I recently came back from a trip to San Francisco, where for 3 glorious days, I had some R & R with my husband, before the PBS Annual Meeting started. We played tourist and had a wonderful time.
The Pacific Ocean, at the edge of Golden Gate Park, in San Francisco
But one thing I didn’t have to worry about was my purse. I tested out Travelon’s Classic Anti-Theft Mini Shoulder Bag and knew things were much more secure.
I prefer cross body bags, because I can walk around lighter and with just the essentials. But I worry about being a target of theft, a determined thief can slash straps and panels. However, after I saw Travelon’s products, I thought their bags would be perfect for worry-free traveling. Plus, I knew my credit cards were safe inside (there’s RFID blocking card and passport slots).
Note – this is not a high fashion bag, it’s a black nylon-ish bag from Travelon’s classic line. However, the size, body length, and functionality was perfect. I would love to see this design in a slightly fancier fabric, with the exact same size, dimensions and features.
I am very picky about cross body length and the Classic Anti-Theft Mini Shoulder bag was able to extend to a comfy length. And since this mini shoulder bag is perfect for traveling, it’s going to be my travel handbag. But if I was going to be running around a touristy area, I would definitely use this for the day.
How it actually worked:
I did keep the front compartment locked and it did ease my mind that I could do that. I felt safer. With this bag, that’s where you should keep any valuables. It’s not completely sealed shut, you can slip a finger in, but not your whole hand.
I liked the flap on the outside of the bag. I kept my MAC compact and lipstick in that compartment.
On the other side of the bag, there’s another zippered compartment. I kept gum and my extra mobile battery.
Thank you to Travelon for providing the Classic Anti-Theft Mini Shoulder Bag for review.
Travel Safety Tips, courtesy of Travelon
-Tourist spots, public transportation stations and restaurants are notorious hangouts for pickpockets and thieves. Always be aware of your surroundings. Be wary of sudden crowds or commotions around you, these are often designed to catch you off guard.
-Pickpockets often work in teams where one member diverts your attention elsewhere while the second member picks your pocket.
-Keep a small amount of cash in your pocket and avoid showing large sums of money in public. Use an anti-theft bag like Travelon or an undercover waist pack to keep your money secure.
-Every summer day around 100 tourists will be victimized near Rome’s Spanish Steps, the Coliseum, and the Vatican.
What travel safety tips would you add to this list?
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Don’t travel alone to unknown areas and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t carry large amounts of cash
My travel safety tip is to not look too conspicuously touristy. Don’t stand there and gape if anyone else is watching you. Act confident and walk like you know where you’re going even if you don’t.
be careful with money do not carry lots that people can see
Always be aware of your surroundings!
Best safety tip – don’t be on your phone and unaware of those around you while walking around. 🙂
Great tip!
I try to be as hyper vigilent as I can when traveling in an unfamiliar setting. I also make it a point to study any maps or tour books prior to going out in public, so I can try to walk with some confidence to my destination and not be a sitting duck with a map in front of my face.
Just be aware. Know about the areas you visit and the people that are there. Paris city of love? Yeah, be careful of the gypsies that will try to scam/rob you. Two young girls almost got scammed by “the dropped ring” scam before my group and another older couple started tell them no (we were all standing around taking pics of the tower). The girls eyes went a little wide like “oh yeah!” and they moved away and started saying no.
That is so scary, Chantelle! Thanks for sharing.
The ultimate travel bag!
Love my travelon slim bag – use it for every day use – going on first vacation in 17 years in 2-1/2 weeks to visit my birth daughter – will have travel tips after my vacation – can’t wait 🙂
Get a watch instead of taking out your smartphone, my IPhone, to check time
It is like flashing a roll of cash
Also use a camera for photos and never let anyone use your phone or give the number to casual friends
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
I wear my bag in the front so that I always have an eye on it.
Bring a smaller purse that goes over your shoulder and keep it in front of you at all times – or don’t bring a purse at all if possible.
Only pack what is necessary and take lots of pictures!
I always hold my purse or bag over my shoulder with my hand on top of it as I have had things stolen and was unaware it even happened in Vegas. Thank you for this giveaway