First ever Europe trip and slightly anxious....:)

Glenn, The others have provided lots of good advice, and I have a few thoughts to add. As you're leaving in about a week, you won't have time to read Europe Through The Back Door, but I'm sure the group here will be able to provide a short "tutorial" on important parts of the book. I've travelled only on my own in the past, but these days I typically combine a RS tour along with some time on my own both before and after the tour. I find that to be a great combination (the best of both worlds). One of the most important "skills" you'll need to learn quickly is navigating the rail systems. It can be a bit confusing at first, and there are a few "caveats" that you'll need to be aware of in Italy. For example, tickets on Regionale trains MUST be validated prior to boarding the train, or you'll risk a hefty fine which will be collected on the spot (and it's NOT cheap)! Fast trains have compulsory reservations (included if using P-P tickets), but you MUST have a valid reservation for the train you're on, or again hefty fines. The same is true when riding Buses in Rome - BE SURE to validate! The pickpockets and scammers can be a bit annoying, so you'll need to be "situationally aware". Be especially vigilant if distractions occur, in very tightly crowded places, and be wary of people that want to "help" you buy tickets at ticket Kiosks. Some good examples of crowded conditions are the Metro or Buses. You should be especially careful on the infamous #64 Bus in Rome (and to a lesser extent the #40), as it has a reputation for pickpockets. If you're offered a "friendship bracelet" in Paris (often near the Eiffel Tower), DON'T extend your arm. The bracelet will be securely attached, and then they'll expect money. Continued.....

Glenn - Part 2..... If anyone asks you to sign a Petition, tell them you're not interested. I tend to wonder why they're circulating a Petition in English if it's intended for local residents. BE SURE to keep Daypacks or other valuables close at hand, and watch them closely. Be especially vigilant when withdrawing money at ATM's. If a number of children approach you, it might be wise to cancel the transaction and move on to another ATM. I'm not sure if you'll be able to watch it in your area, but you might have a look at THIS AWARD WINNING PROGRAM. The most common thing you'll likely encounter is apparently disadvantaged people (often from Romania or other parts of eastern Europe) with their hand out seeking "donations", especially around popular tourist attractions. While they might seem poor, this is a well organized criminal enterprise and the money often goes to their bosses. There are too many scams to list them all here. I tend to use a Progressive Defense approach to scammers. I start with a polite "No" but if they persist, I escalate to a more blunt and "harder" warning. I'm somewhat "large" which probably helps, but they usually get the message very quickly and move on. As the others have said, BE SURE to wear a Money Belt under your clothes. This is NOT used for routine transactions, but rather "deep storage" for Passport, credit cards, etc. ONLY access it where no one can see. Keep a few Euros in a secure pocket for making purchases when you're touring. I'd would HIGHLY recommend taking at least two ATM cards and one credit card. Note that travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four-number PIN. Continued.....

Glenn - Part 3..... Another thing you'll most likely see is small children wandering back and forth on the Metro trying to make something that resembles music with a small Accordion. While they present a pathetic appearance, this is also most often a scam, and their "handlers" are not far away. Expect a few problems. That's a fact of travel. The experience you gain from this trip will help you to improve on the next one (and I'm confident you WILL plan a next trip). You'll have to learn the method that works best for you in dealing with jet lag. Everyone handles it differently. I find that I often need a "power nap" to keep me going on arrival day, but it gets better after that. I also usually have "pre-trip jitters" and "what in the world are you doing" thoughts prior to every trip, but these disappear when I board the first flight. I find that a mental adjustment takes place when I sit down on the plane - all the arrangements are in place, and I'm now in "holiday mode"! I'm always tired and jet lagged when I arrive, but once I'm settled in the Hotel I'm anxious to start touring and exploring a place I haven't seen before. One final word of caution. Are you travelling with a Cellphone (ESPECIALLY a Smartphone such as an iPhone or Android device)? You will need to be VERY careful about data roaming charges (they can be HUGE). You will of course need appropriate Plug Adapters specific to the countries you're visiting. Happy travels!

I envy you and the experiences you have in front of you. You are going to have such an awesome trip. I have yet to travel solo. I know of two friends who were pickpocketed in Paris. Why did it happen? Because they did not listen to my advice of wearing their money belt. One person had their wallet in their side pant pocket, the other one in their deep cargo pant pocket. I wear the money belt and then carry a satchel in which I have my tour books, maps, etc. Have a great trip!

Wear money belt, always be aware of your surroundings and best advice is to read the Graffiti Wall section of this site. Full of lots of things to be aware of, such as the "dropped ring", being asked to sign petitions so when distracted, your pocket is picked, etc. If you are being annoyed, get noisy and shout out "NO".

