Aware of my Surroundings?

Question

I'm going to Italy when I'm eighteen, as an exchange student, and I want to be aware of my surroundings. What are some safety tips, so when I go to Italy, I'll be safe. Because I hear about a few dangerous things occuring there every once and a while.

Answer 1

Walk like you know where you're going. Keep your head up and notice if people are walking too closely to you.
If you think you're being followed for whatever reason, duck into a store or restaurant for a few minutes and watch what the person does. Don't leave if you feel unsafe!
Keep copies of your passport in different places in case it gets lost or stolen.
Keep your bag at the front of your body, keep your hand on the straps, and make sure it's zipped. Keep it on you when you're at a restaurant or bar. If you put your backpack on the ground, loop the strap under the leg of the chair so it can't get grabbed.
Tear out the pages of your guidebook that you're going to use that day, instead of carrying the whole thing so people can't see the cover.
Buy the local versions of street maps instead of using a local one or a tourist office one (In london, they all use London A to Z, for example.)
Do a websearch on pickpockets so you learn the tricks of the trade.
Walk in groups whenever possible.
If you do become a victim of crime, go directly to the police station and file a report. Nothing might come of it, but you never know. At the very least you'll feel like you did something.
Make sure, when you go out, someone knows where you're going, the name of the person you're meeting, and when you think you'll be back. At the very least leave a note in your room with as much info as you have.
You will most likely have a nice safe trip, but knowing these things will make you feel better, and safer.
Have a great time, you will never experience anything like it in your life! :-)

Answer 2

Behave the same as you would in the big town near where you live.
That is, do not go into the park at night, do not go home with people you do not know (men,) be careful with your things like put the money, second credit card, passports and tickets in a money belt under your clothes, and do not go into a part of town you do not feel right about.

If you have your backpack on your belly you scream that you are a tourist and have valuable things in it.
You ask for it to be stolen so to say.
Locking your belongings will only help you so far, as if the luggage is locked like a bank vault it is easier to break or cut it open instead of a search, which will result in more damage.

Try to blend in with the locals and you will not run more risks than you would at home.
If you find the men annoying, talk with the local girls and other exchange students what is the best way to cool them down.

Answer 3

However dumb you may feel, wear your backpack/purse in front of you while around lots of people! Some cable locks are available especially designed for backpacks to keep everything safe...very important to keep copies of your passports and license and anything else you need. I recommend getting a International Student Travel Card (get these and many good tips at http://www.istc.org/sisp/index.htm If you get one of these, you can prove to people you are buying tickets from (for museums, bus passes, or anything else) that you are a student and not pulling their leg..ect. Gets you some discounts! Worth looking into! The train systems are great and if you can, travel into Austria a bit if you'll be there a long time. Hallstatt, Austria is beautiful! Anyway, have fun, and be safe...got pretty close myself to something that could have been not good...be careful, but most of all, HAVE FUN! This will be an awesome opportunity! Good luck!

Answer 4

Personally, I pray before I go anywhere. That's just how I was brought up and I've continued doing it since childhood. Being aware of your surroundings no matter where you are is always good. If I'm by myself, which is usually all the time, I look around discreetly, but I don't look like I'm looking for something or someone. I basically use my senses; listening around me, watching, sensing, etc. I don't think it'll hurt to take some self-defense classes, but those can only get you so far. When in fear, trust the Lord; He will protect you wherever you go. Safe trip!

Answer 5

Maybe try to get in touch with people from those areas, chat room or somewhere else. They can give you the bets advice on what to be aware of in their areas. I did this when I visited Alaska. I chatted with the locals to find out about what the cities were like. Have Fun