posted by: Nina Sarmiento

It is safe for women to travel alone through Europe. Key European cities such as Paris, London, Berlin,Vienna and Geneva are among the cities in the world that provide the best quality of living to its residents, according to the Mercer 2010 Quality of Living Survey. Cities included in this list are noted , among other things, for their low crime rates and political and economic stability.

But don't take this for granted. As my sis always says, low crime rate does not mean no crime at all.

1. Be informed: Read about the crime rate on the place that you are going to before you leave. Go to internet forums to know how safe (or unsafe) the city that you are visiting.

You should consider telling a family or friend whenever you hop into another city. Give them a heads up about your where abouts and your contact number (and do keep their contact numbers too in case you need to contact them).

Majority of the European countries have 112 for emergency number. It is also a good idea to keep the number of your embassies/consulates on the place you are about to go.

2.Walk in a well lighted street: This is just common sense but we sometimes forget that.

I love to walk through the streets and to hop on a bus to see more of the city that I'm visiting. So I always stay in a centrally-located hostel where I can walk around knowing there are other people walking around, especially at night. I don't feel safe walking around in very quiet, isolated areas (even at day time).

3. Use your credit card: Bring less cash and use credit/debit card whenever you can. Just remember to call your bank to inform them where you are traveling. Get a fraud protection plan, so that if the card is stolen and used without your consent, the bank can refund your money. You can easily cancel the stolen card and the bank can send you an express card.

4. Divide your cash: Put a small amount of money in your wallet, and the rest in your secret compartments (such as your bra or in your socks). The idea is that when you need to buy something from a street seller or in a shop where credit card is not an option, there is only a small amount of money exposed in case someone is watching you.

You can use a money belt bag, but you need to wear it all the time …even when going to the bathroom. Tuck it inside your pants when you are traveling by train or by bus. It is also a good option to invest on an anti slash bag.

You can also leave some money to your family or friends, so that if something happens to your card they can instantly remit you money.

5. Hug your backpack: Do this only in certain countries. I can put my wallet in my backpack here in Ireland and I don't need to worry about it. But friends warned me to hug my backpack while in Barcelona as there are snatchers and pickpockets.

6. If you booze, you lose: Going out at night is not such bad thing, nor is having a glass of wine with friends. But getting drunk is bad whether you are at home or in a foreign country.
Drink only with someone you trust and DO NOT LEAVE YOUR GLASS UNATTENDED.

What's your experience in Europe? Do you think solo female travelers can stay safe in Europe? Please share your thoughts here.

Next Week: Cheap and Chic: How To Travel for Less in Europe

Resources:
Going Solo: Best Way To Travel in Europe – If this is your first time to travel solo in Europe, there are some things that you need to do before you pack your bags.

Photo Credits:
Gilles Kein
e-walk