I have taken several precautions as a traveller.

1. Over the last 5 years, family travel has consisted of Mrs BamaVol, 2 teenage sons, and I. We have a drill. If I say "positions", we form a tight group, back to back. We haven't had to do that yet, but it's fun to practice.

2. Mrs BamaVol always walks between 2 men. She clutches her purse at all times, regardless of strap.

3. We try to remain as unencumbered as possible. No backpack. No waistpack. Camera on belt under jacket. Hands free to deal with trouble.

4. I bought a couple pair of travel pants from Travelsmith catalog. One back pocket has a zipper inside a button flap. The left front pocket has a zippered compartment. And, there is a hidden pocket inside the pants hanging from the waistband. I know I have a helluva time getting anything out of there and assume a pickpocket would too.