iPod Touch 5 in Europe?

Hi Becky. I felt the same way a couple years ago when I got a new digital point-and-shoot camera. I've been to Europe twice with it and nothing's happened to it yet (knocking on wood as I type this). Pickpockets are primarily interested in cash and in finding your wallet as quickly and quietly as possible, but I'd take the same precautions with the iPod as I would with anything else. Your daughter should be aware of her surroundings when she's using the iPod in public, and also when she isn't using it. She should keep a hand on her bag especially in crowds and on public transit. What kind of day bag / purse will she carry on the trip? I use a cross-body messenger-type bag with zippers (LeSportSac is my favorite as of now). I carry it in front of me or under my arm in touristy areas where pickpockets are known to hang out. I've traveled with my older Touch for the last 2 years, in Europe and in North America, and really like it. It's a great traveling tool because of its compact size and technological capabilities.

I've been carrying around my Ipod Touch for four years (and mobile phone for 15 years) on trips to Europe. I keep them in a zippered pocket inside my purse. It is not that different from carrying around your Ipod in the U.S.; just store it in a place that is not easily accessible to others. For my laptop, when the hotel has a large enough safe in the room, I keep it there. When one is not available, I put it out of sight (in a locked suitcase or under clothes in a drawer. Haven't lost one yet.

You will see people everywhere you are with electronics (phones, iPods, cameras) in their hands - they aren't concerned. As a previous poster pointed out, thieves are more interested in cash and credit cards, not your "used" electronics. Ordinary caution is enough under most circumstances. Be a bit more wary in crowded situations, like on the metro or bus.

Interesting points of view from the previous posters. I see that the OP is not intending to travel in the UK, but this thread is on the General Europe board so I thought I would pipe up with how I see it. I work on the British railways and am aware of a trend upwards here in smartphone theft, quite a dramatic one, in and around public transport. There is a new advertising campaign, quite hard hitting, about the attitude that a thief or robber has about electronics. They just see it as money, and if they can get it they will. Many of the reported "lost" computers and pads are actually thefts. If you intend to walk around with a smartphone, pad or computer, please be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Many pickpockets and thieves dress like other travelers and business people.

Hi Becky, My daughter has the same issue with her iPod touch and we were wondering how she would carry it safety without someone trying to steal it, etc. We haven't yet looked into it, but I understand that there is an iPod case for the touch that has a strap that you can wear around your neck. Why Apple didn't include a hole for a strap is beyond me. Another option is to purchase a PacSafe purse/fanny pack that has security measures. PacSafe has a whole line of different sizes, however, they are pricey but sometimes you can find a good deal on Amazon. So many details!
Pam

When overseas, my wife carries her iPod Touch in its little case inside her cross body purse. Loss or theft has never been an issue for us.

And the street value of a stolen pod is .......?

Thanks for the great ideas! Those little iPods are so expensive, but I, too, love everything they can do. Plus, she bought it with her own money (good lessons in responsibility coming up...), but I want to do what I can to protect her investment. I'll check into the PacSafe bags--thanks Pam! Yes, so many details! Cheers,
Becky