Safety Tips To Know Before You Travel To Europe

March 5, 2018

When you travel to Europe, or anywhere for that matter, you need to stay safe. Check out a few tips I have learned along the way!

Traveling to new places can be highly rewarding, but it can be overwhelming if you’re not sure how safe you’ll feel away from home. 

As someone who has traveled abroad both by myself and with friends, I’ve picked up a few tips and have seen a few things on the road that have helped me stay safe for future trips and hope they’ll be helpful for you too!

Be Aware Of Your Valuables

It might seem like common sense, but it’s not- pickpockets are crafty buggers and they’re just as much of an issue around the Eiffel Tower as they are on the trains in Barcelona. 

By being aware of common safety issues while traveling, you can avoid scams and theft.  Pickpockets use two forms of attack-  distraction and crowded spaces.

We were approached by a woman with a very worn looking clipboard in Paris who didn’t ask if I was French or talk about an issue, but wanted a signature.  Classic pickpocket move.  Another experience in downtown Paris was with three young children who were selling pastries on a tray.  You are distracted and a second or third person (yes, sometimes children) will approach you from behind.  We avoided both by saying “no thanks” and moving along quickly- but saw that both times there were other people in the scam closely watching.

The second tactic is to take advantage of a backpack pocket or grab a phone on a crowded train where you’re naturally in close contact with others.  A pickpocket can grab something out of a pocket and hop off on the next train. 

Be Careful About Wi-Fi

Depending on the length of your trip, take care of your bills and financial updates before you leave.  Connecting to Wi-Fi can be shady and “free” Wi-Fi without passwords means it’s hardly secure.

When we’ve travelled around to different hotels in Europe, some weren’t password secured, so we didn’t take the risk of logging into our banking or budgeting apps while we were there. 

There are also a lot of “FREE Wi-Fi” spots that will be available when you’re out and about, regardless of what you plan on doing, don’t use these.  Seems common sense, but many people think it’s harmless to connect “just for a moment,” and it might not be. You should be very aware that identity theft can occur when you’re on vacation and take steps to avoid it.

Get Your Bank & Cash In Order

Be sure to call your bank and let them know what dates you’ll be gone and what countries you’ll be in for all credit cards and debit cards you plan on using. 

Most people also have questions on whether to get cash before they go.  If you’re planning on exchanging cash ahead of time, be sure to get it at least 72 hours of time as your bank may not carry that type of currency. 

If you need cash when you get there, check to see if your bank has an ATM or branch where you’re headed.  Otherwise, you may be charged an ATM fee from the machine, plus a fee from your bank on top of the exchange rate.  Whenever we travel, we typically get cash ahead of time and mainly use credit cards since we get 2x-3x points for travel cards.  Having cash can come in handy- but many places in Europe take cards.

Look Into Travel Insurance

Some trips are too special (or expensive) to take a risk on, so you might want to consider if travel insurance fits your needs.  We once booked a trip to Mexico that was at the very tail end of hurricane season, in an area that rarely was impacted by hurricanes- yet we still were met with a category 5 hurricane that threw off our plans and meant we were on the hook for the unused resort nights, a rental car and a hotel inland since we didn’t want to stay at the hotel’s hurricane shelter. Travel insurance would have been a smart move when we booked our trip.

Travel insurance offers a few options and types of coverage. It can give you the benefits of following coverage- trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, missed connection coverage and change fees coverage.  Be aware, that travel insurance only covers if it’s secured before a weather event is named (meaning, booked before you know something’s gone awry) so get your travel insurance when you book your trip.

It also can help you out if you should need medical, dental care or emergency transportation.  For those of you with super active itineraries, or a tendency to be accident prone, travel insurance for when you travel to Europe could be a good bet for unforeseen medical oopsies as well.

 

 

 

This post was written as part of the Allstate Influencer Program and sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are mine. As the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, Allstate is dedicated not only to protecting what matters most–but to guiding people to live the Good Life, every day.

54 comments so far.

54 responses to “Safety Tips To Know Before You Travel To Europe”

  1. Erin says:

    We love traveling in Europe. Hope to do Amsterdam next summer. Great post!

  2. Jill says:

    Pickpockets are an issue when you travel. Good post!

  3. Lindsay says:

    We absolutely loved going to Paris, and yes- you have to be careful off all the wifi hotspots that have FREE in capital letters, always be aware of how you connect. It’s just not safe!

  4. Laura says:

    I can definitely appreciate the mention of Travel Insurance. The chase sapphire reserve has $10K of travel protection per person! It’s got a pricey annual fee, but worth it for me considering the travel protection and all the other perks.

