According to the founder of gapyear.com, many backpackers are guilty of "taking unnecessary risks" when it comes to handling their money.
Tom Griffiths said that many travellers failed to take simple precautionary measures with their money in situations where they were most at risk. Mr Griffiths' comment is backed up by a new study from American Express, which found that over 15 per cent of gap-year travellers keep their wallets in their back pocket, while 12 per cent admitted to keeping all their money in their backpacks.
Mr Griffiths said: "Backpackers do take unnecessary risks with cash and are very loose about it like they are at home."
He added that the problem was particularly acute in cities, where crime is clearly a bigger issue and where backpackers may not be at their most alert in the aftermath of a long flight.
A survey from YouGov reveals that eight million British backpackers have been victims of crime during trips overseas.
Travellers are advised to seek
cheap travel insurance to protect themselves from theft.
