Safe to Backpack Europe?

Question

My friend and I are 20 year old American females wanting to backpack Europe next summer.

First off, is it generally safe? I know pickpocketing is really bad in some areas, but are there other problems to watch out for?

Also, we are planning on buying Eurail passes - should we save money and buy 2nd class, or pay the extra for 1st class?

Thanks so much!

Answer 1

I have been traveling in Europe alone the last 25 years, and I am a female.
It is pretty safe, at least as safe as traveling in the USA will be.

No use to pay extra for first class passes. The trains will not arrive earlier, the feeling of safety would be false, as thieves can get into first class as easily as they get into second class, and there are fewer people to watch over you and your belongings.
But in all years of traveling I have never seen anyone stealing in a train, nor heard from somebody personally that their belongings had been stolen in trains.
I have heard about people to which it should have happened, but they are always people someone else has heard about. Just always keep your pack within view and have one of you stay with the packs at all times, go and get dinner to your seat rather than go to the dining car together. (To expensive too.)

Behave in each town as you would in the big town near where you live, do not go into the park after dark, unless it is crowded.
Do avoid the alleys and the parts of town you do not trust.
Never go home with people (men) you have just met.
Keep your valuables in a money belt under your clothes, spread the money you carry between you and do not flash big wad of paper money in a poor part of town.

Buy a Lonely planet guide about the area you want to travel and read the general information part, in each book, often in each chapter they have a bit about the dangers in the area. Often it is not more than which parts of town are less safe or which animals or plants might be dangerous.
But if needed they will also warn you about hotels or what to do or not to do as woman traveler.

Answer 2

Europe has a fraction of violent crime rate as compared to the US, if you take the basic precautions pick pockets are also a non issue. If you have the cash, get 1st class, at least you will be able to get some rest on longer train rides.

Answer 3

send me your train tickets and ittinerary ... i'll go back pack the route you want to travel and let you know if it is ok or not ... PS i prefer first class

:)

but seriously .. if y'all use common sense and don't split up to go see different things I don't think you should have a problem.
Just remember there are creeps and wierdos everywhere.. be careful.
other than that i can't offer much else as I have not been to europe (yet).

safe journey