🙋🏻♂Mistakes you should avoid while in Spain and Portugal ua-cam.com/play/PLWH9E2sQGItrtKuwIBeAlxExfBvXxJpSu.html ✅ check out our SELF-GUIDED travel guides here ➡ travelguidesspainandportugal.com
Thanks Tony. That was a very good video. It’s hard to be in your guard at all times. Staying aware I guess is the key, and your video was a good reminder.
Excellent video and mandatory not only for those who travel to Spain or Portugal. You are definitely the best tourism channel on the Internet. I can't watch any other channels anymore; With all due respect, they are mediocre compared to you ❤️💛💚💙
Thank you Tony for taking the time to make this video. I'm visiting Madrid in a few weeks and am obviously quite worried about pickpocketing. Although I tend to wear walking trousers that have zipped pockets so this gives me some slight comfort in carrying my mobile phone and wallet. Anyway, great advice as usual. 👍
Had heard of the notorious pickpocket crimes in Spain but I was really caught unaware that they were really good with their hands and tricks. I was pickpocketed by a couple pretending to help me locate my hostel within a building right in my face!, Thankfully, I don't carry any purse and my passport happened to be separated from its cover and the thieves thought it was my wallet and stole it. I just lost my insurance card inside the cover. But I was amazed how they could do it right in front of me by distracting with my luggage and getting in and out of the elevators around the building.
@@mkngpauline glad your encounter with pickpockets didn't turn out into a serious affair. We would like to stress that the problem with pockets is by no means a Spanish problem. Italy, France, the UK. Always be alert.
I always enjoy your videos, Tony, and they are always jamb-packed with useful information! This is a particularly good one. Thanks for posting this!!! We have a large group of friends and family who are traveling to Barcelona for a cruise next June. Many of these individuals have never been to Europe and/or never been on a cruise. I will definitely forward this video to them to prepare them to avoid a devastating situation. I look forward to more of your GREAT videos!!!!
So again, thank you for an OUTSTANDING VIDEO. In 30+ years of travel, mostly Czech Republic, I am grateful to say I have never been robbed. Second comment: After watching this, I strongly suggest you and Cecilia seriously consider acting... you both were great!! Thanks my friend, John
Hi Tony, thanks for your video. Great tips! I was pickpocketed on a train - the pickpocket pretended to have a seat next to mine and “helped” me with my luggage. In the process of being distracted, they managed to open another bag we had put on the seat. The thief slipped off after that. So now, I choose a sling bag carried in front, but enhanced with a digital padlock on both zippers. And carry my handphone on a shortened phone lanyard around my body. I am so very wary of them now. I would advise everyone travelling to Europe to be very aware. They are look harmless and are very fast. I’d also avoid speaking to strangers. And travel in pairs.
Hi Tony - we are back from our trip in late June to Madrid and Barcelona. We did not have any trouble but some pointers we were told or learned: 1. If you can get a room with a safe to keep your passports and other valuables not necessary for your daily excursions in. Take a copy of your passport with you as mentioned. 2. Whatever bag one uses make sure it is comfortable to carry in front - all the time except hiking. i got the new TomToc sling T26 and it was little big for front carry. It migrated to the back and I had to be told twice by locals until I adjusted. Also look for bags that are waterproof and have a pocket on the back side close to your body for your ID, phone, and wallet. 3. It's much easier to be careful as a couple or group - one can watch the bags while the other uses the restroom. 4. When standing or sitting with your bag off not only have it where you can see but stick your foot through the strap. 5. One aspect of safety especially from violent crime in big cities like these is a large police presence. We saw a lot and the lack of enough police presence in American cities does the opposite. 6. One distraction a tourist cannot avoid is trying to navigate with the iphone. I saw many with their faces glued to the phone not just mine. In a crowded situation like this where one can't walk straight for more than a few feet without dodging someone situation awareness is at a minimum and for extended periods of time. Your partner needs to be watchful not trying to argue with you about directions😀 7. This is very wide spread and common - a fact of everyday life. I remember one local telling another to zip up her purse on the metro. So there is a wide spread communal understanding and mutual help from most. 8. This skill set should be practiced everywhere I think. We are just too oblivious and naive.
