6 Common Mistakes Tourists Always Make, and How to Avoid Them, According to Travel Safety Experts

Travel + Leisure

4 days ago

Travel safety is something I had to learn the hard way. While studying abroad in Barcelona, my phone was snatched right out of my hand by a bicyclist. Like most people, I never thought it would happen to me. Now, with more travel experience under my belt, I want to share what I've learned along the way—and bring in advice from seasoned experts—to help you stay prepared for any safety challenges that might come up while you travel.
I had the opportunity to speak with travel safety expert Kevin Coffey, a retired Los Angeles Police Department detective with extensive experience investigating crimes against travelers. 'People don't think these things will happen to them, but they always do to someone," he says.
Similarly, Lloyd Figgins, who has over 20 years of experience in international security and has traveled to over 80 countries, shared that one of the biggest mistakes travelers make is failing to research their destination and understand the risks. 'Your safety and security are your responsibility," he advises. "Get into the habit of owning it."
With insights from these experts, I've compiled the key dos and don'ts to help you avoid dangerous situations like pickpocketing and theft while traveling, as well as the best safety products to carry with you to be one step ahead of would-be thieves.
Using an Apple AirTag or a similar tracking device can be a game-changer when it comes to locating your belongings. While it's an obvious precaution if your bag is stolen or your checked luggage is lost, it's actually a crucial gadget to place in all of your bags (suitcases, backpacks, purses, totes—anything you might bring on a trip), according to Coffey. He stresses that you should especially stow one in your carry-on bag as it typically "holds your most essential items: laptop, medication, chargers, and toiletries," and, if you board last and there isn't room in the overhead bins, you'll need to check it anyway.
'Travelers with tracking devices in their luggage have been able to direct airlines exactly where to find their property,' he explains. 'I always tell people that you can't afford to travel without a tracking device in every piece of luggage, or anything that could get lost or stolen.' He adds, 'Whenever possible, try to hide them so they're not easily found. If it's lost in an airport or put on the wrong carousel, at least you'll have a way to track it down.'
Pro tip: 'When I check my bag, I do it with the mindset that I may never see it again. It sounds harsh, but I only pack items in checked luggage that I can afford to lose or replace.' — Kevin Coffey
In addition to using tracking devices, investing in a durable, anti-theft luggage tag for your carry-on is essential. Coffey explains that a common mistake he sees travelers make is only putting luggage tags on their checked bags and neglecting their carry-on (and the possibility that they might have to check it at the gate): 'People don't expect to lose their carry-on, assuming it will always be waiting for them after they check it."
However, if your carry-on does end up gate-checked, the flight crew attaches a small tag with an elastic band. 'If that flimsy band wasn't secured properly or gets caught between other bags, it can easily stretch, break, or fall off,' Coffey warns. 'Once that tiny tag is lost, the chances of finding your luggage decrease significantly.'
Coffey recommends opting for a sturdier tag with a more secure attachment mechanism. 'I really like tags with a braided steel cable because they're far less likely to break or be removed,' he says. You can stock up with the Gotswo 7-pack Silicone Luggage Tag Set or the Ovener Aluminum Luggage Tags, which come in a handy set of two.
Portable chargers are essential for staying connected while traveling. Whether you're navigating unfamiliar streets or relying on GPS, a portable charger ensures your phone won't die when you need it most. Often, while exploring a new city, access to outlets is limited, and in emergency situations, a fully charged phone can be a lifeline. 'I always carry a power bank so I'm never without a way to communicate, even during power outages," Figgins shares.
Portable chargers also save you from the hassle of searching for outlets, which can be sparse, crowded, or unreliable in public places. And on a plane, if you're unlucky enough to be without an outlet, a portable charger will keep your devices powered for entertainment or important tasks. With trusty power banks like the Charmast Portable Charger and Iniu Portable Charger in your bag, you'll always have power at your fingertips.
Pro tip: 'Most travelers have never walked through and practiced the recovery process of a phone that was lost or stolen. Sometimes, most people don't have their recovery passwords and Apple IDs and passwords when they're traveling to try to recover.' — Kevin Coffey
As our travel experts have noted, it's crucial to be prepared for the unexpected while traveling. Whether you're dealing with a power outage in a hotel, a remote Airbnb, or a campsite, a dedicated flashlight ensures you won't be left in the dark. If you plan to explore at night, whether taking a walk, hike, or just returning from dinner, a flashlight or headlamp is "always useful" says Figgins.
Relying solely on your phone's flashlight isn't ideal; it drains the battery, which you need for navigation and communication, and its light isn't nearly as powerful as a standard flashlight. Worried about space? Compact flashlights, like the portable ones from GearLight and Lighting Ever above, are easy to pack, offering a much better solution without taking up much room.
When it comes to security, it's smart to take extra precautions, especially in hotels or Airbnbs. Bringing your own lock and door wedge provides peace of mind. "I always travel with a door wedge, which I place under my hotel room door from the inside," Figgins says. "Even if someone has a master key, they still can't get in, and I can sleep soundly."
A door wedge creates an extra barrier against unauthorized entry, particularly in accommodations where you may not fully trust the door's lock. These small, easy-to-pack versions from Kerui and Trustella greatly enhance your personal safety, ensuring you're taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your belongings.
Overpacking can be more than just inconvenient—it can make you a target for theft, as it signals you're a tourist with (poorly packed) valuables. 'It's tempting to bring every gadget, but my rule is to keep it simple and light,' says Figgins. 'Most travelers take far too much stuff they don't need and will never use." If you're unsure about an item, chances are you can leave it at home.
To pack smarter and stay safe, consider tools like packing cubes to keep things organized, travel-size toiletries, and versatile, lightweight clothing. If laundry is available, you can bring a laundry bag and pack even less. Opt for dual-function electronics, like a tablet that can serve as your laptop, e-reader, and entertainment device, reducing the need to carry multiple items.
Pro tip: 'Build situational awareness into your travel and be aware of your environment, identifying what can cause you harm, and how you're going to avoid it. These days, people are focused on their smartphones, rather than what's around them. This means that they are distracted—and that's what criminals want to see. Make yourself a hard target by being situationally aware and, more often than not, the bad guys will move to an easier target.' — Lloyd Figgins
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