolen.
I love this info. This ADHD brain of mine makes it super hard to concentrate with the music in the background. It was too loud compared to your voice. But I pushed through to the end because you have great tips. Something to consider. I know I'm not the majority, but maybe something to note. Thanks for putting this video together.
I agree … not only the volume , but also the choice of music was hard to deal with. I did push on til the end. Great tips. But a chore to watch with that so - called music
What is happening is known as COGNITIVE LOAD (Or COGNITIVE OVERLOAD). It is when one too many things are happening at the same time resulting in the main item (her vocal speech) not being fully present and understandable. The music for one, while pretty, has intense string strumming/picking that interferes with her voice from being heard clearly and thus understood. The music makes her voice unintelligible to a degree. In addition, her voice sounds muffled just enough to add to the unintelligibility. Somehow her microphone was pointed incorrectly or got lost in her soft clothing or " tubby" reflective room acoustic environment. Do not rely on laptop mics, they are awful, even the mics on high end MacBooks are terrible compared to a stand alone mic that is placed as close as you can get it to the mouth. It also sounds as if any frequencies above about 11,000 Hz do not exist and have been EQ-ed out, for some strange reason. These medium and higher frequencies (spectral highlights) can help make speech more clearly understood. Also, the use of at least one acoustic blanket (bedspread, packing blanket from Harbor Freight, etc.) can help in reducing those room reflections that mics hear after being recorded, but our live ears correct for. Muffled Mic Technique + Wrong Music (or any music) = Unintelligible = Cognitive Overload. Meaning it is not easy to listen to and get the info. On camera talent should be clear that viewers are hearing this valuable info for the first time unlike the talent or editor who knows the info backwards and forwards.
I always take a picture of my cab driver and write down the number plate and send it to someone else just in case something happens to me or my stuff. Thank you for your informative video
My friends make fun of me for being extra careful but so far I’ve not had any issues. Better to be proactive than disappointed and stuck somewhere without your wallet and IDs
Great tips! Here's something extra that I do that might sound extreme to some but might also help a lot of people. When I leave my hotel room for the day, I actually chain my locked suitcase to a secure object like a heavy piece of furniture to make it even harder for someone to run away with them. It's a practice I take from doing dance performances. Everytime I have to go out and perform, I put my wallet, cellphone and other valuables in my gig bag (usually a big suitcase where I put all my costumes) and chain it to something fixed or heavy. When there is none, I sometimes just chain it to my chair. A robber can take the suitcase but they would easily stand out carrying it around with a chair stuck to it. I buy a 8-10ft ft plastic chain from the hardware store that weighs close to nothing but is impossible to cut unless you use a chain cutter. I chain my locked suitcase handle to the furniture and secure it with a padlock. It just puts my mind at ease whenever I have to leave my stuff whether it's to dance or to go sightseeing. Another thing that I do (not just when I travel but everyday) is I attach my wallet (and phone and keys, etc), individually, to my purse. I use metal rings, carabiners (s-biners, usually), springy cords that people use for fishing to secure their gadgets, lanyards, etc. It just puts my mind at ease knowing that my valuables are not going to disappear (either get pickpocketted or fall or get misplaced) because they are all attached to my purse in some way. Needless to say, my bags and wallets are all anti-theft (either Pacsafe or Travelon) and rfid safe, as well. 😊
These are incredible tips - thank you! I hadn't thought of a big plastic chain. It takes up a bit of luggage space, but it's a great strategy! Also attaching your wallet to your bag: brilliant.
That's what I did when I had to go to hospital about 18 years ago, and decided to take my laptop with me. ... These days, I'd take an old laptop that you can leave out in the open. I have one of these specimen that I am keeping precisely for that purpose. But back then, I locked my laptop in my suitcase, and locked my suitcase to the radiator.
That's hilarious! Pro tip, do that, but put your actual valuables in a hidden spot in the hotel room. Like pull out the bottom drawer of a dresser that touches the floor, put your laptop in the gap under it, and close the drawer. Nobody would ever think that your valuables weren't in the suitcase or safe.
Thanks! All of my new videos have no background music, but I can't do anything about videos that have already been published. Thanks for your patience, and I appreciate your feedback.
All these tips, anecdotes, and commentary are interesting and many are quite useful. I enjoy hearing/reading travelers experiences and learning better ways to ‘stay safe out there.’ I have a related but unrelated anecdote about theft by a local in Bali. Want to hear it? While staying in a lovely cottage in Ubud Bali with my partner… one afternoon when temperatures in the tropics can be scorching and for many ppl cause drowsiness or torpor resulting in a nap… the classic ‘siesta’ in Español… Yes? We had risen early that day to travel in the cooler hours and returned to our cottage in mid afternoon to rest. We had picked up some fruit at the local market which we intended to use as a light snack and for our breakfast the following day. We left the back door to our cottage open while we were napping. Sometime while I dozed my partner nudged me in the ribs and whispered ‘Bae…look!’ I opened my eyes to see a large monkey coming in thru our back door walking on two legs like he was the owner. I tried to scare him away by shouting at him but he ignored me. He walked right across the room directly to the table where we had put the bananas… reached up and took one… felt around and realized there were two and took that as well. Then he nonchalantly waddled back out the door with our bananas. He didn’t even say ‘Terima Kasih’ - thank you in the local language. So… yes I did get robbed in Bali… by a primate! Who stole my …um… breakfast!
On my first trip to Europe in 2005, traveling alone, I was in Brussel and sitting on a bench looking at my camera to change the settings. Someone call me and point in a direction like to show me something, I didn't see anything. A few minutes later, I realised that my daypack beside me wasn't there anymore. I just arrived in Belgium so I had lots of things in it, passport, airline ticket to go back home, 400 Euros... So I did a police report (needed if you want to claim insurance) and spent a few days getting back a passport and airline ticket. I guess the most annoying thing that I lost was my tourist guide with all the places that I wanted to visit noted and highlighted. I decided that it would not ruin my vacation, but I was still a bit stressed for the rest of the trip. Since that incident, I'm more aware of my surrounding and I do many of the things that you suggest. I was never robed again but, I caught two pickpocket in the act of trying to take me as a subject of their trade, once in Prague and once in Lisboa. As you may guess, I was alone on these occasion, never had any problem when I travel with friends since then each one kind of check the others back, Don't forget that as a tourist, you are a target. Since you travel, people expect you to be "rich" and they know that even if you caught them, you probably wouldn't go to the police since you don't want to pass your precious time in a police station. So, always be aware of your surrounding, don't let people get too close to you if not necessary, and if you do, be sure to have all your sense alert to fell anything suspicious.
I'm sorry you had your daypack stolen like this, and at the start of your trip no less! Kudos to you for staying positive nonetheless and learning from the experience. I have a video coming out shortly that is all about pickpockets. Stay tuned!
I often travel alone. I have been approached by men and try to avoid anyone getting too close. I always have my small bag around my neck and hanging in front when walking down the street. If I sit at a table to eat, I wrap the bag around the chair in front of me and hang a jacket over it. I don't sit at a table near an exit or a low barrier. As you say, try to be aware of your surroundings.
My #1 tip: keep a constant eye on ur shoulder/day bag. In an upscale Florence, IT cafe 1 hot summer day, we sat down at a table 2 eat/enjoy the AC. I STUPIDLY slung the bag over the back of my chair & leaned against it. I briefly turned away (maybe 15 seconds). It was gone when I turned back around. The “lovely” Brits sitting next 2 us were aghast, offered 2 help us search 4 bag. I often wonder if they weren’t the ones who rapidly stole it; we were sitting in a corner alongside them! I should have known better! I was a very experienced traveler!! It held our passports, debit card & lots of cash. By the time we walked back to our hotel 2 call the card company, thieves had charged ab $1,300 at a jewelry store. It was a nightmare replacing the passports in Rome 3 days later! Always keep ur bags tightly close to ur body!!
Oh no - that's awful! Thank you for sharing your experience, so others can avoid the same hassles. It's interesting - when we feel we are in a "safe" place, we tend to let our guard down. It's a shame, because as you say, all it takes if 15 seconds.
Never let a waiter take your card out of sight. Mine was cloned in South Africa. He said the portable reader didnt have a signal, so took it to the desk. Also asked "have you just started your holiday?" That way he knew it would be ages before I realised that card had been misused.
I won't let wait staff ANYWHERE walk off with my card. I had that happen here in the states (waiter stole debit card #). If you want to use your bank account instead of a "credit" card, some banks will issue you a travel debit card linked to a vacation account they will set up for you (Wells Fargo did this for me). Then you can transfer whatever amount you want to use that day from your regular account into your vacation account for that card. Then if it gets stolen, you are only out the amount you put into that account. So, put say $100 or so on your vacation card for the day and that's all they can access.
About ATMs, I like using the ones that are in grocery stores or near big stores. That way if someone is looking, they might think you're just going to spend it all in the store. Also there's more people so there's less risk of someone doing something wild. I normally take the cash and then walk inside the store for a few minutes and maybe buy a snack or something.
Another awesome video full of great info. Thanks Nora. Remember if you don't have it with you, it can't be stolen. A lot of people think they have to take their whole house with them when they travel. You DON'T at all. Do your homework before you go. Remember tourists are a lot more likely to be robbed than locals. Dress and act as much like a local as possible. Do not wear a lot of jewelry, fancy clothes or have name brand expensive bags. The most commonly stolen thing in the world is cellphones. You can get a cheap unlocked phone anywhere to use while you travel for under $100. Especially if you travel regularly and have a newer high-end phone, it's more than worth it.
That's why phones in Asia have a wrist strap. Often thieves jostle you and make you drop your phone. One person jostles you, another person grabs the phone when it hits the ground. If you have a wrist strap, it doesn't hit the ground, even if it does fall out of your hand.
@@susanma4899 Also theres a lot of snatch and drive by criminals on motorcycles. They rip right out of your hands if your too busy looking at your phone. Be aware.
A suggestion that works for me is to always have a large nylon shopping bag. (I made it myself). A huge bag with handles or shoulder straps that you can literally just dump everything in. It’s easy to recollect your stuff quickly and getting going again. You can sort things later. The bag also comes in handy to carry in your small purse for souvenirs. Its light weight and fairly waterproof and won’t tear. You can easily stuff it under the seat or any wear. It can be washed out and will dry very fast. I can’t live without one!! ♥️🦊
Great tip, Linda! I always (as in, ALWAYS) have a foldable nylon bag with me; it comes in handy all the time! Especially handy for grocery runs of course.
i go a step further placing my leg through the loop, and rest it on my knee, they will have to cut my limb to get away(which btw, its happening in many countries lately) or carry my weight with them over 160lbs.
Back in 2012, when my, now, husband went traveling for 6 months, i sewed pockets on the inside of our pant legs, for extra money, and other things we didn’t always feel safe leaving in a car and stuff.
Couple of tips - Re ATMs use one in a bank foyer/inside a building if you can rather than one on the street as they are usually safer because staff are around. Re debit and credit cards - have a note of your banks emergency numbers or mobile app should you be a victim of theft, to get them stopped/Blocked ASAP.
Great tips, Nora, thank you! Just found your channel, and proud to say I followed most of them in a recent solo trip to Mexico. I also recommend if you're out for the day, carry your transit pass, or cab fare in cash, in a pocket of your clothing, not your purse. If your purse is lost or stolen, you can at least get back to the hotel.
