Saftey While Traveling Advice

Dan, unless you're going someplace particularly risky, I don't think travel is as dangerous as you anticipate. I've traveled by myself throughout Europe and in the Middle East, with no signficant problems beyond a few taxi rip-offs. If you're in a room, a cheap doorstop will prevent someone from opening the door to get in. I carry a very lightweight retractable-cable lock, which I use to attach my bag to train rack. When there's chaos around you (eg, pushing on subway entries or trains), be careful; someone may be trying to take something. Observe what's going on around you. And if someone approaches you with odd questions or requests, just keep walking; they'll find someone else to bother. I don't know if the airlines allow pepper spray to be carried; I've never considered it.
Mostly, try to enjoy the trip.

What you're talking about are pretty rare events. The specific things you mention are reasonable. If you have a 65L backpack keep an eye on it at stations but it's unlikely anyone who tries to grab it will be faster than you. Be very careful about pepper spray. It's definitely an illegal offensive weapon here in the UK - if you try to bring it in it could be confiscated and you might even be refused entry. Don't know about other European countries.

Dan, if I were as scared as you about travel in Europe I would stay home.

@Norma that was uncalled for and frankly ignorant. I simply asked for advice as some of you have traveled alot more than me. I am not scared to goto Eastern Europe hell I have been to other countries that are worse before, but when your friends and brother have had to go through some robberies don't you think its smart to rethink things. Isn't someone who repeats the same patterns and never learns from the mistakes considered gullible. Regardless I am seriously asking for your tricks, gadgets, and advice as I will be a solo traveler doing a around the world trip. Thanks!

Dan,
All you need is a money belt. Click the travel store tab for all the different models. Use it to store your passport, and excess cash/cards. Keep it underneath your clothes, don't access it public and just keep a days spending money in your wallet. That's all you really need to do to keep you safe. Pepper spray is a big no-no. It's not permitted on a plane in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

Dan, Well, as you know bad things happen everywhere. You seem to have a good plan (actually a bit more than I do, but I don't use hostels.) Using common sense is the best weapon. I try to protect myself by 1) making it at least slightly more difficult to steal from me (aside from a hidden pouch I use travel clothes with zippered pockets etc.) and 2) dispersion (credit cards, passport, 100 Euros in Deep Storage) maybe 30 in a buttoned shirt pocket and another 30-20 in my zippered pants pocket.)--could I be robbed, yes, but it is unlikely they'd get everything. IMHO, not sure I see much value in a fake wallet. I agree with you, I've never met anyone who is a tourist who doesn't look like one. Sure, some more than others (love the shorts and baseball cap look that seems to be so popular) but people are generally going to spot you pretty quickly.

I keep hearing people say that it's impossible to blend in and not look like a tourist, but I don't think that's entirely true. It depends where you are, of course, but it's at least pretty easy to not look specifically like the stereotype of "dumb american tourist". In Paris this week I was asked for directions in French, so the person doing the asking clearly thought at least I was a French tourist. I get asked for directions in German while in Germany all the time. I am not particularly fashionable, and I'm not skinny (a lot of Americans obsess over the idea that only Americans are fat and no Europeans are, which is silly of course) and I still get assumed to be "from the area" until I open my mouth. Instead of false wallets and the like, I'd focus more on a couple of things: -Situational Awareness is the biggest thing. Just be aware of your surroundings. Not paranoid or jumpy, but when you're in an area that's known for pickpocketing and theft and scams, stay alert, use your perhiphal vision, have your hand over your bag in a casual way so people can't get into your belongings without disturbing you. -Walk with purpose, look confident and in control. Try not to project being lost, helpless, frustrated. If you have to look at a map, duck into a doorway or corner and do so discreetly. And for god's sake, do not walk around with the guidebook in hand. -Don't carry a backpack/day pack. This is controversial here but 9 times out of 10 if I see someone carrying one over the age of 22, they're an obvious tourist.

