So you are planning that dream vacation or your first business trip to a foreign country. You have your plane ticket, hotel reservation and you have set up a great itinerary but you know there are still important preparations one should see to prior to the trip for a safe journey. What kind of preparations do seasoned world travelers make prior to their trip? What about all those travel warnings and horror stories about confidence crimes and pickpockets preying on foreign travels? Statistically, most visitors to European and other countries do not encounter pickpockets or other crimes regardless of how or where their valuables are carried. Most European cities are as safe or safer then comparative sized US cities. For that reason there’s no need to be paranoid and assume everyone who crosses your path is a pickpocket, but it's always a good idea to keep a watchful eye on your valuables and the people around you. Most victims of street theft did not consider the risk or were unaware of the safeguards to be taken beforehand and thus left themselves open to be victimized. Here is a list of items to reflect on before and during your trip to minimize your chances of being an easy mark on the street and to prepare your self for any unexpected personal contingencies that may arise.

Before the trip:

• Do your due diligence and familiarize yourself with your destinations. Read online and familiarize yourself with local conditions, culture and laws. Do you need a visa? Will your cell phone be compatible with other networks where you will travel? Do you need an International drivers permit?

• Sign your passport, and fill in the emergency information section.

• Make a copy of your passport, driver’s license and credit cards along with any contact numbers for customer service.

• Register your trip online with the State Dept. for emergencies: www.travelregistration.state.gov

• Visit the US consular website for the country you are visiting…copy their contact numbers.

• A traveler going abroad with a pre-existing medical problem should carry a letter from an attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic names of prescribed drugs. A second pair of eyeglasses is a plus.

• Pack medicines in their original bottles and bring extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available in case your checked luggage is lost.

• Pack medicines in their original bottles and bring extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available in case your checked luggage is lost.

• Check your overseas medical insurance coverage.
• Make a copy of your passport, driver’s license and credit cards along with any contact numbers for customer service.

• Register your trip online with the State Dept. for emergencies: www.travelregistration.state.gov

• Visit the US consular website for the country you are visiting…copy their contact numbers.

• A traveler going abroad with a pre-existing medical problem should carry a letter from an attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic names of prescribed drugs. A second pair of eyeglasses is a plus.

• Pack medicines in their original bottles and bring extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available in case your checked luggage is lost.

• If you use travelers’ checks, leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers’ checks with a friend or relative at home. Carry another copy with you in a separate place and, as you cash the checks, cross them off your list.

• Check your overseas medical insurance coverage

Pickpockets

By definition, pickpockets are low key thieves who steal items, typically wallets or passports, and other valuables from people's clothing and bags as they traverse in public places. Pickpocketing is an ancient crime that is continually being reinvented and pickpockets are a potential hazard in nearly any tourist destination. After all, tourists by definition most likely have disposable income and are likely to be carrying some travel money or valuables. A skilled pickpocket can make off with just as much money as an armed robber, without much danger of confrontation or risk of being identified. By the time a pickpocket’s victim even realizes what has happened, the pickpocket is long gone. Since no weapons are involved in this form of crime, pickpockets who do get caught face minimal sentences. Here are a few notes regarding how to avoid being a victim of a pickpocket:

• Don't assume you're too savvy to fall victim to a travel crime.

• Do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry.

• Do not carry excessive amounts of money.

• Do not carry excessive amounts of money.

• Get a little lock for your carry, travel-on or laptop bag and keep it locked.

• Be aware and alert of your surroundings and the proximity of people close to you.

• Place bags in front of you, never to the side, under or behind you thus out of your sight when you sit.

• Avoid placing valuables in pants pockets, one of the prime target areas of pickpockets.

• Do not wear your ipod or cell phone hanging from your belt.

• Use inside pockets of coats for your wallet or passport. If the weather permits, keep your coat at least half-zipped.

• Avoid fanny packs. Avoid placing your bags down and turning your back on them for even a second.

• Any requests to exchange money or show large bills should be tactfully denied.

• Utilize your hotel safe; get a receipt when appropriate for valuables.

• Look into a Money Belt, one of the best vehicles for carrying valuables…maximize its potency by sewing a fine, strong wire, such as a guitar string through its belt so it can not be cut easily - pickpockets routinely may carry sharp razors for slitting belts, pockets and they may also use long tongs for reaching into purses or pockets.

Classic Pickpocket Scenarios

Most pickpockets employ one or more typical elements of distraction:

• Teamwork: may distract the victim's attention while the other reaches into a pocket on the other side. The loot may be immediately handed off to a third player, so even if you grab the actual thief, there is no evidence and the item is lost to you. Pickpocket teams typically include both genders and both young and older people. Anyone can be a pickpocket.

• Someone passes by and "accidently" drops money as a distraction.

• Some people begin a loud argument or fight as a distraction.

• A warning stating "Beware of Pickpockets", so everyone in the area reaches for their wallets to make sure it is still there. This enables the pickpockets to find out the location of people's wallets or valuables.

• A group of children surround and holds a prospective victims arms down whilst others dig through his pockets and steal whatever can be easily removed.

• A person sitting or standing next to a prospective victim on the subway begins to ask for directions while he or she uses the distraction of conversation to pick your pocket.

• On the crowded bus where its standing room only, the individual standing next to a prospective victim has an easy time bumping up against you to feel out your pants and coat pockets - and wallet. Be careful getting off and on of crowded public transportation, a patterned time for the pick pocket to strike.

• At the beach or pool, one member of a rip-off team may pretend to be in trouble in the water. When the mark runs in to help out, another member of the team walks off with whatever the mark has left behind.

• A maintenance man asks for access to your hotel room and helps himself to valuables once backs are turned. Ask for ID and call the front desk.

• A local walks up to a tourist and claims to be from an authority such as the police and demands to see a passport, once it is handed over, he flees without returning the passport.

• An unscrupulous public servant such as a crooked policeman who habitually stops tourists, demands ID along with the marks wallet. Both items are eventually returned with cash missing from the wallet. During a traffic stop, place your id up to the window, avoid offering it to anyone.

• An unscrupulous public servant such as a crooked policeman who habitually stops tourists, demands ID along with the marks wallet. Both items are eventually returned with cash missing from the wallet. During a traffic stop, place your id up to the window, avoid offering it to anyone.

• One of the most effective distractions is sex appeal: An attractive woman, usually pretending to be drunk, will flirtatiously touch an unsuspecting man, and affectionately lift his wallet or watch while he's distracted.

Always be wary of what's going on, use common sense and train yourself to turn to the left if someone hoping to distract you taps your right shoulder…Be aware, listen to your instincts and enjoy your trip!

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