@@bobli5315 I think you can prank the thieves, for example, you can put these things in the decoy purse, a picture about a hand gives middle finger or a piece of paper that has " fu*k you" written on it
I do this also when I'm parked beside an old, ratty vehicle. (no other spots to park) They might not care about their vehicle but I do mine. Thank you for all these great safety tips!!
When in busy marketplace areas I like to bring a light jacket and wear my crossbody bag slung under the jacket, it's just an added level of confidence if I'm in an area where I'm feeling vulnerable. Crossbody bags really are the best bags for travel because you can sit at restaurants and on public transportation without having to remove the bag, but I do have a PacSafe crossbody with the locking strap which is great for locking to a table for the times when you just want to sit unburdened for a few minutes. Thieves will go for the easiest mark every time. I also get a few prepaid travel debit cards, that way if one does get stolen or compromised there's only so much damage they can do, I keep all my stuff in the RFID blockers but there's always the skimmers at point of sale terminals where you are not in control of your card--those have hit me a few times. I never use my actual debit card when I'm on travel, either domestic or international for that reason. I also love LastPass because you can store photos of your important documents in there, like your passport, your itinerary, your health cards, credit cards, etc. Plus you can log in via a computer if your device gets stolen.
Great strategies - thanks for sharing! I'll admit since the recent data breaches I've moved away from LastPass. I use 1Password now - it works even better! Fewer glitches.
Thanks for the video. Great tips! I find it funny that my mom always had money in her bra. Her purse was pretty much a decoy. All the purse contained was a cheap comb, cough drops , empty eyeglass case and a bunch of tissues, so if anyone tried to steal her purse ….they would’ve been very disappointed!😂
4 years ago I left from an ATM in Costa Rica. One guy moved in behind me the other out front. I whacked the guy following in the crotch with my umbrella (ooh that hurt. he was rolling on the pavement) The guy in front moved out of my way. His head would have been my target. But for others way to go is immediatel pocket the money and act disappointed. If with someone say the ATM refused to accept the card so you are broke. Stupidest thing is to stand counting the money and have a fastr runner or bicyclish come swipe it. And I have seen that often. I am 75 but walk 15 kilometers a day, bench press 110 kilos. Mountain bike in the Andes. Spent 32 years in the US Army (mostly Reserves) leaving as a Colonel O-6. I can still run a mile in under 5 minutes as well.
@@NoraDunn For women travelers nothing better than screaming Rape! While theft is a petty crime, Rape will put them in prison avery long time. Plus decent men will come to your assistance. My wife who is Costa Rican felt safe when police were present. But I have since convinced here that in many countries the police are collecting a percentage of what they steal. Recently that has been revealed in Los Angeles California where 8 gangs are working inside the Sheriff's Dept. Neve underestimate the importance of an umbrella. Even if it's not likely to rain, it can be a formidable weapon. But under no circumstance look like youre lost. Stay confident and the bad guys will choose another victim.
Great tips. I'm a bit of a nerd and perhaps a bit paranoid. I've traveled a lot. On my way to Vietnam next. Biggest travel risk? Getting drunk or high in public. Second, leaving something behind (like Nora's taxi experience. Take a photo of the driver's ID. Explain that you've left things in taxis before. End it with 'Big Tip.' The driver doesn't even have to understand what you're saying -- he'll figure out you're annoying not a problem. Be aware that it's probably not his cab or his license - he's probably the second shift. Women taxi drivers have always been great. Can be bossy, won't take any crap, but great. If I have a choice I will always choose someone's mom.) At the ATM hiding the money you just took out? Use misdirection. One hand goes in one direction doing something busy, the hand with the money quickly tucks it away like you're scratching. One benefit is a thief won't understand what they've just seen. Situational awareness is paramount. Walk quickly, head on a swivel. Anyone stares at you, look back, think _I know what you're up to. Don't even think about it._ But don't get into a staring contest. Women especially should do this. No thief is looking for a battle from anybody. If the person looks wrong, think mean thoughts. I will take out your left eye first.... I got knocked down in the Paris Metro because my back hurt that day and I was moving a bit slow. Also my travel companion, a big guy, refused to stand together on the platform. I looked like a weak old man alone - until they had my wallet and I started shouting "Voler! Voler!" and started following the guy (my back no longer hurt.) He flicked my wallet on the ground. €15 was all I had in it at that moment. So I was being very stupid. I had my cash in a wallet with my cards and ID. Had I known they'd just taken a wallet with €15 and nothing else - meh. Who cares? Had he asked for the €15 I probably would've given them to him. The Lock Picking Lawyer has tested a lot of 'slash proof' items. They really aren't all that slash proof. Doesn't mean they're bad, just that you can't ignore what's going on around you. And the cut proof strap? Wear it diagonally across your body. Cross strapped as Nora Dunn says. Always. Just hung over your neck can cause whip lash if they try to yank it off. (A friend's neck was cut from just a cheap tiny chain around his neck in New York City.) Many times a cutter will make multiple attempts, regularly checking your bag, especially the bottom, is good practice. And don't hesitate to scream or shout, "Leave Me Alone!" if anyone is getting too close. And those beggar kids that swarm? Sure they'll take a handout, but they're trying to set you up, or steal from you. Real beggars never travel in packs. Remember this: real beggars never travel in packs. You might give a couple a couple of $$, but 5 or 8 of them? They're thieves. They never ever want their picture taken (I've been approached in Mexico, Europe, Asia) I always say in English, "Picture! Picture!" and point my camera at them. They always scram. And if they scram, don't take their picture. Back up your electronics in a way you can easily reenter all the data in a replacement computer. I use Apple Macs, so I have a TimeMachine back up drive that I leave at home, and I have one that travels with me. (1TB is tiny) I keep this with the cheap stuff (socks undies) or on my person. Then if someone steals my MacBook I can buy another and be back in business. ICloud does some of this too, but I've never restored from it. iPhone? backed up to computer, backed up to drive. Something I used to do with my professional camera gear. DIY neck straps - webbing is incredibly strong, Duct tape on cameras. I once bserved a thief in Rome studying my brand new pro level Nikon in the train station. "Yes, that's the new model, but the duct tape means it was broken..." He finally made a disgusted pfffft gesture and walked away. Clutter. Leave a messy hotel room. You can hide anything almost everywhere in clutter. I always wanted to fake a pair of undies with a horrible skid mark on it, and a pocket for valuables. But everyone I've traveled with said they'd immediately leave if I ever deployed something like this. Happy Landings.
Just for day to day use I use a kipling pouch that I attach a chain to and clip it inside whichever bag I am using so that it will not drop out without my knowing nor will I place it somewhere and leave it behind. Seriously all wallets should have d rings for this purpose.
@@Propfaqs Good set up. And great that you've thought of dropping and leaving behind. Travel can be confusing, stressful, exhausting - causes errors. But be careful. Hook around your belt and not just a belt loop. Thieves know the breaking strength of a belt loop. (Not very much.) And the string, chain around your wallet or pouch not only tethers it, it also identifies you as more situationally aware. Caribiners are great for easy hooking and unhooking. There are $7 ones on Amazon that are almost good enough for climbing. (and plenty good enough for my sailing safety straps holding me.)
These are great tips! Some of them are new to me, and will definitely adopt next time. I've found that one of the best 'first lines' of defense is to be situationally aware. Look around, take a moment to size someone up, don't stare at the sidewalk or your phone, and also glance upwards from time to time--someone may be casing you out from above.
Sleep with your pass port. My Son had a man in his room in the middle of the night grabbing passports. They have keys to rooms. They have ways to get in windows. They have already cased your room and you.
These tips are very helpful. One additional tip, for iPads and iPhones, refrain from entering your passcode in public. Rather activate the facial recognition mode or the fingerprint mode and use those instead.
I had someone teach me to always TAKE A THOUGH LOOK in a cab, or any other transportation, as you get out, you may of dropped or left something, no matter where you are. It has been a reflex for me.
Thank you so much for this! I'm getting ready to take a family trip to a touristy area in Mexico. I'm the only one on the trip who's traveled internationally, but it's been over 20 years since I've been out of the US and this is my first time visiting Mexico. I hope that this will be a launching point for more international travel in the coming years. Your videos are helping me to overcome my nervousness about being in new environments. They are extremely informative and helpful and I hope to watch as many of your videos as I can before I leave! Thank you so very much.
Don't forget to take the 800 card numbers if you loose your cards. Also let the card companies know where and when you will be traveling so they don't think your card is stolen and automatically lock you out. Double check your spending limits.
I'm with you on carrying the numbers and checking spending limits! But most banks don't require advising them of your travels in advance. I haven't done it for years.
Also avoid using tap over seas. Insert your card. I was recently told that in some cases the bank will lock your account if tap is used in some place foreign to the issued card...
Great tips! I especially agree with your point that most thefts are crimes of opportunity and not showing the thief something they want to steal in the first place is the best way to keep your things safe.
So much good heads-up advice. I'll add that wearing a crossbody wallet is safer worn under a coat or jacket when needing hands free or being a vulnerable smaller person whatever age. Thanks so much for your experienced advice.
I agree with a lot of the comments here. This video has been by far among the top 3 best videos for protection against theft I've seen on UA-cam. ❤ Thank you so much for providing us such useful tips and tricks!!!
When I'm overseas I carry a second wallet and an old broken phone as a decoy. I made my own back pack from carbon fibre and kevlar and I also made my own RFID blocker using aluminium foil. Been using these items for years.
Some of the background music seems louder than your voice. The rhythm of the marimbas is rapid and , for me, actually was anxiety producing. However, despite these suggestions, please be clear that I really like the chosen music in the background. It just is a bit too loud. Your tips are wonderful and certainly will be put to good use as my daughter and I travel, in September 2023, completely across Canada and the United States.
So bummed for your purse loss,however your words haven't fallen on deaf ears. Thought I was a fairly savvy traveler until I watched this. Thanks for sharing.
My wallet was stolen in Hong Kong, first night of a month long stay 😳🤬 Fortunately I was there with a friend, who also happened to speak Chinese, that helped me get replacements for everything. Bad enough as it was, would have been a nightmare without my friend.
I'm sorry this happened to you, but I just wanted to point out that there are many resources in Hong Kong for English speakers in an emergency. I live in Hong Kong and my Cantonese, even after many years, is pretty basic. The police (and many other people) here speak English, since it is one of the official languages and everyone under the age of 50 or so has had to study it from kindergarten onwards at school, although levels can definitely vary. It's smoother and faster to get things done if you have a local Cantonese speaker by your side, but there are plenty of resources for visitors, including the Tourism Board, MTR staff, and hotel staff, all of which can help you out in an emergency situation. If you're American, the US Consulate is in Central and easy to contact as well (just ring and they have a special line for emergency assistance). The British and Australians have consulates here as well, and should have similar procedures. So no worries about travelling here without knowing Chinese and meeting with an emergency!
Where and how ? I haven't had anything stolen here for decades, but there was a very suspicious Indian guy following me once in Tsim Sha Tsui. I ducked into a shop and lost him.
