Top 10 Tips on Travelling Safely Through Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe has become one of the hottest travel destinations in recent years. It has some of the most beautiful cities, interesting cultures, and fantastic foods. However, certain parts of Eastern Europe can still be quite dangerous. As an extensive traveller of Eastern Europe I can give you some insight on how to stay safe and make sure that your trip is a memorable one.

1. Plan your trip ahead of time. The biggest mistake travellers make while travelling through Eastern Europe is unexpected stops and spontaneous decisions without considering the possible dangers. Plan where you will be going and staying, look up street names, hostels, hotels, and carry them with you. This will minimize your chances of getting lost and getting taken advantage of.

2. If possible, only travel by day. Although night train routes are popular, they are also very popular with thieves. It is not uncommon for your luggage and wallet to go missing while you slumber. If you travel by night, take shifts sleeping and keep watch of your personal belongings.

3. Do not give beggars money. As sad and depressing as it can be to pass by someone begging on the street, especially if they are a child, do not give them money. Begging in Eastern Europe is an art. Where one person is begging there are 10 more watching who will promptly approach you and try to get money, or follow you and try to pick-pocket you.

4. Learn some basic phrases in the language of the countries you are visiting. Unless you are in a major city you will be hard-pressed to find someone who speaks English well enough to understand you. Basics like: where is the bathroom, help me, I’m lost, emergency, hospital, doctor, bar, beer, train station, bus station, etc. are quite important when travelling.

5. Do not get into a taxi cab unless you are sure it is a real taxi. At airports and train stations if someone approaches you and says “taxi” do not go with them. There are taxi stands with legitimate taxi’s located in front of all major train stations, bus stations, and airports. Legitimate taxi’s have stickers on the windows displaying prices, a mileage counter/meter display, and park in line at the taxi stand - not in obscure places.

6. Exchange your currency as soon as possible and know where you can exchange currency in the city you are staying. Do not carry large sums of cash with you everywhere you go.

7. Always know the address and phone number of the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the country you originate from. If you lose your passport, all of your belongings are stolen, or you are in danger that is the place you will be going for help.

8. Do not bring very expensive or flashy items with you on your trip. Bring a basic camera, clothing, limited jewellery, and comfortable shoes. You want to limit the attention people pay to you. If you’re immediately identified as a foreigner you’ll be an easier target for theft.

9. Give yourself lots of time to get to places and always have a backup plan. Trains and buses in Eastern Europe are notorious for arriving late and taking longer than they should have. Leave well ahead of the time to avoid missing your flight.

10. Enjoy yourself! Take the time to eat at authentic places and visit the different sites.

If you follow these tips you’re guaranteed to have a pleasant trip.