Travel Concerns Raised on forums

The internet, for better or worse, is about free speech. That means free speech for those with hidden and overt agendas, personal problems and illnesses, as well as those with factual information to share with others. The Webmaster of this board has stated that the policy (my version, not his words) is to err on the side of free speech.

It's not the same thing, but on Wikipedia, they tell you not to post unless you are willing to have your work edited "ruthlessly." Perhaps the Newsboard corollary is that if you want a warm, cozy, supportive environment, choose a newsboard that has different, more Draconian guidelines. I don't actually like it when I see posts (not necessarily here) taken down, but I tend to err on the side of free speech as well. You have to choose whether you want your information curated or not.

Yes, it happens. Just as some recommend not watching news or signing up for Gov't travel warnings, sometimes forums are not beneficial all the time.

I don’t stress much. I do look at the State Department for alerts though. If they warn about a we’ll visited place, I way the risks.

Yes, a little. I try to be forewarned, and then try not to let it consume me as I prepare or when I get there.

Two years ago we were headed to Barcelona a week after the terrorist attack on Las Ramblas. Yes, it was something I thought about, but it was very moving to be there afterward.

We were in Lyon in August, and frankly I never really thought about the previous attacks there. I am vigilant on subways, trains, though, always watching my surroundings.

If travel concerns weren't raised on these forums, which ones would be better? If I am travelling to a place I haven't visited before, you bet I want to know about current VALID problems or warnings. I'd much rather be prepared than ignorant. However you have to take anything in context, and be able to weigh probabilities and likelihood of something impacting you personally. It's a matter of keeping things in perspective. If you're the type of person who stresses over anything untoward, then perhaps the ostrich approach is better. But that would involve avoiding all media, not just this forum.

Some have anxiety when it comes to things real and imagined, that is just the way it is.
One time a girl friend of mine told her father our plans to visit Thailand and was worried "Al Queda was going to get us."

Hi, if the travel concerns I think you may be referring to are about Barcelona, raised by myself and Enric, another Barcelona native, this is nothing of your fault, just some current political difficulties happening. While you should indeed be aware of this, especially as it pertains to potential mobility difficulties, I would not stress too much, think of it as part of the cultural experience of Barcelona, be thankful it's not just a Disneyland, but a living breathing city with concerned locals exercising their rights :)

Even from a completely rational (non emotional) point of view, it is often hard to weigh negative information about travel destinations. For example, we would very much like to go to Mexico, but are scared away by the rate of shootings and other violence there. Yet my best friend spent a week in Mexico City and had a great time. It's relevant to know that she was shepherded around much of the time by a local person she knows and we would not be. So on the whole we are still not going there for the time being.

Everyone needs to make such calculations for yourself. It's just how life is.

spent a week in Mexico City and had a great time.

Mexico City, isn’t on the drug trail so it doesn’t see the cartel related violence that other parts of the country suffer.

I find that this forum can make me more vigilant about safety than I feel is warranted once Im there (wherever). Its hard when reading before a trip to take warnings with the grain of salt I know I should knowing that my life experience and my tolerance for risk could be different than people offering advice. I appreciate people's warnings, but do find that it makes me more concerned. I am not speaking of threat/terrorist warnings, however. I try to appreciate the points offered, and yes, skip posts that seem to worry too much for my taste.

Travel in Europe is like travel in the States. Take care dealing with pick pockets and laugh at the well known scams (finding a “gold” ring). These are very common but not bodily harmful. We don’t over drink at night or walk dark alleys, but lighted “peopled” streets are joyful all the time. Spent months traveling joyfully all over the world. Have a great trip.

I arrived in Melbourne, Australia just literally as the news was breaking about the young Australian woman shot by a police officer in Chicago after she called 911. Last week in my small town, on my very short, all residential roads commute to work, I was nearly hit by a vehicle much larger than mine illegally speeding and passing. Seconds and just plain luck saved me.
Looking at how someone considering a vacation TO the US perceives their safety or overall odds and fate in daily life in the US might help! I get very anxious, too, before a big trip, especially about flying. The alternative, though, is to stay home? And miss out on life's adventures.
Plan thoughtfully for what you can control, and spend time, instead, reading about the places you plan to visit! That will build excitement as the trip gets near.
Have a wonderful time!

