Safety Considerations
My research indicated that traveling in most European countries would be relatively safe. The most consistent warning was, “Watch out for pickpockets.” For that reason, my passport, wallet and phone were stuffed in the front pockets of my cargo pants, and I made photo copies of all vital documents and stored them elsewhere.
Playing defense by giving everyone else the ‘right of way’ was the safest approach to walking the streets in Europe. I used the “double take” method my Mother taught me growing up – look both ways, take a step or two then look both ways again. Some bike paths are on the sidewalks. After two near disasters, I looked right or left and behind me when making ‘any’ turns on the walkways.
Especially dangerous were those damn foreigners who ‘slide’ their credit card to rent a scooter. Most visitors have limited or no experience riding those devices, and the evidence is the fear in their eyes that tell you they are as afraid of what they’re doing as you are.