Dan, I can't speak for Norma but when reading your post it looks like every urban myth or story about someone elses bad experiences while traveling come to life. Never heard the story about the key, it could happen, but what are the chances, for the most part people using the hostels are just like you, that is travelers, it doesn't make sense of someone to come back to a place they stayed to rob a room they stayed in. Read the online reviews to see what people say about hostels and safety, that is if it was even an issue. The thing about hostels is everyone is like you, on a vacation living cheaply, its a great way to meet people, if you desire to go out for the evening look to see if the hostel has a group outing or look for others staying there that want to go out.
For the most part you answer your own questions, travel insurance, copies of all your paperwork, email backups, carrying a lock, all great ideas, I too don't see the benefit of a fake wallet, it's only fake to you, or another way of thinking of it, would you carry a fake camera for the possiblity of it getting stolen, doesn't make sense. If you're carrying a backpack with "nothing of value" why are you carrying it at all? Yes, it's a good idea to lock up your laptop while showering, or anytime you're not using it, if the hotel will lock up your laptop great but make sure there is some type of receipt for only you to retrieve it. For locking up your backpack on the train carry a cable lock and secure it to a post on the storage shelf. Not really sure why you'd want the Iphone with a GPS app without data, And you're right, you're a tourist, nothing wrong with that, people will know, nothing wrong with that either, as someone else stated use common sense, if a situation doesn't feel right avoid it, for example, it's late at night, you're not comfortable taking the subway, I say take a taxi if it makes you feel safer

Sarah, you bring up a point that may make solo travel safer from petty street crime, versus traveling with companions. On almost every trip I have a native-tourist come up to me with a question in their language, not realizing I'm an American and don't have a clue what they are saying. Since I'm traveling alone, folks on the street aren't hearing me speaking English, and that makes it easier to blend in... and probably makes it a little safer.

Dan, I'd lock things up when in a hostel. I've been riding the trains for forty years and have never had a problem. Why are you taking a laptop and Iphone. Electronics can be an invitation no matter what continent you're on. Why don't you get an inexpensive tablet to use overseas. And use maps instead of Iphone apps.
By the way, the only time I've been robbed is when I lived in San Francisco and was surrounded by a group of kids. As for Europe, I lived there for almost a decade and didn't have problems.

A good rule of travel is to not take anything you can't afford to lose. Use a money belt...and learn how to use it properly. In my pocket, I only have a coin purse with a day's spending money. Anything else is in the money belt and it's only opened in a secure place (locked bathroom). On trains, packs can be locked to something but ,if possible, keep it with you. Door stops work. Take what common sense steps seem proper and be aware of what's happening around you then relax and enjoy your trip.

Many great comments thanks! Things I got from your comments - get a cheap doorstop - get a retractable cable lock - no pepper spray - be situational aware - walk with purpose even when lost, and find a alley or private place to read your map - Don't wear a day pack (is that really possible)?
- Carry a fake wallet with that days cash and some cards, if mugged they can have it

What do you think about those mesh cover backpack cable things? Keep in mind this is my first time traveling around the world for a extended period of time and backpacking, previously I used luggage and shorter trips... I don't think you have to worry so much when you stay in nice hotels, use cabs, and have the money to do safer more leisurely activities. If you have a backpack on 65L your screaming tourist and I have items on me (obviously you wouldn't have this if it was at the hostel) what advice can you give to keep your stuff safe when you first arrive at a train station and may have to walk through a crowd? How safe are luggage storage at a hostel? How safe are lockers at a train station and can they fit a 65L backpack? Would you get one of those slash proof bags are they really necessary or can I get away with a standard messenger for walking around, does it need to be locked and have a zipper or are buckles on the bottom good enough? So you suggest I buy a ipad over taking my laptop (remember I have insurance) wouldn't that be just as hot to steal? When you suggest taking a cab back to your hostel if its late, do you mean dark or 4am in the morning? Regarding maps if I had a map for every country I would visit my pack would be full without anything else, the iphone allows me to have everything offline (no Internet connection) and I can get a map at the local tourist center as well. Wouldn't holding a iphone with a map blend you in more than holding a big paper map?

