Chain your bike to a solid object for extra security

Bike security when you're touring is usually a compromise between convenience, weight and location.

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Heavy chains and locks take up too much room in already crowded luggage and taking a shorter, lighter chain limits the opportunities to attach the bike to immovable street furniture.

You'll also have a limited idea of safe locations, not knowing if the area you¹re in is a bike crime hot spot or relatively safe. The best compromise is a good quality cable lock.

Combined with a bit of common sense you should be able to discourage all but the most determined thief.

A surprising amount of hotels abroad will let you tuck your bike in a corner somewhere so it's worth asking before you book.

Campsites usually have their own on-site security (even council run sites in France will have an onsite caretaker) so make sure you speak to them.

When you do this you're not just getting advice but also subliminally matching yourself with your bike.

If security see anyone else taking an interest in your bike they're more likely to ask questions.
 
If there's no option but to park on the road, remove everything from the bike including empty hard luggage.

Choose a location that's in a busy well-lit street and in sight of your hotel. The majority of high value bikes are taken by thieves lifting them into vans so it's crucial that you attach your bike to something solid like a lamp post.

If you¹re traveling in a group, attach all the bikes together. Cables can be bolt-cropped much easier than chains so make it difficult for the thief by keeping the cable clear of the ground.