Lots of great tips. For RFID protection, I use 2 RFID cards. They are super slim, much slimmer than a credit card and they protect everything in my wallet. With the individual card sleeves, you have to take your card out of your wallet, then out of the sleeve. With the RFID cards, you put one on either side of your wallet so when you fold it, both sides are protected. You can then freely remove and use your cards easily when needed.
Don’t take anything you aren’t willing to lose. I’m highly protective of my stuff, don’t get me wrong, but in the end it’s just stuff. I carry the smallest bag I can with the least amount of stuff I can get away with. Not only do I have less weight to carry but I have less to lose, too.
This is the mindset my partner and I have when travelling. Take as little as possible. We're pretty proud of our selves for how light we can pack for a two week trip. Sure, we have some laundry to do, but that gives us the opportunity so do more local support. When going out and about, it's absolute minimum. On the way home, we use an collapsible bag for the extra stuff we've picked up along the way. Bottom line, it's just stuff.
You have awesome tips for travel. Are you equally as cautious when you’re at home at a restaurant or perhaps showing out of town friends/family around? I’ve rethought my appearance and how I carry my purse even when I go out locally! You’re advice is creative and practical - common sense in retrospect. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!
Awesome advice. We never like to think about the worst case scenarios, but it is so important to plan for ahead of time. And the pain of planning for the worst is far less painful than dealing with the aftermath of the theft of all your valuables.
My husband and 😅i traveled to France & Italy for 2 weeks. Your videos are so helpful. I was fully prepared. When I was in Louvre I felt someone hand go up my back. Things like this happen so fast. Because of helpful videos like yours, I am happy our trip went smoothly. Love your detailed lessons and appreciate your links to products like Pacsafe bags.
I often travel with a group and we keep an eye out for each other. In Brazil there were groups of thieves that worked together. They were quick, distract you, shuffle off your stuff to another thief. So when they would sort of break into our group, in a crowded situation someone would call out a name or warning. There were swarms of them in Brazil. In the Czech Republic it was the security guard that stole my foreign currency as I had it on the top/inside place in my crossbody travel purse. But I was going through security and he asked me to turn around to scan my backside. In the meantime with all the hustle my purse that he had to look through while I watched was THEN LEFT OPEN WHILE I TURNED AROUND. It was a quick grab and I noticed it shortly afterwards when I needed coins for the WC.
Don’t be me either! I went to a passport wallet, DO NOT use them. It fell out of a backpack whose cheap zipper opened. It fell out and had cards, cash, passport, everything. Luckily my friend spotted me money as had to take a 6 hr train ride to get to a place that could do an emergency passport. Best advice you gave…keep cards and cash in different places. Don’t let people rush you until you get passport put away safely. Great advice!
I think the main error here was putting your passport wallet in the backpack. Get one that goes around your neck or put your passport in an inside jacket pocket. Also, don't put everything in the passport wallet! Only your passport.
Chipalo and Apple make small, battery-operated tracking devices. Get them, put in your bags, purse, glue to your phone case, put on anything you want to keep/find/retrieve and sync to all your electronic devices. That way you can find the item you left ‘somewhere’ or was taken while you weren’t looking.
Great video! As a seasoned traveler, I'm always looking for ways to keep my belongings safe, and your tips and recommendations for anti-theft bags and accessories were spot on. Thanks for sharing your expertise and helping us all stay safe on our adventures!
No one else is sharing these crucial tips and techniques. Thank you so much. And your delivery is like being with a close friend exchanging experiences and advice. You're great!😊
Thanks for the tips and advice. You’re right about the hotel safes. I had a large amount of cash stolen from a cruise ship cabin safe. It was one of the Princess ships.
Nora, as a nervous traveler I can only confirm all of your great tips. I need the mental security of always putting my items in the same place that I can access them easily. I travel a lot, also for work. Thus one important concept is only to bring the bare minimum and spreading it out in the safe secure places you mentioned. And just get to the next level of paranioa, watch some UA-cam videos on lockpicking - very disconcerting
Lots of good info, i wasnt aware of anti-slash stuff.. I have a money belt (both one that goes inside the pants, and my pants belt with a zipper pocket) and I have a couple money clips with small amount of cash, for the very reason you said, I never have to pull out more than $20-$30 (or less). I can always go to the bathroom and refill a clip. I also took the card holder out of a wallet, sewed a loop on it, then my belt goes through the loop and the cards go in my pants. So I have money in 4 different places on my body and I can always toss a money clip or my wallet in case of a mugging and I'll still have more cash, card and ID on me. I also have pants with a zippered back wallet pocket. Have to take all cash to Cuba so i spent a lot of time thinking about how to spread it and keep it safe. Someone would have to throughly frisk me and remove mt belt to get everything on me.
My grandfather who travelled around the world taught me that always keep the hotel room tidy. His theory is if the room is tidy you will know when something is misplaced or missing. Also the hotel staff who comes in to clean will less likely to mess with your stuff. I also put my clothes and valuables inside my luggage and lock it before I leave my hotel room.
During a past trip to China, a small bag was left on the bed containing important papers. When the bag was missed and the cleaning ladies were asked, they immediately knew where it was, under the bed. They must have kicked under there, so if accused of stealing, they could deny they took it. However, if you left without missing the item, it's theirs. What a great way to steal without taking any risks. I wonder how many times they got away with it.
I love all your information- so much good helpful solutions- We have a traveled all over and I’m always surprised of the bold ways these criminals are today. one of your most important videos is about insurance! Thank you for that one. As a touring rock bass player for the last 50 years- I have stories! I only wish I had your videos earlier but never to old right? Safe travels to you and your audience. ❤
Oh man - I'll bet you have stories! I did a small tour with an orchestra once; lucky for me I played flute so transporting my instrument was easy. Too bad for the double-bass player - ha ha!
I had to laugh about remembering where you hide your cash. More than once, I hid it so well that I forgot about it..... until my next trip.... there it was in that great hiding spot that I was going to use again. Yea for me! Extra money for this new trip.
Many people talk about locking this and that, but no one has ever suggested practicing with the devices. Excellent video with good, practical advice. Thank you
Great information! Now I’m definitely going to replace my well worn passport holder/wallet with an RFID one. I agree that a cross body bag is essential. Apart from being more secure it also let’s you be hands-free when you need both hands for hoisting a suitcase on/off a train or grabbing it from a luggage carrousel.
I added small keychain loops to my purse strap. I just daisy chained them together and ran the strap through weaving it in and out of the keychain loops. It's cut proof this way. Have done this for 30+ yrs now because of having my purse stolen once. It's not pretty but it works in a pinch plus it's easy to attach one of the keychain loops to your belt or belt loops and know you won't lose it. I always keep my wallet attached to the inside with a keychain necklace so I can't drop it or so no one can pickpocket without my feeling it yanked away. This has saved my wallet. I also keep at least one card and cash attached to my bra strap inside my bra. They make small plastic wallets for swimming and kayaking so I use that. It's not noticable and can hold a driver's license, 2or 3 cards and a couple of keys and a memory card with pics of your documents without anyone knowing you have it there. With the RFID sleeves, you could keep that stuff safe. Be safe ladies!
Two quick points : I was in Barcelona 4 or 5 years ago and met two different women on the plane ride back who both had their purses swiped because they were under the table on the ground in-between their feet. But the thief was super slick....and was crawling underneath the tables while women were drinking, eating, and talking. The only time I have come close to be ripped off was in Italy in 2018. My girlfriend and I had walked out of the hotel and into a huge group of about 50-60 Chinese national tourists, who were all dressed in identical same clothes. Once we emerged from out of the group, we noticed all the zippers on our day packs were open. Every one of them. But we only had towels, books, and river sandals in the packs....and nothing was missing. What we realized is that there were pickpockets hiding in that group of Chinese trying steal from them. The hotel manager told us that Asian people, especially Chinese, are the number one target for eastern European pickpockets and touts --- because they carry lots of cash and don't use credit and debit cards as a normal practice as compared to more western tourists
Wow! Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm quite keen to never leaving a bag at my feet or on the back of my chair at restaurants without being in physical contact with it.
Great advice Nora, I was scooter bumped in Siem Reap in 302176, carrying an open shopping bag with an iPhone 6. I thought I had walked in front of the scooter so waved them away to indicate I was OK, and it wasn't untilI got back to the hotel that I realised the i{hone had been nicked. Going back this yer, with a slash proof bag and a walking stick, so 'Bring It On'/. Thank you for this.
An Italian friend of mine told me to wear my purse crossbody, but also to keep the bag part in front, with a hand on it at all times. I've just gotten used to doing this wherever I am.
You can also take pictures of your credit cards, front and back, save it to the cloud. Some of the later smart phones has a feature that you can have “hidden” folders for your photos. Place your credit card pictures in there. Also your passport!
Great and thanks Nora. I find ordinary and awful looking local bags, like 10lb rice bags and put my pack in it. Who would steal that? Also, slider zip-lock bags, if I am in the ocean especially I put valuables in several baggies and bury them in the sand, toss something throw-away on top so I can find them again. ( or cover with camouflage, drift wood ect.) My cross-body Pacsafe, ha! I never knew how to get the strap unlocked! Thanks!
I have a few Scott eVests which have a lot of hidden pockets, incl an RFID one with velcro closure inside the vest. I always wear one on travel or excursion days because then my cross-body purse only has to have things I'm prepared to lose like hand sanitizer, sunscreen, etc, but not my ID or cash so if I got mugged and they took it, no big deal. Everything important is on me. I highly recommend the Scott eVests. I even have one with removable long sleeves that's really handy and the sleeves store in a pocket in the back of it.
I have a fleece Scottevest that I plan on bringing on my next trip. So handy for travel days, as well as for outdoor activities when you want a few extra things with you, hands-free.
I am so sorry you had that experience and so grateful that you shared it with us so that no one else has to have that or at least we have a fighting chance of avoiding it. Have an amazing day.
Great video!! Sorry about Peru. Another thought about credit cards; keep all of the phone numbers for Customer Service, and also the Credit Agency's, Equifax, Experian and Transunion.
Love the information. We are packing for a three week, 7 country trip. My favorite item to carry while on excursions is a fanny pack-worn in front- that also has a cross body strap. That way, all the weight isn't around my waist, (back problems), part of it is on my shoulders.
Great video. My new travel habit is this: I leave my keys home. That way if someone swipes my I.D. , at least they are not getting into my house while I am away.
@@NoraDunn Yes, trusted friend holds the keys when I travel. You can also lock them in a safe (offsite), use a hidden lockbox, safe deposit box, et...
As a fellow world traveller, I commend you for the valuable security advice you provided in this video. I have applied most and they are all effective. I hope people follow it.
... and keep the darn thing zipped closed!!! I can't count how many times I've been shopping in Walmart or The grocery store and women walk by with their huge purses unzipped and a large roll of cash shining inside, it's almost like they are deliberately testing ppl's honesty!
Nora, thanks God there is a Nora ...I thought I was the only one in this world who is a "prepper"...everyone laughs at me because I am very precautious in everything in my life...thanks for your excellent tips...
As a native NYer, a lot of your tips regarding cards, cash and being always in contact are part of how I grew up (my grandfather kept a rubber band around his wallet and kept cash in a roll in a different pocket than his wallet).... but regardless of that, when I was a young man visiting Tennessee, I let my guard and habits slip and was pickpocketed (wallet only - cash was not taken). Great tips, and people should be aware that all your suggestions apply EVERYWHERE. Doesn't matter whether you are in New York City or a little hill town in the Alps, there are a percentage of people who are dishonest and will take advantage of failures of security.