Thank you for your detailed feedback, Steve. But don't feel it's just tourists who are naive. Unprepared locals are pickpocketed the whole time as well. Glad to hear you did not have any trouble.
This is why I never put any valuables in a backpack, unless I put a padlock through the zippers. I always use a folded backpack for stuff like food, umbrella, a jacket or scarf, but then put a camera, phone, money, documents... in a small handbag in front of me, crossed across my chest. So far, it has worked and I travel quite a bit :)
One thing I would say is that body belts are also very good for reducing the amount of cash you carry. Although today most of us use cards, sometimes it is necessary to carry cash. A body belt can be worn so that cash can be kept in it and then swapped into your wallet at lunchtime. Cheers.
Hi Tony, very informative video, many thanks for the tips. I am a former police officer and I see so many people (particularly women), in supermarkets or stores putting their handbag on the top of shopping trollies, leaving them open with a mobile or wallet inside laying right on top and I have stopped a few times to make them aware of the vulnerability of losing it or having it taken but I quickly move on, so they do not fear me too! So well done for thinking of everyone that just goes shopping and are not a tourist! 👍😊, kind regards, Mary (La Manga, Murcia & England).
Thank you Mary, you are absolutely right, sometimes you try to help or warn people and they react with apprehension towards you (which is understandable). If people were more aware of the issues we talk about in the video pickpocketing would be a much more difficult criminal activity. And yes, we locals are targets too! All the best to you!
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Hola Tony, Que tal? Can you give me some advice about booking a parking space online for driving into Alicante Airport, parking a car there and leaving it there for a week? I am traveling from La Manga to attend a wedding in Majorca next June and nervous about using the airport parking as never have before and nervous about leaving my car there for a week? Advice or tips would be most helpful and welcome? Gracious Tony, regards, Mary👍
@@marybsmart50 hi Mary, as we deal here with questions on pickpocketing, why don't you leave us your question in a Q&A video and we will reply to it in the next Q&A session? All the best!
My backpack will only be out when we're going from airport to hotel. I will have a zipper lock like you show (but it has a dial in the middle that also has to unlock the clip). I will also be using old fashioned diaper pins--a large safety pin with a cap that has to be slid up before you can unhook the pin part. My pants have cargo pockets with two snaps on the pocket flap. I rarely put anything in them because it's too hard to open LOL. My day bag is a cross body bag with a large flap that has a buckle, over the top zipper. I'll also use a zipper lock. I'm thinking of sewing some wire into the strap so it can't be cut easily. Does putting the leg of your chair through the strap of a backpack help, when you're in a restaurant? Or are you likely to just get toppled if someone tries to grab it?
Putting the leg of your chair through the strap of a backpack is a good strategy indeed. In terms of lockers, you need to find a balance between safety and easy of use.
Thank you so much, Tony, for the video! You mentioned some scenarios I didn’t think about (the car rental). BWould it help to turn the bag with the zippers facing you instead of facing out?
Great video. Firstly it’s a shame you have stopped saying hello at the start of your videos, it was a nice touch. When I am abroad I always wear shorts and trousers with zipped pockets. The won’t stop professional but will stop the casual opportunist. The issue is that, thanks to fashion which assumes we all drive; only companies like craghoppers make them and theirs zipped pockets are reduced to what they used to be to keep prices down. I’d happily pay more for better quality clothes and peace of mind. Thanks
Hi John, we stopped saying hi as the statistics show there was a drop in retention at that moment in the video. It seems most people can be bothered with that. But I'll try to say "hola" again. Thanks for your contribution and advice!
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal that is such a shame! And what does it really say about today’s society. Saying hello or welcome? Surely is a nice warm way to make people feel welcome. Cheers and keep up the good work.
Thank you for the ideas Tony. I was an unfortunate victim in Lisbon a few years back (nothing of value taken). What brand sling bag do you use? It looks about the right size. I find ones that look too small or too big. Gracias!