I live in San Francisco and have never been robbed, I think because I never carry anything of importance, when backpacking everything is important on my back so if something is stolen it hits you more. Most people I know locally want to carry as little as possible which is just not possible when doing around the world travel. In regards to my iphone and not using data, there are blue tooth gps receivers which allow you to use the iphone without a Internet connection love all these comments of people who say they look like the locals... Does a white guy in a darker Muslim country blend in? Not wearing the fashion that locals have etc... Maybe in a mixed city with several cultures you can get away with that but not when traveling the world. I remembered traveling to China and boy did I stand out not only was I taller but the only white guy for miles, even before I spoke they knew. I was so concerned when planning this around the world trip to fit in but I realize its simply impossible. Since I am doing a around the world trip and I have had Rick even mention you should have some money in case your credit card doesn't work when you get there, do I need 100 worth of each currency and especially the Euro I get from my bank (that will be alot of different kinds of money)?

People have given you some very good advice for Europe, as this is a helpline for General Europe. Your trip is around the world, so I'm not sure how well we can address situations in so many different parts of the world. What is true for northern Europe may not be valid for southeast Asia.

I agree that it seems like some of your questions would be better answered in another forum, since this forum focuses on Europe. There's wonderful expertise on Europe here, but less so about traveling to other parts of the world. You might check out the Thorn Tree forums at the Lonely Planet. They cover every part of the world and there's a lot of good info for around the world travelers such as yourself. Good luck!

I agree with others that you should be fine, and that your first post was a bit alarmist. When staying in a hostel, I would lock up anything valuable (in a locker or their safe if available). My sister stays in hostels, and she has some stories about less than scrupulous fellow travelers there. It only takes one such person to cause trouble, and in a hostel, you're sharing your space with lots of people. Your money question is an easy one to answer. Bring about $100-$200 worth of the local currency for your first destination. As you're leaving a country, change excess money into the next country's currency. Then use ATM's and credit cards for the rest of your money needs. No need to bring cash from every country you'll be in. If you'll be gone too long to have enough money in your checking account, have someone who can put deposits in your account (my other sister lived for an academic year in London, and my father put regular money in her account in the US, which she then took out in London via ATM). Be sure to get rid of coins before leaving a country (spend them or change them); while paper money is exchangeable everywhere, coins are usually not usable or convertible outside their own country. I second the recommendation of the Thorn Tree forum, as it's much more geared to your situation.

You might want to Google "around the world travel" and see where that leads you.

Dan, You've received lots of good advice so far, which should apply regardless of which country you're visiting. Did you remove your reference to Pepper Spray? I read your post several times and didn't see that listed. I use many of the same methods mentioned by the others..... > Wear a Money Belt and don't access it where others can see. As you'll be staying in Hostels, pack a small zip-lok bag, so you can keep it with you in the shower. Check the Magellans website as they have ankle Money Belts as well (use that in addition to a waist model?). > Split your travel funds, credit and ATM cards between several locations. That way you won't lose everything if you're robbed. Take at least TWO ATM cards. > If you have a private room in a Hostel, I'd suggest locking your Laptop in your pack while you take a shower. Taking the Laptop on the trip would be a good idea (as long as it's not too heavy), as it will be more useful for photo storage. BE SURE to check that the Charger is designed for operation from 100-240 VAC. You will of course, need a variety of Plug Adapters if you're visiting multiple countries. > Most Hostels provide Lockers, so pack a good quality and robust Padlock (small to medium size, not too large). Look for "heel & toe" locking and if you use a keyed model, be sure you pack extra keys. Ask a Locksmith for recommendations. > Be aware of those around you, and try to avoid large crowds. Be especially vigilant if distractions occur, if there are several people holding cards or newspapers (used to shield their hands), or if someone on an escalator stops suddenly in front of you and blocks your way. Pickpockets tend to work in groups so the "Dip" will pass your wallet off to his accomplices within a short time. Continued....

