5 Essential Tips for a Safe Trip to Europe This Year
Essential Travel Tips for Your France, Switzerland, and Italy Trip
My mom always told me to dress casually in Europe to blend in with the locals and avoid becoming a target for pickpockets. While her advice was sound, I just couldn't resist swapping outfits every single day! Since I couldn't sacrifice my style, I made sure to prepare thoroughly to keep myself and my belongings safe throughout my European adventure.
Let’s be honest: while not everyone falls victim to theft in Europe, I prefer to be over-prepared than sorry. Here is my guide to traveling safely through France, Switzerland, and Italy.
1. Managing Your Luggage
- Luggage Tags & Identification: Use bright ribbons or unique markers on your suitcases to make them stand out. This significantly reduces the risk of someone accidentally grabbing your bag at the baggage claim.
- Tracking: Place an AirTag in your suitcase. I’ve heard horror stories of travelers whose luggage was taken, and even when it was recovered, the airport staff didn't proactively reach out. With an AirTag, you remain in control of your belongings.
- Add a Personal Touch: A unique sticker or luggage tag not only helps identification but adds personality to your gear.
2. Handling Money
- Go Cashless: I relied almost entirely on Apple Pay and credit cards throughout my trip. It is incredibly convenient. Just remember to carry a small amount of cash, as some Airbnb hosts require city taxes to be paid in person.
- Backup Cards: Always carry at least two different credit/debit cards. My primary card worked perfectly in France but was declined in Switzerland. Having a backup saved my trip.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep your bank’s emergency card-blocking hotline saved in your phone.
3. Passport and Documentation
- Keep Originals Secure: Store your passport in a safe place at your accommodation. Carry a digital PDF copy on your phone. In my experience, even when police conducted spot checks on trains between France and Germany, a digital copy was perfectly acceptable.
- Cloud Backups: Scan your plane tickets and travel documents, then save them to a cloud service (like Google Drive or iCloud). Keep a physical photocopy in your luggage just in case your phone is lost or stolen.
- Consular Information: Save the address and phone number of the Vietnamese Embassy in each country you visit.
4. Protecting Your Belongings
- Bike Locks are a Must: When traveling by train or FlixBus, use a long bicycle cable lock to secure your suitcases to the overhead rack or the metal poles in the luggage area. If you’re taking a bus, this is the only way to ensure your bag remains in the cargo hold until you reach your destination.
- Anti-Theft Bags: Wear a cross-body bag positioned in front of you. Use mini S-biner clips to lock the zippers of your backpack or handbag. If you carry a backpack, invest in a dedicated anti-theft model.
- Camera & Phone Safety: Use a sturdy camera strap or a dedicated camera bag. For your phone, use a wrist lanyard and never leave it sitting loosely on a table. In Europe, if an item is out of your direct grasp, it is effectively fair game for thieves.
5. Additional Safety Tips
- Train Safety: Avoid standing near train doors. Thieves often wait for the last second to snatch your bag and jump off the train as the doors are closing.
- Escalators: When moving luggage up escalators, have one person at the top and one at the bottom to watch the bags.
- Stay Alert: Be wary of strangers who approach you in public spaces. Politely decline unsolicited help and avoid holding items for people you don't know.
Source: Ngoc Quyen
