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A lot of people worry about robbery and theft in Germany. Movies portray people getting robbed at gun point or kids getting kidnapped. Personally, I have not had any of these problems in Europe. I did get my money stolen at one point on a beach in Barcelona. That was my fault (I fell asleep on the beach and someone stole my money right from the wallet that I was sleeping on.)

Throughout my journeys I have learned the following tips that can help keep your things from getting stolen.

1. Lock all of your bags. Buy small locks to keep all the zippers locked shut. This way no one can try to open up any of the zippers on your bag while you are not paying attention.

2. Leave your valuables at home. What you bring with you on the train, on the plain, or while traveling can only get stolen. I have had my friend get his camera stolen at a youth hostel when he wasn’t paying attention.

3. If sleeping in a youth hostel, I like to sleep on my bag or lock it to myself. This method works well if the hostel does not provide lockers. I would never trust to leave my bags alone in a room unlocked.

4. Keep two wallets. One wallet for small change to buy small gifts and another real hidden wallet for paying for dinner or more expensive items. This way the thieves will see your wallet with the small bills. If they manage to steal it, it won’t be a major loss to you.

5. Try to act like a local. Pickpocketers are more likely to target tourists than locals.

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