Pickpockets v. us

A few months ago, my mother flew home from Europe two weeks earlier than intended. Why on earth would you want to cut what promised to be an incredible road trip around France short, especially when you're overworked and stressed the rest of the year? Her bag had been stolen from her in Paris, and it contained a variety of important documents that she needed replacing immediately. I scolded her a little as she would have scolded me (being the Asian mother that she is) for not being careful enough and attentive to her surroundings. Paris has grown to be one of Europe's most notorious pickpocket cities. After all, it's common knowledge that where there are tourists, there are a proportional number of pickpockets. However, even the most vigilant people can be caught off-guard simply because they're on holiday and want to relax, or are with trusted friends or their spouses.

My trip to Barcelona was an intensive crash course on how to protect yourself from petty theft while on holiday, and if only I had told my mother everything I knew about it before she'd left to Paris, I'm sure this unfortunate event could have been prevented. Here is a list of things I would have and should have said to her:

• Research your destination before you leave. Our family had been to Paris several times before my parents went this year, and we'd never experienced theft first-hand. As a result, my mother's preconceptions of Paris as a romantic, carefree city stayed with her, and she didn't pay any attention to her surroundings (she was in an area near a train station, and train stations are known for being in or fostering dodgy neighbourhoods). If she had only done a little research, she would have found out that Paris is extremely dangerous and many pickpockets use a variety of tactics, the most infamous one being the 'gold ring' tactic, to distract you and then go in for the kill.
• Don't show off your possessions. Be a humble traveller. This tip makes perfect sense. Don't whip out your shiny new iPad 2 or wear your most sparkly diamond earrings on a street where there are beggars around you. It's a) insensitive and b) plain stupid. It attracts the wrong kind of attention and you'll essentially be begging to be pickpocketed, or even mugged.
• Keep your money in separate locations. You know your big fat Chanel or Hugo Boss leather wallet? Yeah. Read the above point. If you keep everything in there, say goodbye to your life and hello to filing police reports in a foreign language and spending your first few weeks back home claiming insurance. If you must pay for something in a crowded area, try to take the money out from the wallet while it's still in your bag, so people don't see how many credit cards or how much cash you have. Just be discreet.
• Don't be easily distracted. In Barcelona, there were countless live statues, street performers and artists and people trying to sell you really useless things. While such things may be impressive and compel you to stop and stare, keep your bag close to you - guard it with your life. Do not fall for people claiming to be selling useless gadgets - they really just want to see where you keep your money and how much you have.

Stay safe during your travels, and you'll have an incredible holiday.