Greetings!

Would appreciate any comments and/or suggestions regarding personal safety for 20 year old female studying in Thessaloniki and traveling alone in Greece, Turkey, and possibly Bulgaria and Albania.

In addition, any not-to-miss tourist information would be appreciated. Any tips for cheap eats or great shopping deals?

Thanks in advance!

That is a really broad question for a really broad area. It is best to read some websites or guide books first and narrow down your question.

As far as safety, I think anywhere you go the same precautions you would take at home are applicable. In Turkey, it is advised to dress modestly outside of tourist areas.

Thanks for the reply!

Actually the second paragraph was meant for Thessaloniki specifically: Good places for students to shop and eat. Wish I could go back and edit.

The more important question is in the heading: personal safety concerns in the area.

Any issues of anti-American sentiment or specific violence against females to be considered?

Thanks again.

I was in Thessaloniki for work a couple of years ago, and generally felt very comfortable there. I'm middle-aged, but still get a fair amount of "hey, baby" in some parts of the world, and found Thessaloniki to be no problem.

It's a university town, so lots of of other students around. A very active late night bar scene, so she's actually likely to be going out with friends rather than walking around much by herself.

Thanks, Therese! Just what I was hoping to hear!
Anybody else?

I can't speak specifically for Thessaloniki, but Greece in general is a very safe country. Your 20 yr old will no doubt quickly make friends, perhaps even finding someone who will travel with her.

What little anti-American sentiment that exists in Greece is directed at our government's policies and leaders rather than toward Americans as individuals.

As parents, it is natural to worry about our offspring's wellbeing while traveling abroad. My daughter, at age 18, set out alone on a round-the-world trip through India, Nepal, and other Asian countries. In those days, before ubiquitous internet, we relied on weekly telephone calls to keep track of her progress. She returned home brimming with self-confidence, and went on to get a good university degree,

I was there in September 2006. Had a great time. No safety issues at all. Good restaurants and places to hang out. Great Archaelogical and Byzantine Museums. Local markets are good. Easy to get about by bus. I got there by train from Athens (about 5 hours, beautiful journey) and went to Halkidiki for the weekend by bus, to the beach.

Thank you very much Heimdall and Gertie! Great info!

Any other input or suggestions?