    • Shannyn says:

      That is also a great piece of advice! I should write an article about that since it’s one of my favorite cards and I used the points bonus to fund the trip!

  5. David Hoyt says:

    Great post – lots of good things to watch out for. The scammers are always one step ahead of you, and do this for a living, so you definitely need to be careful.

    • Shannyn says:

      Oh totally! They have it worked out and all the tourists pegged. I was surprised that the petition lady was at the airport when we were getting ready to leave- but what better place to do it ? You are already getting your wallet out and all that, perfect time!

  6. Just wanted to say thank you for your presentation at the Heart of Hospitality Brunch. Our table was filled with grandmas, young mothers and singles, and all of them said how much they enjoyed your talk. You managed to be entertaining while also giving us a new way of thinking about hospitality. I am happy the bad weather was unable to keep you from us.

  7. Omio Coupons says:

    Great post – lots of good things to watch out for. The scammers are always one step ahead of you, and do this for a living, so you definitely need to be careful.

  8. Art World says:

    I really enjoyed this post. (Always awaiting your next one) Laughing my way through. As an avowed serial painter I have learned never to use tape. It adds like 16 extra unnecessary hours to a job. Also guilty of not painting the ceilings and completely regretting it later. Lazy. Do you mind if I put a link to this post on my blog? I would love to share as I am painting my stairway hall from top to floors and you have a very witty tutorial here.

  9. Thanks for the great tips. I was looking everywhere for Information. I needed a general idea for my upcoming trip. It’s really hard getting details regarding tourism in Sudan. So I really appreciate all the effort you entered I. This guide.

  10. I always enjoy these posts, Nancy. Not sure if I’ll ever make it to Namibia but I feel lucky to have shared your adventures via the blog! So much to see and wonder about – the animals, the rivers, and the wonderful people who welcomed you. Thank you for sharing with us.

  11. lisa says:

    Hello, Travel is the best hobby for many people all over the world. I think it is the best way to create positivity in life. Many people travel all over the world as soon as possible. I also want to travel alone. The places that you mention in the article to travel alone is best places all over the world. I really need this information.Amalfi

  12. carrry says:

    Hello, Travel is the best hobby for many people all over the world. I think it is the best way to create positivity in life. Many people travel all over the world as soon as possible. I also want to travel alone. The places that you mention in the article to travel alone is best places all over the world. I really need this information.Sehenswürdigkeiten Mandalay

  13. lisa says:

    I am looking into visiting or participating in the Travel Show next year, representing a resort I work for. However, the investment seems a bit too big, considering the return. I was considering maybe participating as a general attendee, to just check out the show this year, to see how it is, to get the vibe and see if we could benefit.
    My question is, how much networking opportunities would it be possible to get as a representative of a resort, yet not having a booth, or official representing status?furnished rentals Halifax

  14. lisa says:

    I really enjoyed this post. (Always awaiting your next one) Laughing my way through. As an avowed serial painter I have learned never to use tape. It adds like 16 extra unnecessary hours to a job. Also guilty of not painting the ceilings and completely regretting it later. Lazy. Do you mind if I put a link to this post on my blog? I would love to share as I am painting my stairway hall from top to floors and you have a very witty tutorial here.Israel VIP

  15. lisa says:

    These are all great tips! I’ll definitely take note of them. We’re actually planning to have an out-of-town trip after our wedding on June 26. This guide will be helpful in planning for that trip. Thank you for sharing this!Yarra Valley Wine Tours

  16. carry says:

    Thanks for the great checklist. I was looking everywhere for Information. I needed a general idea for my upcoming trip. It’s really hard getting details regarding tourism in Sudan. So I really appreciate all the effort you entered I. Tibet Everest Base camp

  17. These are great ideas and easily translate to autumn in a beautiful location like the Isle of Wight With a rich farming and smallholding heritage harvest brings the very best of produce in abundance. I love being minutes from the sea then strolling over to a farmer laden with apples ‘taters’ (potatoes) kale and chard, onions, and eggs! Bucolic bliss!

