I Stuck in a Classic Paris Street Scam – Now I Won’t Travel Without These 10 Anti-Theft Essentials, Starting at $10

A few years ago, my boyfriend and I were walking around Montmartre in parisWhile overlooking the Sacré‑Cour, a man stopped us and insisted we try a “free” friendship bracelet. Before we could react, he and his partner grabbed our wrists, tied the wires tightly and suddenly we were surrounded. He demanded money in such a way that there was no scope left for saying no. My boyfriend tried to hand him some dollars get us out of the situationBut they took $100 before we could escape.

At the time, I didn’t know it was actually a famous scam-Only later did I learn that countless travelers had fallen into the exact same trick. Since then, I have exercised extreme caution on the streets of Paris and always try to warn anyone traveling there or other European cities. Now, I always carry a handful of things with me travel safety items Which provide real peace of mind: pepper sprayA hidden money belt, apple airtagsAnd other travel essentials that help me be prepared for the unexpected. Prices start at just $10, and everything can be found on Amazon, so staying safe doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or convenience.

Best Anti-Theft Travel Essentials

Saber Pepper Spray

After my encounter with the notorious Montmartre bracelet scammers, I started keeping it $10 Saber Pepper Spray Whenever I travel. It’s compact enough to slip into a crossbody or coat pocket, but still provides peace of mind if you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Even just knowing this can make you feel more confident walking around in crowded tourist areas or after a late night meal.

That’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

it personal safety alarm It has over 12,000 five-star ratings on Amazon and is No. 1 Bestseller in Security Horns & Sirens-for a good cause. With just a quick pull of the top pin, it emits a loud siren and flashing strobe light to quickly attract attention, making it especially useful for solo travelers traveling in busy cities. Now I keep it in my bag whenever I’m exploring new places – it’s light, discreet and really comfortable to have on hand.

Lanny Hidden Money Belt

After my incident, I realized that it is important not only to have your wallet readily available, but also to have it with you a hidden money beltThis $10 one from Amazon is made of waterproof nylon with RFID blocking, keeping your cards dry and your data private, and the sturdy zippers feel reassuringly secure without adding bulk. Lightweight and easy to hide under a top, this is exactly the kind of low-key protection that keeps your wallet out of reach if someone suddenly gets too close.

Elzama Infinity scarf with hidden pocket

If you want to ditch the money belt but still want to keep your valuables out of sight, this infinity scarf A smart choice. It looks like a regular casual accessory, but it has a discreet zippered pocket that can hold your phone, passport or cash without attracting anyone’s attention. Wear it on your next trip to Europe—you’ll feel both put-together and protected, and no one will guess that it doubles as a secret storage space.

Travelon Crossbody Bag

You don’t have to choose between style and security Best Selling Travelon Crossbody Bag—and right now, it’s 29 percent off. The dual cable-reinforced strap and slash-resistant body make it hard for anyone to cut or grab it, while the locking zippers add another layer of protection. It’s sleek enough to wear anywhere from a city stroll to a café stop, and it gives peace of mind in crowded tourist areas.

apple airtag

If something goes missing or is pickpocketed, an apple airtag This might help you track it down quickly. I keep one in every bag, wallet, and suitcase when I travel so I can see where my stuff is at all times. It’s a small, affordable security measure that has made me much calmer when traveling in busy airports or jam-packed metropolises.

Sure Lock TSA Lock

these locks They’re popular for luggage, but they’re equally useful for keeping your bags secure when you’re eating out or waiting at a train station. You can easily create a loop through your leash and chair so no one can walk away with it, and the built-in open alert indicator lets you know if someone tries to tamper with it. It’s a small extra step that goes a long way toward keeping your belongings safe while you relax.

Decoy Wallet with 6 Fake Credit Cards

In Montmartre, I would gladly hand over a fake wallet And went away – that’s exactly the point. Filled with counterfeit credit cards, it gives you an easy way out during a robbery or forced handshake so you can leave the scene with your real ID and cards safely hidden. It’s also useful for markets full of pickpockets or areas with rowdy nightlife, when you want to hand something that feels genuine without costing anything.

RoamWifi 4G LTE Portable Hotspot

If you ever find yourself in an unsafe location and need to call for help, a Portable 4G LTE Hotspot It can be a literal lifeline—it keeps you connected even when local Wi-Fi is unreliable. This model connects up to 10 devices simultaneously, so you can share a signal with a travel partner while looking up emergency contacts or directions. This way, if you’re in a tough situation you can have a reliable way to contact someone.

bobino zipper clip

Attach bobino zipper clip Don a backpack or purse before heading into crowded markets—this is a handy way to keep zippers closed so no one notices. Small and light, it works on everything from day bags to checked luggage and adds a low-key layer of pickpocket resistance when I’m sitting in a café or riding packed transit.

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