DrPhrogg Loc: NJ

Was in France this summer. Pickpockets slash even front pockets if there is a wallet bulge. I kept money, passport, etc. in a neck pouch inside my shirt. If you are going to carry a wallet, wrap a wide rubber band around it. Makes it harder to remove undetected.
I used a sling-bag for camera. If you are concerned about slashing the strap. run a few strands of fishing wire through the strap and wrap around the hardware buckles. Keep it in front in crowds, not slung behind.
I had no problem, but one of our group lost his wallet the first day, and another friend lost his in the Vatican. I didn't even carry a wallet. Best advice is be aware.

desperante

Oh what is this world coming to!!! A lost wallet at the Vatican!!!! Thank you for the info!

Newsbob Loc: SF Bay Area

When in Rome, I leave everything at the hotel, and shoot only with a point and shoot, in this case, a Sony RX100. I usually carry a DSLR and a videocam, but not in Rome. And in other European cities where crime is a problem, I put my camera over my shoulder, and then put on my jacket. That way, unless I'm shooting, at least the camera is less conspicuous. I also bought a third-party strap for my Canon 5D3. I'm convinced that the street gangs who know nothing about photography, have been taught to look for Canon or Nikon straps, and steal those.

desperante

Thank you for your input.

desperante

[quote=desperante]Hello. My planned travel to Rome and Athens received a lot of helpful tips on safety and photography. I am now asking for your recommendations on "Camera Travel Bags." I have been checking out "PacSafe" bags but the more I read the reviews, the more I think that they are made for women travelers. I have a Canon bag but I don't want to use it to advertise myself as a tourist carrying an expensive camera. I prefer a shoulder bag, not a backpack. Any suggestions from all the experienced travelers and photographers will be greatly appreciated.[/quote

I'd like to share my beginner's photos to thank everyone. Please be kind. I followed someone's advice and set the camera to "cloudy."

Piazza di Spagna, taken from the Spanish Steps


The Parthenon at the Acropolis


The Amphitheater at Epidavros

DrPhrogg Loc: NJ

I bought a LowPro Slingbag. It does not look like a camera bag, and, in crowds, I can carry it in front. I carried it through France & didn't get a second look. If you are concerned about strap slashers, get some light weight fishing wire. Weave 2-3 strands through the strap and around the D-rings.

DrPhrogg Loc: NJ

Pickpockets are a bigger problem. If you carry your wallet in the front pocket, wrap a heavy duty rubber band around it. The rubber causes increased friction with the material in the pocket and you are more likely to feel it. However, some slash the bottom of the pocket and remove it that way. I kept my money and cards in a passport wallet hung from a strap around my neck & inside my shirt. I kept a few bills in a money clip in one pocket, but no identification.