The Best Way to Carry Items Abroad and Not Look Like a Tourist

Many countries are safe to visit. In fact, your chances of being a victim of a violent crime—especially in most places in Europe and Asia—are incredibly low, often safer than in the United States.

However, one issue affects even the safest countries: pickpocketing. It is one of the few crimes travelers need to watch out for, and pickpockets specifically target tourists. The more you can avoid looking like a tourist, the better you can protect your belongings.

There are many ways to avoid looking like a tourist beyond what you carry. For example, if you’re frequently stopping to take pictures of landmarks, staring at maps, or walking without awareness of your surroundings, you’ll stand out.

What to Avoid

First, avoid backpacks altogether. In places like Europe, people generally don’t carry large backpacks unless they’re university students. Tourists, on the other hand, frequently wear backpacks—and many place their wallets and valuables in the front pockets, making them easy targets for theft.

Fanny packs (hip bags) are a gray area. They were once a surefire sign of a tourist, but they’ve come back in style. Both locals and travelers wear them now, but the key is choosing the right one. A stylish, well-designed hip bag blends in, while a bulky, cheap one is a dead giveaway of a tourist.

What to Use

The best option is to carry as little as possible. The less you have on you, the harder it is for someone to steal from you. A slim wallet—like our ultra-slim nylon wallets—fits easily in your front pocket, making it harder to target. If you need to carry a passport, consider a discreet under-clothing passport holder. While these can still make you look like a tourist, they make theft far more difficult.

One of the best bag choices is a sling bag. Sling bags are stylish and widely used in many countries. They fit snugly against your body, making them harder to steal and easier to monitor. Pickpockets generally avoid bags worn across the front since they require too much effort to access unnoticed.

Sling bags also send a signal to thieves: you’re paying attention. Since there are plenty of tourists still using backpacks or carrying wallets in back pockets, pickpockets tend to ignore those who use more secure options—even if they still look like tourists.

Order Your Next Travel Bag or Wallet from Allett

Allett has handcrafted premium travel bags and wallets designed for style and security. If you want a bag that won’t scream “tourist” and will help keep your valuables safe, shop Allett for your next travel essential.