Certain things are very helpful to know. Like that pickpockets are more prevalent in ALL the large cities in Europe than they are in small towns in the US. And if you are from a rural part of the US where you drive everywhere, then when you are on public transportation in Europe you should be 'aware' of the possibility of pickpockets - and therefore wear an under the clothes money belt. It's just common sense. And to know the 'scams' like people coming up to you with a sprig of rosemary and 'offering' to tell your fortune. Reading about this kind of thing in advance makes you a smarter traveler. But to worry about terrorism and such is not useful. Think of all the places that have seen terrorism or mass shootings in the US - you couldn't ever leave your house if you avoided anyplace that kind of thing could happen. Certainly be aware of some countries where there are currently a lot of violence - none I can think of in Western Europe. But overall Europe feels way safer to me (I've been to almost every country in western and central Europe) than almost anyplace in the US.

What have you read about Spain that causes you to worry?

kaydee- Please try not to stress about what MIGHT happen. This was posted by Karen and I think it's right to the point....."Plan thoughtfully for what you can control, and spend time, instead, reading about the places you plan to visit! That will build excitement as the trip gets near. ". Don't be afraid to travel, just be mindful of what is going on around you while you are there.

83 million people visited Spain in 2017. Count up the Spain horror stories and see how many millions had no problems. Your risk is measured by the rate of crime, not that some somebody was once robbed. Its best to look at the overall rates, not individual cases. Over generalizing from a few cases to the many seems to be wired into our brains.

Rather than checking for travel safety advice from the State Dept. use UK's Home Office which gives more detailed information.

I think there are some people who feel better learning the worst case scenarios and having a plan in the back of their mind. Then there others who find it stressful. When these 2 groups meet its a predictable, boring conversation of:
“this could happen in theory”
“but the chances are low”
“but it’s better to know”
“but that’s fear mongering and intimidating”
Ad nauseum.

If you are stressed about it, take a step back, realize that people are blowing things out of proportion because that’s what helps THEM feel prepared. For you, know the basics and ignore the extremes.

Once you get there you will feel better. You will see with your own eyes and get your own sense of the situation. I had this on my first visit to Mexico City. Got scared by online info, but took the reasonable precautions and felt quite safe. Nothing beats on the ground observations.

If you want to be forewarned, the U.S. Marines and Dept. of State have public safety information that can help.

Generally in Europe the biggest issues are theft and scams. It's good to read up on those just to be aware.

The best thing is to make yourself less vulnerable to theft/scam/violence. There are tried and tested ways to do it and you see that advice all over this forum. Most of it is common sense. Here are my big ones:

1. Keep anything that would be a major imposition to lose (passport, prepaid tickets, extra cash, back up credit cards, etc.) in a neck wallet, money belt or similar. Thieves will choose someone with a wallet in their back pocket over trying to get a money belt from under your pants - they don't want to get caught. This doesn't mean keeping everything there. It's better to keep some daily cash in your pocket (at risk of being pick pocketed) than to keep going into your money belt. I'll also keep a credit card in my front pocket. When I get into a tight crowd, however, one hand goes in my pocket and holds both the money and card.

2. Don't be ostentatious. You probably won't be mugged for your expensive engagement ring or Rolex watch (as you might be in some U.S. cities) but it will draw attention of thieves in the area. They'll assume if you're displaying that much wealth, you have similar valuables in your purse, wallet or bags - and they're usually right.

3. Keep track of your stuff. Thieves are great at making off with valuables without you noticing. When I'm travelling I have a one handle rule. I reduce everything I'm carrying (luggage, personal items, shopping, etc.) to one handle. It's much easier to keep track of one thing than multiple things, especially when you're tired, jet-lagged and/or disoriented.

4. Be aware of your surroundings. This applies to being on a crowded metro, crowded tourist area or using an ATM late at night on a dark and deserted alley. Europe is relatively safe place. Don't check your mind at passport control, however, and take silly risks.

5. Have a game face. When you are walking through a crowded train station, don't just stop and pull out a map. Walk directly and look like you know where you're going until you spot a place, out of the crowd, where you can sit, regroup and consult a map or your GPS. Once you get yourself oriented, put on your game face and walk directly through the crowd. Avoid stopping to chat with a stranger. If someone tries to approach you or touch you, assume they are a thief and move on. A firm "No" is usually enough to get them to back off. When on an escalator, keep some space around you. A regular trick is for someone to drop something at the bottom and create a pile up while their friends are pushing, and stealing things, at the back of the now packed (and distracted) group. Think of two modes game face/sturdy walk mode and out of the crowd/regroup/reorient mode.

