Simple tip could protect you from pickpockets in popular holiday spot

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Each year, over 30 million tourists flock to Venice - far more than the 50,000 people who call it home. 

As one of the most visited cities in Europe, in a recent study of tourist-to-local ratios, it ranked third.

Aside from paying the mandatory €5 tourist tax, there is one simple act that locals say makes tourists stand out in their city - and it could be putting you at risk. 

According to Maryanne Sparkes from Italian river cruise company European Waterways, when you visit Venice, think before you step out of your hotel. 

"Nothing screams 'tourist' to a local than walking on the left side of a narrow street," she explains.

So even though we may be used to sticking to the left on sidewalks back home, the opposite is true in Italy. This is especially important in Venice, with its tight alleyways and winding streets.

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"Despite its famous canals, most of the city is explored on foot," says Maryanne. 

"Venice doesn't have pavements or car lanes – so we all have to navigate the same space. 

"Walking on the right keeps everything flowing, especially in the tight alleyways where you're shoulder to shoulder."

Wanting to blend in with the locals isn't just about street cred, either. It could save you from being targeted as a clueless tourist. 

Pickpockets are unfortunately commonplace in Venice, particularly in crowded, touristy areas. But if you stick to the right side of the street and keep moving along at a good pace, it could save you from being targeted by thieves looking for victims.

Maryanne also says that when we travel, it's respectful to understand local etiquette - after all, the landmarks you are visiting are their home.

"While it's easy to get distracted by the views, the architecture, or the nearest gelato stand, walking without spatial awareness is one of the quickest ways to annoy a local, especially if you're blocking their path to work, school, or the fish market," she says.

If you'd love to visit Venice but you're not too keen on huge crowds, consider visiting a nearby island instead of the main one.

There are over 118 islands on Venice's lagoon, which offer the same picture-perfect canals, but at a local, slower pace. Of course, these smaller islands don't have the same world-famous attractions as the main touristy areas, but they offer a great respite from the crowds.

Just 40 minutes from San Marco square, for example, Chioggia is a coastal fishing town that has a much more chill atmosphere than Venice.

Drop us an email with all your wisdom to travel@nine.com.au, and your tip could be featured in an upcoming story on 9Travel.