Read our tips on keeping you and your stuff safe, while travelling around Europe. The majority of travellers go plain sailing through their Europe trip, but it’s good to be clued up before you set off, to ensure it’s a memorable experience for all the right reasons!
Don’t let these things put you off! But do be alert, use your common sense and travel with confidence, then you’re bound to enjoy one of the greatest travel experiences of your life!
Tips for travelling safe
Clothing
Consider how you dress. What might be acceptable in your own country may attract unwanted attention in another. Girls, be aware of a revealing midriff and cleavage! In some countries, it can also be pretty offensive, so try to adapt your style to the locals. That will also help avoid you standing out in the crowd.
One of the oldest tricks in the book for girls, is to wear a fake wedding ring and unsubtly wave it around should one of the locals (or fellow travellers) take a fancy to you!
Know where to go
Just as in your own city, some areas are safer than others. Of course, when you arrive in a new place, it’s unlikely you’ll know where is good to go and where is best to avoid. Ask at your hostel or chat with locals, who will be happy to give you some tips.
Especially for girls – try to go out at night in groups, unless you’re really confident that the area is safe.
At night
Don’t get wasted! One of the great parts of travelling around Europe is experiencing the varied nightlife on offer. Just keep control of how much you drink – don’t go too mad and make yourself a vulnerable target. Also, make sure you always keep your drink with you and be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers – you don’t want to fall victim to drink-spiking.
Be careful who you go home with. We don’t want to advise you on your private life, but just think twice before you head home with that hot chick or sizzling hunk.
Hand it over
If a thief tries to rob you, just hand over whatever they want. Anything he/she takes is replaceable – your life isn't. Make sure you head straight to the police office to file a report. You’ll need the report to be able make a claim with your insurance company.
Hide your stuff
Use a money belt which you can fasten around your waist and conceal underneath your clothing. You can store your passport, cash and credit cards safely in there.
Avoid wearing a day-sized rucksack on your back in busy areas, as you cannot see if a thief is trying to unzip it – instead wear the bag on your front. Boys, don’t keep your wallet stuffed in your back pocket as it’s an easy invitation to thieves.
Leave the bling at home! Expensive jewellery or flashy sunglasses project one message only – that you’ve got stuff worth nicking!
Don’t keep all your valuables in one place – spread your stash! If you have two credit cards (it’s advisable to have two in case one gets lost or stolen) put them in different places.
Use the hostel’s safe to store all your valuables. Keep copies of valuable documents (passport/tickets/insurance) in a separate place to the originals. You can also store important information, such as credit card cancellation phone numbers, in an email or web cloud.
If you’re going to the beach don’t leave your valuables unattended if you’re going for a dip – either make sure someone stays with the belongings and you take turns in going in the water, or leave all your important stuff in the hostel safe for the day.
Stolen stuff
If your credit cards are stolen, immediately call your bank to cancel the cards. If you’re mobile phone is stolen, call your provider to put an immediate block on the number, otherwise you could return home to a hefty bill.
In case your valuable InterRail pass is lost or stolen and you were smart enough to include Pass Loss & Theft Cover with your order, the extra travel costs incurred, will be covered up to the remaining value of your InterRail pass. Follow these instructions on making a claim. If you don't have Pass Loss & Theft Cover, you'll need to buy a new pass or individual train tickets to complete your trip!
On the move
If there’s room, keep your backpack in the rack above your seat. If this isn’t possible, you’ll need to store the backpack in the rack at the end of the coach. Only leave the coach while the train is moving, so there’s no chance someone hops off the train with your beloved backpack in tow.
When travelling on a sleeper train, fasten your backpack to the seat or rack using a lock. It’s also a good idea to sleep with all your valuables!
Overnight
It may be by choice or sheer bad luck, but you might find yourself sleeping at a train station. If this is the case, use your backpack as a pillow and try to keep any zips on the underside.
Check if the train station has lockers and for a small cost you can store your belongings there while you sleep – check the opening times coincide with your train times.