Dan - Part 2.... Regarding your iPhone, it's impossible to provide specific advice without having some idea which cell network your phone was obtained from, and which model iPhone it is (ie: 3G, 4, 4S)? Happy travels!

Thanks so much I have learned alot, I also posted on lonely p and fodors for backpacking specific advice. I have read two travel guides but you don't get info like this from them. Hopefully this helps others. Thanks!!

American tourists are easy to spot out in Europe from backpackers to geezers. It was even easier 30-40 years ago. Some still want to pass for locals?

Here's my pitch for the backpack: Tourists are easy to spot anywhere. I'm American and even I can spot which Englishman are touristing in London or York and they are on home ground, relatively speaking. I'm sure New Yorkers know who the tourists are too, both native and foreign. Foreigners are easy to spot too. It's not just a big city thing either. In U.S. and Canadian National Parks, I'm mostly seeing French these days, but once it was mostly Germans. Nope, they don't need to open their mouths for us to know. That tells me my chances of passing for French or German, let alone a very blond Italian, are about nil. I'd be comfortable and carry your daypack or messenger bag if you want to. Wear a hat if it's hot. After all the native is to be unprepared for weather; without water; without a guidebook, unless you clutch it in your hands or put it in a very American pair of cargo pants; and holding any picnic in shopping bags. If you are comfortable and well hydrated you'll be alert and happy and much less vulnerable. Get over-heated, dehydrated, cold or lost and you will be vulnerable. Either way, everyone will know you are a tourist.

hi Dan , I carry a regular purse/messenger bag ,worn cross body, and it has a zip top with a full flap that covers the zip top and the flap itself "clicks" closed( the type of click closure you have to use two hands to close, not a magnectic or snap top) I would lock everything up in a hostel if leaving the room, even for a shower.
I do find I blend in better when I travel solo,, obviously this wouldn't apply in some countries( middle aged white lady etc) but when one is alone they tend to walk with purpose more, talk english less, etc. My number one thing is situational awareness.. I really work at keeping people out of my "bubble",, if they can't reach you they can't pickpocket you. Yes, in a crowded place, a metro etc,, its harder, but it can be done, I don't stand by the metro door in the crowd,, I try and keep my back to walls etc.. its about really being aware of someone trying to get close to you,, they will approach with many ruses, trying to show you a map, ask you buy something, etc,, remember, if they are within an arms reach,, they can steal from you,. Have fun,, you already have alot of good ideas.

1. The "mesh cover backpack cable things" weigh a ton. I got 1 for my RTW. Never used it. Threw it in trash after 3 months of lugging around. 2. "what advice can you give to keep your stuff safe when you first arrive at a train station and may have to walk through a crowd?" Follow the signs and walk quickly with purpose, don't stop to get your local currency at the train station ATM so hundreds of people see you just took out a bunch of money (this is where having some local currency ahead of time comes in handy even if you do pay a premium fee to get it). "How safe are luggage storage at a hostel?" - at some it's locked up in a private room, at others it's simply tucked behind the front desk which may or may not be manned all the time if the reception clerk takes a smoke or toilet break. "How safe are lockers at a train station and can they fit a 65L backpack?" - Depends how good the lock is. Not all train stations have lockers. And if they do, not all lockers will fit a 65L pack. It will vary. 3. "Would you get one of those slash proof bags are they really necessary or can I get away with a standard messenger for walking around, does it need to be locked and have a zipper or are buckles on the bottom good enough?" A PacSafe bag? No, I would not get one. I don't think they are necessary. I think they weigh a lot and they sell well to people who are convinced there are pickpockets and thieves with knives and box cutters around every corner and on every bus, train or subway. You can just as easily lose a PacSafe bag if you decide to leave it hanging off the back of a chair or on the ground or sitting on an empty chair next to you. 4. "(Should I) buy a ipad over taking my laptop-wouldn't that be just as hot to steal?" Yes. Any electronic is hot to steal at a hostel.