Pre-travel jitters are normal. Pickpockets don't hassle you, the opposite. People don't usually realize that it's happening. But it rarely happens and if you are travel-smart, it either won't happen to you or if it does, it won't be a big loss. I usually only keep in my pockets what I'll need for the day, and I leave the rest (plastic, cash) in a secure place in my lodgings or in a money belt (inside my clothes). When I have valuables that I need to carry around in my backpack, I will secure the opening with a tiny padlock, which wouldn't make a difference if someone stole it, but it would deter the pickpocket. When I set it down, the strap is either around my leg or the leg of my chair (in a restaurant, say). The people that may possibly hassle you are kids and scammers. Ignore them. If someone who doesn't look like a tourist (camera, shorts, etc) asks if you speak English, ignore them. If someone asks if you dropped something, ignore them. I travel alone a lot (older woman) and rarely get hassled, so I doubt you will either. It's a good idea to keep a photocopy of your passport and your credit/AMT cards somewhere safe, just in case they go missing, and the phone numbers to call to notify your card issuers, if needed. Another good idea is to email yourself copies of all your accommodation, tour and travel reservations, so that you can access them if they get lost. Frankly, when I fly, the thing I worry most about (not trying to add to your uneasiness, really) is lost luggage. So I always carry on everything that I really need, plus whatever I need for the first day or two on arrival. If a bag does go missing, it usually turns up within 48 hours.

Chanti's points are excellent. I too travel solo and have learned over many years to simply ignore adorable children approaching me, gypsies, people asking me if I speak English, etc. When strolling if approached say nothing and keep walking, if pressed say NO and keep moving. Has NOT happened a lot so don't expect you are going to be preyed upon while you travel. If you get lost walk into a shop and ask the proprietor for directions, don't stand outside on the sidewalk looking at a map or guidebook. Wear the money belt, pack as light as you can for two months so you aren't burdened with luggage, use bank ATM's to collect your monies, and enjoy the sites. Nothing like Europe.

Go you!!! I am so excited for you. This will be the experience of a lifetime for you and before you get home you will most likely be planning your next trip. It is natural to get nervous, even if it isn't a first trip. Traveling alone is a little different than traveling with someone else. For example you would not have anyone to watch your bag while you go into the bathroom. If someone offers, decline them. For that reason, pack as light as possible so you don't have to bring a large bag. Do laundry more frequently if you have to, but if you bring a carry on sized bag and a day bag or backpack your luggage can't get lost and it is easier to keep track of. Be extra vigilant and ignore people who try to get your attention. Wear a money belt under your clothes with your passport, credit cards and large amounts of cash. Only have in your wallet or pocket spending money for the day. My brother took a solo 4 month trip to Europe about 5 years ago. He had a large backpack and a daybag. The daybag contained his passport, money, and anything else important. He arrived by train in Bruges and when he stepped outside of the station he set his daybag down and looked around to get his bearings. He walked off attempting to figure out which way he should go. He realized he had walked further than he thought, went back and you guessed it, the daybag was gone. He called me in a panick, not knowing what to do. Everything he really needed was gone. I suggested he go the the police station, on the off chance someone turned it in. He did, and lo and behold, there was his daybag. My point, never let anything leave your body, hidden under your clothes, that you REALLY need. Someone made a good suggestion to read the Graffiti Wall on this website to learn the scams. Knowledge is power. Have a fantastic trip!!!

Good for you! Sounds like a magnificent trip. Jitters are common. I get them before every trip. A few years ago I did a poll (I thought my jitters were unusual) among my friends who I consider frequent travelers and only one said she didn't get nervous. So welcome to the club. As to pickpockets and scams.... a couple of ways to protect yourself so do what seems good to you. I do two main things.... 1) wear a money belt (I like the kind that loops onto my belt and inside my pants.) Remember, this is a "deep pocket" and you don't pull it out for fast cash etc. I keep my passport, one credit card and a couple of big "emergency" bills in it. 2) I spread out my spending money.... some is in a zipped shirt pocket, some is in the velcroed cargo pants leg (what pickpocket would think about that?) and I fold some up and put it inside the pocket of my Tilly hat. Can I be picked.... yep, but someone would have to be pretty darn good to get more than about 20 Euros from me. I also just try to pay attention. In crowded places my daypack is in front or slung over my shoulder. I don't leave my camera or daypack slung over my chair in a restaurant or park bench. If you want some good information, read Rick's "Europe Through the Back Door." Have a blast and congrats.

