(Entertainment-NewsWire.com, November 25, 2014 ) Valley Cottage, New York -- Americans who generally travel abroad are people of means. Residents in the cities and towns being visited are aware of this fact and Americans are the favorite targets of local miscreants and pickpockets. Many instances go unreported because the tourist is embarrassed that they were in a vulnerable place or else they thought the local authorities would not help them.
Unreported thefts are generally money only. However, when passports and other important papers are pilfered a police report is made for insurance purposes.
Traveling to Barcelona in the summer tourists will encounter extra police presence on La Rambla which is the street that has the most pickpockets. This is probably because it is in the center of the nightlife similar to Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
Paris is a romantic spot but of late gangs of teenagers have made sightseeing somewhat of a negative experience. People need to watch out and be prepared at all times. Criminals can look harmless enough when they come up to tourists with a clipboard and ask them to take a survey. They close in around their target, before the tourists know it, their purse has been opened and their money stolen. While this has become an epidemic, the police do not seem to be concerned nor do they have a handle on the real problem.
Just about everyone wants to see Rome once in their lives. With all the beauty, the fresco's, the art, the sculptures and sidewalk cafes are magnets for pickpockets. A tourist could look one square in the face and never know that they are looking at a crook. The criminals like to target American tourists due to the amount of money being carried.
It is a shame that Spain has two of the cities most noted for thieves. With Barcelona being number one on the international top lists, it is followed by Madrid. Is it the local economy and poverty that drives so many young people to steal or is it a preferred way of life? There are so many open-air markets and exquisite landmarks to see that it is a real inconvenience to have to watch and be aware of pickpockets whilst visiting the attractions. Rome is joined on the list by her sister city Florence. Beauty surrounds the American tourist as do the pickpockets. Perhaps dressing and looking like a local will dissuade would-be thieves from dubbing tourists.
Whether visiting Athens on a group tour, by passenger liner or alone, Advantage World urges travelers to not get taken in by all the beauty and lose track of money and important documents. Tim Exley of Advantage World commented, "There is no worse a feeling of despair and loss as being alone in a foreign city and your identity and possessions have been stolen."
Advantage World advise any American Tourist traveling abroad to wear a travel money belt at all times. Wear these instead of carrying purses or wallets. They have informative video that not only shows how to wear a money belt, but also gives very good tips on how to protect identity, passport and other invaluable documents.
About Advantage World
Advantage World create travel accessories and understand the importance of keeping cash, passport,valuables and boarding pass safe is a priority, especially during international travel. Advantage World money belts ensure that travel gear is out of sight and yet easily accessible when required.
