Just a suggestion. If you are planning a vacation trip to Europe, etc. and will visit cities I recommend going to Barne and Noble, buying a map of the cities you are going to visit and circle the tourist sites you want to see. Then plot the distance between some and see if you can walk. If not you can secure a copy of the city buses or subways and gain knowledge as to the best way to travel in the city inexpensively. This is a good way to maximize your experience and optimize your time/schedule. It beats standing a corner when you are there and trying to determine where to go next. Another suggestion is to take a 1/2day American Express bus tour of the city, which usually covers some of the more important sites and then mark down the ones you want to go back to. The Amex Express 1/2 day tours are usually low in cost and high in getting a quick view of the city. There are scales on the city maps which give you an idea of the distance between sites and for the fun of it pick two out, get in the car and drive that distance. That will give you an idea of what you think you can walk and convinces that an education in
local transportation is worthwhile. You will also save a great deal on taxi fares.

[784caroline]

REH
Just curious what is your experience in travelling in Europe? We are leaving for a European Cruise from Barcelona , Nice, Livirono, Rome, naples, Mykynosos (sp), Athens, Croatia, istanbul, venice in 2 weeks.

[duffysmom]

784Caroline, Have you checked out cruisecritic.com? They have forums on each cruise line and then specifically the cruise that you are taking which are called Roll Calls. You will be prompted to go to the name of your ship and then you can find the date of your cruise. I have learned so much and avoided pit falls reading the fabulous information. Similar to my experience on TOTV. We usually take two transatlantic cruises each year.

[jojo]

Cruise critics is wonderful. We coordinated our trip ahead with folks to do some shore visits and for transportation back to Rome after the cruise. It is much like TOTV. We had friends before we started.

Some point I would make on a few of the cities you are going to visit. Barcelona as well as most of Italy have pretty good pick pockets. Normally it is not usual to have the serious physical crimes we may experience in the US but they have real good pick pockets. It is recommended you keep the purse under your sweater, etc. so it is does not show. For men it is best to keep the money in the front pocket with hands in the pocket. They do not think twice about cutting belts on fanny packs, etc. This is not to over state it but it is best to be cautious as we are not as exposed to great pick pockets.
We have been to Naples a couple of times and had a great side trip to Sicily. If that is an option I think it is worth it. Regarding Rome. Depending how much time you have in Rome the On/Off bus is terrific. You can see the best of Rome and enjoy getting off at various stops and then getting back on. Nice was fine but I found it as a walk along the beach. If available a trip to Monte Carlo is fun and you can go into the Casino where some of the Bond films were set and actually put a couple of dollars in their slots. Of course not everyone agrees with each others trip fun so these are just a couple I liked. In Rome there is a great little resturant at the Spanish Steps. It is upstairs overlooking the steps and a good rest stop if you are tired.

Hi Caroline..Some suggestions for your trip. There are some real good pickpockets in Europe. Although typically you will not see the violent crimes we may have in the US there are some great pickpockets in some of the big cities in Europe and Barcelona and Rome are good examples. You may want to consider putting your purse, etc. under your sweater of shirt. They are good at cutting straps so fanny packs or exposed straps are not the best secuirty. We have been to Barcelona a few times and in one case the lady was getting on the bus and they just walked, cut her purse strap and ran.
It is not something that should make anyone scared but rather just to take good precautions.
In Rome I think the On/Off bus is a good way to see the city. You can get off at interesting points and then get back on the next one.

[784caroline]

REH
Thanks for the heads up. We lived in central Europe for 4 years and even then I almost got pick-pocketed in a subway station in Paris. Fortunately my wife was about 5-10 feet behind me, she saw the guys "sizing" me up. It was rushhour, very crowded and even though I knew better ...well I was oblivious until I saw one guy go flying by me after my wife gave him a full body block...this a couple of (well many) years ago..but still very evident in my mind. We also know the bus from the train station to the Collosieum is notorius for pickpockets and guys on motor scotters ride along the street and just grab ladies purses often pulling the lady with them. WE are hoping the being NOvember the pickpocket trade will be minimal for most tourists have gone BUT your advise is well taken.

[jojo]

My husband had his wallet in his front pocket in Rome. There was a bus strike so we took the subway which was very crowded. And you guessed it - when we got off the subway in the Spanish Steps area his wallet was missing. We were staying at a hotel which was more for business than tourists but we spent most of a day on the phone and Internet dealing with credit cards etc. This was in October. When we got on the plane, a woman seated across from us also had her wallet taken out of her purse. You cannot be too careful.

I know what you mean about Rome and some of the problems. I traveled to Europe quite a bit on business and very frequently to Paris and London and I was careful but not overly so. I also worked in lower Manhattan for many years and also near 57th Street and never had a problem as I made sure to just be sensible. It makes good sense to make copies of your passports before you go and keep one copy away from where you keep your original and also leave one copy home just in case there is a problem. You can always have it sent over in a hurry. I know in Rome there is an exposure of a number of children running up and distracting you while one takes the wallet, purse, etc. Some of these are gypsy children and they are good at what they do. I subscribe to act like you would in NY City. Be aware of the surrounding and if something does not look good it probably isn't.
Unfortunately a lot of the note is about problems when it fact it is terrific to see the cities and enjoy them and the culture. A year and a half ago my wife and I rented a car in Paris and drove through France and Italy to Tuscany where we had rented a villa and just enjoy the European food and country. We never had a problem so I am reluctant to put too much emphasis on the problems and ignore the beauty and experience of Europe.
Have a great trip..!!

[Cassie325]

Originally Posted by 784caroline

REH
Thanks for the heads up. We lived in central Europe for 4 years and even then I almost got pick-pocketed in a subway station in Paris. Fortunately my wife was about 5-10 feet behind me, she saw the guys "sizing" me up. It was rushhour, very crowded and even though I knew better ...well I was oblivious until I saw one guy go flying by me after my wife gave him a full body block...this a couple of (well many) years ago..but still very evident in my mind. We also know the bus from the train station to the Collosieum is notorius for pickpockets and guys on motor scotters ride along the street and just grab ladies purses often pulling the lady with them. WE are hoping the being NOvember the pickpocket trade will be minimal for most tourists have gone BUT your advise is well taken.

Trying not to upset anyone by highjacking your post....BUT your wife sounds like one hellava woman!!! Good for her!!!

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi,

I just read this thread. Where ever your travel, in the states or abroad, it is my experience you need to take the same safety precautions.

The experiences mentioned so far in the post can happen anywhere, sorry to say that.

I carry my money and credit card in a plastic zip loc bag that I safety pin to the inside of the skirt and/or slacks that I am wearing. If I need money or my cc it is easy for me to access. I have been doing this for over 55 years.

My hubby carries his in one of his front pants pocket and always keeps his hand over it. This makes you aware if someone is reaching to take your money or credit cards.

What has been posted about fannie packs etc is true.

Who is the person who will pick pocket you? As previously stated it can be someone who is on a motorcycle, children or the person you least expect. The person you least expect is the one who is dressed in business casual or a business suit - they do not look like your typical stereotype pick pocketer. In our travels we have encountered this type.

Bottom line is be careful, be aware of your surroundings and yes you will get distracted - while taking a picture or doing whatever.

Do not wear flashy clothing or jewelry nor use expensive luggage.

I think if you follow all of the advice one reads you are being proactive.

The most important thing is to enjoy your trip.

Have a wonderful time.

HB

[784caroline]

Cassie
Her brother was a linebacker in college!

[Cassie325]

Originally Posted by 784caroline

Cassie
Her brother was a linebacker in college!

Well it seems she learned a lot from him!! I love it....