First, you have already gotten a lot of good answers. Notice they are all saying similar things - it's normal to be nervous, and you'll be fine. Second, do read Europe Through The Back Door. It has lots of info about the "nuts and bolts" of travel. Armed with this (what to expect in restaurants, how to take trains, etc), you'll feel a lot less apprehensive. Third, take comfort in the fact that you're from a large city. If you can handle Melbourne, you can handle Paris, Amsterdam, etc. For US-ers, the ones I see having the most trouble are the ones from smaller towns, who have it ingrained that one should never be "rude." So, when someone starts chatting them up with what is inevitably a scam, they are afraid to just say "no, thanks" and walk away. But that's what you should do when someone approaches you to sign a petition, look at the "gold ring" they just found, help you use an ATM or ticket machine, etc. You don't have to be rude about it yourself. Don't get angry, as I've sometimes seen - just say "sorry" or "no thanks" and walk away. Fourth, as stated above, you are not "hassled" by pickpockets, as they work as stealthily as possible. The way to beat them is to make yourself "pickpocket proof." Wear a hidden pouch of some kind (around-the-waist moneybelt, hidden pocket that hangs from your belt inside your trousers, and neck pouch are just three of the kinds). Make sure your real valuables (passport, credit and ATM cards, tickets) are there, or in the hotel room safe. Make it so that if a pickpocket does get your wallet, they only get a small amount of money. Then, relax.

In addition to carrying your important stuff in a money belt or neck wallet, I use a "one handle" rule. Wherever I go - shopping, train, bus, metro, touring sights - I reduce whatever I'm carrying to only one item. One handle in one hand - much easier to keep track of securely. Some people try to manage multiple suitcases and/or shopping bags and become much easier targets for theives.

One other thing (I guess this would be Five): if you are feeling tired, confused, or otherwise stressed, don't be afraid to take a cab, particularly if you are laden with luggage. Andrea's story about her brother is a typical one. It's when you are getting your bearings in a new place that thieves and pickpockets strike. Once your stuff is at the hotel so you're no longer physically burdened, and you've had time to study a map, then you can take mass transit to your heart's content.

First of all WOW! Way to go. And what a wonderful way to step outside your comfort zone. I'll begin with pickpockets. They won't hassle you, not really. Wear your valuables under your clothes in a money belt. Pickpockets aren't going to try to undress you or mug you. Look confident and aware of you surroundings and you won't have any trouble. Be most aware in the metro, train stations, and in crowds. We have had pickpockets try in Rome and Florence. "Go away!" and "thief" are handy words to memorize from the phrase book. Scram worked just fine on a crowd of small children. A pointed stare and brushing them away worked on an adult woman. I hasten to add that that in many months over many trips in high risk pickpocket areas there have been only three attempts and none of them were frightening, just annoying. Hawkers and scamers may hassle you a little, but it will be verbal, not physical. Don't make eye contact with likelies. Learn to so "no thank you," "go away," and "help!" Use them in that order. We've never gotten to help. These are minor annoyances. Just move on and forget them and they won't hurt your trip at all.

Harold's suggestion of a taxi is a good one, and can say from first hand experience that sometimes a taxi is worth every Euro, and a great relief to a travel-weary body! I also pre-arranged for a shuttle into Rome from the airport after my long overseas flight. The cost was 25 Euros from airport to hotel door, slightly higher than the price of a train ticket in, but good value to me as I knew I'd be jet-lagged after traveling from the West Coast. It is good to hear that others also feel anxious before departing on a flight. I did a month solo in May, and had a brief "what in the world are you doing?" moment at the airport on departure day, which surprised me after months of planning and dreaming and saving. Glenn, for what it's worth, the moment I got on the plane and in the air, the anxiety dissolved into anticipation. I had a wonderful time, and wouldn't trade the experiences for anything. Go, have a great trip and don't worry about being solo. You will meet amazing people, and bring home memories for a lifetime.

Be especially aware when your attention can be diverted, such as entering/exiting the Metro w/ luggage. My well seasoned travel buddy lost her camera when positioning her belongings on the Paris subway. After that, we sat apart and gave each other "the eye" when we saw someone suspicious looking nearby. I hope you'll write back and tell us about your wonderful trip! Bon voyage!

