Truth about being a Tourist Target

Because I was asking for it, researching it, YouTubing it, blog studying about it, Pinteresting every pin I found… I began to over think the idea of being a tourist “correctly” so as not to be a target.

Here's some advice I was given before I left to avoid being a tourist target….

-Don’t wear colorful work-out shoes.

-Don’t wear yoga pants or other comfy “American” clothing.

-Men don’t wear khakis in Europe.

-Men don’t wear ball-caps much in Europe.

-Don’t wear clothing with your college/sports team plastered on it.

-Do wear hiking books whenever possible.

-Don’t wear any jewelry.

Now, the truth.

No one gave a crap what we were wearing. I got news for you, you could wear clothing from a European store and you’d still look like a tourist to a native, especially a trained local seeking out targets. When you’re in a touristy city, at all the tourist spots, looking at things… ya kind of give it away! Everyone is a tourist there.

Prague, for example, has about 1.3 million people living there that host over 7 million visitors a year!

You could take the above advice if you want to live there or go to areas not commonly visited by tourist and probably blend in better, but I still think anyone paying attention will be able to tell you’re not from there.

After our time in England, Czech, Hungary, Croatia and Bosnia, this is what will keep you from being a target, in my opinion.

1. Confidence. Hold your head up and look people in the eye. Pickpockets like easy, distracted targets. Enjoy the sites but pay attention, not like a scared rabbit looking for the wolf, but like the wolf yourself. In a situation where you feel uncomfortable or meet a pushy salesman, don’t be afraid to put on your “bitch face”. Never polite yourself into being a victim.

2. Back awareness. If you need to check your phone for directions or to text another person in your party, lean against a wall like a bored teenager who belongs there. (In case this isn’t obvious, find a wall in a busy area, not an alley alone. You’re out of the way enough by being against the wall, never be hidden.) Same with trains, keep your back to the wall whenever possible. Continue to stay alert, looking up often.

Little side-note here about crowds... To be safer, see more and avoid the crowds - travel in the off season. Some places will always be busy but their season, usually summer, will be CRAZY busy. Also, avoid metros during rush hour.

3. Know the way. Yes, there are navigation apps that work by GPS (even in airplane mode) that will give your turn by turn directions in your ear phones. I didn’t like this. Between the tall buildings, the GPS, didn’t always know exactly where I was. Of course, you would know to only have one earphone in, so you can hear what’s happening around you – always – but still, now you have earphone strings leading the path to your phone. If you have the cool little Bluetooth buds, great, but I have no idea how those things are comfortable and stay in your ear. It also broadcasts you are listening and not likely paying attention or able to hear well from that side.

How I handled navigation.

First, I looked at the map ahead of time and planned the first leg of my trip.

I also took screen shots of each place we were walking so I could check them if I needed to. Once or twice I checked the GPS map and ended up walking in circles trying to see which way my blue dot was moving/facing. Super annoying.

We also had a printed map in our bag to check if necessary. If you want to avoid checking your map in the open, (phone or real) pop into a store.

Also, ask the store clerk or someone you get a good vibe off on the street. This will help you learn to trust yourself and your gut instincts when you travel. It truly isn’t the end of the world to not have your map memorized. Often in tourist areas there are cool local artisans with tables to sell their wares – THESE are the people to buy from - but they also give great directions usually. Just don’t keep them from a customer.

We also used the wifi in our room to plot our public transportation and took screenshots of

that. (Don’t forget to take screenshots of how to get to AND from your end destination, as well as home from a main area you know you can find your way to if plans change.) The trip back is not always the reverse of the trip to.

4. Clothing. As far as clothing, yes you could spot an American a mile away, but I really don’t know that it mattered much. We stuck to jeans and our hikers because they work best on the bumpy uneven cobblestone roads.

5. Accessories. Use a shoulder bag and prop your hand on it when walking. Its comfortable and says, “I’m paying attention, pick another target.”

6. Jewelry. I wore my engagement ring and occasionally jewelry I’d bought on the trip. I didn’t bother packing anything except one simple pair of earrings because I didn’t want to bother with it. But yeah, if you are Zsa Zsa Gabor with diamonds pouring out of your giant room of a closet, maybe leave that “I’m dripping rich, rob me please” sign at home.

Personally, if I were a pickpocket, I’d be aiming for the larger tourist groups, especially the selfie women. Of course, that is a huge generalization and untrue for some I am sure. However, every time we saw these packs of people clearly following a person with a little colorful flag, they seemed clueless. They took comfort in their group setting and seemed oblivious to everything around them, especially when clearly blocking the view for other tourist taking a million pictures and selfies. Calm down, I doubt a pickpocket is reading my little blog and no I don’t aspire to pickpocket people, but I will admit these people drove us a little nuts.

Seriously, just pay attention, embrace that you are indeed a tourist whom most of the city appreciates for the economy boost. Take the pictures, use the damn selfie stick if you must, just try not to whack anyone in the process. And ask a local for directions at least once, even if only to enjoy their accent.