I don't necessarily take it as a compliment that I get assumed to be German (even in touristy cities like Munich) but it's just a fact. I do not think Germans (or Europeans in general) are inherently more fashionable, better looking, or whatever. But I do think that not looking like an obvious north american tourist - you know, the stereotypical middle aged dude wearing shorts and a baseball cap - is good advice. Almost every time a scammer has come up to me, it's because I've been looking lost/looking at a map/speaking English too loudly/etc. It's just less hassle if you can try to blend in a little more and it follows logically that you're going to not stand out as a target for theft either if you blend in more. I'm not saying a random American tourist can fool people into thinking they're Parisian - that would be quite the achievement - but I disagree with the common wisdom here that there's no point at all in trying to not look like a a super-obvious north american tourist in some cities. It has it's benefits and it's totally possible.

Hi! I have traveled with electronics in hostels (both dorm-style and private rooms) in Europe and South America and have never had a problem. I lock everything of value in my locker whenever I leave the room. I have used the luggage storage rooms at various hotels and hostels (for when i get there before my room/bed is ready, or after i've checked out but before I leave town) and while these are less secure than the lockers (as anyone with a bag in there is taken back and allowed to grab what's theirs...not usually a ticket check or anything like that), nothing has ever been stolen... I've also used luggage lockers at a number of airports, train, and bus stations and found them to always be big enough for two slightly-larger-than-carry-on size bags in one locker...some lockers have two banks, with the bigger lockers charging slightly more. They have always seemed very secure to me. There are also luggage check counters at some train or bus stations, although I have never used them. I also don't carry a day pack. As a young woman, I can get away with carrying a purse with my guidebook, ipod, camera, cash, and day's lunch in it...no PacSafe, just whatever is cute, on sale, and matches with my outfit! : ). On trains in Europe there are often racks near the doors or smaller overhead racks. You can use a cable lock to attach your bag to these while you go sit nearby. I don't try to avoid looking like a tourist. Instead, I just make sure I know where i am going and what I am doing. After traveling awhile you will learn how to walk past the Roma trying to shove things in your face. Being aware of your surroundings (and belongings) is enough. You are for more likely to lose your stuff if you leave it sitting out of your sight than have it forcibly taken from you. Good luck and enjoy this trip of a lifetime!!

Also, (although admitting this may get me chastised on here), I can answer your question about taking a cab back to your hostel late at night. I am a very pale, 22 year old college student and I am too cheap to pay for a cab every time I want to got back to my hostel late at night. I do the following, and have never even been approached: 1. If I'm going to get wasted, I make sure to only do so if I am with friends. If I think I'll end up without friends to talk back with me, I don't drink as much. 2. I try to convince someone I am hanging out with to walk back with me. 3. If I need to walk back by myself (because the bus or metro isn't running or it is a relatively short distance), I put a "I'm bat-sht nuts intense stare on my face and walk quickly...sometimes I even talk to myself. It may seem weird, but I've never even been approached while doing this. Gets me home safe every time. 4. If it is across town and the public transit isn't running, I will then take a cab. But that almost never is the case. : )

Hi Dan, I agree with almost everyone on some of their advice. Unfortunately, there are thieves out there looking for us (tourists). Being aware of your surroundings, money belt, locking your lap top, etc. are all good ideas. As far as looking like a tourist. I think we just can't help it. We have a different look and dress. NO matter how much you try, its just hard. I think even people not from United States can be spotted in Europe. It seems we all have that gaze! You are very fortunate to travel the world. Have a great
adventure.

Sarah, are you referring to regular size backpacks or the larger ones? I've seen many Europens with both the gigantic backpacks and regular Jan Sport types. Some of those with backpacks were wearing suits and working in all the cities we visited. Even in Germany last year, I saw business workers carrying backpacks.

I think it's silly that so many people want to "blend with the locals". Personally, after what I saw everywhere on my recent trip, I will never again worry about what I am wearing, because at least I dress better than some other tourists. Seriously, though, I was traveling with two Spaniards (in Spain). The wife looked decided European, in her little dress and sandals. If I hadn't known better, based on stereotypes we all read here, I would have guessed that the husband was American. He wore khaki, knee-length shorts, polo shirt, white athletic shoes with low-rise socks, and carried a backpack (daybag type) everywhere. Those of you who say "tourists are so easy to pick out" might well be wrong.

Dan, Referring to my earlier reply, you didn't indicate which cell network your iPhone is with. Depending on which model you're using, if it's with Verizon or Sprint, it may not even work abroad. Cheers!

Next time you guys are visiting Germany, feel free to look me up, we'll play "spot the tourist" game together, I'm pretty sure I'll win. ;) I think the reason this issue is so contentious is that a lot of people want to justify the way they dress. Which is silly, nobody needs to justify anything! Dress how you want. But it's kind of funny that people aren't willing to give any weight to the opinion of someone who lives here and experiences "blending in" all the time. I doubt that the people who are saying it's not possible to blend in a bit have even tried to, honestly. Not that you should if you don't want to. I think it's decent travel advice to avoid at least one way of being targeted by scammers and pickpockets, though. German tourists within and outside Germany are easy to spot, too. This isn't a "Europeans are more fashionable than Americans" thing. Tourists with cameras around their necks, optimized fleece pullovers (usually bearing the name of a tourist destination), obvious hiking shoes, and backpacks look like tourists no matter what their nationality and those people are more likely to be targets. This is common sense, people.

I don't want to jinx myself, but we have never had an issue in all our travels. The biggest thing is Situational Awareness (I think Sarah said it first). I can't count the number of times that someone has invaded my space as I walked down a sidewalk, in a park, or even a museum; walking up behind or next to me and matching my speed. What I always do is immediately "pull over" into a doorway or such and let them go by. I then watch what they do and where they go. There have been a couple of times that they then stop a little further along and surreptitiously watch me. Obviously they WERE up to something. I just wait and let them see me watching them and they quickly walk on looking for more unaware prey. The same is true whether having dinner on a piazza or coffee at a sidewalk café, watch if someone walks by more than once or stands nearby. I tell my wife only put something down if she wants it taken.
Also assume any "disturbance" is intended to distract you to allow pickpockets to operate unnoticed. During one of our trips to Paris a couple of roasted chestnut salesmen got into a loud shoving match that included one of their shopping carts being overturned and hot coals all over the Champs-Elysees. I immediately pulled my day bag to the front with my hand over it, stopped and stepped back out of the crowd. I looked and my wife also had her purse pulled to the front and covered by her hands. We were then able to watch the excitement and the crowd in relative safety.

Pt 2. (Only slightly off topic) I am constantly frustrated by the posters that stress blending in by dressing a certain way, I wonder when or if they have been to Europe at all. For example the whole thought (that I hope has died out) about NEVER wearing jeans in Europe. (!) Or now I see that I'm not to carry a day bag. Seriously? Europe is even more of a mixed cultural bag then the US. I've been to 18 countries and on any given day I see everything from high fashion, jeans, to dashiki walking down the street. And day packs / messenger bags on 60-80% of walkers if not more. We just got back from Scandinavia and the thing we kept seeing were locals wearing big baggy "jumpers" walking around in public. Jumpers are like the all over zip up underwear or baby rompers. It was kind of funny on an adult but I just accepted it and kept walking. If I'm in Munich and a local actually does notice me and thinks "OMG! That guy is clearly American AND he's wearing jeans! ... and, NO it can't be! He's also got a day bag!!" What the heck do I care? That would never happen because that local is likely also wearing jeans and carrying a messenger bag.
Do I want to experience the culture? Absolutely! Do I want to avoid being targeted? Yes! Do I change the way I dress to suit some misguided belief that ALL Europeans dress the same and avoid daybags and jeans. Heck no. Maybe I do avoid backwards baseball caps, flip flops, and offensive printed t-shirts, but I do that at home as well. When traveling I just go about my business, try to be aware of what's happening around me, and enjoy myself.

