11 travel anti-theft essentials to prevent pickpockets

I had the good fortune of living in Barcelona for four months, and if you haven’t been there yet, I highly recommend you do. The city is brimming with culture, great food, friendly people, and countless activities. You can visit the iconic Sagrada Familia, the largest unfinished church in the world, taste fresh and delicious Catalan cuisine at La Boqueria market on Las Ramblas, or relax on the beautiful Barceloneta Beach with a refreshing drink in a seaside bar.

However, one of the city’s downsides is that pickpocketing is rampant. According to a study by Quotezone.co.uk, Spain has the third highest rate of pickpocket crime in Europe, and Barcelona’s La Rambla is “the most theft-prone of the top five tourist destinations.” Unfortunately, in my case, this statistic proved true, as my phone was stolen during my stay. While sometimes it’s unavoidable, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to keep your belongings safe while traveling, whether you’re heading to Barcelona or anywhere else in the world.

Of course, your best bet is to always be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night if possible, but there are anti-theft accessories that can help protect your valuables and give you peace of mind. Below are 11 of my favorite personal safety devices and essentials to add to your packing list, including the Oxt Zipper Lock to keep your bag safe and the Apple AirTag to track lost items.

LOHAS LIFE Air Tag Passport Holder

Your passport is arguably the most important item you’ll ever need when traveling abroad, so keeping it safe is key. The Lohaslife Passport Holder offers great protection and even has space for your Apple AirTag so you can keep track of it wherever you go. Plus, it features a metal pin for easy SIM card swapping and a dedicated slip pocket to keep your SIM card safe.

Apple AirTags 4-pack

Joining the Apple AirTag trend is a smart travel tip. Buy a four-pack and attach AirTags to various belongings to keep track of anything that might be lost or stolen. They’re great for getting items back from pickpockets (you can track the location of the thief who stole your wallet or phone), and they’re also handy for making sure your checked luggage doesn’t get lost, and for letting loved ones back home know your location in real time.

Apple AirTag Leather Keyring

To me, an AirTag is no good without a keyring, which can be used for keys, luggage, or even pets, as one Amazon customer pointed out. With over 10,000 five-star ratings, this keyring is a must-have upgrade for your travel accessories.

Oxt Zipper Lock

If you are planning to take a backpack with you on your trip, the Oxt zipper lock is a great idea. When you are carrying a backpack, it can be hard to notice if someone opens the zipper. With this zipper lock, no one can open your backpack and your belongings will be safe.

Buffway RFID Blocking Leather Wallet

This RFID blocking wallet is perfect for travel because it’s incredibly slim yet holds everything you need. The best part is its ability to effectively block RFID signals, keeping your ID and valuable data safe while traveling or shopping. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose fun shades like purple and pink, or go for the classic hues of black and white.

Pacsafe Coversafe S25 Hidden Travel Bra Pouch

If you plan on doing a lot of walking during your trip and want to keep your wallet safe or just be extra careful, the Pacsafe travel pouch is the perfect choice. Designed to protect your belongings from pickpockets, it’s made from soft, breathable, non-itchy fabric that hides discreetly under your clothes.

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag

With over 2,600 five-star reviews, the Travelon Anti-Theft Bag is a must-have for any trip to Europe. When visiting attractions like Barcelona’s Park Güell or Casa Batllo, you’ll want a bag that keeps your valuables safe. “I traveled through France, Spain and Portugal with this black bag and always felt safe in the most crowded tourist areas. The security features are great – all zippers have closures,” says one customer, and many travelers praise the Travelon bag’s reliable security features.

Waypoint Goods Infinity Travel Scarf

If you don’t want to carry a bag, but still want to keep your belongings safe and close, the Waypoint Goods scarf is the perfect choice. Made from durable, soft fabric, this scarf features a hidden, nearly invisible pocket so you can carry your passport, credit cards, phone, and cash without worrying about pickpockets. It’s the perfect combination of safety and style.

Shacke Hidden Travel Belt Wallet

The Shacke Hidden Travel Belt Wallet is one of the best defenses against pickpockets. Tuck your wallet inside your pants, making it nearly invisible and out of reach (and giving you peace of mind in the process). This wallet features three separate zipper pouches designed for maximum security. One Amazon customer review states, “This wallet is perfect for international travel. The material is so soft that it’s barely noticeable while hidden.” As for what you can put in this wallet, the reviewer continues, “I was able to safely store two passports, my ID, and cards without them printing on the outside of my pants.”

She’s Birdie, the original personal safety alarm

No matter how cautious you are, having a She’s Birdie alarm on hand can give you peace of mind in the event of an emergency. If you sense danger, just pull the pin to activate the siren and flashing strobe light, not only to draw attention for help but also to deter a potential attacker. It’s highly portable and TSA approved, so it’s easy to take with you on your travels.

Peak Gear RFID Blocking Travel Pouch

This travel pouch is extremely versatile and can be worn cross-body, around the neck, or hidden under clothing for added protection. It has plenty of room for all your essentials, including cash, passport, credit cards, and even has RFID blocking capabilities. A strong zipper and durable Velcro closure keep your belongings safe and protected.

MyFriday Small Crossbody Mobile Phone Bag

If you don’t want to carry a whole bag around, but still want a convenient place to store your phone and some cash and credit cards, the MyFriday Crossbody Cell Phone Bag is the perfect choice. It fits your phone perfectly and has three zippered pockets to keep your other small essentials safe and organized.

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