Avoid stopping to chat with a stranger. If someone tries to approach you or touch you, assume they are a thief and move on

What a shame.

I'm not a thief. If somebody is lost and I offer to help I'd rather they haven't been told that they should assume I am a thief. If I am at a table in a crowded cafe and there is a chair or two free at the table I don't want to be thought a thief if I offer them.

Kaydee, when you have a moment of anxiety, take a minute to read through some of the reviews of the tour you're about to take. Do it even if you've already done so. The many glowing reports may help to ease some of your stress. Pickpockets? Those can be managed with any number of methods discussed at length (too often and too lengthily, IMHO) on the forums but forewarned is forearmed, as they say. Take what is useful and discard the rest. RS wouldn't escort a group to a city that was too dangerous/risky to do so, and while I haven't taken a tour myself, it's clear that their guides are experienced and well able to steer their charges clear of potential difficulties.

Just taking a moment to read over some of your prior posts, it doesn't sound like you'll be in Barcelona on the known dates of "disruption" helpfully posted by Enric? As he said, he'd post a head's up on, "...any information relevant to visitors becomes available."

Kudos to Enric, Carlos and others doing a great job of providing information "from the ground". Your posts have been interesting reads even if I'm not traveling soon to Spain. 👍

There was a post a month or so ago about a family whose hotel in Rome was robbed and passports were stolen causing them to miss their cruise. There were some angry comments about the post being guilty of fear mongering. I disagree. It's unlikely to happen to you, but it could. For me it's a reminder to do a bit of pre-planning. For example, in that situation or because of the pickpocket concerns maybe keep your passports in a moneybelt. It also had me check my insurance coverage just so I could be a bit more prepared in case a stressful situation happens. To me, it means less stress because I'm aware and more prepared.

Good lord, not everyone who stops to offer assistance or chat with you is a thief! I really dislike this mentality as it is pervasive on this forum.

I cannot tell you how many times I have overheard people trying to figure out which train to take, which stop to get off at, which ticket to purchase and when I have kindly offered, I have gotten a cold shoulder or a rude no thanks. I then watch them miss their stop, get on the wrong train and buy the wrong ticket. Pretty sure I don't look like a senior citizen thief and with my Ohio accent one would think people would realize I am not dangerous. I do not get close to them, I tell them I am a tour guide, can I be of assistance.

So, use your judgment, not every offer of help is a scam. Have met wonderful people in cafes or on the trains who weren't afraid to chat.

Kaydee, My spouse and I each lived in Europe. In addition, we have returned many times both with tour groups and on our own. I am not exaggerating at all when I say that we actually feel safer in Europe than in many U.S. cities. My advice is to simply exercise the same reasonable precautions that you do in any U.S. city and you will be a-o-k. To paraphrase an old song, put your worries in an old kit bag, and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

I have a feeling this question was posed more to do with the potential upcoming strikes/protests in Barcelona - the tour's arriving city - than pickpocketing, etc....but I may be wrong.
In that case, being in a tour means there are others working to avoid or reduce impact and keeping tourists away from the activity - which should be added peace of mind.

The problem is like many in our lives the average person has trouble with statistics.
In my state we have recently (this whole summer) had 3 people die from a rare illness and many people including my niece are constantly talking about it and worried about it. On the other hand in my state we on average lose 10 people a week in car crashes, So in the last 12 weeks we are looking at 3 vs 120 but no one is screaming about cars killing people and to avoid roads...
As for the comment I call the the Amazon Review effect, 1 million people do or go or buy something 100 have issues 200 people post reviews you SHOULD get 0.02 bad reviews. And thus the first bad review should not happen until 10,000 good reviews are posted. But what you get is 100 bad reviews.
Same goes here. We have 10,000 members (I have no idea I just picked a number for example) and 1000 go someplace 100 have issues. You get 100 members that post and 50 of those post about the issues, latter someone brings it up and 10 of the 50 post about the problem but only 2 of the good experiences post a reply.
It is simply human nature, if it is ok or even good no one says anything about it. I mean when was the last time you heard the following “I went to that restaurant that has been around 20 years last night for the 10th time this year and you know what? It was OK....”.
Nope you only hear about it if it is very new or if something went wrong. I have been in one restaurant probably 20 times a year for 5 years and I can honestly only clearly remember one time and that was the one we’re service was horrible.

