After cruising across Asia, my sister and I thought we were heading back to the United States - until our flight home was unexpectedly canceled. After hours of sitting on the runway, maintenance issues forced our plane to return to the gate. We had wasted our entire day at the airport, so tensions were high as we deplaned and re-immigrated into Japan.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to not only avoid pickpockets, but to actively repel them. (And no, you won't have to hire a body guard on your next vacation.) Below are five common mistakes travelers don't even know they're making that can put a target on their backs, and bags. I've also included what to do (or pack) instead to completely dissuade pickpockets from approaching you in the first place.
Have you ever dreamed of trading your current view for something wildly different-maybe sipping coffee in a quiet town in Portugal, working remotely from a beach in Bali, or hiking the Andes after work in Ecuador? For more and more Americans, living abroad isn't just a fantasy-it's becoming a practical, affordable lifestyle choice. Whether you're a digital nomad, a gap-year adventurer, or someone simply seeking a reset, spending a year abroad can be transformative.
Traditional travel insurance typically applies to common inconveniences like delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies, with the option to add a plethora of extras such as adventure travel coverage, travel disruption, collision damage, and pre-existing conditions. This type of insurance is trip-specific - purchased for a one-off vacation or multiple trips spread over a year. On the other hand, international health insurance offers long-term medical support abroad -
They urge holidaymakers to purchase travel insurance as soon as they book a trip to cover themselves for any issues. Tourists are advised to check the policy 'carefully to ensure it covers fraud and cancellations'. Verifying when the cover starts is also important, as it may be from the time of the booking or the start of the trip which could impact protection from scams.