Safer, versatile backpacks for travelling

Some cities are notorious for thefts. Other times you are caught unawares. If you look like a tourist, with maps and cameras in hand, you are likely to attract attention. But being inconspicuous does not make you one hundred percent proof against theft.

A backpack which unzips on the side nearest your back to thwart pickpockets. It still has side pockets for water.

You have to take it off to get items out.

Several backpack colours are available in this design, made of imitation leather, which will appeal to vegans.

The fact that you cannot unzip the item from the back does not necessarily mean that the item is slashproof.

An alternative or additional precaution is to wear your backpack on your front in crowded places such as on trains.

You might find backpacks at various prices. The dearer ones are probably of sturdier slash-resistant material.

You might also consider the weight of the backpack before you add the contents. That is why I like to look in the stores and check brands before looking for online deals. if you check the online deals whilst still in the store, or at an adjacent coffee shop, you might be able to negotiate a better price, or discuss with the shop assistant whether a higher priced item has more features. You might then buy from the shop, to be sure of getting the colour you like, and having your goods immediately and not paying extra shipping costs.

Places to look are department stores and large camping shops and travel clothing specialists. If they don't stock what you want, ask the assistant if they can suggest another shop in the same mall or nearby.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GV712TG/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07GV712TG&pd_rd_w=xT3Ji&pf_rd_p=733540df-430d-45cd-9525-21bc15b0e6cc&pd_rd_wg=ADMUa&pf_rd_r=D01P3QHRHATE5P6RD932&pd_rd_r=41eb6e36-4183-11e9-b197-d350cce83b8b

https://pierrebuy.com/search?page=1&q=Anti+theft&type=product?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=10002&utm_content=0000&utm_term=google&utm_campaign=S-US-Anti-theft-all-

This site offers waterproof bags.

https://antitheftbackpackstore.com/

Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. See my other posts on safe travelling. Please share links to your favourite posts. 

Watch out for pickpockets and thieves when taking photos

A photo has been published in the Daily Mail online and several other places showing a lady posing with two girls in national costume. It is alleged that one of the girls with her hands on a watch was attempting to steal it. The watch was later missing.

Read the story and form your own opinion. Whether or not a theft was in process, it is a reminder to travel with inexpensive items and cover them up in public places.

Readers made many different comments. For example:

1 Travel with inexpensive jewellery and watches. I sometimes buy two of a cheap item, either same colour or different colour. If one is stolen or lost, I have a replacement at home.

2 Take insurance.

3 Do not pose for photos with children because
a) You might be accused of exploiting them
b) They should be in school, not out being photographed
c) They will demand money
d) They are orphans or kidnapped for the express purpose of getting money from tourists and you are encouraging the kidnappers
e) They offer to photograph you and then run off with your camera
f) While you are distracted they steal from your bag or pocket or remove your watch
g) A common technique is to press against various parts of your body with two hand of each person so you are not noticing the hand doing the theft
h) Your eyes are on the photographer not on the people standing alongside you
i) They could steal from the person being photographed, the photographer, or both

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/1853867/two-tiny-thai-thieves-in-traditional-dress-steal-from-a-female-tourist-but-would-you-have-seen-what-theyre-up-to/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3807242/Adorable-thieves-traditional-dress-photographed-moment-stole-woman-s-watch-wrist-outside-temple-Thailand.html

Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker.