I Just Hate It

My daughter and I felt this way a few trips ago. Then we decided to take the precautions that seemed to work for us and forget all the rest. Once we made that decision, we relaxed and were no more wary than we are at home.

As I told my daughter, if someone gets into my money belt, which I drop down my pants leg, I have worse things to worry about than losing my "stuff"! LOL

I think it gets somewhat out of hand as well, but it is important to impress upon people that the dynamics in Europe are different than our hometowns, and that precautions are justified (like moneybelts, being aware, etc.) One thing overlooked is not so much the risks, after all in any major (and not so major) US city there is some danger of theft; but rather the impact of the loss compared to here. To put it another way, here I lose my billfold, I call my CC in, get a new drivers liscense same day and move on with my life. In Europe, I no longer have access to funds, even getting a replacement card can take a few days, and a passport maybe more. All this is time out of my vacation (missing reservations, missing sights, etc) and possibly losing enough funds that the rest of the trip is in jeaopardy. These are all reasons that justify being extra careful, but still no reason to agonize over the possibility of loss.

Stephanie, after having our hotel room robbed in Lisbon on our second trip to Europe, I changed the way I handled everything on later trips.

we do not take any jewerly, I don't know anyone over there so I'm not out to impress anyone. I take my $29 Fossil watch that is 15 years old. During the day, I wear tight fitting jeans with cach in the front pockets. I also strip all the useless cards out of my wallet...if I'm not flying USAIR, why cary the card? Or Macy's etc.

I'm also aware of people in my 'personal space'. if people come too close to me, I'm cautious. guess that's a NYC thing.

Bill

Paul, I totally agree. It's not the probability of having valuables stolen over there as much as it is the consequences. I am always amused at people who obsess over "carrying" too much cash, and yet they think nothing of carrying their ATM card in the same place. Think about it. What is worse, losing a few hundred Euro, or losing the means of getting any more?

I personally think the precautions of using a money belt and making copies of your important documents, are easy and they don't cut into the enjoyment of my vacation at all. After several trips, I don't even think about it. It beats the alternative of losing valuable items hands down. And, I am aware of my surroundings, but not overly so, that all I look for is people waiting to rip me off-- I think all of the postings about this subject on this board make the problem seem more significant than it is. I live in the Bay Area and every day the newspaper reports another incident of random gun violence -- Europe is a piece of cake to me.

Hi Stephanie--Please don't get the idea that every person you encounter in Europe is looking for a chance to rip you off. Most people in the world are good and honest, and the vast majority of Romans, Parisians, Londoners, etc. are not thieves. It's not as if everyone you pass on the street is just waiting for you to let down your guard. Protecting your cash is important so that you CAN relax and have a good time; it gives you a degree of piece of mind. As has been said here already, it's not that you are so very likely to be robbed; it's how much it ruins your holiday if you are. Why not be prepared?

My aunt and uncle have traveled the world and been pickpocked only once--in Washington, D.C.

Stephanie, I don't have much to add, except, I do understand how you feel. It is a bit nerve racking,, but, once you are over there, and enjoying all the sites, you will only occasionally stroke your money belt hiding place " is it still there??" and start to relax. It is good to be hyper aware,, but then, once you have taken all the sensible precautions , you just have to let the stress of it go. You will be fine and so will your stuff.

PS Not everyone is a crimminal,, you just have to be aware that anyone COULD be,, so don't let your guard down,, or put your bag down ANYWHERE! ( Ps. I actually make sure my purse is by my bed when I sleep too) , also if you stay in a hostel or shared washroom type place always leave your bag with your friend in the room( don't leave it alone in room and go to shower room, and don't take it with you if it is a communal shower area) lock it in safe.

Our lawn mower was stolen when we went out for about an hour and forgot to lock the garage door! It can happen right here.

Anyway, I for one am grateful for all of the warnings because it will help me and my family to be more alert. We won't be paranoid but we will surely be prepared for the fallen ring, free leather jacket, help to use ticket machine in train station, or offering to watch our bags! A friend needed to go to the bathroom urgently, and did not feel safe leaving her young son and daughter to watch the bags so she let a lovely couple watch them for her while her kids accompanied her to the bathroom. Of course the lovely couple took off with one of the bags!

Develop safe habits that serve you where ever you go, then the agony of paying attention becomes habit not something to distract from your enjoyment of the moment. The best advise is don't carry anything you aren't willing to lose. Flashy cameras, Bright jewelry, brand new shoes and clothes all mark you as a "mark" and the thieves know how to read the signals.

I spend more hours than can be counted assisting members of my groups replace lost or stolen passports, credit cards, travelers checks etc. And that sometimes happens outside of our country too! Generally they were taken due to the travelers carelessness more than any other reason. A passport left in the top drawer of a dresser is not safe even if it is hidden under underwear. An ATM card used at a machine late at night in a dark place is an invitation to nere-do-wells. A billfold forgotten under the pillow will occasionally be pilfered.

Develop safe practices where you are. They will follow you when you go.

Leave your valuables in the hotel safe deposit and carry with you only what you need for the day. I usually forget that while they're being cleaned, hotel rooms are sometimes left unattended with the door wide open. Anyone could walk in.

I agree somewhat - I was SO afraid to go to Europe, especially Paris, Florence and Rome, because of the tourist scams and pickpocket threats. I use a moneybelt, which I just hate to wear when it's hot and humid and the Pacsafe money pouch, which has a steel cord wrapped in cloth as a purse.

I was very fearful when I went on the RS Venice, Florence and Rome tour, particularly when five of our group were pickpocketed on the subway in Rome. I believe that I wasn't a victim because I was aware of those who were "scouting" and looking at them directly so that they passed me and chose others in our group.

I read that I am more likely to be a victim of a violent crime in North America than I am in Europe and I make sure at all times that I am aware of my surroundings and trust my "gut" when something doesn't feel right. When I am on public transportation, I am very aware of people around me and keep my important cards and passport stashed away, then I enjoy being in such exciting
places.