This 1 Travel Mistake Got My Phone Stolen Abroad-and Here's How I Avoid It Now for Future Trips

"You don't realize how easy it is to lose your phone abroad until it happens in the least dramatic way possible-someone simply reaches into your bag and walks off with it. That's exactly what happened to me in Barcelona during my study abroad program. No shove, no commotion, no clue. Just a crowded street, an overstuffed tote, and a phone that vanished before I even made it to my next class."

"While Barcelona has its fair share of pickpockets, the truth was clear: I made it far too easy. My bag was stuffed to the brim, the zipper barely closed, and my phone sat right on top like it was waiting to be taken. The fix? A compact crossbody bag that keeps my essentials zipped, front-and-center, and easy to manage. Now I can wander markets, metro stations, and busy streets without constantly checking my bag."

"The Bostanten crossbody bag feels elevated thanks to its gold hardware, but is still totally practical for travel or everyday outings. Despite its compact size, it has three card slots, a phone compartment, a zippered interior pocket, and a hidden back pocket that sits against your body. One reviewer who was pickpocketed in New Orleans said, "This bag is perfect. It's got plenty of pockets of just the right sizes for everything I need to carry." With over 7,000 reviews, it's clearly a traveler's favorite."

A phone was stolen on a crowded Barcelona street when a hand reached into an overstuffed tote without any commotion. An unsecured bag with the phone on top made the theft easy. A compact crossbody bag worn front-and-center and zipped keeps essentials accessible and more secure. Multiple affordable options are available on Amazon, starting around $8. The Bostanten Small Crossbody offers gold hardware, three card slots, a phone compartment, a zippered interior pocket, and a hidden back pocket. One reviewer who experienced a pickpocketing incident praised its pocket organization, and the bag has over 7,000 reviews. The Janks Small Crossbody is an $8 lightweight, adjustable, waterproof option with an earphone hole for minimal carry needs.

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