My daughters, both 20, will be going to Europe. They'll be staying with friends, but have to make their way to Dusseldorf to get home. We're thinking of having them stay a couple of nights before the flight home, but I'm concerned. They've never traveled alone and I'm a little bit nervous to have them stay in a strange city, alone - and in Europe. How safe is it? I'm sure there are parts of the city that are safer than others. What do you think?? Experiences from those that have been?
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
Well 20 is old enough to use "some" judgment (although I had ah, some questionable decisions myself at 20). If your daughters aren't prone to going clubbing till 2 a.m. and then walking down dark alley's after closing they'll be fine. Dusseldorf is not the Horn of Africa it's Germany. Yes, at 20 you'll do stupid but you'll also do stuff that will be wonderful. Suggest they stick together like co-joined twins. Two women together are much safer than one alone. They're going to have a wonderful time and come back the better for the experience. As to better parts of the city well, get a decent hotel as it'll be in a decent place (not to near the train station). Make sure they understand they have to be at the airport well ahead of time, that they both have emergency cash (in Euro's).
Posted by
Gangelt, Germany
101 posts
I live about 45 minutes from Dusseldorf. It's a nice city to spend a couple days exploring. They have a great shopping district and you can just wonder from shop to shop all day long. As for safety I, along with coworkers, routinely go to Dusseldorf and I've never heard of anyone having any problems. As the previous poster indicated, if they stick together and use common sense, they'll be fine. All in all, Germany is a very safe place, but has it's areas to avoid like everywhere else. I think they'll be fine and have a great time.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35194 posts
Safer than wandering the streets of San Diego at night, in my experience. And San Diego, when I lived there, was pretty safe.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
April, I agree with all the posters. And Nigel is correct - I can vouch for that answer. I'd be more worried about San Diego. And 20 is PLENTY old to be on their own in Europe. Seriously. If your girls are party types (you will know if they are, even if they are trying to hide it from you), you need to warn them STERNLY that getting drunk and wandering around at night (either between bars, or after the bars have closed) is a super way to get into trouble, and fast. I would give you an example from my youth, but I don't want to scare you. ;-) If they stick together, keep the beers down to a dull roar, and take normal precautions, they'll be fine. And they will have a rip roaring adventure that they can regale others with for years to come. In other words, I encourage you to let them go - and to NOT worry. They will have a blast.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
Yes, my wife's aunt lives near there. Most European cities are safe, Dusseldorf is safer than nearby Koln (which can get a seedy crowd around the train station). Good news on the clubbing front too. The clubs don't close at two, so it will be dawn when they get done. :)
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, United States
228 posts
Thanks everyone for the great information and I agree about San Diego! Ha, ha. No, they're not the clubbing types, so I'm not too worried about that. They'll have to do the drinking and pubs earlier in the trip when they're with friends. I think we're going to go ahead and let them go. I know 20 is plenty old enough, but you know when they're your babies it doesn't seem like it. ;-)
Also, I read that Dusseldorf isn't in Ricks Germany book. Can anyone confirm before I go and buy the book? Thanks again!