Safe, Affordable European Cities
Jun 11th, 2016, 02:48 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Safe, Affordable European Cities
My daughter and 3 close friends want to go to Europe alone next summer (they will all be 18) but I am concerned there won't be a place that is safe for young girls, affordable, and not too difficult to get to. I am open to any ideas! Especially Spain, Italy but we would consider anywhere
Jun 11th, 2016, 03:01 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,759
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why don't you think there will be safe cities in those countries? I would suggest it isn't going to be the city so much but those girls' behavior that might be the problem. You can get into trouble in any city if you go around late at night, go with any guy, get drunk, etc. At least any city of some size where you could be doing such a thing and going to clubs or places where they could meet guys to hook up. Because otherwise, they could be safe in any of those countries, I would suspect (I have not been to Portugal, though).
I suppose some cities might have a reputation for being a bit more rough than others, but are you aware that Spain and Italy are going to be very hot in the summer? I don't know Italy, but have been to Spain numerous times and would think they could easily be safe in any city that they might want (eg, Barcelona, Malaga or Seville). Malaga will have beach options, if that appeals. Well, Barcelona does also, I forget about that.
As for affordable, Spain is a bit cheaper than some other countries, it seems to me, but Barcelona isn't one of the cheaper cities. Smaller cities are generally cheaper than the major ones. I don't know that Barcelona is any more expensive than Seville, though. Malaga is cheaper, it seems to me.
Do any of them speak Spanish or Italian? that could be a start, I'd also suggest a city with a university, perhaps, so more young people would be around. I think a bigger city might actually be easier as you have a metro or extensive bus system and it's easier to get around.
Where do they want to go? What's the price point for affordable?
Well, London would be easiest and no language problems, tons to do, and I do believe they have some summer housing opportunities in university dormitories for visitors, that might be something to consider. London isn't cheap per se, no, but I just thought of the dorm possibility. Maybe they have something like that in Italy.
I suppose some cities might have a reputation for being a bit more rough than others, but are you aware that Spain and Italy are going to be very hot in the summer? I don't know Italy, but have been to Spain numerous times and would think they could easily be safe in any city that they might want (eg, Barcelona, Malaga or Seville). Malaga will have beach options, if that appeals. Well, Barcelona does also, I forget about that.
As for affordable, Spain is a bit cheaper than some other countries, it seems to me, but Barcelona isn't one of the cheaper cities. Smaller cities are generally cheaper than the major ones. I don't know that Barcelona is any more expensive than Seville, though. Malaga is cheaper, it seems to me.
Do any of them speak Spanish or Italian? that could be a start, I'd also suggest a city with a university, perhaps, so more young people would be around. I think a bigger city might actually be easier as you have a metro or extensive bus system and it's easier to get around.
Where do they want to go? What's the price point for affordable?
Well, London would be easiest and no language problems, tons to do, and I do believe they have some summer housing opportunities in university dormitories for visitors, that might be something to consider. London isn't cheap per se, no, but I just thought of the dorm possibility. Maybe they have something like that in Italy.
Jun 11th, 2016, 03:04 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,759
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
voila, I found student accommodation possibilities in Malaga
http://www.universityrooms.com/en/city/malaga/home
as well as Barcelona
http://www.universityrooms.com/en/city/barcelona/home
http://www.universityrooms.com/en/city/malaga/home
as well as Barcelona
http://www.universityrooms.com/en/city/barcelona/home
Jun 11th, 2016, 03:08 PM
#4
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Safe, Affordable European Cities
Posted by: jesh on Jun 11, 16 at 6:48pm
No European city bears any resemblance to Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore, Los Angeles, etc., etc. Daughters are safe especially when traveling with other daughters. My daughter (from ages 20 to 27) has traveled throughout Europe with friends and never reported an incident. She has done solo train travel in France and Italy. She lived in Paris for a month without incident. Same for Spain. What has happened to American cities is a tragedy, which has begat multiple tragedies.
Posted by: jesh on Jun 11, 16 at 6:48pm
No European city bears any resemblance to Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore, Los Angeles, etc., etc. Daughters are safe especially when traveling with other daughters. My daughter (from ages 20 to 27) has traveled throughout Europe with friends and never reported an incident. She has done solo train travel in France and Italy. She lived in Paris for a month without incident. Same for Spain. What has happened to American cities is a tragedy, which has begat multiple tragedies.