As an autistic/ADHD, I have issues focusing with the music. Sorry made it to the RFID wallet. Just a note on RFID wallets, the person has to be within a foot of your wallet or bag to get to it. If it is also protected on the inside and lots of junk in front of it, say pouches, or other cards in front of your credit cards. You should be more concerned about installed skimmers. It is good advice about not taking out your passport until they ask for it. Also, there is a video by a professor on the truth about RFID, I suggest you watch it. Not allowed to post links in comments. Another point, do not throw away your paper boarding pass. That bar code has credit card, travel insurance, and your address on it. Shred it when you get home. As for cash, I keep a dummy wallet with very little cash in it, and my more secured wallet, is hidden away. The dummy wallet has silly cards in it to bulk it up. No one here in the EU carry much cash anymore. Just silly Americans that travel over here. Do not kill the messenger here, I am also an American who has been living in Europe for the last 23 years.
Also, there are videos of how people can unlock combo locks within 2 minutes. It is best just to take your valuables with you. Lock them into a public locker somewhere if you do not want to carry it. If they try to access it in such a public space, they are stupid. Since most locks will not allow more than 3 tries on a pin code to open them nowadays. So, choose a locker that has one of these new pin code locks.
Deb here. If a thief has tried breaking into your public locker and tried a code for three times, do they get locked out? Would that mean you would not be able to get into your locker?
@@rickgonzalez1218 Yes, but there is staff on hand to assist with that. I had that happen at the Royal Library in Copenhagen when I failed my passcode 3 times. I had to stand away when he opened it so I could not see the contents and tell the gentleman what was in the locker. Or if I left any identification in there, for him to find.
Thank you for the advice. I use the RFID sleeves. Didn’t think about spreading our the cash! And I usually put all my valuables in the safe. Changing those habits for sure!!!
Thank you Nora for the info/ideas. I too would appreciate the info w/out the music which affects me hearing what you are sharing... No, not hard of hearing but it spreads the focus... 😢 Love the cash hiding areas.😮
All of my new videos have no background music, but I can't do anything about videos that have already been published. Thanks for your patience, and I appreciate your feedback.
I second the compliment on your presentation style. I skip so many videos that spend more time on the set up than the content - and your content is definitely worth watching!
Laura, I learn so much every time I watch one of your videos. This one in particular is really helpful. One thing: the music is so loud, it's hard to concentrate on your message.
Fantastic tips. I have also invested in some Alpaka Gear pouches with rfid protection and also have Apple AirTags in and attached to everything. This also helped me advise my airline exactly where my “missing” luggage was last time I travelled. Have taken many of your tips onboard for my next trip. 👍
Hi Steve, Sorry your bags were lost, but glad you got them back with the help of air tags! And I'm thrilled my tips are helping you plan your next adventure :-)
My cellphone got stolen right out of my hand in Vegas recently. Guy on bike rolls in front of me on sidewalk as I waited for my Uber to got the airport. A few minutes later he rolls back by me and takes it right out of my hand and rides down the strip. Never again will I mindlessly look at my phone in public. No one helped me as I screamed at him. It’s clear he knew what he was doing. He deactivated my phone inside 20 minutes. I could not deactivate my service for about 4 hours. Security was worthless.
i got a phone tether from a company called securisee off of amazon for my last trip and . it clips into the belt loop in my pants. a little clunky but feel secure about my phone now
Spencer's life saving travel advice! Thank you very much. On my first time away from home at 19 on a Caribbean Cruise, the ship got a seal put on it and diverted to Curacao by some Venezuelans because they said the ship's MC had said something derogatory about them; luckily two New York stockbrokers and I jumped ship in the middle of the night and got back to North America. That's as close as I've come to South America!
I would like to know how a couple of people got a ship diverted to a country that is not theirs and why. I have heard of ships being prevented from docking due to illness on board but do not understand what you mean by 'got a seal put on it'.
Thieves can strike even at home. Years ago I began using a d-ring clasp to attach my purse to my shopping cart. One day people in a car snatched my purse while I was loading groceries into my car. They Snatched my purse and took off! Driving through the parking lot with the shopping cart banging up the side of their car, before they let go of my purse! 🤣🤣🤣
You're a real pro at this. Im glad I found you! But now Im scared. More than I was before! I was pretty confident before watching this but now, man. I feel better knowing all this though. Going to be sharing with my family so they can be safe and prepared too! Thanks,n
This is good advice even if you are out locally. Went out for dinner at a restaurant 10 or so minutes from home. Had my purse hanging off my chair. Not sure if they grabbed it while I was there or if I left it & it was snagged. The restaurant owner had her kids as servers, boys in their early teens. She denied ever seeing my purse & also defended her sons, even though per our phone carrier they'd downloaded a game within 15 minutes of our departure. Months later, a repairman, working on the AC, found my cards up on the roof of the building! By then, I'd replaced everything, now I rarely carry a purse. And when I travel I wear a fanny pack, but with the bag in front, not behind, and under my clothing if possible.
I am going to Israel and as it is I am a bit anxious, I am a seasoned traveler, but watching your video makes me rethink what and how I have traveled before in Europe solo, so far all has been safe, but you have more great suggestions of items antitheft. Thank you.
Don't let this video discourage you! It makes things seem way worse than they are (and honestly looks a bit like she is sponsored by one of the makers of super expensive theft-proof bags). I also tend to be a bit anxious and I was watching this and worrying about an upcoming trip. And then I remembered that I've travelled alone extensively in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa and been absolutely fine. Be sensible and cautious but there is no need to be as fearful as this video suggests. Even making yourself a bit less convenient to rob (e.g. by using a cross-body bag slung in front of you not backpack that it totally out of your site) will probably lead to thieves target other easier marks nearby. It is absolutely good to take precautions but if you go so far that you are just fearful the whole trip, then what's the point.
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🪪 RFID sleeves: amzn.to/3O6Jmwb
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I agree, please remove the music. It’s VERY distracting
@@lionelm203 All of my new videos have no background music, but I can't do anything about videos that have already been published. Thanks for your patience, and I appreciate your feedback.
Love your videos and find this useful information. May I respectfully request that you avoid the use of music in future videos when you're speaking? It's really distracting for me and makes it hard to focus on your message. Best regards for a healthy, happy 2023.
Yes, Nora, as useful as the information is for travel planned for 2023, I finally give up around minute 9.00 as the music is simply too intrusive to fully absorb the content.
Wow - I had no idea the music was so out of balance and distracting! I have a bunch of videos “in the can” awaiting publication but I will take your suggestions to heart for all future videos. Thank you!
Totally agree about the music. Distracting and unnecessary.
Totally agree. I tried to watch the video however the music was too distracting.
I agree. The music is toooo loud and annoying. May be just turn the music waaaay down?
My tip is to keep a list of the 24-hour customer service phone numbers for your credit/debit cards separate from your wallet, so if they’re lost or stolen, you can freeze them quickly.
Yes! I agree :-)
I lost my wallet two days ago, this would have been so handy. When I called they wanted specific transaction details that I was not able to tell them, so they were not able to freeze my cards. I did not know I was able to use my app to freeze the cards. Turns out my wallet was on the floor of a friends car. I got it back.
But now I have a retractable clip on my wallet and now it's tethered to my purse. It just fell out.
As a lady in her middle 70's, I have found helpful ways to not forget items. When I travel on the plane, I wear pants that have pockets on the calf area of the leg, with a zipper. My ID and plane boarding pass go in there. Do not have to look in my purse, and no worries of it being taken.
My grandmother would carry her wallet with her money tucked in her bra, under her arm bit. She would feel if anyone was trying to take it. Pulse out of sight was helpful!
My phone goes into a case that has a string on the case that goes around my neck. I try to wear a jacket, so the phone is not showing. I no longer carry a purse. Being elderly, I'm an easy push over to the younger people. In my home the purse is kept in an out of way place. Not easy to find.
Fantastic tips, for people of any age, MD! Thank you.
Thank you for such helpful & great tips…👍👍
Time to get some cargo pocket slacks.
Good advice and strategy, I though that carrying a purse filled with some inexpensive stuff could be useful. You still have the important and valuables stuffed safely elsewhere and they would get nothing from your purse.
Yes, Cargo pants wardrobe
Another tip, be aware of your surroundings. Don't be afraid to make brief eye contact with people (don't stare, that's rude :)). If you keep your head down or eyes averted, you are a target. In the military, we call this keeping your head on a swivel. Thieves do not like getting involved with aware people. Also, I love my Pacsafe bags!
Great tip, Donald!
We used Pacsafe bags strapped across us in Europe and had no problems at all, not even on buses and subway trains. I suspected professional thieves know what they are and recognize them so were less likely to even bother to target us.
As someone who was mugged (in the parking lot of my bank … going in not coming out…. in broad daylight several years ago), these tips are life changing. PS They caught the guy and he went to jail, but the financial recovery was a nightmare. New subscriber. Definitely eliminate the music.
Yikes - sorry that happened to you, Susan!
Not to fear - all new videos are without music.
Gosh...you remind me of this exact incident while I was in St. Antonio TX. A lady got robbed in daylight in front of her hotel. She got beaten up on top of her bag being stolen.
Good advice ! Final tip: Dress like you have nothing worth stealing
😂
oooooooooooh - good tip! Absolutely.
I do every day, lol!
Presentable but as nondescript as possible
This is my husband’s life motto.
I love this info. This ADHD brain of mine makes it super hard to concentrate with the music in the background. It was too loud compared to your voice. But I pushed through to the end because you have great tips. Something to consider. I know I'm not the majority, but maybe something to note. Thanks for putting this video together.
Hate that music, wish I can turn it off. Also terrible for the hearing impaired.
I agree … not only the volume , but also the choice of music was hard to deal with. I did push on til the end. Great tips. But a chore to watch with that so - called music
Dead on!! Great wisdom in the film, but the music overlay is hideous!!!
What is happening is known as COGNITIVE LOAD (Or COGNITIVE OVERLOAD). It is when one too many things are happening at the same time resulting in the main item (her vocal speech) not being fully present and understandable. The music for one, while pretty, has intense string strumming/picking that interferes with her voice from being heard clearly and thus understood. The music makes her voice unintelligible to a degree. In addition, her voice sounds muffled just enough to add to the unintelligibility.
Somehow her microphone was pointed incorrectly or got lost in her soft clothing or " tubby" reflective room acoustic environment. Do not rely on laptop mics, they are awful, even the mics on high end MacBooks are terrible compared to a stand alone mic that is placed as close as you can get it to the mouth. It also sounds as if any frequencies above about 11,000 Hz do not exist and have been EQ-ed out, for some strange reason. These medium and higher frequencies (spectral highlights) can help make speech more clearly understood. Also, the use of at least one acoustic blanket (bedspread, packing blanket from Harbor Freight, etc.) can help in reducing those room reflections that mics hear after being recorded, but our live ears correct for.
Muffled Mic Technique + Wrong Music (or any music) = Unintelligible = Cognitive Overload.
