The Places Tourists Are Most Likely To Encounter Pickpockets, According To Rick Steves

While vacation is a time for fun and relaxation, it's a good idea to remain cautious in new places. The unfortunate truth is that letting your guard down and being too trusting of the people around you could be viewed as an invitation to pickpockets. Even travel expert Rick Steves has been pickpocketed while exploring foreign countries.

Of course, there's no need to be paranoid throughout your entire trip (although some degree of vigilance is always a good idea). According to Steves, pickpockets tend to work in a few specific places. In an article on his website, the guidebook author writes, "Crowds anywhere, but especially on public transit and at flea markets, provide bad guys with plenty of targets, opportunities, and easy escape routes." As Steves explains, crowds and commotion create an environment of distraction, making it easier for thieves to snatch your phone or wallet.

Steves continues, "Be on guard in train stations, especially upon arrival, when you may be overburdened by luggage and overwhelmed by a new location." Be especially careful at the turnstiles, where Steves says criminals sometimes hang out. Adopt a similar approach when taking city buses in heavily touristed areas — pickpockets hop on these lines looking for out-of-towners.

You don't have to avoid trains or skip the local markets to protect yourself from pickpockets. Instead, it's important to come to these criminal hotspots prepared. When taking public transportation, for instance, keep your belongings close to your body and avoid standing near the doors, where a thief can quickly escape after swiping your stuff. Rick Steves also shared in a Facebook post that many pickpockets on buses and trams work in pairs and pretend to be tourists, holding maps and carrying backpacks. This can make it easier to identify potential crooks.

Outside of public transport, remain on guard at outdoor markets and other crowded areas, especially if they're known to attract tourists (and therefore attract pickpockets). Steves warns of seemingly innocent "commotions," where things like arguments on the street or someone spilling something are done intentionally to catch the attention of tourists. If you notice a ruckus, consider it a signal to clutch your bag a little tighter.

No matter where you go during your trip, one of the easiest ways to deter pickpockets is by securing your important documents and money in a money belt. These belts are thin and light and meant to be worn under your clothes, away from sticky fingers. Even if you're carrying a lot of luggage or distracted at a flea market, thieves won't have access to your most valuable possessions.