After I Was Pickpocketed Abroad, I Switched to These Discreet Safety Items to Look Less Like a Tourist, From $10

"After my phone was stolen abroad, I realized that staying safe while traveling isn't just about carrying the right items-it's about carrying them in a way that doesn't draw attention. Bulky backpacks, neon accents, and flashy anti-theft gear scream "tourist". Now, I rely on discreet safety tools that blend seamlessly into my outfits: a scarf with a hidden pocket, a low-profile money belt tucked under clothes, and a sleek crossbody bag that looks stylish rather than like a security tool."

"My approach balances practicality with subtlety, choosing travel essentials that protect without advertising your valuables. From a windbreaker jacket with over a dozen hidden pockets to pepper spray disguised as lipstick, these clever items are essentially pickpocket-proof. And the best part? These travel essentials start at just $10 on Amazon -proof that you can safeguard your belongings, move through a city like a local, and stay stylish without breaking the bank."

"A winter scarf is nonnegotiable in freezing destinations, so you may as well purchase one that works harder. This ultra-soft infinity loop scarf looks like a standard cold-weather layer, but it has a discreet zippered pocket hidden along the seam that's roomy enough for a phone, passport, or cards. The breathable fabric keeps it comfortable indoors and out, and once it's on, no one would ever guess it's quietly keeping your essentials close."

A stolen phone abroad prompted a shift to low-profile travel security that avoids attracting attention. Discreet tools include a scarf with a hidden zip pocket, a slim money belt worn under clothing, and a sleek crossbody bag that conceals valuables. The approach prioritizes practicality and subtlety, favoring items that protect without advertising possessions. Examples include a windbreaker with many hidden pockets and pepper spray disguised as lipstick. Affordable options often start around $10, enabling travelers to safeguard belongings, blend in with locals, and move through crowded areas comfortably and confidently.

Read at Travel + Leisure