So all comments and reviews (and really most comments are mini reviews based on past personal experience) tend to be radically over represented with BAD reviews. Or other negatives.

So don’t place TOO much emphasis on what they say,

I was in the most pickpocketed location in London (so the say) as the police warned us while there and had people pressing in on all sides, the lady behind me was so close that in some counties we would be considered married now but nothing happened. Meanwhile elsewhere (to remain nameless to avoid giving it a bad rep) I had someone try and pick my pocket (pocket was empty except for tissues)
I also had great service from folks in Paris but a small town store owner tried to give me the wrong change (shorted me 10 euros when buying two cokes). Then claimed I didn’t give hime the amount I did (I know I did as the bills were all the same size as I had just stopped at the atm). But in all the “warnings” I have never had the problem being warned about,

So don’t let the negative post worry you. Buy that new BBQ grill from Amazon... er I mean take your trip and enjoy and realize that the negatives are over emphasized

What troubles me is the idea implicit in some of the posts about crime in Europe, or elsewhere for that matter, that when travelling away from the USA the whole world is out to get you. Some posters seem to think America is crime free, no thieves, no murderers, no mass shootings, no pickpockets or scammers ... BUT those darn foreigners are a bad lot and really to be feared. I guess it is fear of “the other” and after a few trips abroad it will vanish. If not, they had best vacation in Las Vegas.

In following the posts on this forum I find the pattern is that people who are sharing concerns or warnings about a destination are more likely to be sharing an experience that happened to them or a companion personally and has thus some validity. Another poster that has validity is one with intensive experience or knowledge of a place re Eric as in his Barcolena information.
In my opinion this is useful information.

Another pattern I have observed is that the more fearful and/or reposting something to incite fear often comes from 1st time posters often never heard from again.
I fee much safer in Europe than I do in the United States. I live near to Greenville NC where I frequently go to shop. On any given day the paper reports muggings, armed robberies, rapes, home invasions , and a shooting several times a month. I have said many times if were considering a visit, this town is too dangerous,based the crime level.
I think this is true of many cities in the US ,large ones even more so. So a matter of perspective.
Re:Mexico if one watches the news you might think the whole country is dangerous but just not true. Mexico is a large and varied country. I go to Oaxaca Mexico at least once a year, walk all over town night included. I would not do this in certain parts of towns in my region.

A couple of things I keep in mind when traveling.

A. Europe is not safer (for me) than the US. Why?

1. Europe is not a place, its a collection of places. Some incredibly safe, some less so. The difference is when home I know where not to go, when I travel that isn't a sure bet.
2. If i get into any trouble at home, I have a support network and a familiarity with the processes to solve the issue. Not so likely in Europe. Pick my pocket in my home town, the inconvenience is minimal. Do it is Ukraine and it could be a different experience.

B. The forum is somewhat limited in its accuracy. But, it does provide a good starting point.

1. "I went to Egypt last year and I felt perfectly safe", well so did the folks on the tour bus that blew up. So, "I felt" is meaningless. But with the statement and the one occurrence you can do a bit of research and see if what you find fits your comfort level.
   
2. "The Albatros Hotel is the best in Barcelona". Well, how many hotels have you stayed at in Barcelona .... let me guess, one?
3. "Mexico City is safe". Well the murder rate in Mexico City is over 14 per 100,000. New York City has a rate of about 3 per 100,000. Define safe? (by the way, I am thinking about Mexico City later this year or early next year).

C. Statistically Europe is ....

1. Please refer to A(1) above. The statistics are generally worthless because they don't apply to your real world situation.
2. Please refer to B(3) above. But my "GUESS" is that the tourist spots in Mexico City and in New York are more or less equally safe. Remember most murders involve people who know each other killing each other, second involves criminal activity. Avoid murderous friends and criminal activity and you avoid most of the risk.
   

D. So?

1. Its 100% subjective and 100% an individual choice. I can say, based on the attitude written above, that there arent many places that are outside of my personal comfort zone; and I tend to explore the fringes. But that doesnt make me correct for anyone but me.

