Dieser Beitrag entstand in freundlicher Zusammenarbeit mit Gusti Leder.

Vielen Dank an Valentin Blüml für die Bilder.

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English version

5 Tips for Safety on City Trips | Gusti leather x The Dorie

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Tourists are once again exposed to dangers such as fraud or theft, because they usually do not know the local conditions. Especially in the city hustle you will quickly become as a tourist an easy prey. Over time, I have learned more and more tricks and now written down my 5 tips for safety on city trips for you – without any unsexy money belt or breast pocket.

The bag question

For decades, a whole professional group has been working on this subject of bags – the pickpockets. That’s why you should think well about, which bag you want to take with you on the road. Your safety depends crucially on that topic on city trips.

The classic handbag is probably the worst possible companion. It is not only impractical, but also quickly torn out of hand.

If it should be a handbag, then choose a cross-body bag. Make sure the strap is made of a solid material so it will not cut through easily. The best choices are a chain carrier, leather or an extra safety carrier with cut-resistant material, if you want to have it super safe.

Even better than a shoulder bag, however, is a belt bag, because you have it close to your body and you always see it. In addition, belt bags are super hip this season.

This bag by Gusti Leder, for example, can be worn not only as a stylish belt bag, but also as a shoulder bag, if it should be elegant times. The strap and the bag are also made of leather. And as a belt bag it is even unisex😉

Should you choose a backpack that is incredibly practical, but also incredibly easy to rob (especially in crowded areas such as in public transport or overcrowded sights), then at least make sure that you have chosen a solid material and the zippers are covered.

Never leave everything in one place

Safety on city trips also depends on where you’ve stashed and spread your belongings. For example, I would always leave the passport and other important documents in the hotel safe if you do not need them on the way. For this purpose also a passport cover with card case is useful, so your documents and cards are protected and do not fly loose. If there is no safe, you can, for example, make a small padlock on the suitcase and lock it in there, or place it in a double floor. In general somewhere where you do not see it immediately and you have to search specifically for it.

On the way I recommend not to carry everything in one place. You can, for example, put a few things in your bag pack, a few in the inside pocket of your jacket, front pocket of your pants or maybe even in the bra.

I recommend keeping some extra money for quick pay. Take a few bills, for example, with a money clip in the front pocket, so you always have them handy and can pay for trifles. Put the rest of your purse away. So you do not always have to pick the entire wallet for paying on the street, for example at the kiosk, and thus offer less insight and opportunity. And please, please – especially dear men – dos not put your purse in the back pocket of your pants. You say you will notice theft, but thieves are quick and know how to go unnoticed.

Mindfulness means safety on city trips

Mindfulness is simply the alpha and omega. Notice what’s happening around you, be observant. That does not mean you have to look around you like a frightened rabbit all the time. Just keep your eyes and ears open. For example, do not leave your valuables on the table in the restaurant and do not hang the bag over the back of the chair. And for heaven’s sake do not leave your pockets open. I myself witnessed a theft because a tourist was walking around with an open backpack. Laziness is really out of place here and only harms you in the end. Opportunity makes thieves.

I also recommend to googling the city’s most common scams before your trip. Every city has its own preferences. In Paris, for example, they are the little hat players and in Prague they are the „innocent tourists who want to change money“. Apropos money …

In the end, it’s all about money

Yes, in the end everyone wants your money. And to get there, there are many tricks. For example, the mentioned money changers. Also I fell for this scam because it was very well done. Luckily it was not much, but I also could have flushed the amount in the bathroom. So never change money on the street.

It is also better if you withdraw your money at ATMs IN banks. The likelihood that the ATMs are being manipulated in there is much less than with the freestanding ones on the street. But of course no guarantee. Unfortunately, the copying of money cards is still widespread and it is more than tedious to get the money back. So I like traveling with 2 different cards. I leave one in my passport holder in the hotel and one I take with me. So I have a back-up.

Should something happen, no matter if they were stolen or copied, then it is important that you have the international numbers of your banks for canceling your cards. The bank knows best what to do before major damage can occur. Do not hesitate to call and just as important is the police report to have a document for the theft.

Two is Better

My last tip on safety on city trips (which actually applies to all trips) revolves around your documents. Make copies of your documents and put them in a cloud so that you always have access to them – especially your passport. Depending on the length of the trip and destination country, I carry the copies not only in the cloud, but also printed and separated from the other stuff with me and sometimes as a download on the phone.

In the end I can only say: Do not be scared. That sounds like a lot, but it’s actually simple little tricks to be a little safer. Do not let that take away the fun of traveling and discovering. In this sense: Happy Travels!

Do you have tips for safety on city trips? Then write me in the comments!

This article was created in friendly cooperation with Gusti Leather.