Was on the RS Portugal Tour this month and one of our fellow travelers shared....she was traveling solo making her way from public transport in Lisbon to our first tour hotel. Walking with a backpack and using her phone for direction. Two women made their way up behind her and one had a balloon of all things bumping into her back. She felt something was up and turned on them. They already had her backpack unzipped but she stopped them before they could grab anything. Just another heads up to be situationally aware and vigilant.
Posted by
1226 posts
I always put a small travel lock on my backpack or baggalini or whatever I'm traveling with. I'd rather be inconvenienced that way, than getting things stolen. Glad she outsmarted the situation.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8234 posts
That could’ve gone worse, so she did well, and thank you for sharing what she shared. I hope the rest of your tour group went unscathed the whole time.
If this happened during a tram or bus ride, my one additional recommendation, based on personal experience, is to move a backpack to your front when on public transportation. That way, the would-be thieves are facing you, not working behind your back.
Posted by
Wengen
2885 posts
Moving a backpack in front of you in public transit is also considerate to other passengers. Less likely to hit someone with it while turning around on a crowded bus or train.
I actually have a packsafe backpack, and this is great, as you can lock the zippers, making it non trivial to open it.
Posted by
northern CA
2963 posts
There's occasionally a cute little girl with a balloon dancing in a circle on the piazza in front of the Pantheon in Rome.
If you think for a moment, you'll notice that she seems to be unaccompanied by parents, and there are no balloon vendors in the vicinity.
She is a honeypot.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
4453 posts
Each trip I’ve been traveling lighter during the day. I no longer carry a backpack or day bag. I’ve gotten it down to either a hip pack or small crossbody which I wear under my jacket or sweater so the strap isn’t showing. Also my phone lanyard has a small pocket for my credit card and driver’s license, again, I wear it under my jacket. I have even used a wristlet on occasion since all my jackets have zippered pockets.
Since retiring we rarely travel in the hot weather so a light jacket is usually with me.
Also, I am very aware at all times where my valuables are.