2. For me, personally, the benefits of self growth and understanding (I dont really travel for museums and to tick off tourist sights) have far outweighed any concerns I might have. I just try very hard to see things as they really are, anticipate a few errors in judgment along the way. With a little heightened awareness and what few support systems I can put into place I always have a relaxed and enjoyable time. Of course, I could be all wrong. Never know.....

I subscribe to the “ what I don’t know can hurt me “ theory .

I understand that bad things can happen to me anywhere , but that it’s good to know different sorts of things to look out for in different places .

Ie: we do not have pickpockets where I live ( we have crack heads and meth addicts instead and going under the radar is not their thing ) so good to know some of the tricks that I should be aware of ..

I worry more about losing my papers ( tickets and reservations etc ) than crime - reading about various scams doesn’t scare me , it helps me feel more confident that I won’t be an easy mark ( like the tourist who’s never read not to put their phone down on the cafe table )

To answer the OP’s question, no I don’t.

I am a native New Yorker and my city is a bull’s-eye to terrorism worldwide. Would I ever consider moving because of that? Of course not. This is my home.

So it would never occur to me to fear traveling to Europe no matter what people bloviate on a forum.

My new fear is the airline losing my luggage now that I am forced to check my Pullman carry-on bag as I have to use a wheelchair in airports. I can’t do anything about that either except fly nonstop which is easy to do from New York so I just go with the flow.

I'll say it again. If you're walking through a crowded tourist area with bags in tow, and someone you don't know approaches you and tries to talk to you, you are much better off assuming it's a scam. Is it possible a person is simply being kind? Yes, possible. Is it probable you will meet a kind stranger in a crowded tourist zone? I wouldn't bet on it - and you are literally betting your valuables.

If you look like an affluent tourist, in a crowded square, you're going to be approached by someone with a friendship bracelet, bird poop wipe, survey, lost ring or card claiming they're mute. If someone, accidentally, drops something in front of you at the bottom of an escalator. You're better off assuming someone behind you will have their hand in your pocket than it was an accident. I've never assumed I'll have a meaningful conversation with a local before I drop my bag at my lodging.

Don't assume you can separate thieves from honest people by the way they look. A thief can be male, female, old, young, thin, heavy, dressed casually or in a suit. The grandma, who appears to suffer from failing health, may be partnered with a young man in business attire. It may be sad that the world has to be viewed through that lens - but the world has to be viewed through that lens.

Not being a good target lowers your risk substantially, don't display valuables and don't be overburdened. You can be a lot less careful if your valuables are out of sight/reach, but that doesn't mean throwing caution to the wind is the safe bet.

I'll say it again. If you're walking through a crowded tourist area with bags in tow, and someone you don't know approaches you and tries to talk to you, you are much better off assuming it's a scam. Is it possible a person is simply being kind? Yes, possible. Is it probable you will meet a kind stranger in a crowded tourist zone? I wouldn't bet on it - and you are literally betting your valuables.

If you look like an affluent tourist, in a crowded square, you're
going to be approached by someone

It seems like you had some raw and bad experiences.

I like to dress classy but not overdone. I don't carry high-end bags or flaunt any expensive-looking jewelry. To some, sure, that could be an invitation to steal from.

I would also like to add: What about the wandering traveler who seems to not be paying attention? Who insists on putting a wallet in a visible pocket for an easy grab? Or the woman who carries her purse "open?" Quite a few do that and walk around in a cloud.

What about someone who is elderly, handicapped or seemingly more vulnerable (not that street smart); they too are being eye-balled by thieves or pickpockets.

If the opportunity presents itself, a person with that mindset will take the opp.

It is not always "looking affluent." A target is a target for a number of reasons.

Walk with a purpose even if you seem to be lost. No harm in being friendly; which I am. Smile. It goes a long way.

I was asked by ticket sellers, rose sellers, tour people, and "BS'd" from a woman (I played along as I was sitting in the Navona sun. She got fed up and left.) No need to be rude or target any one people (anywhere!) There are good and bad all over the World.

I look people straight in the eyes if approached with some crap. I say, "No Grazie." My stare and stance lets them know I mean what I say. End of story.

P.S. I also practice this around my city and Cambridge -- people handing out flyers for this or that. I say, No thanks and walk on. No need to take it and then throw it on the ground like some do.

" To assume that anyone who isn’t obviously a tourist is potentially a thief is ridiculous."

