How Not to Get Robbed When You Travel

[@tomhaskett5161]

A small tip for check-in baggage; take photos of your bags first on your phone, this will help to describe it to the handling agent in case it goes missing.

[@sdraper2011]

Your voice is so easy to listen to. I love how you begin your videos, "Hey there, fellow travelers!" like you're talking with a group of friends. :)

[@ithacapro]

In your previous video Mark, you were amazed and surprised as well about your the success of Wolters World channel. But, I'd say, this is not surprising at all. You care about what you are doing, as a travel blogger, but most of all, you care about people and it shows. Hence your success. So, thank you Mark, for doing all those useful and entertaining. videos

[@woltersworld]

+ithacapro Thank you ithacapro. We try to help fellow travelers any way we can. Weather its on where to go, how to travel or how to stay safe. I am glad that our concern for fellow travelers show. Thank you for that. All the best on your travels and safe travels to you!

[@rajajinnah3478]

+Wolters World I am missing that windy noises in your new videos. so I go back and watch old ones. Lots of love mark

[@melissalord26]

When my husband and I moved to Spain we stayed in hotels for the first two weeks until we found an apartment. So we had everything we owned with us. I didnt put my jewelry in the safe and it was stolen from our room. I talked to management about it and they just brushed it off basically as my fault and that was that. It was awful. Luckily I did not own a lot of expensive stuff but it was all the jewelry I owned and I loved it. It was sentimental with a lot of antique pieces. Anyway I learned a lesson that day - Always lock up valuables.

[@metalema6]

They should be sued

[@pjangels609]

Did you ever think it was an inside job?

[@wasilaify]

Wow, all the jewelry you owned? That’s terrible. Is that generally how things function in Spain?

[@brighton_dude]

The biggest threat to life and limb in just about any city is… …the traffic. We worry about being mugged or assaulted or stabbed but the risk of any of these things happening is really minor compared to being hit by a car or being involved in a road accident. So for your safety take care on the roads.

[@BATOOLESK]

in barcelona they tried to rob the hell out of me on the metro even though i was very very careful , two people pushed me aggressively inside the mtero while my husband is there as well !! they were so aggressive i had to push them out the mettro and it thankfully closed its doors

[@tosht2515]

Barcelona, Spain in general may be the pickpocket capital of the world but Tram 28 in Lisbon, Portugal has more known pickpockets working it than any public trans, plaza, shopping street, tourist attraction in travel history and is still going strong. Excellent video Mark. 👍

[@woltersworld]

+Tosh T I use to take that tram to work. I know where they do it too. The biggest robbery now is the price of the tram :)

[@tosht2515]

+woltersworld It was in 2014 but the 7 day unlimited pass included Metro, Trams, Busses, Lifts and Funiculars which made travel in Lisbon the cheapest in the entire World for me. €4,28 per day unlimited. And it gets you everywhere! Crazy. Of course, you know Vienna is on the honor system and I'm sure some people hopped on for free. 😀

[@brucestein988]

One thing that we were warned about in Italy was pickpockets trying to "infiltrate" your tour group. You are with a group of fellow tourists and are listening to the guide's lecture, and think that it is just the tour group around you, and let your guard down a bit, and the pickpocket can get close to you. At one place in Florence, our tour guide spotted an "infiltrator" and chased her away.

[@woltersworld]

+Bruce Stein yeah. I have seen them. Same thing at Street performer performances. Constant vigilance :)

[@dattape2828]

nah, it was just some tourist trying to get a freebie...

[@mikeselectricstuff]

Tip for road safety, crossing roads etc. - always ensure there's at least one local between you and the traffic!

[@Linda-bj3cf]

I love how you don't spend the first five minutes telling us what you are going to tell us. So many bloggers have this habit, and it is hard to keep watching. Also, I love your tips and warnings. Keep up the good work.

[@barvdw]

One piece of advice: if you are being robbed in spite of the precautions you've taken, let them. However valuable your phone, camera or money is, your health is worth more...

[@ParanormalGI]

Was someone getting it on at 5:46?

[@jesush.vazquez6851]

Sounds like it

[@montyvlc1634]

Someone was having a great time...

[@aaronupton4584]

That's exactly what it sounded like lol

[@damasovi_travels1244]

I hope so, either that OR I am hearing this out of the blues since... too much information!!! lol!!

