As a tourist, in most countries you will stand out. Most of the time even if you think you’re blending in, chances are someone will have marked you as a tourist and therefore a target.

As travellers we all know the gypsy salesmen. They’re the people who hassle you with stuff to sell, games to play or petitions to sign. Usually roaming around in touristy areas, they’ve spotted you a mile away as yet another walking opportunity.

Gypsy salesmen are everywhere in the world and use the same tricks and techniques everywhere. You may be walking down the street and a man comes up to you with a string bracelet. If you take to look at, you’ve bought it. If you put your wrist out when saying no and he ties it to you, you’ve bought it, usually for whatever price he wants to charge. As it’s tied to your wrist, you’ve no choice but to pay.

Often gypsy salesmen don’t look like salesmen at all. Hovering in Paris around the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are young university aged women asking tourists to sign petitions. I’m sure some of these petitions are legitimate, I mean what better way to boost your numbers than hitting up unsuspecting tourists for a quick signature. But it’s the people that aren’t legitimate that travellers need to be aware of. Those that spend five minutes talking to you in your native language, whatever it may be, informing you of what you’re signing, thank you politely once you’ve finished and minutes later you find you wallet or purse missing.

I have a simple rule when dealing with gypsy street sellers – always say no. No matter what, always say no. Whether it’s someone appealing on the metro, or offering jewellery for sale or asking you to sign a petition, there is nothing wrong with politely telling a person, ‘No, thank you.’

Saying no is something you have to get used to as a traveller. Don’t feel bad about it, it’s better that you keep yourself and your belongings safe to continue enjoying your holiday. I’m not interested in buying knock off items from someone who’s merchandise is on a blanket they can pick up and quickly leave with should the police arrive. I would prefer to keep my possessions and money on me rather than risk my valuables for a small trinket.

I’ve heard many stories of travellers who’ve been stung by crafty gypsy salesmen, I’d love to hear some of yours.