My personal travel philosophy is to not do anything out of the ordinary, I would never wear a money belt or neck pouch although to each their own. I believe staying alert and vigilant is more than enough, if average people live and work in these cities we visit why should we have anything to worry about? I am partial to the Cinque Terre in Italy and is always worth a visit, you will be greeted with people trying to rent their rooms as soon as you step off the train. I have always been able to get great ocean view rooms at very reasonable prices if you negotiate.

Cheers..