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A summer holiday in Europe is something everyone dreams of doing at least in their lifetimes.
Unfortunately, the massive crowds that descend on Europe during these summer months also offer opportunities aplenty for pickpockets, scammers, and thieves to ply their trade on unsuspecting tourists.
Here are some simple steps you can take so you don’t end up becoming another statistic during your Euro vacay.
Avoiding scams and theft in Europe
Lock up your valuables
Avoid carrying your passport when and where possible. Always try to keep it locked in the safe of your hotel room when you’re out and about. Apart from being a major inconvenience to reissue whilst you’re on holiday, criminals can use it to steal your identity. If however, you should be unfortunate enough to have your passport stolen, contact your travel insurer’s 24/7 Emergency Assistance team and they will be able to assist you in obtaining a replacement by putting you in touch with the closest Australian consulate or embassy.
Separate your cash
Instead of keeping all your money in one place, mix it up a little – put some money in your travel wallet that you wear around your neck and underneath your clothes and put some (a smaller amount) of money in your purse or wallet. So should thieves steal one, you still have the other.
Keep passwords away from prying eyes
ATMs scams are on the rise and very much in favour with criminals – they will stand nearby, watch or record your PIN number, and then steal your wallet and empty your account. In other instances, thieves will befriend and distract you whilst you are withdrawing cash and with sleight of hand steal your ATM card. Be extra vigilant when getting cash out of an ATM.
Taxi scams to watch out for
With the rise in ride-share apps, tourists now have the option of not having to rely solely on taxis to get around town. When getting into a cab, ensure the meter is in working condition and if the cabbie tells you the ‘meter isn’t working’ jump out of the cab as soon as possible and hail another one.
Private hire companies that offer a flat rate are also an alternative to traditional taxis, although this also has its problems, with instances of private hire drivers attempting to charge unsuspecting tourists hiked up fees. In most instances, a ride-sharing App like Uber may be your best bet.
Top tips for staying safe on European beaches
Golden sands, the glittering Mediterranean Sea, and nothing but time. The perfect combination for a perfect holiday, wouldn’t you say?
However, this seemingly blissful scenario can quickly change for the worse if you don’t take the proper precautions. Every year, an estimated 20,000 people die from drowning in Europe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Water safety at the beach should be a top priority for both locals and visitors alike.
To ensure that you have a safe, enjoyable time, we’ve put together our top tips for looking after yourself on Europe’s beaches.
Look for the blue flag
An initiative started by the Federation for Environmental Education, the Blue Flag programme looks to set the standard for clean waters and safety, as well as education across water areas in 46 countries. Blue Flag sites must have safety measures in place at all times and are subject to spot checks throughout the year.
Think before you swim
Death by accidental drowning can happen for a number of reasons. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents lists ‘ignorance, disregard or misjudgment of danger’ and lack of supervision as a top in drowning deaths, suggesting our judgement can play a big role in our swimming safety. So, before you dive off that cliff in Croatia, or swim in that secluded beach on Cyprus, consider what dangers may lie hidden in the current.
Don’t go swimming unaccompanied or unsupervised
Other top drowning risks include a lack of supervision, as well as an inability to cope in difficult situations. By swimming with a partner, you can help to keep each other in check, and ensure you aren’t drifting too far from shore.
If you’re travelling solo, aim to only swim in lifeguard protected areas – especially if you’re not a confident swimmer – and never go paddling off alone where no one can see you.
As noted by the International Life Saving Federation of Europe, “Even those who believe themselves to be goilod swimmers can find their ability severely impaired in cold and fast-moving water.” Always exercise caution when swimming, particularly in foreign beaches where you are unfamiliar with the current or other underwater obstacles.
Stay sun safe
The World Health Organisation Europe advises that you limit the amount of time that you spend in the sun at midday, as well as seek shade when the sun is at its most powerful. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 – ideally higher. Wear protective clothing (yes, that means sleeves) as well as sunglasses and a hat. While a beach holiday in the south of France might seem like a great opportunity to get that sun-kissed glow, you shouldn’t let your tanning aspirations get you into danger. The heat waves that have swept Europe in recent years means protecting yourself from the sun is more important than ever.
Protect your valuables
While you may be an honourable citizen, there are sadly many people out there who see unattended valuables as a prime opportunity for theft. Leave any non-essential valuables safely locked up in your accommodation, and only take what you absolutely have to.
If the beach provides lockers or changing shacks, it could be worthwhile hiring one out to safely store wallets, phones, and keys. If you rent water equipment such as a surfboard, paddleboard, snorkel, stand up paddleboard or kayak, often you are offered a secured space or locker to leave your valuables in whilst you hit the beach.
Those who are travelling in a group should always have someone stay behind to guard your belongings. However, this isn’t always possible for solo travellers. If you’re worried about leaving your phone on the sand while you swim, you can always take it with you if you have a waterproof case – just be sure you attach it to a lanyard or strap so that your device doesn’t get carried away by the current.
Dry sacks are another great invention if you want to take your valuables into the water with you. The sack floats on top of the water so you can bob around and know your valuables are within arm’s reach.
Hydrate, don’t salivate
Bring plenty of your own water to the beach, and you can save yourself from dehydration as well as save your back pocket from having to buy costly bottled water from a local store. Spending time in the sun, especially if you’re running around and working up a sweat, can quickly leave you dehydrated. There’s nothing worse than driving hours out to a beautiful beach in Spain before having to cut your time short because you feel like you might faint from a lack of water.
Travel insurance
We all know that the good times can take a slight detour when travelling. When the going gets tough, Travel Insurance Direct policies aim to do the heavy lifting and may assist with travel insurance cover for your trip to Europe to help keep your trip moving in the right direction, so you can refocus on the fun.