[@MyRandomCommentsXD]

Always hands in pocket when getting on the metro in Paris.

[@Oo-IIII-oO]

MyRandomCommentsXD One winter it was so cold that pickpocketers had their hands in their own pockets

[@ivi122]

I’ve been watching some of your videos lately because one of my dreams is to visit Italy, Switzerland, Iceland and/or Austria...So I watch your videos and I have learned a lot. I love your personality and how well you describe your Tips. Thank you

[@rachgal4812]

Love this video so much Mark.... Growing up in a rougher part of Sydney I grew up Aware of my surroundings.... This has paid off so much when travelling.... Love your videos and tips :)

[@derranlawston4052]

Walter's world: Kept me paranoid since 2014...

[@1AXMRDR]

Great advise. My wife and I watch and learn from many of your videos. I have taken photos of my important travel documents and credit cards then stored them in Google photos. They will be available if needed anywhere there is internet. A good tip for credit cards is to remember the 3 digit security number on the card then cover it with cellophane tape and black it out with a sharpie - inspect the tape when it is handed back to you, if the tape is damaged then your number has been compromised. The cellophane tape is always damaged when it is tampered with. We've already bought simple cheap wedding bands for travel and leave the "rocks" at home. Thanks for sharing your helpful tips.

[@woltersworld]

good tip! thanks

[@TMD3453]

Great points about research and dressing and packing appropriately preventing problems. I never pack for more than four days for casual traveling and expect to do laundry. It works to travel light.

[@Nubianette]

I use a money belt. I keep my passport and essentials in there. I have a day plus spending in my cross body bag, in a tucked in, but I can get to it without fumbling, spot. If I need money, I have my card in the bag. Once I use it, I go to the ladies and put it back in my money belt. No awkward fumbling in public!

[@Azhucabomb]

I have huge culture shock when the taxi driver tries to convince me to not wear my seat belt, especially in China.

[@quigonjim8364]

I'm heading off to Europe today, this video could not have been better timing. I have been watching your videos to help me prepare and I have found them immensely helpful. Thank you so much dude !!!

[@TreeCity43]

Exactly dont let anyone discourage you from keeping yourself safe, like with the seatbelt

[@leasofie1171]

my tip would be: have a fake wallet on you, with a couple of bugs, and some random useless plastic cards. If you ever get robbed, just hand them your fake wallet. Your welcome.

[@askalaebony5056]

Wauwww awesome

[@salahuddinyusuf]

Time to go the Gemeinshaft Bank and get all of my fake id cards.

[@lilymack4028]

Thank you SO much for these tips. I'm planning a trip to the UK next Spring & will take them to heart. Some are obvious, but others not so much. I really appreciate your podcasts

[@brendenstuder6119]

Also with avoiding protests, especially now, just by being present you can be implicated by the authorities just for being present, even if you did just end up being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[@mast6209]

Thanks for your videos. Even as a pretty frequent traveller, they're helping quite a lot..

[@BeLoud13]

In my experience, people like to give advice, so politely asking their opinion regarding safety should go well.

[@Ariana66779]

Long time fan. Amazing advices, just to add a couple of more. When no matter how you dress, you are seen as a tourist, have a second wallet with expired cards and small changes. Don't show all your money when you buy something. Have simple medications with you and your prescriptions. Type your medical condition in your phone in case you need to translate it. If you drive yourself, be aware of rules. Take picture of any vehicle before you rent, whether it's a jet ski or a motorcycle. Google image the places that you want to go and show them to locals for better direction. Also remember there are bugs and animals in water and land that can harm you, bring what you can for protection. Exhaustion and jet lag will make you disoriented, don't always trust your instinct. Don't swim or surf alone. ....this list of course can be very long if you are an adventurous traveller!

[@flackster123]

thank you Mark your videos are always such a great help, if and when you return back to England I will happily buy you a drink my friend

[@multiyapples]

More people need to see this video.

[@xxVeronica92xx]

Traveling alone through Europe in a week! Thanks for your tips!!

[@rachelcamm4990]

Fantastic 👍 👍 👍 I hadn't thought of making a photocopy of my passport!! Genius!!! Thanks so much!

[@nellyparedes472]

I’ve learned the hard way to put away purchases like perfumes, chocolates and of course any valuable in the safe or inside your locked luggage.