  18. lisa says:

    I can definitely appreciate the mention of Travel Insurance. The chase sapphire reserve has $10K of travel protection per person! It’s got a pricey annual fee, but worth it for me considering the travel protection and all the other perks.Singapore Traveler

  19. tuky says:

    I wish my parents planned trips around the US, I can’t wait to see more of it! Adri we’re a little old school like that, we’ll still have GPS (because my husband LOVES gadgets) but we will be using the map, we did for the last couple trips we took.Omio Coupons

  20. carry says:

    Your blog is awesome because you put the light on historical places that we must want to visit. When we visit these places then we know about our great leaders and great places. Travel is a source of pleasure and enjoyment. I also visit many beautiful places in the world. They bring a positive change in our thinking and we feel fresh. I am very glad to learn a lot about your travel tips knowledge. Your tips are rich with a lot of useful knowledge.TRAVEL

  21. Great tips but the funny thing here is, my kids are great travelers. I am NOT. I’m the one that needs all of the toys to keep me occupied so I can ignore all of the crazy traffic!

  22. lisa says:

    I am wondering if you could advise me as to stay on the Buda or Pest side? From what I have read so far, I understand that the views are generally nicer from the Buda side, where as there is a lot more to do on the Pest side(keeping in mind that it is definitely not the quieter and calmer of the two.Private Desert Safari Dubai

  23. carry says:

    Another possibility? Find a side hustle you can use to finance your travels. My husband and I are musicians (classic rock/country) who play at small- to mid-size venues throughout Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. This has enabled us to visit a lot of places we might not have been able to under normal circumstances, plus makes routine travel expenses such as mileage, lodging, and meals tax-deductible!from Toronto to Niagara Falls

  24. lisa says:

    Hi, A wonderful post. You are extremely brave holding that tarantula – I wouldn’t even hold a normal spider willingly – I too am petrified by them, though I do understand that there’s no need to be scared of them normally but it doesn’t help me in the least. I also enjoyed the photo of your youngest drinking a cup of tea.Orlando Vacation Packages

  25. jack says:

    Hi, Your article content is being very much interested, I am very impressed with your post. I hope to receive more great posts.El Nido

  26. lisa says:

    Another possibility? Find a side hustle you can use to finance your travels. My husband and I are musicians (classic rock/country) who play at small- to mid-size venues throughout Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. This has enabled us to visit a lot of places we might not have been able to under normal circumstances, plus makes routine travel expenses such as mileage, lodging, and meals tax-deductible!phuket tours

  27. carry says:

    Techinn.com is the online technology one-stop shop for buying the best quality computers, electronics, mobile phones and gaming whose geek community has been increasing over the years at a great pace in many countries all over the world and who are the real lovers of technology.best online electronics store

  28. lisa says:

    Hi! your trip looks amazing 🙂 question .. I’m heading to Grand Cayman (Kimpton Seafire resort) in August and booked the North Sound Eco boat tour with Redsail through the Kimpton resort (includes 4 stops, Stingray City, Starfish Point, coral reef, and mangroves). I noticed the boat in your pictures looks like a different tour / boat then the tour that I booked. I would prefer the snorkel tour in your review. Which tour did you book?travel news and tips

  29. carry says:

    Hi, Camping with your baby can be a lot of fun, and can be a special time between you and your baby. Babies adjust easily and seem to enjoy the new sights and sounds of camping. There are many items made for a baby and for use with a baby on a camping trip. Thanks for the amazing information.Cheap Flights

  30. Seema says:

    Great tips for parents. Kids can trouble you for sure.
    Island of dolls

  31. lisa says:

    Travel is a source of pleasure and enjoyment. I also visit many beautiful places in the world. They bring a positive change in our thinking and we feel fresh. I am very glad to learn a lot about your travel tips knowledge. Your tips are rich with a lot of useful knowledge.Driving in Zanzibar

  32. carry says:

    Another possibility? Find a side hustle you can use to finance your travels. My husband and I are musicians (classic rock/country) who play at small- to mid-size venues throughout Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. This has enabled us to visit a lot of places we might not have been able to under normal circumstances, plus makes routine travel expenses such as mileage, lodging, and meals tax-deductible!Dubai overnight camping

  33. lisa says:

    Another possibility? Find a side hustle you can use to finance your travels. My husband and I are musicians (classic rock/country) who play at small- to mid-size venues throughout Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. This has enabled us to visit a lot of places we might not have been able to under normal circumstances, plus makes routine travel expenses such as mileage, lodging, and meals tax-deductible!Sri Lanakn safari tours

  34. lisa says:

    I don’t like renting cars while travelling. Some people find it handy but I don’t. You know, I like to stick to places where I stay. And by the way, I like resorts. there you can see a live view from Tenerife, Spain. Yeah, this is my next destination.Sri Lanakn safari tours

  35. lisa says:

