Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack
My mother and I are booked on a River Cruise on the Seine next month. What is everyone's thoughts on using a small Anti-Theft Backpack for walking around Paris for a day or two pre-cruise and also while on excursions? On other travel forums (Trip Advisor, Facebook groups) people seem to say that using a cross body bag or a "sling" type pouch is better because it's on your front where you can see it. I can't stand to have anything across the front of my body and instead purchased a small anti-theft backpack made by Travelon. It's not the size of a regular backpack, more like a medium size purse. The zippers have clips that attach to rings on the sides to make it difficult to open. Even I have difficulty opening it myself! LOL. The straps are supposed to have some kind of metal in them and apparently can't be cut off, which I have read is a common theft "technique"...they just use a sharp knife to cut the backpack right off of your back! It has very deep interior pockets which also have zippers so thinking it would be extremely difficult for someone to get into the backpack and if they did, they would have to really work at getting the interior zippers open. I want to try to avoid also wearing a money belt or some other type of pouch under my shirt. If I have to, I will, but would rather not.
I also know I could be overthinking all of this and will be fine. We don't plan to take the Metro anywhere when we are on our own before the cruise starts.....will use taxis and Ubers due to my Mother's mobility issues.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions!
Comments
I have several small Vera Bradley backpack type ‘handbags’ that. I use frequently on European trips. (Because I’m British, I use the term handbag rather than purse, which to me is what I keep my money in.) They don’t have enforced straps as you describe, but the main zipper can be closed so that it goes right down into one of the side pouches where I usually place my little umbrella, so it would be extremely tricky for someone to undo the zipper. I have used cross body bags in the past but I do not like how they can rub my neck, (I might use one for my next trip though.)
Either way, I like to have both hands free, as with a cross body, I tend to hold the bag with one hand as I walk along, just habit. and of course it’s easier to take photos with a phone or camera with free hands.
Some destination advise stresses not using cross body bags because it’s common for people on motor bikes or bicycles. to attempt to grab your shoulder bag and cause you to be dragged along, or a least fall.
The latest danger we got from travelers on our recent trip to London, is people grabbing your phones while you are using them since it means you have them open and the thief will not need your access code to use it! Same with placing your phone on a table in a restaurant, advice was to be careful doing that too.
I’ve only been to Paris once as I don’t find it as appealing as many people do and that one visit was where we had three episodes of distraction techniques tried on us in just a few days. We’ve had friends robbed on the metro, bag stolen when put down in the Louvre and another assaulted unconscious in the past.
The bag you describe sounds perfect but I fear it sounds expensive. Also worth not wearing expensive watches or jewelry, nothing that makes you look worthy of robbing.
I am a backpack person and travel with them all of the time although I keep downsizing the size. I have multiple sling bags but don't like the way the look and find them uncomfortable if they are larger than 4L. Travelon makes great bags. For sure bring a backpack and there are places you can use it as your primary bag or a bus bag on the days your heading out.
However I also use a crossbody bag. I bring two: one for my camera(7L Wotancraft pilot shoulder bag) and a Pacsafe Go tech cross body bag if I just need by wallet and phone. Backpacks have the following issues particularly in urban environments. You have to take them off to access them, you may have to check them at a museum, the are difficult to maneuver with in crowds, and any time you sit down wether on a park bench or cafe you have to take it off. With a crossbody bag you can swing it in front of you in a crowd, flip it over so the access points are towards you body, swing it on your lap at a cafe, wear it under a rain shell but keep the size in the medium to small range. My wife brings two Pacsafe crossbody bags and uses the size that does the job for the day.
I always keep a couple of euro in a zippered pant pocket for quick purchases including metro tickets and bathroom charges.
Have a great trip.