Meaning it is not easy to listen to and get the info. On camera talent should be clear that viewers are hearing this valuable info for the first time unlike the talent or editor who knows the info backwards and forwards.
it’s funny cause my ADHD brain found it super soothing 😂
I always take a picture of my cab driver and write down the number plate and send it to someone else just in case something happens to me or my stuff. Thank you for your informative video
Awesome & superb suggestion ! 👍👍
My friends make fun of me for being extra careful but so far I’ve not had any issues. Better to be proactive than disappointed and stuck somewhere without your wallet and IDs
Exactly! I'm a fan of preparing for the worst and expecting the best.
It's bad karma to make fun of being cautious - they are usually next in line.😅
Great tips! Here's something extra that I do that might sound extreme to some but might also help a lot of people. When I leave my hotel room for the day, I actually chain my locked suitcase to a secure object like a heavy piece of furniture to make it even harder for someone to run away with them. It's a practice I take from doing dance performances. Everytime I have to go out and perform, I put my wallet, cellphone and other valuables in my gig bag (usually a big suitcase where I put all my costumes) and chain it to something fixed or heavy. When there is none, I sometimes just chain it to my chair. A robber can take the suitcase but they would easily stand out carrying it around with a chair stuck to it. I buy a 8-10ft ft plastic chain from the hardware store that weighs close to nothing but is impossible to cut unless you use a chain cutter. I chain my locked suitcase handle to the furniture and secure it with a padlock. It just puts my mind at ease whenever I have to leave my stuff whether it's to dance or to go sightseeing.
Another thing that I do (not just when I travel but everyday) is I attach my wallet (and phone and keys, etc), individually, to my purse. I use metal rings, carabiners (s-biners, usually), springy cords that people use for fishing to secure their gadgets, lanyards, etc. It just puts my mind at ease knowing that my valuables are not going to disappear (either get pickpocketted or fall or get misplaced) because they are all attached to my purse in some way. Needless to say, my bags and wallets are all anti-theft (either Pacsafe or Travelon) and rfid safe, as well. 😊
These are incredible tips - thank you! I hadn't thought of a big plastic chain. It takes up a bit of luggage space, but it's a great strategy! Also attaching your wallet to your bag: brilliant.
That's what I did when I had to go to hospital about 18 years ago, and decided to take my laptop with me. ... These days, I'd take an old laptop that you can leave out in the open. I have one of these specimen that I am keeping precisely for that purpose. But back then, I locked my laptop in my suitcase, and locked my suitcase to the radiator.
That's hilarious! Pro tip, do that, but put your actual valuables in a hidden spot in the hotel room. Like pull out the bottom drawer of a dresser that touches the floor, put your laptop in the gap under it, and close the drawer. Nobody would ever think that your valuables weren't in the suitcase or safe.
PacSafe has portable soft sided safes that have a Kevlar cord .
You're wonderful. Great job! Learned much. Cut the background music off. It's distracting. You are engaging enough to not need the music.
Thanks!
All of my new videos have no background music, but I can't do anything about videos that have already been published. Thanks for your patience, and I appreciate your feedback.
All these tips, anecdotes, and commentary are interesting and many are quite useful. I enjoy hearing/reading travelers experiences and learning better ways to ‘stay safe out there.’ I have a related but unrelated anecdote about theft by a local in Bali. Want to hear it? While staying in a lovely cottage in Ubud Bali with my partner… one afternoon when temperatures in the tropics can be scorching and for many ppl cause drowsiness or torpor resulting in a nap… the classic ‘siesta’ in Español… Yes? We had risen early that day to travel in the cooler hours and returned to our cottage in mid afternoon to rest. We had picked up some fruit at the local market which we intended to use as a light snack and for our breakfast the following day. We left the back door to our cottage open while we were napping. Sometime while I dozed my partner nudged me in the ribs and whispered ‘Bae…look!’ I opened my eyes to see a large monkey coming in thru our back door walking on two legs like he was the owner. I tried to scare him away by shouting at him but he ignored me. He walked right across the room directly to the table where we had put the bananas… reached up and took one… felt around and realized there were two and took that as well. Then he nonchalantly waddled back out the door with our bananas. He didn’t even say ‘Terima Kasih’ - thank you in the local language. So… yes I did get robbed in Bali… by a primate! Who stole my …um… breakfast!
Sorry for your banana loss and glad there was no personal injury! But 😂😂😂 thanks for sharing!
On my first trip to Europe in 2005, traveling alone, I was in Brussel and sitting on a bench looking at my camera to change the settings. Someone call me and point in a direction like to show me something, I didn't see anything. A few minutes later, I realised that my daypack beside me wasn't there anymore. I just arrived in Belgium so I had lots of things in it, passport, airline ticket to go back home, 400 Euros... So I did a police report (needed if you want to claim insurance) and spent a few days getting back a passport and airline ticket. I guess the most annoying thing that I lost was my tourist guide with all the places that I wanted to visit noted and highlighted. I decided that it would not ruin my vacation, but I was still a bit stressed for the rest of the trip.
Since that incident, I'm more aware of my surrounding and I do many of the things that you suggest. I was never robed again but, I caught two pickpocket in the act of trying to take me as a subject of their trade, once in Prague and once in Lisboa. As you may guess, I was alone on these occasion, never had any problem when I travel with friends since then each one kind of check the others back,
Don't forget that as a tourist, you are a target. Since you travel, people expect you to be "rich" and they know that even if you caught them, you probably wouldn't go to the police since you don't want to pass your precious time in a police station. So, always be aware of your surrounding, don't let people get too close to you if not necessary, and if you do, be sure to have all your sense alert to fell anything suspicious.
I'm sorry you had your daypack stolen like this, and at the start of your trip no less! Kudos to you for staying positive nonetheless and learning from the experience.
I have a video coming out shortly that is all about pickpockets. Stay tuned!
I often travel alone. I have been approached by men and try to avoid anyone getting too close. I always have my small bag around my neck and hanging in front when walking down the street. If I sit at a table to eat, I wrap the bag around the chair in front of me and hang a jacket over it. I don't sit at a table near an exit or a low barrier. As you say, try to be aware of your surroundings.
My #1 tip: keep a constant eye on ur shoulder/day bag.
In an upscale Florence, IT cafe 1 hot summer day, we sat down at a table 2 eat/enjoy the AC. I STUPIDLY slung the bag over the back of my chair & leaned against it. I briefly turned away (maybe 15 seconds). It was gone when I turned back around. The “lovely” Brits sitting next 2 us were aghast, offered 2 help us search 4 bag. I often wonder if they weren’t the ones who rapidly stole it; we were sitting in a corner alongside them!
I should have known better! I was a very experienced traveler!! It held our passports, debit card & lots of cash. By the time we walked back to our hotel 2 call the card company, thieves had charged ab $1,300 at a jewelry store. It was a nightmare replacing the passports in Rome 3 days later! Always keep ur bags tightly close to ur body!!
Oh no - that's awful! Thank you for sharing your experience, so others can avoid the same hassles.
It's interesting - when we feel we are in a "safe" place, we tend to let our guard down. It's a shame, because as you say, all it takes if 15 seconds.
Never let a waiter take your card out of sight. Mine was cloned in South Africa. He said the portable reader didnt have a signal, so took it to the desk. Also asked "have you just started your holiday?" That way he knew it would be ages before I realised that card had been misused.
Oh no! I’m sorry that happened. Excellent tip to never let your card out of your sight.
yes especially debit cards..that can be drained!
@@susangilliam6400 Indeed!
I won't let wait staff ANYWHERE walk off with my card. I had that happen here in the states (waiter stole debit card #). If you want to use your bank account instead of a "credit" card, some banks will issue you a travel debit card linked to a vacation account they will set up for you (Wells Fargo did this for me). Then you can transfer whatever amount you want to use that day from your regular account into your vacation account for that card. Then if it gets stolen, you are only out the amount you put into that account. So, put say $100 or so on your vacation card for the day and that's all they can access.
@@lisawarteman7557 That's a fantastic system with the vacation account!
About ATMs, I like using the ones that are in grocery stores or near big stores. That way if someone is looking, they might think you're just going to spend it all in the store. Also there's more people so there's less risk of someone doing something wild. I normally take the cash and then walk inside the store for a few minutes and maybe buy a snack or something.
Great tip about using an ATM in a busy area.
Another awesome video full of great info. Thanks Nora. Remember if you don't have it with you, it can't be stolen. A lot of people think they have to take their whole house with them when they travel. You DON'T at all. Do your homework before you go. Remember tourists are a lot more likely to be robbed than locals. Dress and act as much like a local as possible. Do not wear a lot of jewelry, fancy clothes or have name brand expensive bags. The most commonly stolen thing in the world is cellphones. You can get a cheap unlocked phone anywhere to use while you travel for under $100. Especially if you travel regularly and have a newer high-end phone, it's more than worth it.
That's why phones in Asia have a wrist strap. Often thieves jostle you and make you drop your phone. One person jostles you, another person grabs the phone when it hits the ground. If you have a wrist strap, it doesn't hit the ground, even if it does fall out of your hand.
Great idea about the cheap phone!!❤
@@susanma4899 Also theres a lot of snatch and drive by criminals on motorcycles.
They rip right out of your hands if your too busy looking at your phone.
Be aware.
Alternatively, carry a high-end cell phone and leave the expensive heavy camera at home.
I think if you travel with a cheap phone, the qualities of the pictures or the videos you shoot are terrible.
A suggestion that works for me is to always have a large nylon shopping bag. (I made it myself). A huge bag with handles or shoulder straps that you can literally just dump everything in. It’s easy to recollect your stuff quickly and getting going again. You can sort things later. The bag also comes in handy to carry in your small purse for souvenirs. Its light weight and fairly waterproof and won’t tear. You can easily stuff it under the seat or any wear. It can be washed out and will dry very fast. I can’t live without one!! ♥️🦊
Great tip, Linda! I always (as in, ALWAYS) have a foldable nylon bag with me; it comes in handy all the time! Especially handy for grocery runs of course.
@@NoraDunn thank you!
I always put my bag, bag pack, purse on my lap. Especially in places I'm not familiar.
Just do that.
Yes!
i go a step further placing my leg through the loop, and rest it on my knee, they will have to cut my limb to get away(which btw, its happening in many countries lately) or carry my weight with them over 160lbs.
Back in 2012, when my, now, husband went traveling for 6 months, i sewed pockets on the inside of our pant legs, for extra money, and other things we didn’t always feel safe leaving in a car and stuff.
Couple of tips - Re ATMs use one in a bank foyer/inside a building if you can rather than one on the street as they are usually safer because staff are around. Re debit and credit cards - have a note of your banks emergency numbers or mobile app should you be a victim of theft, to get them stopped/Blocked ASAP.
Great tips, Sharon! Here are a few more ATM tips: ua-cam.com/video/q72eRD0yaAc/v-deo.html
Great tips, Nora, thank you! Just found your channel, and proud to say I followed most of them in a recent solo trip to Mexico. I also recommend if you're out for the day, carry your transit pass, or cab fare in cash, in a pocket of your clothing, not your purse. If your purse is lost or stolen, you can at least get back to the hotel.
Fabulous tip! Thank you
Get a fake decoy purse filled with monopoly money or just rocks.
