But is it safe?  This is the question I often hear about Europe.  The fact is, most places tourists go are as safe as comparable areas in this country.  No big city is really safe, in the sense that you can go anywhere without worrying about being mugged.  Would you walk around alone in New York's Central Park at night?   Use common sense, as you would in any strange area in this country.  Every city has areas that people want to avoid.  Pickpockets may be more common in some European cities than in the U.S., but sensible travelers learn how to avoid being their target.  Gypsies (especially in Eastern Europe and Russia) are another matter, bur again, there are defenses.  A good tour guide will warn you of any unusual situations you might encounter, and will tell you how to protect your valuables.  As a rule, travel in groups, not alone.  And always remain alert.

SAFETY TIP.  When traveling, if a man, never carry money or credit cards in a wallet in a front or hip pocket.  Women should never carry valuables in a purse swinging from a strap.  Those are easy to snatch.  Never carry valuables in a fanny pack either!  A thief with a razor blade can cut the waist strap and be off with the fanny pack before you know what happened.  The only reasonably safe way to carry valuables is in a pouch that is held under your shirt or blouse by a shoulder strap, or (better) inside your trousers, against your thigh, by a belt loop.  If a woman must carry a purse, she should hold it against her body when walking around in crowded places.

Never wear expensive jewelry that draws attention to you, and never carry large sums of money.  You should not carry more than about $100.  Travelers Checks can be cashed in most foreign cities, and ATM machines are common.  If your hotel room has a safe, and this is increasingly common in Europe, use it.  Otherwise, deposit valuables in the Hotel's main safe.  But then you know to do that in this country too, don't you?

Carry a device that prevents someone from opening your hotel room door.  The chain may not be enough.  There are hard rubber wedge-shaped devices that you can slip under the door to prevent it from being forced open. Carry one of these in your luggage. 

Don't take all of your credit cards with you.  A single widely-accepted card, such as a Visa, is sufficient.  Make certain that you have the card company's phone number for reporting a lost or stolen card. 

DRINKING WATER.  The tour directors will tell you that most European water is safe for drinking, and I have sometimes drunk tap water  in various countries (but NOT in Russia) without ill effect.  The U.S. health authorities advise against drinking unboiled water in Eastern Europe and in all rural and underdeveloped areas.  The safest alternative is bottled water, which is readily available everywhere in Europe.

HEALTH.  There are no special immunization requirements for visiting Europe, but everyone, not just travelers,  should have up-to-date polio, rabies and tetanus-diphtheria vaccinations.  If you are going to Eastern Europe, you should also get hepatitis A vaccine before you leave home.  Hepatitis B vaccination is indicated if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), or have sexual contact with the local population.  If you plan to visit undeveloped areas, check with your local health department for any other recommended shots.

Here's are several sites where you can get information, and purchase security products. Some of the links I placed on the "Packing" page also offer security items.

Pickpockets, Thieves, and Self-Defense

Money Belts and more

And here is the U.S. Center for Disease Control Web site, where you can find health-related travel information.