The Tourist Trap!

Well in recent years we have seen a significant increase in attacks on tourists. Not just from cruise ships but they have had their fair share.

April 2013 – Cruise passengers were robbed at gunpoint in St Lucia

May 2013 – A US Tourist was murdered in Nassau

Jan 14 – A Family were robbed at Gunpoint in Roatan in their Hire Car.

These are just a few of the incidents from recent years, and it is not all about the visible attacks like these. The stealthy criminal is worse in some ways as they rob you from under your nose. Often using distraction techniques to lead you in the wrong direction whilst an accomplice is robbing you blind.

So how we can avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime?

The first thing to do is not to look like a tourist. What do I mean by this?

Well does this look familiar.

So what can you do?

1. Bum Bags

I have to admit I do own a bum bag and often take it with me but I think having researched this I will not be using it from now on. I think I will opt for a small bag with a long over the shoulder strap instead. Nothing says ‘Tourist’ like a bum bag and let’s face it outside of EastEnders market stalls where else do you see them except on holiday. Nothing screams ‘Rob me!’ quite like a bum bag.

2. Maps

Do not stand there with your maps out looking baffled and scratching your heads. Always check the map before you leave the ship or your hotel so you have some idea what you are doing and if you need to consult the map then find a nice pavement café, sit down and order a coffee and then look at your maps before you get up and wander off in search of that museum. Alternatively use an app on your phone, some will even act like a sat nav and guide you to your destination without having to ask a potentially unfriendly local.

3. Back Packs

Don’t walk round with an enormous back pack on your back. Think about it would you do this at home? If the answer is no then you have answered your own question. Back packs just shout look at me I’m a tourist!!! Unless you really need to carry around the kitchen sink, choose something more discreet.

4. Don’t point and stare.

You will see many sights whilst abroad which may seem funny or unusual to you but which are probably very common place in the country you are visiting, so don’t stare and point because you are identifying yourself to potential pick pockets and thieves.

5. The T-shirt Blunder

Don’t wear a t-shirt saying I luv New York etc whilst you are in that place. This is sure indicator that you are indeed a tourist. Along the same lines do not wear any type of branded tourist shirt or football shirt as these are also dead giveaways to the potential criminal not to mention the fact that really lets be honest they look tacky.

6. The Camera Angle.

Don’t hang it around your neck. Not only does it scream ‘Tourist’ it obviously also advertises that you have something worth robbing as well. I know many people use their I-phones to take pictures now but a lot still like the purity of a camera and I have to say they do take better shots most of the time so just be careful. Keep it out of sight until you see something you want to photograph. Along the same lines I have seen people with their I-pads out taking videos and photos and again they are an expensive piece of kit so just be careful where you put it away and make sure your travel insurance covers it.

7. Money Belts!

Well they seem like a good idea but how do you discreetly get into it in the shop with a queue behind you or pay for that drink in the street without drawing complete attention to yourself not to mention the embarrassment of the situation.

8. Learn a little Lingo!

You are a guest in the country you are visiting so why should you not want to learn a little bit of the language. Learn a few well-chosen phrases so when you go to that café and order that coffee or that ice cream vendor in the street you can sound more like a local so that you don’t stand out quite so much. Despite what you may think shouting the same thing in English repeatedly getting louder will not make the foreign man understand you better, if anything it is more likely to get him mad.

Does all this seem a little OTT! Well statistics show that crime is most definitely on the increase and the Thief is not going to stand out quite as much as you do.

So be extra vigilant in Tourist hot spots, follow these few simple rules and don’t carry more money on you than you need for the day.

Apart from that don’t forget to enjoy yourself.

Have you had a bad experience or been robbed whilst on holiday? let me know about it.