Not to mention the fact that some people out to scam/pickpocket you try to appear as fellow tourists.

Most people trying to help are really just trying to help. You just need to have a bit of 'radar' awareness.

I just thought of something. I shared this experience a couple of times in the past on this forum.

One day, while out and about at St. Peter's Piazza, I was approached by some young men (early 20's) asking if I would be interested in a Vatican Museum Tour. I acknowledged them and politely declined. They left me alone to wander the square.

As I made my way around again with the late afternoon sun shying away, they gave a friendly hello. We engaged in a conversation. I smiled and stopped to chat a bit.

The guys were well dressed in nice over coats, dress slacks and dress shirts, nice shoes. They were from Afghanistan. I found them to be very funny, trying to outdo each other with their stories of Italian life, Italian girls, etc.

Being sponsored by an Italian woman (I met her later on as she came up the Piazza), they worked for her recruiting patrons for the tours. These young men lived on commission only and shared an apartment.

They told me they wanted to get into the hospitality business -- either in a restaurant, hotel or supervising a food or souvenir cart.

I could have been rude and assumed things about these guys. I went with the benefit knowing I could easily walk away if I did not like the conversation for any reason.

Sometimes being friendly with people can be a learning experience and even rewarding. What I gained from them is they were hard-working to survive. They dressed the part to be taken seriously and talked the part of professionalism.

You just never know whom you will meet despite their dress code....

Another experience:

While walking from The Pantheon (Piazza della Rotonda), this elderly man walking with a cane, stopped two teens asking for directions to The Pantheon. They pointed in the opposite direction and then laughed. I looked at them with disdain. They scurried away. Jerks. I then directed the man to the appropriate direction.

Another day, I was walking from Piazza della Rotonda. As I was crossing over, I saw an elderly couple stop a couple of people -- presumably asking for directions -- they were ignored. Walking toward my direction, they stopped me to ask if I could help. I did!

It takes a few seconds to be kind. In those same few seconds, you could also size up a person to the best of your ability.

No one likes to be scammed, jerked around, lied to or stolen from. Taking smart and precautionary methods will help lessen the bad things. I never felt compromised in any of my trips anywhere.

The takeway -- As offered, keep your wits, keep a good stance, walk with a purpose, duck into a store or cafe to ask for help or directions. I found nice people.

What is there to be stressed about? It is like "they" have psyched you out before the game (or battle, if you want to use that analogy) begins. Being psyched out favours which party? You or the bad guys?

I don't believe in these fairy tales of doom one hears from trips in Europe. On warnings pertaining to certain European cities, would you be walking in your town or city's downtown?

I think every place in Europe is safe apart from Spain.

Just kidding.

Sitting in the Paris airport LOL at the last post. People are looking at me!

Sitting in the Paris airport LOL at the last post. People are looking at me!

They're not looking at you, they're looking at your bag and sizing you up!

On warnings pertaining to certain European cities, would you be walking in your town or city's downtown?

I feel safer generally in Europe than in my city. It doesn't stop me from taking appropriate precautions and going there either.

The reason people feel safer in a city they don’t live in is because they are not aware of the dangers in sad city like the locals are. Also the locals probably are over saturated with everything bad that happens. The classic it bleeds it leads journalism.
As I said elsewhere my state (or at least the new and may citizens) is having fits over a disease that killed three people in about 3 months and is ignoring the 10 people killed a week in car accidents, 3 vs 120....
But the disease is something new that the News can milk for ratings.

Similar theory applies here

I would suggest that your feelings are based in part on being "overly" informed on conditions in you own city vs being nearly completely uninformed on conditions in Europe. Wait! you live in SF. You are probably correct.

But since you are in Prague, here are some places you might want to visit https://news.expats.cz/prague-districts/pragues-5-dangerous-neighborhoods/

My city. You might want to move

Assault 2
Violent crime 3
Burglary 17
Theft 122

James E., are those statistics for a week, a day, a month?

Year to date

What the news media fails to mention is that most of the violent crime in the US occurs in 20 or 30 neighborhoods. Even then the overwhelming majority of the crime involves individuals who know each other or is gang on gang violence or criminal killing criminal like in a drug deal. The violent crime rate in the suburbs is exceedingly low, and again, it most often involves people who know each other like wife killing husband. So my advice is stay out of gang neighborhoods and don't associate with criminals, do what your wife tells you to do and its all pretty safe. I imagine Europe would be pretty much the same; except maybe what we think of as "gang" is a different demographic, and terrorist attacks are a bit more common; but walking the street in a Paris tourist area is probably a lot like walking a street in a typical US suburb or a typical US central business district.

