There are plenty of websites out there that will offer you travel tips but why should you listen to mine? Simple. I live and work in Europe for the past 4 years. I know it can't compare to those who are here all their lives. But I'm offering my advices from the perspective of an Asian traveller where the cultures are vastly different from that here. So here I begin:
(1) Try not to attract the attention of thieves.
This is easier said than done especially if you are an Asian in a European country. Let's not include London as it is much different compared to the rest of Europe where Asians are not so commonly seen. We are a rare sight. And of course, people will stare. Don't worry as they meant no harm. They are just curious. Besides, trying to differentiate a Chinese from a Japanese is an eternal myth to them. I realised that most Western Europeans will generalise Asians as Japanese. They deem Japanese can afford to travel more than the rest of the Asians. In Eastern Europe, Asians are generalised as Chinese.
So back to the point of how not to attract too much attention. Most of my mates have the habit of digging out their mobile phones once they sit down at a restaurant or cafe. This is an easy way to lose your mobile phones and telling thieves that you are a nice plump catch-of-the-day!
And remember the age old advice of not hanging your cameras around your neck. My mate was almost robbed of her camera in the centre of Prague. She was fighting a tug-o-war with the robber. Well, she got her camera back but you will never be lucky everytime.
(2) Keep your cameras secured at all times!
A popular item that robbers love is the camera. Most of us tourists like to equip ourselves with the latest digital camera in the market. Most robbers are pretty good runners. I've seen many of them outrun the police officers especially in Paris.
An unfortunate incident happened to my mate in Paris. He wanted to take a picture of him and his wife at Le Tour d'Eiffel. So he set his camera timer on and moved away to where his wife was standing. Before he realised it, the robber had snatched his camera and made a dash for it. My mate had to make a police report in french which grew into big complication when he tried to claim insurance for his stolen camera. So watch out shutterbugs!
(3) Children could be thieves too.
Yes, this happened to me personally. It usually takes two persons to perform this act. One of them will try to distract your attention by trying to sell you some cheap souvenirs. And the innocent little boy will sneak behind you, unzip your bag and steal your belongings from your haversack. Lucky thing my other mate caught him in the nick of time. Sure was a good lesson to learn!
Keep these tips in mind. Happy travelling! :)
(1) Try not to attract the attention of thieves.
This is easier said than done especially if you are an Asian in a European country. Let's not include London as it is much different compared to the rest of Europe where Asians are not so commonly seen. We are a rare sight. And of course, people will stare. Don't worry as they meant no harm. They are just curious. Besides, trying to differentiate a Chinese from a Japanese is an eternal myth to them. I realised that most Western Europeans will generalise Asians as Japanese. They deem Japanese can afford to travel more than the rest of the Asians. In Eastern Europe, Asians are generalised as Chinese.
So back to the point of how not to attract too much attention. Most of my mates have the habit of digging out their mobile phones once they sit down at a restaurant or cafe. This is an easy way to lose your mobile phones and telling thieves that you are a nice plump catch-of-the-day!
And remember the age old advice of not hanging your cameras around your neck. My mate was almost robbed of her camera in the centre of Prague. She was fighting a tug-o-war with the robber. Well, she got her camera back but you will never be lucky everytime.
(2) Keep your cameras secured at all times!
A popular item that robbers love is the camera. Most of us tourists like to equip ourselves with the latest digital camera in the market. Most robbers are pretty good runners. I've seen many of them outrun the police officers especially in Paris.
An unfortunate incident happened to my mate in Paris. He wanted to take a picture of him and his wife at Le Tour d'Eiffel. So he set his camera timer on and moved away to where his wife was standing. Before he realised it, the robber had snatched his camera and made a dash for it. My mate had to make a police report in french which grew into big complication when he tried to claim insurance for his stolen camera. So watch out shutterbugs!
(3) Children could be thieves too.
Yes, this happened to me personally. It usually takes two persons to perform this act. One of them will try to distract your attention by trying to sell you some cheap souvenirs. And the innocent little boy will sneak behind you, unzip your bag and steal your belongings from your haversack. Lucky thing my other mate caught him in the nick of time. Sure was a good lesson to learn!
Keep these tips in mind. Happy travelling! :)
6 comments:
Thanks for the tips. Cool photo!
You're welcomed! Thanks for dropping by!
This post is an eyeopener. Didn't think that Europe, Paris especially is that dangerous. Have been there the last time, walked around town in dark lanes too. Lucky to have escaped those unwanted attention. Just lucky!
Hey Footiam, guess you were really lucky not to encounter those bad elements!
I've been to Paris 7 times and I had a lot of weird encounters!
But there are just a few neighbourhoods that you need to avoid in the dark if you want to be safe.
thanks for the tips! =)really helpful too. I like footiam didn't think that Paris is that dangerous... As I too went there and it was fine
Don't get me wrong. Paris is not dangerous. But it too has areas that one should avoid for one's own safety at night. All big cities do.
And parisiens are generally very friendly and helpful to asiatiques. That's why I love going there. Most of the trips alone.
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