@@bobli5315 I think you can prank the thieves, for example, you can put these things in the decoy purse, a picture about a hand gives middle finger or a piece of paper that has " fu*k you" written on it
@@ispeakmandarin There are some parts of the world where that would get you killed.
A tip I’ve heard is that when taking a taxi, take a picture with your phone of the driver id and taxi number as soon as you get in.
Yes! Great tip
I do this also when I'm parked beside an old, ratty vehicle. (no other spots to park) They might not care about their vehicle but I do mine.
Thank you for all these great safety tips!!
When in busy marketplace areas I like to bring a light jacket and wear my crossbody bag slung under the jacket, it's just an added level of confidence if I'm in an area where I'm feeling vulnerable. Crossbody bags really are the best bags for travel because you can sit at restaurants and on public transportation without having to remove the bag, but I do have a PacSafe crossbody with the locking strap which is great for locking to a table for the times when you just want to sit unburdened for a few minutes. Thieves will go for the easiest mark every time.
I also get a few prepaid travel debit cards, that way if one does get stolen or compromised there's only so much damage they can do, I keep all my stuff in the RFID blockers but there's always the skimmers at point of sale terminals where you are not in control of your card--those have hit me a few times. I never use my actual debit card when I'm on travel, either domestic or international for that reason.
I also love LastPass because you can store photos of your important documents in there, like your passport, your itinerary, your health cards, credit cards, etc. Plus you can log in via a computer if your device gets stolen.
Great strategies - thanks for sharing! I'll admit since the recent data breaches I've moved away from LastPass. I use 1Password now - it works even better! Fewer glitches.
@@NoraDunn how hard was it to switch, can you import your info from one to another?
@@Rye_Toast It was WAY easier to switch than I thought it would be! I had it all done in minutes.
@@NoraDunn Thank you!
Thanks for the video. Great tips! I find it funny that my mom always had money in her bra. Her purse was pretty much a decoy. All the purse contained was a cheap comb, cough drops , empty eyeglass case and a bunch of tissues, so if anyone tried to steal her purse ….they would’ve been very disappointed!😂
Ha ha! Your mum is a smart cookie :-)
0 pl
4 years ago I left from an ATM in Costa Rica. One guy moved in behind me the other out front. I whacked the guy following in the crotch with my umbrella (ooh that hurt. he was rolling on the pavement) The guy in front moved out of my way. His head would have been my target.
But for others way to go is immediatel pocket the money and act disappointed. If with someone say the ATM refused to accept the card so you are broke. Stupidest thing is to stand counting the money and have a fastr runner or bicyclish come swipe it. And I have seen that often.
I am 75 but walk 15 kilometers a day, bench press 110 kilos. Mountain bike in the Andes. Spent 32 years in the US Army (mostly Reserves) leaving as a Colonel O-6. I can still run a mile in under 5 minutes as well.
Thanks for the tips, Ron! You are a savvy traveler.
@@NoraDunn For women travelers nothing better than screaming Rape! While theft is a petty crime, Rape will put them in prison avery long time. Plus decent men will come to your assistance. My wife who is Costa Rican felt safe when police were present. But I have since convinced here that in many countries the police are collecting a percentage of what they steal. Recently that has been revealed in Los Angeles California where 8 gangs are working inside the Sheriff's Dept. Neve underestimate the importance of an umbrella. Even if it's not likely to rain, it can be a formidable weapon. But under no circumstance look like youre lost. Stay confident and the bad guys will choose another victim.
Great tips. I'm a bit of a nerd and perhaps a bit paranoid. I've traveled a lot. On my way to Vietnam next.
Biggest travel risk? Getting drunk or high in public. Second, leaving something behind (like Nora's taxi experience. Take a photo of the driver's ID. Explain that you've left things in taxis before. End it with 'Big Tip.' The driver doesn't even have to understand what you're saying -- he'll figure out you're annoying not a problem. Be aware that it's probably not his cab or his license - he's probably the second shift. Women taxi drivers have always been great. Can be bossy, won't take any crap, but great. If I have a choice I will always choose someone's mom.)
At the ATM hiding the money you just took out? Use misdirection. One hand goes in one direction doing something busy, the hand with the money quickly tucks it away like you're scratching. One benefit is a thief won't understand what they've just seen. Situational awareness is paramount. Walk quickly, head on a swivel. Anyone stares at you, look back, think _I know what you're up to. Don't even think about it._ But don't get into a staring contest. Women especially should do this. No thief is looking for a battle from anybody. If the person looks wrong, think mean thoughts. I will take out your left eye first....
I got knocked down in the Paris Metro because my back hurt that day and I was moving a bit slow. Also my travel companion, a big guy, refused to stand together on the platform. I looked like a weak old man alone - until they had my wallet and I started shouting "Voler! Voler!" and started following the guy (my back no longer hurt.) He flicked my wallet on the ground. €15 was all I had in it at that moment. So I was being very stupid. I had my cash in a wallet with my cards and ID. Had I known they'd just taken a wallet with €15 and nothing else - meh. Who cares? Had he asked for the €15 I probably would've given them to him.
The Lock Picking Lawyer has tested a lot of 'slash proof' items. They really aren't all that slash proof. Doesn't mean they're bad, just that you can't ignore what's going on around you. And the cut proof strap? Wear it diagonally across your body. Cross strapped as Nora Dunn says. Always. Just hung over your neck can cause whip lash if they try to yank it off. (A friend's neck was cut from just a cheap tiny chain around his neck in New York City.) Many times a cutter will make multiple attempts, regularly checking your bag, especially the bottom, is good practice.
And don't hesitate to scream or shout, "Leave Me Alone!" if anyone is getting too close. And those beggar kids that swarm? Sure they'll take a handout, but they're trying to set you up, or steal from you. Real beggars never travel in packs. Remember this: real beggars never travel in packs. You might give a couple a couple of $$, but 5 or 8 of them? They're thieves. They never ever want their picture taken (I've been approached in Mexico, Europe, Asia) I always say in English, "Picture! Picture!" and point my camera at them. They always scram. And if they scram, don't take their picture.
Back up your electronics in a way you can easily reenter all the data in a replacement computer. I use Apple Macs, so I have a TimeMachine back up drive that I leave at home, and I have one that travels with me. (1TB is tiny) I keep this with the cheap stuff (socks undies) or on my person. Then if someone steals my MacBook I can buy another and be back in business. ICloud does some of this too, but I've never restored from it. iPhone? backed up to computer, backed up to drive.
Something I used to do with my professional camera gear. DIY neck straps - webbing is incredibly strong, Duct tape on cameras. I once bserved a thief in Rome studying my brand new pro level Nikon in the train station. "Yes, that's the new model, but the duct tape means it was broken..." He finally made a disgusted pfffft gesture and walked away.
Clutter. Leave a messy hotel room. You can hide anything almost everywhere in clutter. I always wanted to fake a pair of undies with a horrible skid mark on it, and a pocket for valuables. But everyone I've traveled with said they'd immediately leave if I ever deployed something like this. Happy Landings.
Wonderful message!!!!!!😂❤
These are such amazing tips - ALL of them! Thank you :-)
Just for day to day use I use a kipling pouch that I attach a chain to and clip it inside whichever bag I am using so that it will not drop out without my knowing nor will I place it somewhere and leave it behind. Seriously all wallets should have d rings for this purpose.
@@Propfaqs Good set up. And great that you've thought of dropping and leaving behind. Travel can be confusing, stressful, exhausting - causes errors. But be careful. Hook around your belt and not just a belt loop. Thieves know the breaking strength of a belt loop. (Not very much.) And the string, chain around your wallet or pouch not only tethers it, it also identifies you as more situationally aware. Caribiners are great for easy hooking and unhooking. There are $7 ones on Amazon that are almost good enough for climbing. (and plenty good enough for my sailing safety straps holding me.)
@@Propfaqs So clever!
These are great tips! Some of them are new to me, and will definitely adopt next time. I've found that one of the best 'first lines' of defense is to be situationally aware. Look around, take a moment to size someone up, don't stare at the sidewalk or your phone, and also glance upwards from time to time--someone may be casing you out from above.
Absolutely! Great tip!
Sleep with your pass port. My Son had a man in his room in the middle of the night grabbing passports. They have keys to rooms. They have ways to get in windows. They have already cased your room and you.
These tips are very helpful. One additional tip, for iPads and iPhones, refrain from entering your passcode in public. Rather activate the facial recognition mode or the fingerprint mode and use those instead.
Yes!!
I had someone teach me to always TAKE A THOUGH LOOK in a cab, or any other transportation, as you get out, you may of dropped or left something, no matter where you are. It has been a reflex for me.
Great advice, James!
Thank you so much for this! I'm getting ready to take a family trip to a touristy area in Mexico. I'm the only one on the trip who's traveled internationally, but it's been over 20 years since I've been out of the US and this is my first time visiting Mexico. I hope that this will be a launching point for more international travel in the coming years. Your videos are helping me to overcome my nervousness about being in new environments. They are extremely informative and helpful and I hope to watch as many of your videos as I can before I leave! Thank you so very much.
Thank YOU so much, Tiffany! I'm thrilled my videos are helping. You'll do great! It's like riding a bike ;-)
Don't forget to take the 800 card numbers if you loose your cards. Also let the card companies know where and when you will be traveling so they don't think your card is stolen and automatically lock you out. Double check your spending limits.
I'm with you on carrying the numbers and checking spending limits! But most banks don't require advising them of your travels in advance. I haven't done it for years.
Good points. Never forget to notify your card company and bank when you are going overseas.
Also avoid using tap over seas. Insert your card. I was recently told that in some cases the bank will lock your account if tap is used in some place foreign to the issued card...
Great tips! I especially agree with your point that most thefts are crimes of opportunity and not showing the thief something they want to steal in the first place is the best way to keep your things safe.
Absolutely!
So much good heads-up advice. I'll add that wearing a crossbody wallet is safer worn under a coat or jacket when needing hands free or being a vulnerable smaller person whatever age. Thanks so much for your experienced advice.
Thanks Pam!
I agree with a lot of the comments here. This video has been by far among the top 3 best videos for protection against theft I've seen on UA-cam. ❤ Thank you so much for providing us such useful tips and tricks!!!
wow - thank you!!
When I'm overseas I carry a second wallet and an old broken phone as a decoy. I made my own back pack from carbon fibre and kevlar and I also made my own RFID blocker using aluminium foil. Been using these items for years.
Nice one!
I used to say, "If I lost my purse, I'd have to be reborn!" This info is so helpful! I'll never say that again!
Ha ha!
Some of the background music seems louder than your voice. The rhythm of the marimbas is rapid and , for me, actually was anxiety producing. However, despite these suggestions, please be clear that I really like the chosen music in the background. It just is a bit too loud. Your tips are wonderful and certainly will be put to good use as my daughter and I travel, in September 2023, completely across Canada and the United States.
So bummed for your purse loss,however your words haven't fallen on deaf ears.
Thought I was a fairly savvy traveler until I watched this.
Thanks for sharing.
Glad my tips and tales have helped!
My wallet was stolen in Hong Kong, first night of a month long stay 😳🤬 Fortunately I was there with a friend, who also happened to speak Chinese, that helped me get replacements for everything. Bad enough as it was, would have been a nightmare without my friend.
I hear you! When my purse was stolen in Peru I would have been lost without my friends.
