Suddenly a customer trips and spills a soft drink all over you. The Swarming Children Suddenly, outside a tourist attraction or while window shopping, you're surrounded by a band of kids, holding a piece of cardboard. A distraction, is what. Sometimes, trying to take the kids' picture might scare them off. If you do get swarmed, hold your wallet tight .
Some savvy tourists carry a fake second wallet in an easy pocket to pick or to throw at thieves.
Even budget lodgings usually have a place for safe-keeping. Most people are genuinely nice, and you may be lucky enough on your trip to meet local people who invite you to their home. More than a few tourists, grateful for local hospitality, have been drugged and robbed. You can easily be drawn into a situation where you're under heavy pressure to make a purchase which will include a commission for the friendly tout. Don't be too upset if you pay too much for a taxi, or a trinket, or a banana, on your day of arrival.