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Friday, March 29, 2024

Before I left the U.S., I did a ton of research on each city and country I planned to visit in order to ensure as much safety as possible. There were quite a few horror stories about being pick-pocketed in places like Paris, but I figured I’d just use common sense. And I don’t want to speak prematurely, but it worked.

When I arrived in Paris from London, the train station was loaded with sketchy men and women asking to help me with my bags, offering “discounted” taxi rides and even approaching me as I bought my metro pass, asking if I “needed any help.” Buying a metro ticket requires no help. Just tell them no, and they’ll go away.

Whether in a train station or at a popular site, I guarded my cross-body bag with my life. I like these bags more than a regular purse because they’re harder to snatch.

For added security, each morning when I got dressed I put the bag on under my coat so it would be partially hidden. Even then, I held my bag throughout the day and periodically checked inside for my belongings, especially in the Louvre Museum. Thieves know exactly where to go and who to target.

Although I felt completely safe in each city I’ve been to (even walked around alone at 4 a.m. in Copenhagen, past 10 p.m. in London and during the night in Paris’ Latin quarter), I thought I would tell those of you headed to Europe this summer the things that I did to stay safe.

Don’t just look confident, be confident. This comes with research, in my opinion.

Don’t walk around flashing your presumed “American wealth.” (Includes having your fancy smartphone/camera out everywhere, wearing flashy jewelry/clothes, etc.)

Know where you’re going before you go out in public. Before I left my Airbnb each day, I used Google Maps to plan my metro route to my first destination. Then I made a mental note of it. When it was time for my next destination, I either went into a restroom to look at a map or checked my surroundings and then used my phone. You don’t want to be out head down, looking at a map like a vulnerable, lost tourist.

When I walked around with my backpack, I secured the zippers together with twist ties. You know, the little ties that you secure a loaf of bread with. This might not stop a thief from trying, but it will most certainly be an inconvenience for them, and they’ll probably move on. I bought mine at a dollar store.

Touristy areas: just be aware. Don’t get lost in your phone or something else and forget that thieves do exist. Besides, if you’re not taking pictures, you should put your phone away and enjoy the atmosphere!

Common sense: Use it. Behave the same way you would in a big city in your native country.

Don’t become so hyper-aware and/or paranoid that you forget to have fun. Be smart and you’ll be fine!

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