Hi.....I wish I knew how to attach things because I recently wrote an article on how not to be robbed....or to reduce your chances....wait...i'll just paste it below....

also, ditto on the NO for traveler's checks. credit card and debit is all you need. just keep them seperate in case you do get robbed. also, be sure to email yourself your credit card numbers and the phone numbers of Visa, etc, in case you have a problem.

here is the article....note that I highly suggest avoiding at all costs a backpack....

DON’T BE A VICTIM

Stay Connected

The simplest way to not be robbed is to stay connected to your belongings at all times. Purses should have straps long enough to fit over your shoulder and across the chest. Keep the bag part in front of you, zippered shut, with your hand on it at all times. Backpacks (not recommended) should be zippered at all times and worn around the front when you are in crowds. Any valuables should be kept deeply within the bag, far from the opening. However, be aware that thieves do not only stick their hands in bags and backpacks but have been known to slit them open, particularly in crowded places.

When you are in a restaurant, bar, or internet café, do not let go of your bag. Do not hang it on the back of a chair. Do not put it on the floor at your feet. Instead, keep your bag on your lap, with your arm through the strap, or slip your leg through the strap if you will put it on the floor. If you go the floor route, you can also slip the leg of your chair through the strap. Again, none of this will ensure you won’t get robbed (strap slitting is common), but again, it makes you a less easy target and thieves don’t like that.

Be sure and stay connected to your goods at places like nightclubs and beaches as well. Do not leave your bag or valuables unattended while you dance or swim. You are just asking to be robbed.
Finally, when taking photos or videos, always have the strap wrapped firmly around your wrist--several times if possible. When the camera or video recorder is not being used, keep it tucked in your bag. If you use a shoulder or neck strap, again, keep the item in front of you and your hand on it when moving through the crowds. Thieves who see a valuable item hanging from a string will sometimes make a run at it whether it is on your body or not, particularly if they think they can overpower you. Many a victim has ended up with a bruised neck, sprained ankle, or worse after falling as a thief pulled the item right off the tourist’s body.

Chuck the Backpack

Unless there is a reason why you truly need a backpack--chuck it. One, it pegs you as a tourist and thus a potential victim. Two, in order to get at anything, you have to swing it off your back and go rooting. Three, you have to put it down at cafés and bars. A much better option is an across-the-shoulder bag, similar to the bags that bike couriers and postal workers use. One, you can access your goods even while walking. Two, you can keep your hand on your goods at all times. Three, if you stop in a bar or café, you don’t have to remove the bag from your shoulders. Just remember, as you move about, keep the bag part in front of you, not swung to the side or back. If back problems are an issue, remember to switch the bag from shoulder to shoulder periodically.

Back to the Wall

You will have to stop and check maps, subway guides, and this guide book on occasion. While you are checking the above, assume that a thief is checking you out, hoping to take advantage of your distraction to pickpocket or bag-snatch you. Make it that much harder by backing up to a wall before looking at your maps and guides. It is much more difficult for a thief to sneak up on you this way. Practice this technique in bus stations, train terminals, and airports as well. This trick is also useful when taking photos--though not always practical.

Divide Your Assets

Keep small bills and loose change in one pocket in order to easily pay for subway tickets, coffees, museum entrances. Keep your larger bills and credit cards elsewhere--perhaps in an inner pocket or a money belt. Never remove the larger bills in public. Step into a bathroom and shift the bills out as needed. Never, ever flaunt large bills or a wad of money in transport stations. These places teem with thieves.

Related to this, don’t take more money with you then you will need for a day. You will need a picture ID if you want to use a credit card--a driver’s license is usually fine. However, to be sure, have a copy of your passport with you. Leave your passport in your hotel for safekeeping.

Cultivate a Crowd Mentality

Whenever you are in a crowd--on the subway, watching a street performer, on busy sidewalk--keep a crowd mentality. That is, be aware that thieves use the jostle and bustle of the crowd to pick pockets. Often looking you right in the face while they do it. When you are in a crowd, pull your bag to your chest, put your hand in your pocket over your money, and keep a close grip on your valuables. A thief will recognize this and go after a less-vigilant, easier victim instead.

Beware of the Bird Poop

This is an oldie but still icky. You are walking along and suddenly something wet and mucky lands on your shoulders. Immediately some kind soul--speaking English no less--appears, claiming a bird pooped on you. They have water and Kleenex and begin trying to clean you up. They are robbing you. Put your hand on your valuables and get way, even if you have to run. Do not talk or engage with the “helper.” It takes less than 20 seconds to slip your wallet away--don’t give them even a second.

Related to this, do not let anyone distract you for any reason. Another common scam is they come at you with an open map asking for directions. While you are pouring over the map, their hands are beneath it entering your bag or their friend is behind you doing the same. Other distractions include trying to sell you a flower or a sprig of rosemary. Again, your first step always is to put your hand on your goods, say no, and walk away. Do not worry about seeming rude; someone who is not a thief, will not take offense (actually, they won’t be there in the first place), only a thief will feign indignity.

Don’t Get Angry, Get Away

If you catch a thief mid-action, you will naturally be angry. Don’t let that feeling translate into action. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to retaliate physically. These thieves work in teams. You only see the one with his (or her) hand in your bag, but guaranteed there are four or five nearby and if you confront one physically, the others will descend upon you faster than you can think. It is not worth it. If you do catch a thief at work, look them in the eye, and they will slink away. If a police officer is nearby, you can try pointing the thief out, but the sad reality is they probably won’t care and by the time you even get to the officer, the thief will be long gone.

Be Alert in Unlikely Places

Thieves have taken to committing their crimes in unlikely places. Shops are very popular--from cheap department stores to upscale boutiques. As you are checking out the goods, a thief may be checking out you. Again, keep your hand on your goods and keep an eye on your back. If someone is shopping too close to you, move away. If someone attempts to rob you, point it out to a shop employee, they actually are much more responsive than the police. If you are trying on clothes, do not put your valuables on the floor of the dressing room where someone can stick their hand in and snatch your bag. Hang your valuables on the clothing hook.

Of course, you know to be vigilant in bus and train stations. That should extend to airports. Super cheap flights throughout Europe means that a thief can pick up a euro 30 ticket to London then spend the day robbing unsuspecting travelers in the departures lounge. Again, stay connected to your goods and you should be fine.

Don’t Go it Alone

If you are traveling alone, exercise normal precautions when returning to your hotel late at night. If you are staying in a particularly desolate area at night, even if you are on a budget, it is worthwhile to take a cab simply for safety’s sake. If you feel uncomfortable at any time or accosted on an empty road, turn, run, and scream “Socorro!” (Help!).

What if They Get You?

If you are a victim, report the crime to the police. If you were insured, most insurance policies will require a police report. If your passport was stolen, you will have to visit your consulate to get a replacement. If you feel that a store, restaurant, or hotel in some way facilitated the robbery, demand the hojas de reclamación, an official complaint form that all businesses must report to the government. Businesses do not like to have these filled out and will often become quite helpful when you demand one.

Have Fun

Being aware and practicing these tips will help you ward off robberies and let you have a safe trip. Don’t let the thieves dampen your vacation. Your focus should be on fun, not fear.