Begging. As a traveler, this common behavior in Central American culture requires adjustment. Americans live by a strict personal space rule. I won't invade your bubble, you don't invade mine. It's simple, understood, inherent in our society. Any breach of this contract results in immediate physical and emotional reactions. The stiffening of the muscles, narrowing of the eyes, the brain switching from participating in the conversation into fight or flight mode. This is not something we take lightly.
The fastest way to overcome this is to encounter the begging children of Central America. There are no boundaries that can't be crossed, no lines that can't be erased. Audacious in their persistence, it can be overwhelming and extremely uncomfortable for those who have yet to be exposed. They are dirty and thin, which aids them as they seek your good will and sense of compassion. There is no shame in this game. Expect to be shocked at their attempts. They will touch you, grab you, and refuse to take no for an answer. They will follow you through the streets, willing you to cave and give them what they seek.

Do not be fooled by these innocent facades! These children are trained by their parents to rob you.
When traveling in a poorer country where begging is common, never keep anything in your back pockets where they can be reached while you are unaware. The best method is to split up your cash and credit cards into different front pockets. The two most important rules to abide by: never carry your passport with you, and never carry more cash than what you will need for that day.

Ladies, never put your purse on the ground or on the back of your chair. Keep it in your lap at all times, and when you are walking have your arm firmly around it, zipped up, so that you will feel if someone is trying to reach in and grab something.

A quick way to become a target is to appear like the naïve tourist. Walk purposefully as if you know where you are going. If you must look at a map to get your bearings, pop into the closest shop and pull it out inside. Opening a map on the street screams vulnerable tourist, and that is what beggars prey upon. Avoid pulling your wallet or money out in the midst of a crowd. You want to look as inconspicuous as possible, and flashing bills around while figuring out the exchange rate shows that you have something worth stealing. Figure out in your head first how much cash you need, then very slyly pull out only that exact amount, preferably in all small bills or coins.

A common tactic I have seen many times is the distraction game. One beggar creates a diversion, commanding the attention of all parties targeted. While everyone is fully engaged, the other beggar comes up from behind the group and grabs whatever he can while no one is looking. It happened to me in Argentina, and I didn't realize anything had happened until we were leaving the restaurant. My bag, which I had placed on the floor at my feet, was gone. They were able to reach all the way under the table to where my feet were without me feeling a thing!

It is better to err on the side of paranoid traveler when spending time in third world countries. These are professionals, despite the fact that they are children. Never let your eyes leave your belongings, because it is that moment that they are watching for. It may not be possible to ever be comfortable with the affronts of street begging. But if you come to accept and expect it, you know how to avoid most encounters and protect your possessions. After all, the only thing you want to be worried about on your vacation is if your stomach is empty enough to hold that bottle of wine you just ordered!

Erin Parker