With all the media attention surrounding Americans being warned about travel in Europe, I felt it appropriate to do some research and post my findings here. While nobody is truly safe anywhere these days–including driving to the office each day or sending our children to school–there are some things that travelers in general can do to make their experience a little safer and thus, more relaxing.
- Use common sense. For example, if there is a package with nobody nearby, walk away and notify authorities. It might be nothing, but it is always better to choose caution.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be so anxious you have a panic attack, just make sure you are aware of things going on around you.
- Keep your travel plans to yourself. If you are out in the city, don’t share with the world where you plan to go and what you are planning to do. Also, don’t flash any identifying information that will let a predator know where your hotel is or what room you are in.
- Keep your money safe. You might say well, duh, on this one but people lose money all the time. In addition, Copenhagen has pickpockets that target tourists. If you have front pockets, keep your money there. If possible, bring little cash and a credit card and photo id. If you must bring cash, keep it in several different places if possible. Keep most of it in your front pocket, but some could be in your wallet or purse, your backpack, and even your sock. If you were to lose your wallet, you would not lose all of your money this way!
- Have a record of important phone numbers. At your hotel, keep a list of important phone numbers in your safe. This list should include the US Embassy in the country you are visiting (I’ll have this information later in this post for Copenhagen, Denmark), your credit card companies, and emergency contacts in your home country. If you were to lose your phone–where most of us store this information–you would not be at a complete loss this way.
- Notify family of your travel arrangements. Make sure that at least two friends or family members know your flight information and your hotel information. This is helpful for many reasons including in the event of an emergency.
- Notify the US Embassy–or the Embassy for your country–of your travel plans. You can do this online. For US citizens, use this link to register your visit with the Embassy: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
- Know how to contact emergency officials. To reach police, ambulance, or fire personnel in Copenhagen, dial 112. To reach the Embassy for emergencies after hours, you may call +45 3341 7400. The Embassy is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. During business hours the Embassy can be reached at +45 3341 7100.
- Be smart and know the area when traveling at night. For example, you should avoid downtown Vesterbro and Nørrebro at night.
The crime rate for Copenhagen is relatively low. There have been few threats of terrorism but the officials there realize that no area is free from threat of such attacks. The major issues that one should worry about in Denmark or pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Again, using common sense and being aware of your surroundings helps. Keep in mind that these people like to work in groups. One or more persons typically distracts the victim while the another takes your money! This is most common in busy marketplaces and on public transportation. Also, do not leave valuable items in your car if you happen to have a rental.
Again, threats will always exist but there are ways that you can lessen the chances of being a victim of crime in your own country or when traveling abroad. More information can also be found at a variety of websites including the U.S. Department of State. This post is for the purpose of giving you ideas for safe travel and a more enjoyable time when visiting Denmark next week! I look forward to meeting everyone and enjoying another fantastic round of Spousetivities!
