Florence, Italy, steeped in history, sunlight, and gracious Renaissance art, entices millions of visitors each year. As a popular European destination, it shares the common blight of tourist attractions: the pickpocket. However, an alert mind and travel-savvy tips can free tourists to fully enjoy Dante's Florentine hometown set among the vineyards of Tuscany. Review the travel safety checklist.
Travel Safety Checklist
- Before travel abroad, copy passports and important documents. Keep the originals on hand at all times. Store the copies in a secure compartment of luggage.
- When planning each day’s excursions, prepare money and valuables in private. Count out sufficient spending money for one day. This cash should go into the inner pocket of a coat or a front hip pocket. Avoid carrying a wallet. If life without a wallet is simply unthinkable, then plan on a slim travel-friendly wallet that can go in a front pocket. Never place wallets in a back pocket, shoulder bag, or backpack.
- Next, place passport, travel tickets, credit cards, all important documents, and extra cash, in a money belt. Money belts, or neck wallets, really are a tourist’s best friend. Wear what Rick Steves’ calls “the portable safe” under clothing as designed and don’t plan on taking it off until the end of the day.
Protecting Valuables from Thieves
The Duomo in the twilight, the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, and Uffizi gallery, to name only a few of the most popular Florentine sights, beg for pictures. But cameras are often the prime target for a pickpocket.