When I traveled trough Italy, I was leaving my accomodation when two people approached me and asked about it, a young man and an older woman. I had a sling on my chest and one of them managed to open it without me even suspecting. Luckly I had my money and document on a pocket behind the sling so they didn’t take anything, just left my bag opened
We were sitting at an outdoor cafe near Plaza Mayor in Madrid and a carterista crawled under the tables behind me to try to get my bag on the ground. I had the strap wrapped around my leg (as I always do) and noticed him right away. He ran before i could yell.
Hi Tony, thanks for your valuable information. With regards to passport as far as I know I need to bring my original passport when I visit Alhambra because the ticket is linked to the passport. Thanks
Adventure Elliot has a good video on Madrid pickpockets, and a local group that seeks them out, and hounds them, until they are driven out of the city centre. D
🙋🏻♂Mistakes you should avoid while in Spain and Portugal ua-cam.com/play/PLWH9E2sQGItrtKuwIBeAlxExfBvXxJpSu.html
✅ check out our SELF-GUIDED travel guides here ➡ travelguidesspainandportugal.com
I put metal s lock nite ize on zippers
Thanks Tony. That was a very good video. It’s hard to be in your guard at all times. Staying aware I guess is the key, and your video was a good reminder.
Our pleasure! Yes, always being aware of the threat is the key - but not to the point where you become paranoid.
Excellent video and mandatory not only for those who travel to Spain or Portugal. You are definitely the best tourism channel on the Internet. I can't watch any other channels anymore; With all due respect, they are mediocre compared to you ❤️💛💚💙
Thanks so much, Yara.
Brother, this is so helpful. Will be spending time with the folks across western and southern Europe and your tips are amazing.
Have a safe trip!
Thank you Tony for taking the time to make this video. I'm visiting Madrid in a few weeks and am obviously quite worried about pickpocketing. Although I tend to wear walking trousers that have zipped pockets so this gives me some slight comfort in carrying my mobile phone and wallet. Anyway, great advice as usual. 👍
Our pleasure! Have a safe trip!
Had heard of the notorious pickpocket crimes in Spain but I was really caught unaware that they were really good with their hands and tricks. I was pickpocketed by a couple pretending to help me locate my hostel within a building right in my face!, Thankfully, I don't carry any purse and my passport happened to be separated from its cover and the thieves thought it was my wallet and stole it. I just lost my insurance card inside the cover. But I was amazed how they could do it right in front of me by distracting with my luggage and getting in and out of the elevators around the building.
@@mkngpauline glad your encounter with pickpockets didn't turn out into a serious affair. We would like to stress that the problem with pockets is by no means a Spanish problem. Italy, France, the UK. Always be alert.
I always enjoy your videos, Tony, and they are always jamb-packed with useful information! This is a particularly good one. Thanks for posting this!!! We have a large group of friends and family who are traveling to Barcelona for a cruise next June. Many of these individuals have never been to Europe and/or never been on a cruise. I will definitely forward this video to them to prepare them to avoid a devastating situation. I look forward to more of your GREAT videos!!!!
Thank you! Make sure everyone in your group is aware of the problem with pickpockets. It's a huge issue. Have a great trip!
God bless your channel so much helpful and accurate info I've watched so many of your videos. Great work.
Thanks so much for your words.
So helpful & easy to follow, thank you
Our pleasure!
Helpful tips as always! I've just ordered those zipper locks you've mentioned. Thank you Tony!
@@marcfontanilla I have those locks and they are fantastic!
Our pleasure!
Yes, they give you quite a lot of peace of mind.
Thank you Tony... appreciate the advice
Our pleasure!
So again, thank you for an OUTSTANDING VIDEO. In 30+ years of travel, mostly Czech Republic, I am grateful to say I have never been robbed.
Second comment: After watching this, I strongly suggest you and Cecilia seriously consider acting... you both were great!!
Thanks my friend, John
Once again our gratitude for your kind words!
Thanks Tony!! Agree that it's happening everywhere, not just Europe... in North America ans Asia as well..
