iPod threat?

I took my beloved iPod to Europe, really only used it on the long haul plane rides . I found that I didn't want to wear it while walking as I preferred listening to the sounds of the city, people chatting away in French, Italian, etc. Also I felt wearing the iPod made me less aware of my surroundings.

I agree with Cathie -- I wouldn't wear it while walking around a city, for both reasons that she stated. You want to be aware of your surroundings for safety -- and why shut yourself off from the sounds of your surroundings?

Kari,

There were some reports a few months ago of travellers having I-Pods stolen by gangs in "grab & run" thefts. As I recall, Paris was one location that was mentioned. The white headphones appear to be a "beacon" for thieves?

I normally use my I-Pod on flights and sometimes on train rides (when I'm not talking to other travellers). However, I agree completely with the others regarding the safety issue and also listening to the sounds of the culture that one has come so far (and paid a lot) to experience.

Happy travels!

I agree with the others, I took mine last time and never even took it out of my bag, this time I will not bother with it.

Agree with all the above. I was wearing mine the other day walking here and a guy came up behind me and I was only aware of him as he passed me. Freaked me out a bit. I also took it to Italy with me on my last trip and never had it out of it's bag. I too enjoy just walking around taking in the sights and sounds. Gives you a complete take on where you are. I'll be leaving mine at home next trip.

Thank you everyone for your replies. I guess I failed to mention that I would only be using it in the early morning when I walk for exercise, not touring the city. I planned to find a park, such as Place de Vosges, or something similar, to walk around for about 30 minutes to start my day. I might bring it along for the podcast tours of the Notre Dame or Louvre. I'm not sure. I did not intend to shut-out Paris with it during the day or especially the evening. Just exercising. I have Bose headphones that are black and white instead of the signature white ones that came with the iPod. Maybe I could put the iPod under my clothes and feed the earphones up thru my shirt. I usually walk with it clipped to the neck of my tee shirt. I can change this. Thanks, again

Kari,

I should add that I will DEFINITELY be taking my I-Pod on future trips (I use a Nano model, which is very compact and easy to conceal inside clothing). I really enjoyed having it on long flights and train rides, and sometimes used it at nights in Hostels to "compensate" for the sounds of other guests.

The other point you mentioned about Rick's Museum guides is good also, as I had these on my I-Pod when I toured the Paris Museums and found that it made the experience much more interesting.

Cheers!

Kari, The last time I went, the majority of the "kids" were wearing their MP3/iPods on the metro and the bus.

I don't think you need to hide it, but just keep it on you... like in your front pocket.

I understand that you already own an iPod, but I might suggest that for travel (if you do a lot of travel) that you spend the $79 and buy the
Shuffle. Just enough music to enjoy on plane/train rides, and it's so much smaller than your iPod, it's so easy to clip to the inside of your clothing to hide. with your headphones, I'm sure you would be less of a target.

I spent the money on the Shuffle and love it for working out...as a matter of fact, that's the only time I use it.

I travel with my(regular) Ipod, just for the plane rides, and for sleeping at night in noisy hotels. I will not wear it during the day, even to listen to podcasts for travel, or my language lessons - it stays in the hotel, locked in my luggage.

Thanks again for some great suggestions. I have a couple movies on my iPod for the plane trip and I think I'll just keep it under my clothes when I am exercising. I'll look into the Shuffle, as well. I love this helpline!

You'll have a dozen or more choices of movies on the plane. Why take up room on your iPod with movies

Kari, we brought ours on our trip this summer. The biggest 'problem' was remembering to recharge at night! And don't forget the plug adaptors.
Most pickpocketing is a crime of opportunity, so the morning walk is going to be a low risk activity. Great for train rides!(On the ride to Sorrento, my girlfriend & I were sharing headphones & an Italian teen thought it was cute enough that she took our picture with her phone. A good memory!)