[@Sweetly_Signing669]

as a front desk agent in a nice hotel - this is true! We always are willing to tell you. I will always warn women to not to take the train downtown at night alone

[@jace2wheel762]

Thanks for the heads up! Lots of great tips and tricks. Not just from the videos but the commentors as well!

[@caseyvee4419]

Great video! I was aware of most of these, but everyone should know about them. Couple of other points, though, you mentioned concierge- they do know a lot, generally, but beware of one thing with them: if they keep saying "tell them I sent you" when talking about a store, restaurant, show, etc., they may have a deal with the vendors, and you might be better off elsewhere. Same thing if a tour requests you wear a tag on your shirt. These are not about violence or outright theft, of course, but may be things which will cost you extra money some way.

[@jogailecojute3983]

These tips are so helpful! All woltersworld content is helpful!

[@jeevesso]

I stumbled across a few of your tips videos. Good stuff. Some stuff I knew, some I didn't. Love it!

[@naja2314]

You are so genuine❤

[@red2lucas]

I've been watching your videos for years now Mark. Really appreciate all your efforts, great informative videos. Some of them have even shaped what I do and see while I'm on holiday.

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

These are good tips to remember no matter where you go. Stay safe

[@mollyquinn9120]

Thank you so much for your honesty & being blunt about the facts, it's so appreciated by novices like me.

[@pezevenkis]

There is a travel warning for turkey but from someone that has been there and has family there it is not extremely dangerous.

[@Veilfire]

Smart tips. I never bring anything too valuable on vacation except money, phone and passport... I also dress minimalist and stick to muted colors so I don't paint a target on myself.

[@JackiBigger]

Can you do a video on how to know if some one is genuinely being kind or helpful?

[@tosht2515]

I watched again...let me add 1 - There is no way you will NOT look like a tourist so do everything else to be safe. 2 - Yes, leave everything in the hotel safe but as you are out, separate your valuables. With what Mark is wearing - cash in inside secure coat pocket or even outside snap pockets. Credit card and copy of passport in front pants pocket. Phone in second front pants pocket. The least valuable of your valuables should be in your coat because you may leave it somewhere. 3 - Traffic safety in other countries is important. Naturally, look both ways before crossing the street; in many countries cars come at you from an unfamiliar direction. Also, painted zebra crosswalks in some countries do not protect you as a pedestrian from speeding cars. Finally, when you exit your taxi at a curb, look behind you first. In some countries, bikes, scooters and even motorcycles legally travel between cars and the sidewalk. People are hurt all the time.

[@elioralmog1459]

Tosh T coat stuff is so true, i once rented out on airbnb in Amsterdam and went seeing Rotterdam left my coat in a store with the apartment key inside never seen It again

[@tosht2515]

+Elior Almog Yes. It happens, even in cold months when you think you would never forget your coat. People take off their coats in warm taxis or hot metro cars all the time. One minute later and they're gone. I left my coat and umbrella in my hotel bar in Warsaw for 2 hours. Went to my room, took a shower, changed, checked emails and didn't notice until I was leaving for the evening. They were still in the bar but moved to a corner table. Had I left something of value in the pockets, who knows if they would have been lifted, eh?

[@staciakori8082]

1) Well, not always.

[@Amghannam]

1 - It depends on how you dress.. I've been as a tourist to many countries, and everywhere they thought I was local, or at least lived in the country and spoke the language. Like I've had couple of times "locals from another city" ask me for directions in a foreign city in the local language.

[@arianekveldjaks7689]

You're welcome Mark!

[@woltersworld]

+Ariane Kveld Jaks thank you :)

[@ictfc1897]

another tip: when walking along the sidewalk always keep your bag on the internal side, never the external cos it might be easily grabbed by thieves running on a bike in the street - happened to a friend in Malaysia...

[@yvonnesmith8245]

Thanks for the safety info!

[@movnplejtshiabdejtojsiab7146]

thank you verrrrrry much for your safety tips. Much appreciated.

[@GratefulDeb270]

Thank you! ❤

[@andrewandrew0791]

Im on a wolters world marathon

[@Lellobeetle]

Great video, my friend. I feel like my ultra-vigilance in NYC helps prepare me for other locations. I KNOW Spain is worst for pick-pockets. I've seen pick pocket rings get slammed down on the Metro in DC right in front of me. I always have a handle on my stuff and myself and an eye out for the perimeter around my husband and me when traveling or in a high tourist city. Thanks for the good video and advice. Greetings from Pittsburgh. Laura

[@oulayabenn]

thaaank you mark , you help me a lot with these advices . keeeep going👌👍

[@woltersworld]

+Oulaya Ben I'm glad we can help. Safe travels to you!