Safe travels to you!
Hi Tony, thanks for your video. Great tips! I was pickpocketed on a train - the pickpocket pretended to have a seat next to mine and “helped” me with my luggage. In the process of being distracted, they managed to open another bag we had put on the seat. The thief slipped off after that. So now, I choose a sling bag carried in front, but enhanced with a digital padlock on both zippers. And carry my handphone on a shortened phone lanyard around my body. I am so very wary of them now. I would advise everyone travelling to Europe to be very aware. They are look harmless and are very fast. I’d also avoid speaking to strangers. And travel in pairs.
Sorry to hear you were a victim, Ivy. And thanks for sharing your experience.
Hi Tony - we are back from our trip in late June to Madrid and Barcelona. We did not have any trouble but some pointers we were told or learned:
1. If you can get a room with a safe to keep your passports and other valuables not necessary for your daily excursions in. Take a copy of your passport with you as mentioned.
2. Whatever bag one uses make sure it is comfortable to carry in front - all the time except hiking. i got the new TomToc sling T26 and it was little big for front carry. It migrated to the back and I had to be told twice by locals until I adjusted. Also look for bags that are waterproof and have a pocket on the back side close to your body for your ID, phone, and wallet.
3. It's much easier to be careful as a couple or group - one can watch the bags while the other uses the restroom.
4. When standing or sitting with your bag off not only have it where you can see but stick your foot through the strap.
5. One aspect of safety especially from violent crime in big cities like these is a large police presence. We saw a lot and the lack of enough police presence in American cities does the opposite.
6. One distraction a tourist cannot avoid is trying to navigate with the iphone. I saw many with their faces glued to the phone not just mine. In a crowded situation like this where one can't walk straight for more than a few feet without dodging someone situation awareness is at a minimum and for extended periods of time. Your partner needs to be watchful not trying to argue with you about directions😀
7. This is very wide spread and common - a fact of everyday life. I remember one local telling another to zip up her purse on the metro. So there is a wide spread communal understanding and mutual help from most.
8. This skill set should be practiced everywhere I think. We are just too oblivious and naive.
Thank you for your detailed feedback, Steve. But don't feel it's just tourists who are naive. Unprepared locals are pickpocketed the whole time as well. Glad to hear you did not have any trouble.
Great advice..❤️
👍
This is why I never put any valuables in a backpack, unless I put a padlock through the zippers. I always use a folded backpack for stuff like food, umbrella, a jacket or scarf, but then put a camera, phone, money, documents... in a small handbag in front of me, crossed across my chest. So far, it has worked and I travel quite a bit :)
good presentation , very helpful
Glad to hear that!
Thank you 👍💯❤️❤️❤️❤️
Our pleasure!
One thing I would say is that body belts are also very good for reducing the amount of cash you carry. Although today most of us use cards, sometimes it is necessary to carry cash. A body belt can be worn so that cash can be kept in it and then swapped into your wallet at lunchtime. Cheers.
Yes, body belts are good for that. It's all really down to what you feel comfortable with. Thanks!
Hi Tony, very informative video, many thanks for the tips. I am a former police officer and I see so many people (particularly women), in supermarkets or stores putting their handbag on the top of shopping trollies, leaving them open with a mobile or wallet inside laying right on top and I have stopped a few times to make them aware of the vulnerability of losing it or having it taken but I quickly move on, so they do not fear me too! So well done for thinking of everyone that just goes shopping and are not a tourist! 👍😊, kind regards, Mary (La Manga, Murcia & England).
Thank you Mary, you are absolutely right, sometimes you try to help or warn people and they react with apprehension towards you (which is understandable). If people were more aware of the issues we talk about in the video pickpocketing would be a much more difficult criminal activity. And yes, we locals are targets too! All the best to you!