I'm sorry this happened to you, but I just wanted to point out that there are many resources in Hong Kong for English speakers in an emergency. I live in Hong Kong and my Cantonese, even after many years, is pretty basic. The police (and many other people) here speak English, since it is one of the official languages and everyone under the age of 50 or so has had to study it from kindergarten onwards at school, although levels can definitely vary. It's smoother and faster to get things done if you have a local Cantonese speaker by your side, but there are plenty of resources for visitors, including the Tourism Board, MTR staff, and hotel staff, all of which can help you out in an emergency situation. If you're American, the US Consulate is in Central and easy to contact as well (just ring and they have a special line for emergency assistance). The British and Australians have consulates here as well, and should have similar procedures. So no worries about travelling here without knowing Chinese and meeting with an emergency!
Where and how ? I haven't had anything stolen here for decades, but there was a very suspicious Indian guy following me once in Tsim Sha Tsui. I ducked into a shop and lost him.
Lots of great tips. For RFID protection, I use 2 RFID cards. They are super slim, much slimmer than a credit card and they protect everything in my wallet. With the individual card sleeves, you have to take your card out of your wallet, then out of the sleeve. With the RFID cards, you put one on either side of your wallet so when you fold it, both sides are protected. You can then freely remove and use your cards easily when needed.
Great tip!
Don’t take anything you aren’t willing to lose. I’m highly protective of my stuff, don’t get me wrong, but in the end it’s just stuff. I carry the smallest bag I can with the least amount of stuff I can get away with. Not only do I have less weight to carry but I have less to lose, too.
Good strategy, Karen!
This is the mindset my partner and I have when travelling. Take as little as possible. We're pretty proud of our selves for how light we can pack for a two week trip. Sure, we have some laundry to do, but that gives us the opportunity so do more local support. When going out and about, it's absolute minimum.
On the way home, we use an collapsible bag for the extra stuff we've picked up along the way.
Bottom line, it's just stuff.
You have awesome tips for travel. Are you equally as cautious when you’re at home at a restaurant or perhaps showing out of town friends/family around? I’ve rethought my appearance and how I carry my purse even when I go out locally! You’re advice is creative and practical - common sense in retrospect. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!
Great point! And yes - for me, most of these practices extend to "at home" as well.
Awesome advice. We never like to think about the worst case scenarios, but it is so important to plan for ahead of time. And the pain of planning for the worst is far less painful than dealing with the aftermath of the theft of all your valuables.
Thanks!
I’m in your travel itinerary, new travel partner here. Getting all tips for a wholesome less worry journey. Thanks for sharing! 🇵🇭🇺🇸
My husband and 😅i traveled to France & Italy for 2 weeks. Your videos are so helpful. I was fully prepared. When I was in Louvre I felt someone hand go up my back. Things like this happen so fast. Because of helpful videos like yours, I am happy our trip went smoothly. Love your detailed lessons and appreciate your links to products like Pacsafe bags.
Thank you so much! I'm really glad my videos are helpful. Glad your trip went smoothly!
wait, i need more -- what happened next??
I often travel with a group and we keep an eye out for each other. In Brazil there were groups of thieves that worked together. They were quick, distract you, shuffle off your stuff to another thief. So when they would sort of break into our group, in a crowded situation someone would call out a name or warning.
There were swarms of them in Brazil.
In the Czech Republic it was the security guard that stole my foreign currency as I had it on the top/inside place in my crossbody travel purse. But I was going through security and he asked me to turn around to scan my backside.
In the meantime with all the hustle my purse that he had to look through while I watched was THEN LEFT OPEN WHILE I TURNED AROUND. It was a quick grab and I noticed it shortly afterwards when I needed coins for the WC.
Wow - that's awful! What a shame.
Don’t be me either! I went to a passport wallet, DO NOT use them. It fell out of a backpack whose cheap zipper opened. It fell out and had cards, cash, passport, everything. Luckily my friend spotted me money as had to take a 6 hr train ride to get to a place that could do an emergency passport. Best advice you gave…keep cards and cash in different places. Don’t let people rush you until you get passport put away safely. Great advice!
I’m sorry that happened to you. Thanks for sharing your tips.
I think the main error here was putting your passport wallet in the backpack. Get one that goes around your neck or put your passport in an inside jacket pocket. Also, don't put everything in the passport wallet! Only your passport.
@@mels.3750 exactly! If it gets lost or stolen you lose money, cards, AND passport .
Why do content creators feel they have to add background music? So annoying.
1000%
Agreed... It is much too loud also
Can’t stand it. Always distracting. Volume should be much, much lower if we have to hear it at all.
Chipalo and Apple make small, battery-operated tracking devices. Get them, put in your bags, purse, glue to your phone case, put on anything you want to keep/find/retrieve and sync to all your electronic devices. That way you can find the item you left ‘somewhere’ or was taken while you weren’t looking.
Great tip, Suzanne!
Great video! As a seasoned traveler, I'm always looking for ways to keep my belongings safe, and your tips and recommendations for anti-theft bags and accessories were spot on. Thanks for sharing your expertise and helping us all stay safe on our adventures!
No one else is sharing these crucial tips and techniques. Thank you so much. And your delivery is like being with a close friend exchanging experiences and advice. You're great!😊
Wow, thank you!
Thanks for the tips and advice. You’re right about the hotel safes. I had a large amount of cash stolen from a cruise ship cabin safe. It was one of the Princess ships.
What a shame - I'm sorry that happened.
Good to know for my upcoming cruise!
Nora, as a nervous traveler I can only confirm all of your great tips. I need the mental security of always putting my items in the same place that I can access them easily. I travel a lot, also for work. Thus one important concept is only to bring the bare minimum and spreading it out in the safe secure places you mentioned. And just get to the next level of paranioa, watch some UA-cam videos on lockpicking - very disconcerting
Ha ha! Maybe ease up on the lock-picking videos ;-)
Lots of good info, i wasnt aware of anti-slash stuff.. I have a money belt (both one that goes inside the pants, and my pants belt with a zipper pocket) and I have a couple money clips with small amount of cash, for the very reason you said, I never have to pull out more than $20-$30 (or less). I can always go to the bathroom and refill a clip. I also took the card holder out of a wallet, sewed a loop on it, then my belt goes through the loop and the cards go in my pants. So I have money in 4 different places on my body and I can always toss a money clip or my wallet in case of a mugging and I'll still have more cash, card and ID on me. I also have pants with a zippered back wallet pocket. Have to take all cash to Cuba so i spent a lot of time thinking about how to spread it and keep it safe. Someone would have to throughly frisk me and remove mt belt to get everything on me.
Nice one!
All my favorite PacSafe products. The convertible backpack/bag is perfect for art museums.
I agree!
My grandfather who travelled around the world taught me that always keep the hotel room tidy. His theory is if the room is tidy you will know when something is misplaced or missing. Also the hotel staff who comes in to clean will less likely to mess with your stuff. I also put my clothes and valuables inside my luggage and lock it before I leave my hotel room.
Great tips, Chloe! Your grandfather is a wise man.
During a past trip to China, a small bag was left on the bed containing important papers. When the bag was missed and the cleaning ladies were asked, they immediately knew where it was, under the bed. They must have kicked under there, so if accused of stealing, they could deny they took it. However, if you left without missing the item, it's theirs.
What a great way to steal without taking any risks. I wonder how many times they got away with it.
@@maychei4777 WOW! I'd never heard of that.
@@maychei4777 Wow that's crazy!
I love all your information- so much good helpful solutions- We have a traveled all over and I’m always surprised of the bold ways these criminals are today.
one of your most important videos is about insurance! Thank you for that one. As a touring rock bass player for the last 50 years- I have stories! I only wish I had your videos earlier but never to old right? Safe travels to you and your audience. ❤
Oh man - I'll bet you have stories! I did a small tour with an orchestra once; lucky for me I played flute so transporting my instrument was easy. Too bad for the double-bass player - ha ha!
I had to laugh about remembering where you hide your cash. More than once, I hid it so well that I forgot about it..... until my next trip.... there it was in that great hiding spot that I was going to use again. Yea for me! Extra money for this new trip.
LOL! It has happened to me as well.
Many people talk about locking this and that, but no one has ever suggested practicing with the devices. Excellent video with good, practical advice. Thank you
Thank YOU!
Great information! Now I’m definitely going to replace my well worn passport holder/wallet with an RFID one.
I agree that a cross body bag is essential. Apart from being more secure it also let’s you be hands-free when you need both hands for hoisting a suitcase on/off a train or grabbing it from a luggage carrousel.
Glad it was helpful, Heather!
All excellent suggestions. I just got my RFID sleeves today. Stay safe!
Woohoo! Happy travels, Leslie!
I added small keychain loops to my purse strap. I just daisy chained them together and ran the strap through weaving it in and out of the keychain loops. It's cut proof this way. Have done this for 30+ yrs now because of having my purse stolen once. It's not pretty but it works in a pinch plus it's easy to attach one of the keychain loops to your belt or belt loops and know you won't lose it. I always keep my wallet attached to the inside with a keychain necklace so I can't drop it or so no one can pickpocket without my feeling it yanked away. This has saved my wallet. I also keep at least one card and cash attached to my bra strap inside my bra. They make small plastic wallets for swimming and kayaking so I use that. It's not noticable and can hold a driver's license, 2or 3 cards and a couple of keys and a memory card with pics of your documents without anyone knowing you have it there. With the RFID sleeves, you could keep that stuff safe. Be safe ladies!
Great tips!
Two quick points :
I was in Barcelona 4 or 5 years ago and met two different women on the plane ride back who both had their purses swiped because they were under the table on the ground in-between their feet. But the thief was super slick....and was crawling underneath the tables while women were drinking, eating, and talking.
The only time I have come close to be ripped off was in Italy in 2018.
My girlfriend and I had walked out of the hotel and into a huge group of about 50-60 Chinese national tourists, who were all dressed in identical same clothes.
Once we emerged from out of the group, we noticed all the zippers on our day packs were open. Every one of them. But we only had towels, books, and river sandals in the packs....and nothing was missing.
What we realized is that there were pickpockets hiding in that group of Chinese trying steal from them.
The hotel manager told us that Asian people, especially Chinese, are the number one target for eastern European pickpockets and touts --- because they carry lots of cash and don't use credit and debit cards as a normal practice as compared to more western tourists
Wow! Thanks for sharing your experience.
I'm quite keen to never leaving a bag at my feet or on the back of my chair at restaurants without being in physical contact with it.
Where we can get the anti theft bags rfid envelopes for the passport and credit cards thanks
@@cynthiaisip7347 Links are in the description! Thanks
I knew about train stations but the chameleon thieves in a tourist group is new to me. Thanks.
Great advice Nora, I was scooter bumped in Siem Reap in 302176, carrying an open shopping bag with an iPhone 6. I thought I had walked in front of the scooter so waved them away to indicate I was OK, and it wasn't untilI got back to the hotel that I realised the i{hone had been nicked. Going back this yer, with a slash proof bag and a walking stick, so 'Bring It On'/. Thank you for this.
Oh no that's terrible! Seems like you're super prepared this year though!
An Italian friend of mine told me to wear my purse crossbody, but also to keep the bag part in front, with a hand on it at all times. I've just gotten used to doing this wherever I am.
Great advice - and yes, I do the same!