Just follow the same precautions you would if you were visiting any large city in the world.... just use your head and trust your instincts. There are so many scare stories out there that I can only imagine how someone feels who has never been before. Fortunately, or not, I was unaware of most of the 'dangers'... I just knew I should not lose my passport. So, I went as a wide-eyed American...a few scam artists have tried to take advantage of me, but after more than 30 trips (some alone, some with just a grandchild) I arrived home in one piece. So.... is it as bad as people say??? Not for me. Whenever I question my decisions or become a bit apprehensive I ask myself 'what is the worst thing that can happen?' and if its not life-threatening I am usually okay with it. If you open yourself up to all these new experiences you are going to have you will wonder what took you so long, and like me try to make up for lost time. Report back... Have an amazing time...it will change your life.

Lots of good advice, don't worry, frankly I find going solo almost feels safer.. I don't stand out as much as a tourist because I am not chatting to a travel companion in english, and I tend to walk a little brisker( I normally like to walk briskly )so don't have that dazed wanderer look like some tourists do( look for it, lol ).
Amsterdam is likely to be the least of your worries. Pickpockets exist but to a much much lesser degree then Paris or Rome. I warned my new to Europe travel partner about the pickpocket and scammers in Paris and Barcelona for our trip this summer. He almost thought I was lieing since when we arrived it took days for him to see anyone who remotely resembled a scammer or "gyspy" lol .. they really are not everywhere. There are beggers, you are best to just walk straigh by, I occaisonally put a coin in the cup , but more often not. I never stop to talk, EVER, and I never let anyone approach me.

Wow! Thank you so much to you all for taking the time to respond. It's so much appreciated. It's amazing how much these pre travel jitters effect you. On the plus side, since I've been saving to do the trip (and continually putting it off!) I saved enough to go business class Melbourne to Ireland which will hopefully start the journey off really well! Thanks again to you all for the replies. Keep them coming - they're really helpful and encouraging. Cheers
Glenn

A couple of things I would add to all the good advice listed above. In Paris, if you are purchasing metro tickets at a machine in the metro station, if someone approaches you and attempts to sell you some tickets or help you buy them, don't go for it. Also, if you are walking down the street and someone goes through the motions of picking up a gold ring from the ground and showing it to you in amazement and offers to sell it to you this is a scam I have seen this a lot in Paris recently. I sat next to a couple at an outdoor cafe a month ago who were proudly showing the genuine gold ring they were able to buy from someone who "found" it - poor guys.
I am living here now and go about my daily life taking the metro across Paris often. I don't wear a money belt, but keep my purse close, I stay alert and don't put down bags on the train or in train stations or other crowded public areas. I always look like I know where I'm going, because I usually do, but as a tourist, this is sometimes hard to do. There are pan-handlers all around particularly since it's prime tourist season here, but they were all around in my hometown of San Francisco too, so I'm used to it. It's no worse here, not a reason to worry for sure. Ignore them and move on.

One more thing occurred to me, since you are renting a car for part of your trip. When you leave the car, never leave any belongings in sight. Put it all in the boot. Chances are no one is going to try to break into the car, but why put temptation in their path. And don't leave anything really valuable (passport, credit card) in the car, even well hidden. I don't know if it's true, but I've heard that red cars get more traffic tickets. . . they catch the copper's eye and it's assumed that someone driving a red car is more aggressive, so either choose a different color car or don't make any mistakes :-)

I will relate my story of a probable distraction technique used when I was in Venice. In a crowded area I felt some slimy liquid on my hand and someone gesturing towards it. I just forged ahead. When I finally reached a quiet area I took out a Kleenex-hand wipe to clean up. My guess was that someone behind the squirter was going to get into my bag if I stopped where it was busy. Not this time though! I did have the gold ring offered but I just smiled and moved off quickly. The metro/train can be very busy;I have read here that some pickpockets are Dressed in Armani suits. I try to hold my daypack in front of me when on public transport. Saying that, I do feel safer in Italy and France than I do in some parts of my hometown. Have a wonderful trip

Worrying is normal! And Go You for sure! You're going to have a blast. :-) As for the pickpockets, they are really NOT what they are cracked up to be. I think there is a LOT of unwarranted hand-wringing on this topic. Yes, there are often scams and hustlers and panhandlers at major tourist sites, but if you've read through this board you'll know what to look for, and can skirt or avoid them. Active bothering or hassling is generally reserved for easy marks - so don't be one! For me, a "just say no and walk on past" approach works best. After the first couple of days you will barely notice any more. If you just go about your business in a matter-of-fact way, and if approached say "No, thanks!" with a smile and a VERY firm voice, the hustlers will move on to easier pickings. Really, it is nothing to sweat - and this stuff is really only a feature of MAJOR touristy places.

