Alright, let me tell you about how I tried to keep myself safe while backpacking through Europe. It’s not a foolproof guide, but it’s what I actually did, and hopefully, it helps someone out there.
First things first: Before I even booked my flight, I did some serious research. I wasn’t just looking at the cool tourist spots, I was digging into crime rates in different cities. I went on travel forums, read blogs, and even checked government websites for travel advisories. Knowing which areas were sketchier than others helped me narrow down where I wanted to stay and what precautions I needed to take.
Next up: I made copies of everything! Passport, driver’s license, credit cards – you name it. I scanned them all and saved them to a cloud drive, so I could access them from anywhere if my originals got lost or stolen. I also emailed a copy to myself and to a trusted friend back home. And of course, I kept a separate, printed copy in my luggage, away from my actual passport.
Okay, so I’m on the ground in Europe. What then?
- Accommodation: I always, and I mean ALWAYS, checked reviews before booking a place. I looked for mentions of safety and security, not just cleanliness and location. I preferred hostels or hotels with 24-hour reception and secure luggage storage. When I arrived, I made sure the doors and windows locked properly.
- Blending in (or trying to): I tried not to scream “tourist.” I ditched the fanny pack (sorry, not sorry) and opted for a crossbody bag that I could keep close to my body. I also tried to dress relatively conservatively, avoiding flashy jewelry or expensive clothing. It’s not about being someone you’re not, it’s about minimizing your visibility as a target.
- Money smarts: I didn’t carry all my cash at once. I divided it up and kept it in different places – a little in my wallet, some in a hidden pocket in my backpack, and some in my sock (yeah, I know, not glamorous). I also used a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and I only withdrew cash when I absolutely needed it. I always paid in local currency.
- Walking around: I avoided walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. I stuck to well-traveled streets and if I had to go somewhere far, used reputable taxi or ride-sharing services. When I was using my phone for directions, I tried to be discreet and aware of my surroundings. No wandering around staring at my screen!
- Public transport: Pickpockets love crowded trains and buses. I always kept my bag in front of me, zipped up, and held onto it tightly. I avoided standing near the doors or in crowded areas where it would be easier for someone to bump into me and swipe something.
- Scams: I read up on common scams in the areas I was visiting. The “friendship bracelet” scam, the “dropped wallet” scam – there are tons of them. Being aware of these tricks helped me avoid falling for them. If someone approached me offering something for free or trying to distract me, I just kept walking.
One specific time in Barcelona, a group of people tried to distract me by “accidentally” spilling something on my shirt. Luckily, I had read about this scam beforehand, and I quickly backed away and went into a nearby cafe to clean myself up. They clearly targeted me because I was looking at a map.
Tech stuff: I set up a strong passcode on my phone and enabled location tracking. I also installed a “find my phone” app, just in case. I backed up my photos and contacts regularly to the cloud, so I wouldn’t lose everything if my phone got stolen.
Finally, and this is important: Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to be rude or assertive if you feel like you’re being targeted. Walk away, find a safe place, and alert the authorities if necessary.
Look, no system is perfect, and bad things can happen. But by taking these precautions, I felt a lot more confident and in control during my travels. Stay safe out there!
