11 Anti-theft Travel Essentials to Stop Pickpockets

I had the privilege of living in Barcelona for four months, and if you haven’t been, I highly recommend it. The city is brimming with culture, amazing food, friendly people, and countless activities. You can visit the iconic La Sagrada Familia, the largest unfinished church in the world, explore the Mercat de la Boqueria in Las Ramblas for fresh and delicious Catalan cuisine, or relax on the beautiful Barceloneta beach with refreshing drinks at the seaside bars. 

However, one downside to the city is the prevalence of pickpocketing. Spain ranks third in Europe for this crime, with Barcelona’s Las Ramblas “being the worst of the five tourist spots for stolen items,” according to a study done by Quotezone.co.uk. Unfortunately, the statistic proved true in my case, as my phone was stolen during my stay. While sometimes unavoidable, there are numerous tips and tricks to help keep your belongings safe when you're traveling — whether you're headed to Barcelona or anywhere else in the world. 

Of course, the best thing you can do is to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night whenever possible. But there are also anti-theft accessories that'll protect your valuables and give you peace of mind. Below, you'll find 11 of my favorite personal safety devices and essentials to add to your packing list, such as the Oxt Zipper Lock to secure your bags and the Apple AirTag to track any lost items.

Lohaslife AirTag Passport Holder

A passport is arguably the most important item on your international trip, so keeping it secure is crucial. The Lohaslife Passport Holder offers excellent protection and even includes a spot for an Apple AirTag, allowing you to track it wherever you go. Additionally, there’s a metal pin for easily switching out your SIM card and a designated slip pocket to safely store it.

Apple AirTag 4-pack

Embracing the Apple AirTag trend is a smart travel tip. By purchasing a four-pack, you can place an AirTag in various belongings so you can track anything that may get lost or stolen. While it's invaluable for recovering items from pickpockets (you can track the location of the thief who stole your wallet or phone), it’s also handy for ensuring your checked luggage doesn't get lost and providing loved ones back home with your own real-time whereabouts.  

Apple AirTag Leather Key Ring

If you ask me, you can't have an AirTag without a key ring. Whether it's for your keys and luggage — or a pet as one Amazon customer noted. With over 10,000 five-star ratings, these key rings are a must-have upgrade for your travel accessories.

Oxt Zipper Lock

If you’re planning on bringing a backpack on your travels, the Oxt Zipper Lock is a great idea. When you’re wearing a backpack, it can be difficult to realize when someone is unzipping it. This zipper lock ensures that no one can open your backpack, keeping your belongings safe and secure.

Buffway RFID-blocking Leather Wallet

This RFID-blocking wallet is perfect for traveling, as it's incredibly slim yet can hold everything you need. The best part is its ability to effectively block RFID signals, helping you keep your identity and valuable data safe while you travel and shop. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose a fun shade like purple or pink, or keep it classic with black or white.

Pacsafe Coversafe S25 Hidden Travel Bra Pouch 

If you'll be doing a lot of walking during your trip and want to keep your wallet secure or just prefer to be extra cautious, the Pacsafe Travel Pouch is an excellent choice. It's designed to keep your belongings safe from pickpocketers and is made from soft, breathable, and non-itchy fabric that discreetly hides under your clothes.

Travelon Anti-theft Classic Messenger Bag

With more than 2,600 five-star reviews, the Travelon Anti-theft Bag is a must-have for any European travel. When visiting tourist attractions like Parc Güell and Casa Batlló in Barcelona, it's essential to have a bag that can carry all your valuables securely. Many travelers, like one customer who shared, “I carried the black bag throughout France, Spain, and Portugal. I always felt secure in crowded, touristy areas. It has excellent security features. All zippers have clasps that secure them,” praise the Travelon bag for its reliable security features.

Waypoint Goods Infinity Travel Scarf 

For those who prefer not to carry a bag but still want to keep their belongings secure and close, the Waypoint Goods scarf is a fantastic option. Made with a durable, soft fabric, this scarf features a hidden pocket that's nearly invisible from the outside, allowing you to carry your passport, credit cards, phone, and cash without worrying about pickpockets. It perfectly blends safety and style.

Shacke Hidden Travel Belt Wallet

The Shacke Hidden Travel Belt Wallet is one of your best defenses against pickpockets. You tuck the wallet inside your pants, making it nearly invisible and impossible to reach (all while giving you peace of mind in the process). It features three separate zipper pouches designed to maximize security. One customer review on Amazon states, “This wallet was great for overseas travel. The material is very soft, and you barely notice it while concealed.” As for what it can hold, the reviewer continued, “I was able to secure two passports, IDs, and cards without any 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 provide peace of mind in case of emergencies. If you ever feel threatened, simply pull the pin to activate the siren and flashing strobe light, which will not only attract attention for help but also deter any potential attack. It’s highly portable and TSA-approved, making it easy to travel with. 

Peak Gear RFID-blocking Travel Pouch

This travel pouch is extremely versatile — you can wear it as a crossbody, around your neck, or hidden under your clothes for added protection. It offers plenty of room for all your essentials, including cash, your passport, and credit cards, and it’s RFID-blocking. The strong zippers and durable Velcro closures ensure that your belongings stay secure.

MyFriday Small Crossbody Cell Phone Bag

If you don't want to carry a full bag but need a convenient place for your phone and some cash or credit cards, the MyFriday Crossbody Cell Phone Bag is the way to go. It fits your phone perfectly and features three zippered pockets to keep other small essentials secure and organized.

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