Jun 11th, 2016, 03:55 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They speak Spanish very well but I don't find language to be an issue! And they are all very smart girls that have great street smarts, but I'm more concerned about people around them. They are young, pretty girls and though I am aware that things can happen anywhere, I want them to be safe when I'm not with them. I have talked to them already about drinking and boys but I am worried more about rape, kidnap, theft and the things they really can only try to avoid.
Jun 11th, 2016, 04:26 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 792
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From the sounds of it, you can do no more than remind them before they leave. I travelled alone with friends ages ago and I have travelled solo as a woman in her 40s. The same rules for safety apply - keep your guard up, don't put yourself in harm's away, stay together, take the necessary precautions with money and credit cards (I am sure there are more but those are the important ones). I have felt "safe" in Spain and France. Barcelona was an amazing city. The transportation system was very good. I think there was quite a range of accommodations at every budget. There is something for everyone in Barcelona - it even has a beach! Great day trips that are easily accessible. Anyhow, that is my 2 cents....
Jun 11th, 2016, 04:40 PM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,738
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Theft: Don't wear expensive jewelry or carry around a lot of money or credit cards in obvious places that are easy to get to. Don't leave purses, wallets or bags around on chairs or table, etc. Don't use expensive looking bags that look as if you have stuff to hide.
You may be pickpocketed. Don't put Wallets, etc. in pockets. If you care about something, leave it home.
Rape and kidnap: Ther are rare cases like the NY events in Germany. However, Italy and Spain seem very safe. Girls should stay together, never go off with a stranger, never leave a drink unattended (any doubt at all, do not drink it), do not get even a little bit drunk! Take a taxi if it gets really late or they have far to walk if that will make them feel safer. Rent hotels or Airbnb in safe areas. Pay attention to anyone who gets too close and move away. Basically, stay aware of where they are and who is nearby.
Ignore people who try to talk with them on the street.
Each should have contact numbers of friends, hotel, etc.
If they behave sensibly, they will be fine.
You may be pickpocketed. Don't put Wallets, etc. in pockets. If you care about something, leave it home.
Rape and kidnap: Ther are rare cases like the NY events in Germany. However, Italy and Spain seem very safe. Girls should stay together, never go off with a stranger, never leave a drink unattended (any doubt at all, do not drink it), do not get even a little bit drunk! Take a taxi if it gets really late or they have far to walk if that will make them feel safer. Rent hotels or Airbnb in safe areas. Pay attention to anyone who gets too close and move away. Basically, stay aware of where they are and who is nearby.
Ignore people who try to talk with them on the street.
Each should have contact numbers of friends, hotel, etc.
If they behave sensibly, they will be fine.
Jun 11th, 2016, 05:20 PM
#9
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cities in europe are usually much safer than cities in the US. But if these young women have not been on their own in large cities they may need to develop some basic city smarts.
If they have lived on their own at college for a year they will be much more used to handling life as things come at them - if not you want to be sure you remind them of the basic rules.
Do not get drunk and try to wander back at the hotel - in fact, don;t get drunk at all. Our DDs were allowed wine from the time they were 15 and had experience with alcohol traveling with us. So they were not tempted to run off and down everything they could find (as happens to many kids going off to college or on their own for the first time). Make sure they know how to handle alcohol and know NEVER to drink anything they did not get right from a waiter or bartender.
Make sure they know NEVER to let go of their purses or valuables (cell phone, CC, passport) even in public areas of their hotel or hostel or inside a shop.
And make sure they understand that they are not obliged to be friendly to strangers - ignoring and looking straight through someone approaching them is perfectly fine.
If they have lived on their own at college for a year they will be much more used to handling life as things come at them - if not you want to be sure you remind them of the basic rules.
Do not get drunk and try to wander back at the hotel - in fact, don;t get drunk at all. Our DDs were allowed wine from the time they were 15 and had experience with alcohol traveling with us. So they were not tempted to run off and down everything they could find (as happens to many kids going off to college or on their own for the first time). Make sure they know how to handle alcohol and know NEVER to drink anything they did not get right from a waiter or bartender.
Make sure they know NEVER to let go of their purses or valuables (cell phone, CC, passport) even in public areas of their hotel or hostel or inside a shop.
And make sure they understand that they are not obliged to be friendly to strangers - ignoring and looking straight through someone approaching them is perfectly fine.
Jun 11th, 2016, 05:22 PM
#10
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry - most important you need to make sure that they plan the trip and understand all of the details, including finances - or they won;t know what to do when a problem occurs - and it will.
Our 19 year old DD went with 2 friends for 6 weeks - but she had been to europe with us several times already and had been brought up in NYC so had enough city smarts to supply a regiment.
