Traveling via Eurail is less risky
Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2008
Question: My 21-year-old son, who has never traveled alone, has bought a Eurail pass and will be heading across Europe, starting from Barcelona, Spain. I’d like him to travel with other Americans. Can you help ?
Answer: For advice (for your son ) and peace of mind (for you ), we consulted with two experts: Doug Lansky, who pretty much wrote the book on backpacking around the planet, and Amanda Webb of STA Travel, the world’s largest student travel organization.
Lansky, who has traveled to 100 countries, reminds you to keep this trip in perspective.
“Your son isn’t heading off to fight the drug cartels in the jungles of Colombia,” Lansky says.
“Europe with a Eurail pass is about as safe as independent travel gets. Traveling with a bunch of Americans isn’t necessarily going to make him much safer, but it will make him stand out more and have a less cultural experience.” If your son stays in hostels, he is bound to meet others in his age range. The Web site Hostels. com has user reviews of thousands of hostels worldwide. In Barcelona, for example, the top-rated HelloBCN Hostel offers 24-hour security, luggage storage, plus Wi-Fi and Internet access. So he can check in and call, text message or e-mail you to let you know he arrived OK before heading to the common area to make new friends.
Here is some safety advice for him: Pack lightly so you don’t look like a target. “With less stuff and only a backpack (worn on your front in very crowded areas ), you’ve got your hands free, are more mobile and have less to steal,” says Lansky, author of Travel Survival for Rough Guides.
Take along an international cell phone and a small emergency / first aid kit with important phone numbers. Be aware of your surroundings and ask questions of the front desk staff, Webb says. “Locals know the area best and will be able to provide you with safe spots and tips [better ] than anyone else.” Also, it’s smart to explore a location in the daytime before venturing out at night.
Guard your stuff. “On overnight train rides, spoon with your backpack,” Lansky says. “Even the ones on the top rack get nicked while everyone is sleeping.” Also, sleep with your passport pouch and take it to the shower with you at hostels.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online