Admittedly, that list for Prague I posted is tame by comparison to parts of Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore or Kansas City.

Think of all the places that have seen terrorism or mass shootings in the US - you couldn't ever leave your house if you avoided anyplace that kind of thing could happen.

When the terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in 1993 and then hijacked airplanes to fly in to the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 2001, does anyone think we were afraid to leave our apartments?

Absolutely not.

While living for several years in Europe and traveling extensively I always felt safer than I did in school in New York City.

Try to relax an enjoy your trip. Something major happening is extremely, extremely rare. Something annoying/frustrating happening that costs a little money/time most likely could as easily have happened at home.

While living for several years in Europe and traveling extensively I
always felt safer than I did in school in New York City.

I am a native New Yorker and the only time I had ever been a victim of violent crime was when I was mugged at knife-point on a Sunday afternoon in Baltimore on St Paul Street a few blocks from the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus by a 13 year old boy.

Ignorance is bliss.
A few years ago (or about 35). I was in Milwaukee for a convention. We walked all over the place and felt very safe for 4 or 5 days. Then a local asked us where we went and we told her. She asked if we were crazy? We walked in what the local considered a VERY dangerous location. That same day 4 people from our convention were mugged in broad daylight in that area.
Two days later our car and three others were broken into and the radios stolen while parked in a so called secure parking structure at the convention center. The cops (we had to go to them, and they were not in a good area) said we should be used to it being from the Detroit area.

If you look at the numbers even in dangerous areas odds are you will not be involved in anything no matter where you go. So if you don’t know an area is “dangerous “ you probably will feel perfectly safe (hence the multiple posts about feeling safer in Europe, that is because you don’t know). But that does not mean that a given area is safe. Just that if you have 100000 tourists and three pick pockets you will have to wait your turn to be serviced,
I was in the crowd at the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace a couple years ago and while we didn’t get robbed I would be surprised if SOMEONE didn’t.

So you can either go in fully ignorant or fully informed.

Personally I like a little info but I don’t worry about it. I take steps to protect myself (belt pouch, copies of my information and card numbers and such in case I need to cancel/replace) and I try to avoid really bad areas which is not that hard to do as most things I want to see are not in those areas. But do I worry about it? Not really, You are probably more likely to get injured or killed getting to or home from the airport then getting not trouble in Europe but no one worries about that..

In eleven trips to Europe, we've had dozen of strangers help us. Their kindness was much appreciated, and I never felt scammed. Oh sure, we've had a number of people try to swindle us, but we knew right away . . .probably helps being from a major metropolitan area where one learns what to look for. Could we still get bamboozled? Sure. But we're not going to dis all the offers of kindness and helpfulness. If we did that, we'd just stay home and watch travel shows.

While living for several years in Europe and traveling extensively I
always felt safer than I did in school in New York City.

Describes the uselessness of "feelings".

The mass shootings and terrorism attacks in the US dont even account 1% of the violent crime in the US. 75% of all of the violent crime in the US involves certain demographics that most of us will never come in contact with; and yet the "feelings" are still real.

So the OP referenced Concerns, Problems and Warnings about certain unnamed cities/countries. An impossible post to respond to. We, the "seasoned travelers" still talk about Europe as though it is a place and not a collection of places.

There is one major city where the local Jewish leaders have, for the safety of their congregation, advised against Jews wearing traditional dress in public. But that's just one location in all of Europe I know of nothing that compares. There is a country where appearing gay in public is effectively illegal, but again, that's isolated to one country. There is a city where the odds of you having your wallet lifted is substantially higher than the rest of Europe and at least for me, I consider being on a street with no ID and no money or credit card to be a "concern". My favorite city in Europe has at least one neighborhood I would prefer not to be in after dark. No one is going to get killed, but a mugging is somewhat more likely than one would expect in such a safe city. There is a country where in recent years some holidays have turned bad for young ladies. I would not be surprised if that issue has been corrected, but I really dont know, so if my 19 year old daughter were going to one of those events that would be a concern.

So, should you be concerned about any of this? Depends on who you are, where you are going, and when you are going.