You can also take pictures of your credit cards, front and back, save it to the cloud. Some of the later smart phones has a feature that you can have “hidden” folders for your photos. Place your credit card pictures in there. Also your passport!
Great video and excellent tips thanks for doing it
Thank you!
Great and thanks Nora. I find ordinary and awful looking local bags, like 10lb rice bags and put my pack in it. Who would steal that? Also, slider zip-lock bags, if I am in the ocean especially I put valuables in several baggies and bury them in the sand, toss something throw-away on top so I can find them again. ( or cover with camouflage, drift wood ect.)
My cross-body Pacsafe, ha! I never knew how to get the strap unlocked! Thanks!
Yeah some of those Pacsafe features are a but tricky until you get used to them!
Great tips about the ziploc baggies and burying things in the sand.
Unless someone comes along and kicks said item away.
Ok but the carabiner clip plus purse is a thing of genius. Thank you
Thanks!
I have a few Scott eVests which have a lot of hidden pockets, incl an RFID one with velcro closure inside the vest. I always wear one on travel or excursion days because then my cross-body purse only has to have things I'm prepared to lose like hand sanitizer, sunscreen, etc, but not my ID or cash so if I got mugged and they took it, no big deal. Everything important is on me. I highly recommend the Scott eVests. I even have one with removable long sleeves that's really handy and the sleeves store in a pocket in the back of it.
I have a fleece Scottevest that I plan on bringing on my next trip. So handy for travel days, as well as for outdoor activities when you want a few extra things with you, hands-free.
Straight up the most thorough/best video I have ever seen on youtube. Thank you.
Wow! Thanks!
Great information! Thanks, Nora. We’ll definitely be more aware of keeping our stuff safe!
Glad it was helpful!
All this information is new to me as I only have traveled local.
Hope it is helpful!
I’m heading on vacay soon and liked all your tips, but the one I enabled was the feature on my iPhone to disable after 10 attempts! Thank you!❤
Thanks Deborah! Happy travels
I am so sorry you had that experience and so grateful that you shared it with us so that no one else has to have that or at least we have a fighting chance of avoiding it. Have an amazing day.
Thank you so much!
Great video!! Sorry about Peru. Another thought about credit cards; keep all of the phone numbers for Customer Service, and also the Credit Agency's, Equifax, Experian and Transunion.
Great idea!!
Love the information. We are packing for a three week, 7 country trip. My favorite item to carry while on excursions is a fanny pack-worn in front- that also has a cross body strap. That way, all the weight isn't around my waist, (back problems), part of it is on my shoulders.
Great strategy!
Great video. My new travel habit is this: I leave my keys home. That way if someone swipes my I.D. , at least they are not getting into my house while I am away.
Slick move! I assume you leave the keys with somebody who can let you in and give you your keys back when you arrive?
@@NoraDunn Yes, trusted friend holds the keys when I travel. You can also lock them in a safe (offsite), use a hidden lockbox, safe deposit box, et...
@@nonawolf7495 Great strategy!
As a fellow world traveller, I commend you for the valuable security advice you provided in this video. I have applied most and they are all effective. I hope people follow it.
Thank you!
When using a grocery type cart, use a carabiner to attach your purse to the cart. That way no one can grab and walk away with your purse.
Nice one!
... and keep the darn thing zipped closed!!! I can't count how many times I've been shopping in Walmart or The grocery store and women walk by with their huge purses unzipped and a large roll of cash shining inside, it's almost like they are deliberately testing ppl's honesty!
Great tips, Nora. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
This is the best best travel video of all ive listend to these past 2 weeks!
Wow - thank you, Cheryl!
Nora, thanks God there is a Nora ...I thought I was the only one in this world who is a "prepper"...everyone laughs at me because I am very precautious in everything in my life...thanks for your excellent tips...
Ha ha - thanks Liliana!
As a native NYer, a lot of your tips regarding cards, cash and being always in contact are part of how I grew up (my grandfather kept a rubber band around his wallet and kept cash in a roll in a different pocket than his wallet).... but regardless of that, when I was a young man visiting Tennessee, I let my guard and habits slip and was pickpocketed (wallet only - cash was not taken). Great tips, and people should be aware that all your suggestions apply EVERYWHERE. Doesn't matter whether you are in New York City or a little hill town in the Alps, there are a percentage of people who are dishonest and will take advantage of failures of security.
I agree 100%! Many of these tips are street sense for cities everywhere.
As an autistic/ADHD, I have issues focusing with the music. Sorry made it to the RFID wallet. Just a note on RFID wallets, the person has to be within a foot of your wallet or bag to get to it. If it is also protected on the inside and lots of junk in front of it, say pouches, or other cards in front of your credit cards. You should be more concerned about installed skimmers. It is good advice about not taking out your passport until they ask for it. Also, there is a video by a professor on the truth about RFID, I suggest you watch it. Not allowed to post links in comments.
Another point, do not throw away your paper boarding pass. That bar code has credit card, travel insurance, and your address on it. Shred it when you get home.
As for cash, I keep a dummy wallet with very little cash in it, and my more secured wallet, is hidden away. The dummy wallet has silly cards in it to bulk it up. No one here in the EU carry much cash anymore. Just silly Americans that travel over here. Do not kill the messenger here, I am also an American who has been living in Europe for the last 23 years.
Also, there are videos of how people can unlock combo locks within 2 minutes. It is best just to take your valuables with you. Lock them into a public locker somewhere if you do not want to carry it. If they try to access it in such a public space, they are stupid. Since most locks will not allow more than 3 tries on a pin code to open them nowadays. So, choose a locker that has one of these new pin code locks.
Great tip about not throwing away your paper boarding pass in a public place. I had read that the bar code has all your info.
Deb here. If a thief has tried breaking into your public locker and tried a code for three times, do they get locked out? Would that mean you would not be able to get into your locker?
@@rickgonzalez1218 Yes, but there is staff on hand to assist with that. I had that happen at the Royal Library in Copenhagen when I failed my passcode 3 times. I had to stand away when he opened it so I could not see the contents and tell the gentleman what was in the locker. Or if I left any identification in there, for him to find.
Thank you for the advice. I use the RFID sleeves. Didn’t think about spreading our the cash! And I usually put all my valuables in the safe. Changing those habits for sure!!!
Glad my tips were helpful, Sharon!
Thank you Nora for the info/ideas. I too would appreciate the info w/out the music which affects me hearing what you are sharing... No, not hard of hearing but it spreads the focus... 😢
Love the cash hiding areas.😮
All of my new videos have no background music, but I can't do anything about videos that have already been published. Thanks for your patience, and I appreciate your feedback.
Love your info & your no time wasted presentation style. (Elderly & disabled so need extra protection). Thank you.
Thank you, Vicki!
I second the compliment on your presentation style. I skip so many videos that spend more time on the set up than the content - and your content is definitely worth watching!
@@kerrymcnew-fenton8812 Thank you!
Laura, I learn so much every time I watch one of your videos. This one in particular is really helpful. One thing: the music is so loud, it's hard to concentrate on your message.
Thanks Beverly. I have since fixed the issue with new videos. I can't do anything about this one.
@@NoraDunn Thanks, Nora. You are the best!
@@NoraDunn ... I never even noticed the music.
Fantastic tips. I have also invested in some Alpaka Gear pouches with rfid protection and also have Apple AirTags in and attached to everything. This also helped me advise my airline exactly where my “missing” luggage was last time I travelled. Have taken many of your tips onboard for my next trip. 👍
Hi Steve,
Sorry your bags were lost, but glad you got them back with the help of air tags! And I'm thrilled my tips are helping you plan your next adventure :-)
My cellphone got stolen right out of my hand in Vegas recently. Guy on bike rolls in front of me on sidewalk as I waited for my Uber to got the airport. A few minutes later he rolls back by me and takes it right out of my hand and rides down the strip. Never again will I mindlessly look at my phone in public. No one helped me as I screamed at him. It’s clear he knew what he was doing. He deactivated my phone inside 20 minutes. I could not deactivate my service for about 4 hours. Security was worthless.
Wow! Unfortunately your's is not the first story I've heard about having a phone taken from your hands. I'm sorry that happened to you.
I’m always looking around me as I look at my phone. Always know who’s around me.
i got a phone tether from a company called securisee off of amazon for my last trip and . it clips into the belt loop in my pants. a little clunky but feel secure about my phone now
@@lursf9316 Ooh nice one!
Spencer's life saving travel advice! Thank you very much. On my first time away from home at 19 on a Caribbean Cruise, the ship got a seal put on it and diverted to Curacao by some Venezuelans because they said the ship's MC had said something derogatory about them; luckily two New York stockbrokers and I jumped ship in the middle of the night and got back to North America. That's as close as I've come to South America!
😮
I would like to know how a couple of people got a ship diverted to a country that is not theirs and why. I have heard of ships being prevented from docking due to illness on board but do not understand what you mean by 'got a seal put on it'.
Thieves can strike even at home. Years ago I began using a d-ring clasp to attach my purse to my shopping cart. One day people in a car snatched my purse while I was loading groceries into my car. They Snatched my purse and took off! Driving through the parking lot with the shopping cart banging up the side of their car, before they let go of my purse! 🤣🤣🤣
Wow - that's crazy! Goes to show we need to be alert at home as well as on the road.
🤣🤣🤣Love the visual!
You're a real pro at this. Im glad I found you! But now Im scared. More than I was before! I was pretty confident before watching this but now, man. I feel better knowing all this though. Going to be sharing with my family so they can be safe and prepared too! Thanks,n
I'm so sorry it made you more scared! It's supposed to be empowering! Ha ha. Don't worry - most of the stuff in this video can become second nature.
This is good advice even if you are out locally. Went out for dinner at a restaurant 10 or so minutes from home. Had my purse hanging off my chair. Not sure if they grabbed it while I was there or if I left it & it was snagged. The restaurant owner had her kids as servers, boys in their early teens. She denied ever seeing my purse & also defended her sons, even though per our phone carrier they'd downloaded a game within 15 minutes of our departure. Months later, a repairman, working on the AC, found my cards up on the roof of the building! By then, I'd replaced everything, now I rarely carry a purse. And when I travel I wear a fanny pack, but with the bag in front, not behind, and under my clothing if possible.
You are so right - these are tips for at home as well as abroad. I'm sorry that happened to you.
Brilliant! Detailed and thorough comprehensive tips. Thanks Nora. Subbed!
Thank YOU! I appreciate it.
I am going to Israel and as it is I am a bit anxious, I am a seasoned traveler, but watching your video makes me rethink what and how I have traveled before in Europe solo, so far all has been safe, but you have more great suggestions of items antitheft. Thank you.
Don't let this video discourage you! It makes things seem way worse than they are (and honestly looks a bit like she is sponsored by one of the makers of super expensive theft-proof bags). I also tend to be a bit anxious and I was watching this and worrying about an upcoming trip. And then I remembered that I've travelled alone extensively in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa and been absolutely fine. Be sensible and cautious but there is no need to be as fearful as this video suggests. Even making yourself a bit less convenient to rob (e.g. by using a cross-body bag slung in front of you not backpack that it totally out of your site) will probably lead to thieves target other easier marks nearby. It is absolutely good to take precautions but if you go so far that you are just fearful the whole trip, then what's the point.