Hi everyone! New poster here, long time lurker. I too am puzzled by the idea of blending in. I live in Manhattan, and let me tell you something - even American tourists do NOT blend in. It's not just a matter of style, either. Residents of a big city just come to be able to tell who is a resident and who is not, simply by instinct. I don't live in a touristy area, but I do live near some hostels, including a major HI hostel. Obviously, the people with huge bags and backpacks are obviously tourists, but there are often more subtle clues. Yes, part of it is clothing, but there are unstylish New Yorkers, too - and stylish tourists! Part of it is that they seem more alert and excited to be on the subway, whereas most of us put our guards up there. And the toe purists are the ones with guidebooks and puzzling over subway maps. That being said, though, it doesn't matter to me. A tourist is only annoying in the Times Square area, and I stay out of there if I possibly can. Sure, theives may targe you, but if you are getting in line for the Empire State Building or the Eiffel Tower, no matter how you look, odds are good that you are a tourist. If you snap a lot of pictures, you might be a tourist (this could be a whole Jeff Foxworthy routine). So I think the solution is to dress as you like, but practice the situational awareness mentioned above. It was also helpful before my trip to Paris last year to read up here on the current scams.

Wow, "the tourists," not "toe purists." Thanks, auto correct!

Yes, the German tourists are easy to spot out, especially those beyond 50...the clothing styles give it away, certain colours, the way the jacket or coats are cut, what they do with their hands when walking, esp the men. I don't try to blend in, it's useless since the locals know that you're a tourist by numerous means, whether it's your shoes, shirt pattern, style in glasses, etc. There are all different ways they can spot you out. When I get back to Germany next week, the locals as well as tourists will know I am there as a tourist...although a repeated one. If you have a private room in a hostel, that private room will be en suite. That has been my experience in hostels, be it a HI or independent hostel. The other option is don't bring a laptop.

I'm 62, 63 when I get to Europe this fall and my wife is 50ish. We are going RVing there. At first we were going to try to "blend in" but our reason to go and go using a RV was to meet the people as well as see Europe and I'm comfortable the way I dress and I'm going to be myself. I'm not ashamed of who I am or where I come from. Be yourself. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Look people in the eye. Learn to say a few words in the local language. SMILE.

SMILE say Tony. Well, that's one of the things about Americans that mystifies some Europeans. Why do they smile all the time, they wonder. You needn't smile if you don't feel like it. No one will think less of you.

A gazillion years ago, I did law enforcement surveillances in Germany. Yes, I wore earth tone clothing often. I found out, though, that one dresses for the area when trying to blend in. If there are lots of tradesmen around, dress appropriately and mimic their mannerisms.....lots of touristsdress however you like but mimic their mannerisms. The criminal element with theft on their mind dislike situational awareness and "I know what you're up to" looks from potential marks. They would typically leave for an easier mark. I often dressed like a person down on my luck and folks went out of their way to avoid me. ; )

If anyone claimed Europeans don't wear jeans, they're full of it. I've literally never heard anyone say that before, though. But there are certain styles of clothing that are popular in the U.S. that are rare (although not completely absent here.) But people are gonna tell me I'm wrong because you once saw one lady somewhere wearing x item. OK.