Every time I leave for a trip I get the lecture. The broken record on repeat. The age-old advice. “You need to be aware and alert to avoid being a victim.”
While that is true, it’s not really helpful. Of course you need to be those things, but in order to be wise and well protected you need to know what to be looking out for and how to prevent these situations.
So, the good news is that nearly all crimes against tourists are non-violent, strictly financially motivated and preventable. The bad news is the one line above will not help you prevent these crimes. But I have compiled a few tips for the modern traveler that will.
During travel…
– Nice suitcases, like nice belongings, attract attention. Thieves will grab an expensive looking suitcase over a cheap one every time.
– When planning to sleep fasten your luggage to your body. Even a simple buckle will deter most thieves.
– Always maintain physical contact with your things.
– If traveling by car, be aware of parking and leaving it overnight. Remove all valuables from the car and leave compartments open so a potential thief can see there is nothing to take.
On your trip…
– Make two photocopies of all important documents (especially your passport), take one set on the trip and leave one home. It is much easier to replace stolen items when you have proof of what you lost.
– Locate addresses and numbers of the local American Embassy – for emergency only.
– Whenever possible wear a money belt.
– When you cannot, men should put a rubber band around their wallet and keep it in the front pocket. Women should wear their bag with the strap around their neck and the clasp against their body.
– Always separate money. Some in the socks, bra, all pockets, wallet, money belt and some wherever you’re staying.
And finally, an important piece of advice if you do get ripped off: recover. Don’t let it ruin your whole trip.
Voyager 
These are excellent tips. I’ve never had to follow them, since I’ve never taken big trips. But it’s clear you know what you’re talking about.
Fantastic advice at the end right there. “Recover.” When ever my family goes any where at all, no matter how far away or where, but we just start arguing about whatever nonsense. Most of the time we’re just kidding with one another, but it’s important not to let it get you down if some one takes it too far. A bad mood can ruin any excursion.