Essentials you shouldn't leave the ship without at a port

[MunFam]

For what its worth, I think that a "tourist" is very different than a "non-local". When a criminal is looking to prey on a traveler, they are able to identify those who are not travel and safety minded by dead giveaways. Yes, your skin color, or the language you are speaking are dead giveaways, but they don't necessarily mean that you are a foolish and ignorant traveler.

A savvy traveler will have their credit cards and large bills/money tucked away in a hidden neck wallet (and will not access it in public). They will have smaller bills in their front pocket to prevent pick-pocketing. They will not specifically promote the fact that they are not locals (like wearing any form of tour or cruise line related items). If they need to use a map, they will do so discretely. They will also learn some of the most common customs and phrases of the local community. And they will definitely not flaunt money in any form: jewelry, high tech items, cash, etc. in public while traveling. I have also noticed people sit down shopping bags, purses, and backpacks and walk away for a photo or other reason. A savvy traveler would never let this happen, especially in a place where security is an issue.

We were in Columbia on a tour and one guy had on his DCL lanyard and kept saying "no dinero" to the vendors. He had his fancy camera, gold necklace and rings and "strangely" he was the most harassed member of the tour...

 

[mmouse37]

Welcome back MJ, hope you had a great cruise!

It was one of the BEST cruises we have had. Loved, loved, loved it and had a fantastic time!! Will post some pics when I get them uploaded to the computer. Great weather, met wonderful people and had a fantastic time with the crew!! The Wonder crew were well, Wonderful!!!

MJ