Our 19 year old DD went with 2 friends for 6 weeks - but she had been to europe with us several times already and had been brought up in NYC so had enough city smarts to supply a regiment.
Jun 11th, 2016, 07:42 PM
#12
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The International Crime Victimization Survey is considered an accurate source for crime rates: they phone a random sample in each country and ask them their experience. This avoids bias in a country's own crime reporting methods.
You can get the raw data but it's surprisingly hard to find decent summaries. Here's one prepared by Statistics Canada, but it is 10 years old: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-.../10745-eng.htm
Southern Europe seems to be the safe choice.
You can get the raw data but it's surprisingly hard to find decent summaries. Here's one prepared by Statistics Canada, but it is 10 years old: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-.../10745-eng.htm
Southern Europe seems to be the safe choice.
Jun 12th, 2016, 02:32 AM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What Janisj and others said. They are adults now. You can't protect them. They will be far safer in Europe than anywhere in the USA, and it's time they learned to travel on their own. European kids do it starting at much earlier ages.
Jun 12th, 2016, 08:21 AM
#16
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jesh, many of us have had 18 year old daughters and, while realizing they are adults, know how vulnerable and beautiful they are. As Shakespeare pointed out in As You Like It, beauty provoketh thieves sooner than gold. So don't feel apologetic for trying to help them stay safe or for using this forum to ask. If anything happened I'm guessing those young adults would be on their phones for you immediately.
They'll be fine in any of those countries you mentioned, lucky things.
They'll be fine in any of those countries you mentioned, lucky things.
Jun 14th, 2016, 06:40 PM
#17
Alcohol is the big problem with kids traveling. Even if your kids are not drinkers, it is legal for them to indulge in Europe and it is not legal in the US, so kids tend to indulge. That is when it gets dangerous and bad things happen.
No matter how well traveled they are with parents, they are on their own and will have to make their own decisions and you have to hope they make the right ones. It is part of growing up I guess.
My one DD was based in Switzerland with a college study abroad and that was a very safe country to travel around in. They went to Italy and Austria and had some scary moments in the Milan train station but luckily my DD had taken Italian and got them on the train back to their small town. Friends of hers did a weekend in Barcelona and one woke up half naked on a beach with her cell phone gone. She doesn't remember much from the night before.
My other DD went to the Dominican Republic for a month long study abroad which was also somewhat of a mission trip. Some kids went out nightly, leaving the armed guarded apartment with 30 foot walls and barbed wire to go drinking down the block at some local bar. Not smart and very dangerous. My daughter went once and was on edge the whole time. She said it was not safe to leave their compound.
Your kids traveling in a group is better than traveling alone. Countries I normally would feel more comfortable sending kids to (Germany, Austria) are having problems today. A year from now, that may be worse or better? So, really a lot will depend on the kids and the situation of the country at the time. It is more scary for the parents than it is for the kids!
No matter how well traveled they are with parents, they are on their own and will have to make their own decisions and you have to hope they make the right ones. It is part of growing up I guess.
My one DD was based in Switzerland with a college study abroad and that was a very safe country to travel around in. They went to Italy and Austria and had some scary moments in the Milan train station but luckily my DD had taken Italian and got them on the train back to their small town. Friends of hers did a weekend in Barcelona and one woke up half naked on a beach with her cell phone gone. She doesn't remember much from the night before.
My other DD went to the Dominican Republic for a month long study abroad which was also somewhat of a mission trip. Some kids went out nightly, leaving the armed guarded apartment with 30 foot walls and barbed wire to go drinking down the block at some local bar. Not smart and very dangerous. My daughter went once and was on edge the whole time. She said it was not safe to leave their compound.
Your kids traveling in a group is better than traveling alone. Countries I normally would feel more comfortable sending kids to (Germany, Austria) are having problems today. A year from now, that may be worse or better? So, really a lot will depend on the kids and the situation of the country at the time. It is more scary for the parents than it is for the kids!
Jun 14th, 2016, 11:00 PM
#20
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,585
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One rape, from what I read.
They are 4 girls, unless they abandon one of htme, at 4 the chances of a rape or kidnapping are nil.
But one can always stories to scare oneself. Litterature is full of examples, dating back to medieval times, or even the bible...
They are 4 girls, unless they abandon one of htme, at 4 the chances of a rape or kidnapping are nil.
But one can always stories to scare oneself. Litterature is full of examples, dating back to medieval times, or even the bible...
