I was traveling on a FAM trip this past June with 15 other travel agents doing sight inspections at hotels in Nice, San Remo and the Italian Riviera. We also had the chance to visit Cinque Terre.
We were traveling by train to Cinque Terre which is very congested with tourists. So much so that in all the train stations there are notices about pick pockets.
While on the train one of the agents said to me and a few other ladies, "Put your purse in front of you". When we got off the train some of us were pushed and shoved. The gentleman traveling with us became a victim of a pick pocket. His wallet, cash and credit cards were taken. So I warn everyone to be cautious. It happens to the best of us!
Please read my recommendations for traveling abroad.
Before you depart the US please call your credit card and debit card company and alert them of your travels.
Make two photo copies (front and back) of your credit card and debit card. Leave one home with someone that is not traveling with you and take the other copy with you and put it in the room safe.
Make two photo copies of your passport and leave one home and take the other with you.
When touring take with you the copy of the passport and leave the passport in the room safe.
Also write down the numbers of the credit card customer service and keep that in the room safe. Also you may want to enter those numbers on your cell phone.
It is always best for the men to use money belts as these pickpockets can easily reach inside your pants pocket. They are pros at recognizing tourists.
Also here is a link you may want to look at: http://clothingarts.com/