[@Maugrim76]

I just love your videos. Lots of great advice in this video. Common sense is common sense, but it's a good thing when you are reminded of it in videos such as these. ☺

[@JonesyCath]

Another great video tips, thank you Mark! Long life to Woltersworld!

[@fayezalmanbhi1677]

بصراحه معلومات جدا رائعه أشكرك عَلِي جهودك

[@WarinPartita6]

Thanks​ so​ much, Mark.

[@runarandersen878]

Safety is important, I know that very well! On my last trip the bus from my hometown to the airport fell on the side! A guy that I don't think used the seat belt fell from the other side and almost hit my head. Nobody was hurt, but it was close! And could have been the end if my great trip to Europe...

[@missj.4760]

Listen to locals. For example in Latin America, when locals tell you that a place is not safe, it is generally true.

[@jeaniechowdhury6739]

Thank you. This was excellent.

[@Petra44YT]

In North Korea, they had the seatbelts tucked into the seat, and covered the seat by a seat cover. So in that case, I couldn't wear the seatbelt, but everywhere else I do. ... And the Korean driver was really good. He had to deal with lots of pedestrians who were just crossing the road everywhere without looking. And this includes the highway.

[@threat2015]

Thanks for your videos, great ideas for any travel plans!

[@woltersworld]

+Threat20 you are welcome. Always planning the next trip

[@elnaferreira8418]

Thank you Mark. Helpful as always.

[@PureDreamerGirl]

Thank you for the tips, really appreciate it. All the best to you and your family :)

[@chrispanichi3957]

Love your videos. Thanks for all the great info. Do you have a video on how much to tip in different countries in Europe. We are going to Spain, Italy, France and London. Any info you can give would be greatly appreciated!! Happy Travels.

[@Sonny0276]

Great Tips. Thank you for posting.

[@Francesca-wf2sm]

Love your Channel. Thank you for all your advice!

[@jeaniechowdhury6739]

Great episode.

[@askalaebony5056]

Wauwwww your video was soooo helpful!! Thank you sooo muchhh

[@Magdy_Edward]

Thank you man, you are awesome and your channel is very informative.

[@Karanodom]

great! i stored this permanently. thanks

[@skripnigor]

Protect your smartphone as the apple of your eye! Nowadays this is your everything: banking, maps, travel guides, reminders, alarmclock, watch, camera and what not else. Oh yeah, and this is also a phone. Use touch ID or at least a passcode lock (but beware of overlookers when dialing it). While traveling I am so afraid to loose my smartphone that I practically always hold it in my hand:) I wish modern phones had a loop for a handstrap.

[@Dingalingring]

Jakob D You need to stop being so reliant on your (dumb)smartphone. It's a trap. Try getting a traditional watch to wear on your wrist to start with.

[@wasilaify]

There are phone covers that come with a hoop for adding straps to it.

[@mays_alpha]

There are also phone carriers you can buy that hang on your neck. Hardly think anyone could steal that without you noticing 😁 safe travels

[@lursf9316]

i can totally relate to this. i saw a guy snatch a phone out of a woman's hand in the train here in san francisco and run out as the doors closed. for my previous trip to paris i got a second motorola phone so if they took it i'd at least have my regular iphone. and i only put google maps on that second phone for navigation and got a simcard. i recently got a retractable safety leash for my phone which clips to my belt and now i feel safer.

[@skripnigor]

@@lursf9316 Heck, I completely forgot I wrote this comment 🤦‍♂️ Haven’t traveled anywhere since then…

[@carefulwhatyouwishfor84]

thank you so much for your tips

[@calebkemp581]

Oh my GOSH your son's name is Caleb?!?! i LOVE it!

[@OnTheGoWithCarson]

Excellent tips for anywhere in the world!

