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Thanks to the popular hotel review site, TripAdvisor, we have some fresh thoughts on how to avoid pickpockets, the bane of every traveler's existence. Well, some would say that airport security is the bane of every air traveler's existence, but pickpockets do affect families, too. Whether you're on a long road trip or round-the-world expedition, no one wants the hassle of replacing their valuables while on vacation.

The family vacation is an important time to introduce kids to safety in general, starting with safety in public places (especially for students traveling alone), hotel room safety, and pool and water safety, all topics that FTF experts have addressed.

Watching their valuables is an important lesson for kids to learn. Some experts recommend that kids switch out the tell-tale white earbuds that come with expensive iPods for non-brand ones that can be purchased cheaply in electronic stores. Ditto for putting portable video game players and pocket digital cameras in non-descript carrying cases. Parents may want to limit the amount of cash that kids carry, allowing just enough to return to a hotel in case the child gets lost or separated from a group. Every traveler should lock up his or her passport in the hotel room safe, and travel around with only a photocopy.

In addition to these common sense precautions, TripAdvisor travelers and editors share five tips to help everyone in the family avoid getting pickpocketed.

Top 5 Tips to Avoid Being Pickpocketed

1. Never keep your wallet or valuables in your rear pocket, even if it buttons - it's by far the easiest target.

2. Beware of the distraction tactic. Dropping something near you, squirting something on you, or simply jostling you. Be on guard when in crowds, and secure your belongings.

3. Pickpockets often work in pairs or groups and it's not just the usual suspects. Be cautious with any strangers--sometimes people who don't look like they'd be a threat, such as children or the elderly, can be part of larger operations.

4. Stay alert in confined spaces and near passageways. Try to avoid standing near the doorways of trains as groups of pickpockets can rush at you when the doors open.

5. Before you set off on a trip, pare down the contents of your purse or wallet as the smaller the bulge, the less likely pickpockets are to covet it.

"Not always a basic 'lift-and-run' operation, expert pickpocketing can sometimes involve more complicated scams," said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "Travelers need to be aware of all kinds of tricks meant to distract them from their belongings while enjoying popular world attractions."