Every Time I Was Robbed & What to Do

I have lost many things in my travels, including my passport twice. But there is something extra defeating about getting pick-pocketed and/or robbed abroad.

Luckily, I’m lucky …

None of my experiences have ever been violent or dangerous. In all sincerity, these mistakes were so easily preventable that they are embarrassing. Because I want you to be better than me, I will share.

Campsite

A few summers ago, I stayed at a campsite with my friend and his extended family. They were phenomenally welcoming. They gave me food, dance lessons, and a family reunion t-shirt to match them.

I got lost in the sauce and left my cabin unlocked one afternoon. I forgot that workers and locals constantly came in and out of the campsite. As I tanned on the beach someone went in and took my backpack full of clothes and cash.

My friend’s family swore nothing like that had ever happened to them. I was an easy target as the only obvious tourist around.

Luckily, I separated my passport and wallet so they were left untouched.

What to do: Always lock your room. Separate your valuables. Let everyone around know what happened so they can protect their items as well.

Street Corner

I love Buenos Aires like no body’s business. But I would be lying if I said it isn’t sketchy, especially in crowded areas. When I’m there, I keep my head on a swivel, refrain from speaking too much English, and cling onto my valuables.

One starry night, however, I strolled through a popular neighborhood and got swept up in a Brazilian Samba street show. A group of gorgeous, perfectly bronzed men drummed in a circle. A crowd surrounded them like moths to a flame, including me, duh.

As I recorded a video of them, someone opened the fanny pack on my chest and took my wallet. By the time I realized, it was too late. I walked home somberly and cancelled all the cards inside.

Luckily, I had a friend lend me cash for the rest of my trip.

What to do: Hold onto your bag in tightly crowded areas. Separate your cards and cash so you have backup options.

Music Festival

I have been to many music festivals, taken substances, and screamed til my voice was scraped raw without ever losing anything more than a hoop earring in mosh pit. But, once again, I let my guard down in Buenos Aires.

Lollapalooza Argentina has over 300,000 attendees every year. That’s too many people. My sisters and I pregamed heavily and arrived just in time to hear Rosalia’s angelic voice in person. We left early because they “had” to see Drake.

When we made it to the new stage, I realized for a second time, someone opened the bag across my chest. This time they took my phone and immediately turned it off. Major events like that are a hotspot for organized theft.

Luckily, my friends flew in a week later and brought me a new phone.

What to do: Always hold onto your bag and zipper at a music festival. Sometimes I hold it even while I’m dancing just in case.

Late night Hookup

When I was traveling through Central America, I went partying one night with fellow hostel guests. I was feeling reckless and restless as I often do after weeks alone abroad so I ended up at a local guy’s house. After I left, I saw that my wallet was empty.

Surely, I had not spend all my cash in one night.

I cannot prove this to be true, but I feel in my bones that he took it. He claims he never saw it. I am ashamed to say I went back anyway. Don’t judge me. It was worth more than $50.

What to do: Check your wallet before and after stepping into a strangers home.

Special shout out to hostels. I have stayed in over 50 of them, almost never used a lock/locker, and never had anything taken from me. Hostel guests are amongst the loveliest people ever. Also, there is a secret understanding that we are all broke boys hoping for the best.

Remember: pickpocketing is worse in major crowded cities. Hide your phone when walking around in Latin America. I’ve seen and heard about many armed robberies. Keep your eyes open. And stay safe out there!

Read more of my personal stories.