[@luismedina6214]

Thank you, very helpful

[@earljohnofucolta404]

In Australia : Emergency services are *000*

[@jenniferb.5787]

Hi Mark, thank you so much for all of these tips! I must say, I haven't been able to find a lot of info on "what not to wear" in Scotland so I don't look like a tourist.... When I look for information, it always just says "layers, rain gear", etc. I am going to Scotland (mostly Edinburgh and Inverness) early next year. Any tips you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for all the great info!!!!

[@IgnacioAgramonte]

great videos. thanks so much.

[@alfistibrasiliani]

Very accurate Mark, you already know how to take care here in Brazil haha

[@AlexZ-lc6nl]

You’re the real deal my dude. All good common sense advice that some don’t follow and then wonder why “they hate Americans” (as we scream USA USA USA in their plazas and wear the “get some” t-shirts…) or the spouse complains about jewelry theft (as she wears her diamond ring, as a foreigner in a tourist area-easy target). All your tips are 100% true. We’ve been to Peru and even in the “bad part of town” We’ve never been mugged. If it ever does happen I’ll pretend to be defeated and hand over my valuables (which are usually a cheap Huawei burner phone for emergencies and roughly 20-40 soles which is nothing in dollars and goes a long way). Another pro tip, silicone wedding bands. We wear them when traveling abroad and now I use them daily-so comfortable- specially at the gym.

[@madarauchiha1636]

thanks for the upload mark 😃 can't wait to watch it

[@woltersworld]

+Madara Uchiha うちは hope you enjoy it! great travels!

[@MPIEMDRailfan4]

So many great tips that too many people forget about... great video :)

[@woltersworld]

+WorldWhirl thanks whirlwind. I was amazed when I saw that car accidents were the biggest cause of traveler deaths. Travel safe my friend!

[@MPIEMDRailfan4]

woltersworld Really? Car accidents kill the most tourists? Just another reason to use public transport :)

[@avalon7024]

Those were great tips for America too and I live here as a single female.....Thanks!

[@a.nameline653]

If your content and resolution were commensurate this would be in 8K. Your info is tip top.

[@FoxesontheGo]

Thank you for the tips.

[@travelstorieswithmoush]

Research as much as you can about the place you are traveling to. Plan your budget. Take book, phone. Get map of the place or download app for this. Do some advance planning and organize properly, that will keeps you safe so you can enjoy your trip.

[@plumeria8357]

Great advice.

[@woltersworld]

+plumeria8357 thank you

[@RyanK-100]

I am amazed at the tourists who put targets on themselves. People try so hard to look beautiful (men and women). I simply try to look invisible. Look like a local, or a poor foreigner who has been there awhile. Do you really need a backpack? Carry only 1 credit card and less than $100 just in case. No jewelry. Dollar store sunglasses. Pull out the cell phone only rarely, and only in a truly safe spot. Ideally, don't take your $900 cell phone; get a used 3-year old model for $100 and have your number moved to the cheap one during travel.

[@andrewandrew0791]

On fb and instagram, im part of a group called girlslovetravel, there people share all kinds of travel stuff like tips, their location and all those things and i learn a lot from them too

[@carlodefilippi6914]

Excellent tips! Thank you Mark. Was it Chenonceaux castle on background?

[@woltersworld]

+Carlo Defilippi thank you and yes that was chenonceau. It was a fun visit

[@carlodefilippi6914]

+woltersworld I added an "x" in excess...oops, sorry, I thought my French was good...anyway great place, definitely the most spectacular castle of the Loire valley, second only to Chambord.

[@themoonisaspacestation]

+woltersworld what do you think about prague's safety and pickpockets Im going next week with my class.

[@mamabear1078]

Did anyone else suddenly hear the “woman having sex” sound?!

[@aaronupton4584]

Yeah between the 5:45 and 6:00 mark. Thought I was hearing things lol. Glad I'm not the only one!

[@TreeCity43]

I spit my drink out laughing when you made the joke about robbing the people weighed down by luggage😂😂😂

[@lisabochat7974]

Great info

[@betaeduardo]

thanks so much for the tips, can you share safety tips about sweden? main cities, I apprecciate your work

[@caayora]

great info

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Strange, I also got caught up in a big demo in Milan, by the catherderal. But I stayed to take pics, as a journailst you never know when good photos are useful.

[@TCO1216]

"Man, i should rob them...but i don't!" 😂😂😂😂

[@lavayuki]

I find the dress code thing extra important in Asian countries where people are more conservative, so shorts and string tops don't really go down too well