GO YOU!!! That comfort zone is awfully comfortable...Good for you! Preparation for pickpockets is a lesson in overkill - you get completely freaked out, then once you get there you realize how well-prepared you are to avoid them. (or, after it happens to you, you know exactly how it happened...) I have two links for you to read and study: here and here. A huge thing for me is not showing any disorientation or distraction. I get disoriented and distracted, but try to look like I know exactly what I'm doing LOL. Another is the unusually tight quarters in metro cars, attraction lines, etc. I'm not accustomed to being sooo physically intimate with so many new friends on the metro, and I assume that they're all after my stuff. So, I keep a close handle on my things without looking too panicked. Just follow the locals' lead; they're in physical contact with their things at all times. It sounds like you have to run a pickpocket gauntlet in order to travel in Europe; it's really not that way at all! Also, watch these videos: Travel Skills (30 minutes) and Travel Skills Lecture (1 hour). Please send me a PM if these links don't work for you! Bring a journal with you...any ol' notebook will work if you're crunched for time. Write as much as possible - whatever enters your mind. Don't worry about editing; this won't be up for a Pulitzer Prize ;-) Have a fantastic time, and PLEASE post after you return home and tell us how things went. You can also start a thread under Trip Reports.

I've started a new post because I'm about out of room for editing the one above! OK - my first two links aren't working for me, SO...go to Rick Steve's YouTube channel, and 'search' for "Rick Steves' Travel Skills" and "Rick Steves' Travel Skills Lecture" (1:14:06). Once you get to the 30-minute Travel Skills page, you'll see several choices; choose the one that shows "11 videos". Then, choose the first one and watch it. Then, go back a page and choose the next one, etc., in order to watch hem all. Sort of unwieldy; sorry about that :-(

My daughter and I went to Europe...8 countries....8 weeks. We have the cable locks for the suitcase. You can attach your luggage to the luggage storage areas in trains....in your hostel room, etc. Combination locks are the best...using the same # for all locks. I would strongly advise you to get travels locks and use on all openings of your backpack or suitcase. http://pacsafe.com/travel-accessories Also here are links to hostel reviews: http://www.bug.co.uk/reviews/hostels/index.htm http://www.hostelz.com/ Never accept help from someone that approaches you. You seek help from someone working where you need help. Use ATM then duck into a bathroom and stash you money in a money belt. Keep only enough out that you plan to use that day. Pickpockets watch to see where tourists stash their money. ENJOY!!!!!

I grew up in a family that took a three week vacation every summer in the station wagon around the US. One thing my 4 brothers I all learned from my Mom, is that when things to wrong, that's part of the adventure and becomes a great travel story (flat tires, trips to the ER, leaving a kid behind at a gas station, etc). So despite your extensive planning, something will not go as planned, so think of this event as part of your experience, not as something going wrong. At the moment something goes wrong, you may get mad, nervous, stressed, etc, but take a deep breath and roll with the flow. Remember that it's not perfection that makes a great trip, it's the experiences and memories that you will have for a lifetime.

Don't be nervous!!! I am a 24 year old female and I went by myself to 4 different large European cities for 2 weeks and I had absolutely no problem whatsoever. Definitely use a money belt. Walk around with head held high like you own the place. Walk with a purpose, like you know exactly where you're going. If strangers try to hassle you (and honestly the only thing I ever had was people in front of the Coliseum and places like that wanting to sell me an English tour) just ignore them. Just be aware of your surroundings and keep a hand on your belongings. You'll be fine!! Have fun!!

first - congratulations on taking the big step and doing this trip solo. i put it off for years out of fear that anything could go wrong. i finally bit the bullet and realized i was depriving myself of the life i wanted to live out of fear of the unknown. my only regret is not having done it sooner. on the topic of pick pocketers, dont obsess over it. i dont know if i have a different mindframe because i live in new york city and am inbred with street smarts. but if you walk around all timid and scared, you are going to appear to be an easy mark. i never had anyone approach me for anything ever. i brought a money belt just to be extra careful. i figuerd if i went over there with a cocky "pffffft, im from nyc, i can handle myself" attitude and then got robbed, id feel like an idiot for not having exercised the simple caution of a money belt. i ended up not using it because i felt perfectly safe upon arriving and not being harassed at all by anyone. enjoy your trip!

You are going to have a greaat trip. The only place where we have experienced pickpockets in excess was at the Termini rail station in Rome. They were so obvious though it was impossible to miss what they were up to. It was the most annoying when buying tickets at the machines. Someone was always trying to "help." But on the other side, I failed to pull out the last ticket from the machine for one of our trips. After walking away from the machine, a man came up to me, handed me the ticket, and walked on without a word. He disappeared into the crowd, and I couldn't even thank him. Just be careful and watchful.
Safe journey.