    This sounds like such a great trip and I just love your little collections of mementos! I’m heading to Paris for the first time later in the fall and would love a travel guide — especially on places to eat! 🙂galle sri lanka

  36. carry says:

    You have no idea how much I’d love to travel to each of these places, not just in winter, but anytime! This winter though, I’ve already booked a short trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I wanted to plan a hot weather getaway, heh.Morning desert safari

  37. lisa says:

    Camping with your baby can be a lot of fun, and can be a special time between you and your baby. Babies adjust easily and seem to enjoy the new sights and sounds of camping. There are many items made for a baby and for use with a baby on a camping trip. Thanks for the amazing information.Become a Travel Agent

  38. lisa says:

    Hello,Travel is very important for life it can bring a positive change in the thinking. I am so happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that’s at the other blogs.goa travel guide

  39. lisa says:

    Hi, Why not cannabis? Cannabis can be gourmet. Europe is leading in this affair; and legal cannabis can bring in revenue. If the USA is slow to evolve, it may be left behind in this new growth in travel.Pu Luong Accommodation

  40. lisa says:

    I are travelling to San Diego for a week in May! Our favorite part of travelling is finding off-the-beaten-path places to eat, and he takes pride in ALWAYS finding the best obscure places.Day trip

  41. lisa says:

    Hi, Another possibility? Find a side hustle you can use to finance your travels. My husband and I are musicians (classic rock/country) who play at small- to mid-size venues throughout Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. This has enabled us to visit a lot of places we might not have been able to under normal circumstances, plus makes routine travel expenses such as mileage, lodging, and meals tax-deductible!hotels in dubai

  42. lisa says:

    This sounds like such a great trip and I just love your little collections of mementos! I’m heading to Paris for the first time later in the fall and would love a travel guide — especially on places to eat! 🙂cochin boating

  43. lisa says:

    Just wanted to say thank you for your presentation at the Heart of Hospitality Brunch. Our table was filled with grandmas, young mothers and singles, and all of them said how much they enjoyed your talk. You managed to be entertaining while also giving us a new way of thinking about hospitality. I am happy the bad weather was unable to keep you from us.Phuket Mai Khao Hotel

  44. lisa says:

    Camping with your baby can be a lot of fun, and can be a special time between you and your baby. Babies adjust easily and seem to enjoy the new sights and sounds of camping. There are many items made for a baby and for use with a baby on a camping trip. Thanks for the amazing information.travel to Tibet

  45. lisa says:

    This sounds like such a great trip and I just love your little collections of mementos! I’m heading to Paris for the first time later in the fall and would love a travel guide — especially on places to eat! 🙂 Visit dubai combo tour package for the cheapest packages of the tour.

  46. lisa says:

    The downstairs has a game room and additional wet bar area where guests can play billiards or ping-ping as well as traditional card games and board games. Every bedroom has a flatscreen TV and full-length mirror with colorful and tasteful bedding and decor. Visitors come the Scottsdale area to escape the cold winter months, to play or watch golf, attend spring training baseball games, or to attend other local events such as auctions, horse shows, and charity dinners.Resort Home

  47. lisa says:

    Another possibility? Find a side hustle you can use to finance your travels. My husband and I are musicians (classic rock/country) who play at small- to mid-size venues throughout Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. This has enabled us to visit a lot of places we might not have been able to under normal circumstances, plus makes routine travel expenses such as mileage, lodging, and meals tax-deductible!indian visa

  48. lisa says:

    This feeling truly feels like dating again, taking us back before our kids and keeps the fire burning stronger. Thanks to your post I now won’t disappoint my wife on our next journey thank you.Taxi Service In Bhubaneswar

  49. lisa says:

    Camping with your baby can be a lot of fun, and can be a special time between you and your baby. Babies adjust easily and seem to enjoy the new sights and sounds of camping. There are many items made for a baby and for use with a baby on a camping trip. Thanks for the amazing information.scearch and book your hotel

  50. lisa says:

    Hi, Great travel tips thanks, guys! We are in the final stages of prep and planning, and although we have booked a few flights, we’re so happy to have kept the plan open-ended as every day someone tweets/blogs about a new experience we want to have!diy cycling vietnam

  51. lisa says:

    Camping with your baby can be a lot of fun, and can be a special time between you and your baby. Babies adjust easily and seem to enjoy the new sights and sounds of camping. There are many items made for a baby and for use with a baby on a camping trip. Thanks for the amazing information.budapest short term rentals

Welcome!

Get Updates Via Email

Join The Frugal Beautiful Update List!
Get Posts Sent To Your Inbox...subscribe below!



test