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Europe is a popular travel destination with rich cultural heritage, historic cities, and stunning landscapes. However, with the large influx of tourists, the risk of theft is also heightened. One incident that grabbed attention in the Vietnamese travel community was a female MC from Vietnam who had her suitcase stolen while traveling by train from Rome to Florence, Italy. This situation made many Vietnamese travelers express concern about how to protect their personal belongings during their trips.
Tran Trang, who traveled across Europe for a month last summer, shared that not all European countries have a high rate of theft, but tourists still need to equip themselves with the skills to safeguard their possessions. Here are some simple yet highly effective tips that Tran Trang applied to help you protect your belongings when exploring European cities.
To reduce the risk of theft, Tran Trang advises travelers to bring only one large suitcase, one small backpack, and a camera bag. Reducing the number of small bags makes it easier to manage and monitor your belongings. Additionally, using anti-theft backpacks with secure zippers is a smart choice for keeping important items like documents and money safe.
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A simple yet effective tip is to secure the zipper pulls of your backpack with S-biner hooks (S-shaped hooks with spring-loaded ends), which adds extra security. Important documents and wallets should be kept in a crossbody bag or a camera bag with a lock, always close to your body.
For electronic devices like phones, you can wear them on a neck strap or keep them in your jacket pocket when moving around. Furthermore, if you carry many valuable items, using a tracker device inside your suitcase or backpack will help you easily locate them if they get lost.
Train travel is a popular mode of transport in Europe, but it’s also a place where thieves often target unsuspecting travelers. When traveling in a group, Tran Trang suggests keeping all luggage in one spot and using a long lock to secure the suitcases together if needed. If you are seated in the upper level of a train car, make sure your luggage is kept nearby and secure.
If seated on the lower level, place your luggage directly under the table or between the table and the seat. If traveling in a group of four, sit in pairs at the same table to keep an eye on each other's belongings. Always stay close to your group when changing trains to keep an eye on your luggage. Be cautious when asking someone to help with your bags when boarding or disembarking from the train.
When traveling by metro, bus, or tram, Tran Trang recommends sitting or standing opposite your travel companion to watch over each other's belongings. If standing, press your backpack against the window to prevent pickpockets from reaching it from behind. While waiting at train or bus stations, always be aware of your surroundings to spot any suspicious behavior.
Tran Trang shared an experience in Paris when she witnessed a pickpocketing incident on the train. A group of thieves worked together to steal from passengers at the door, then quickly fled after getting off at the next station. From this, Tran Trang advises tourists to always "look before you leap" and be vigilant when surrounded by suspicious individuals.
For self-drive tourists, Tran Trang suggests placing your suitcase in the car's trunk whenever you stop. Keep your important belongings on you at all times. Additionally, always purchase theft insurance from the car rental company to protect against break-ins, as thieves may break the windows to steal valuables. Insurance costs range from 5 to 50 euros per day, depending on the type of coverage and compensation level.
Tran Trang emphasizes that when boarding trains, buses, or planes, always head deep into the car to avoid thieves lurking near the doors. If you must stand near the door, do not hold your phone out in the open. If you need to use your phone, attach it to a neck strap or wristband to avoid having it snatched.
When traveling on long-distance trains or buses, dress neatly and be prepared with small change for snacks or public restrooms. Always lock your payment cards when not in use.
At tourist attractions, if you need to set your backpack down to free your hands for photos, loop the straps around your legs to prevent theft. When dining at restaurants, never leave your bag behind you or place your phone on the table unattended.
The most important strategy for keeping your belongings safe is to stay alert and observe your surroundings. Tourists with large bags, such as suitcases or backpacks, are easy targets for thieves. Be cautious of groups of young individuals loitering around train stations or public places, especially those who are quiet, not talking to each other, and carrying backpacks or no bags at all.
If you proactively protect your belongings and stay vigilant, your trip through Europe will be much more enjoyable and safer. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to relax and fully immerse yourself in the travel experience without worrying about theft.