I like the Travelon small cross body bags. I carry only sunglasses and small articles in it like Kleenex’s,etc and little cash. I then use a money belt and a vest or shirt with inside zippered pockets. I never keep everything in one place. I carry only the minimum for the days outing. My phone is held by a strap around my neck . I can keep that inside my vest when not in use. I love travel vests. When my husband travels with me he will stand behind me in crowded spaces to eliminate someone from behind trying to get my bag. We have seen small kids in groups of three working a group of tourists. Oh, the innocent.
Being cautious of pick pockets in Paris (and in other big cities) is a good idea. I have several different bags from Travelon with the security features. They are in different sizes from an overlarge wallet that can also be worn as a waist bag to a small backpack with a single strap (a sling). When visiting some museums I was required to move the backpack to the front by the guards I believe in part to make sure I didn't knock into something. I no longer use it as I've found it holds way more than I really need for sightseeing. Instead I prefer to use the room safe and only carry the absolute minimum with me.
With a smaller bag I can often have it under any jacket or sweater I'm wearing for added security. My waist bag is big enough for my smartphone, a couple of credit/debit cards, ID. cash, passport (if the a safe isn't available), tissues, a few small toiletries. If I want to carry a bit more I have a small thin backpack to hold less critical items like water, rain jacket, hat, tissues, etc that I might need but aren't catastrophic if lost.
I also have this bag which doesn't look at all like a travel bag. I use it everyday at home as I've had a friend who got her purse stolen in a parking lot. I also learned it made a great travel bag (navigating airports and flying) as it holds all the cards, cash, passport, phone, Kindle, folded shopping bag and all the small toiletries I want. Once on tour I switch to the waist bag for sightseeing.
I love Scotevests and have a black one and a beige one. I am tall and the men’s medium works best for me. The women’s version is just a little short for me. The inside pockets are terrific for travel. Many times I have no handbag at all. Ultimate freedom and security. Not cheap but they wash very well and look good. They do have sales and might have one for Labor Day. Worth the price any way.
I just bought a Travelon crossbody for my river cruise in the fall. I think it was about $35 on Amazon.
I specifically bought this one because of its anti theft properties; also because it's waterproof. I hate when my bag gets wet!
I agree with Augrl. I love the ScotteVest jacket I bought for the river cruise I took to France in April. It leaves your hands free plus there is no need to carry alot of items with you when you are out and about. It is very handy for accessing your phone when taking pics. I can easily grab my phone from an inside zippered pocket, take my pics and stash it back when done. It's a great jacket and has tons of pockets. I wear it all the time when going out at home. ScotteVest also makes a vest style which would work well when the weather is warm. The most important thing is to just be aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets are very clever at their craft.
I also always wear a money belt around my waist under my clothes to keep a credit card, ID and a very small amount of local cash. I have been using a money belt for years, ever since I first started reading Rick Steves Travel books. It always made me laugh when he would say "Every morning you put on your underpants. You don't even think about them all day long. And every night when you undress, sure enough, there they are, exactly where you put them."
My husband wears a similar vest for plane flights.
Budget style for my husband $30 Amazon, outer upper pocket fits passports.
I have a similar vest that converts to a jacket with zip on sleeves. It has a plethora of security pockets that alleviates the need to carry a purse or backpack when wandering on tour. I wear it whenever I travel.
All great suggestions - thank you everyone!
I personally travel with a backpack on flights, but around town, I use a crossbody as many places don't allow backpacks inside, and in crowded places it is always knocking someone, and you have no access to it without stopping and removing it, and you can't see it. I find a crossbody is perfect around town. I also always have a Rick Steves HideAway tote with me in case I buy something. Maybe I am naïve, but we've been traveling to Europe every year since 2003 (both land and river cruises) and I've never worried more there than I do here about theft -- I am more cautious in train stations and crazy busy places, but I feel more secure with a crossbody in front of me that I can keep my hand on. Either way -- just get what's comfortable for YOU. We all like different things. Travalon makes crossbodies also. We are doing a Seine cruse next MAY - can't wait to read your review.