I feel safer in Europe than I do in some parts of the United
States. On my first trip to Europe, I traveled solo. I felt completely safe for the entire trip. This is not to say that there
are no security or safety risks when you travel to Europe. However, I feel that as long as you use common sense and good judgement
you should be okay.
Although, this is not to say there violent crime shouldn't
be a concern, I think as travelers we are more prone to being victims of theft, scams and pick pockets.
Here are some main points that I have learned during my travels:
Keep your valuables Safe: Use
a hidden security neck pouch or a money belt to keep your credit cards, ATM cards, money and passport in. Keep only a small
amount of currency in your purse/fanny pack/wallet that you will use for the day. Use a safety pin to secure your pockets,
handbag or fanny pack. I actually have a handbag that I can sling over my ahead across my body and during long travel periods,
I will lock it and also put a lock on my luggage and hand carrys. When I'm sitting at a cafe or bar, I rarely take off my
handbag and I never sling it on the back of my chair. I always have it firmly in my pocession. I use a security
neck pouch where I keep all my ATM Cards and Credit Cards, my important account information and my passport. When there
is a safe in my hotel/apartment, I will leave my valuables there and only take enough cash for the day.
Pickpockets:
Be aware of pickpockets on public transportation and crowded tourist locations. They are certainly aware of you. Be aware
of who is standing close to you. If someone is standing right next to you on an empty bus, something is up. This actually
happened to a tour mate during my last trip. She was pick pocketed by a man that stood next to her on a bus that we took to
see the Trevi Fountain.
Create An Emergency Contact Sheet:
In the event you should become a victim, you should create an emergency contact sheet which has all of your account information
and bank contact phone numbers. You should also have Embassy information in all the cities and towns you will be visiting
in the event you need to contact them in an emergency.
What to do if You are Pickpocketed:
You should definitely make a crime report of the theft listing all the information that was stolen. Contact all the banks
to cancel the cards that have been stolen and arrange for a new card. This is the very reason why I travel with at least
2-3 ATM cards and Credit cards. In case one is lost or stolen. If your passport is stolen, you should have the
information on what to do to replace it. Most likely it will be at the US Embassy which is why you need to have the
contact information.