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Da Nada me amigo! Keep up the good work👍
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Hola Tony, Que tal? Can you give me some advice about booking a parking space online for driving into Alicante Airport, parking a car there and leaving it there for a week? I am traveling from La Manga to attend a wedding in Majorca next June and nervous about using the airport parking as never have before and nervous about leaving my car there for a week? Advice or tips would be most helpful and welcome? Gracious Tony, regards, Mary👍
@@marybsmart50 hi Mary, as we deal here with questions on pickpocketing, why don't you leave us your question in a Q&A video and we will reply to it in the next Q&A session? All the best!
My backpack will only be out when we're going from airport to hotel. I will have a zipper lock like you show (but it has a dial in the middle that also has to unlock the clip). I will also be using old fashioned diaper pins--a large safety pin with a cap that has to be slid up before you can unhook the pin part. My pants have cargo pockets with two snaps on the pocket flap. I rarely put anything in them because it's too hard to open LOL. My day bag is a cross body bag with a large flap that has a buckle, over the top zipper. I'll also use a zipper lock. I'm thinking of sewing some wire into the strap so it can't be cut easily.
Does putting the leg of your chair through the strap of a backpack help, when you're in a restaurant? Or are you likely to just get toppled if someone tries to grab it?
Putting the leg of your chair through the strap of a backpack is a good strategy indeed. In terms of lockers, you need to find a balance between safety and easy of use.
Very helpful tips! Unfortunately it's happening everywhere.
Indeed, it is so unfortunate.
Thanks for the video. What do you think about zippered pockets on your pants front and back? Do you think they provide enough protection?
After having my wallet stolen from an apparently safe pocket, I no longer put valuables on my trousers. Zippers can be opened.
Thank you so much, Tony, for the video! You mentioned some scenarios I didn’t think about (the car rental). BWould it help to turn the bag with the zippers facing you instead of facing out?
Our pleasure! Anything that makes access to the zipper more difficult helps!
Great video. Firstly it’s a shame you have stopped saying hello at the start of your videos, it was a nice touch.
When I am abroad I always wear shorts and trousers with zipped pockets. The won’t stop professional but will stop the casual opportunist. The issue is that, thanks to fashion which assumes we all drive; only companies like craghoppers make them and theirs zipped pockets are reduced to what they used to be to keep prices down. I’d happily pay more for better quality clothes and peace of mind.
Thanks
Hi John, we stopped saying hi as the statistics show there was a drop in retention at that moment in the video. It seems most people can be bothered with that. But I'll try to say "hola" again. Thanks for your contribution and advice!
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal that is such a shame! And what does it really say about today’s society.
Saying hello or welcome? Surely is a nice warm way to make people feel welcome. Cheers and keep up the good work.
Thank you for the ideas Tony. I was an unfortunate victim in Lisbon a few years back (nothing of value taken). What brand sling bag do you use? It looks about the right size. I find ones that look too small or too big. Gracias!
We are using some PacSafe crossbody bags. I think they're on sale now, actually.
My sling bags are of no particular known brand name, I bought them from Amazon. There are literally hundreds of different types.
When I traveled trough Italy, I was leaving my accomodation when two people approached me and asked about it, a young man and an older woman. I had a sling on my chest and one of them managed to open it without me even suspecting. Luckly I had my money and document on a pocket behind the sling so they didn’t take anything, just left my bag opened
I always put a hand on my sling bang to make it safe.
That guy at 5:43 missed the 'travelling light' video.
Absolutely, we were shocked when we saw them, prime targets!
We were sitting at an outdoor cafe near Plaza Mayor in Madrid and a carterista crawled under the tables behind me to try to get my bag on the ground. I had the strap wrapped around my leg (as I always do) and noticed him right away. He ran before i could yell.
As we pointed out, meal (or drink) times are always critical. Glad you were not a victim.
Hi Tony, thanks for your valuable information. With regards to passport as far as I know I need to bring my original passport when I visit Alhambra because the ticket is linked to the passport. Thanks
Yes, there are specific instances when you'll need your original passport.
Adventure Elliot has a good video on Madrid pickpockets, and a local group that seeks them out, and hounds them, until they are driven out of the city centre. D
Thanks. We are not too keen on vigilante-like responses to the problem.
❤❤❤