Staying Safe While Travelling in Europe: Smart Tips for a Smooth Trip

Europe is a dream to travel — cobblestone streets, long summer nights, train station snacks that are better than most plane meals, and endless city-hopping. But like anywhere, staying safe on the road comes down to being prepared, aware, and just a little bit strategic.

After crisscrossing the continent more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few key habits that help me avoid the chaos and feel confident even when I’m travelling solo. These tips aren’t alarmist — just genuinely useful things I wish I knew earlier (and yes, travel towels make the list too).

1. Don’t Keep Everything in One Place

You know that instinct to keep your passport, credit cards, and cash all neatly together? Yeah… not ideal when it all goes missing in one go.

What I do now is split up my essentials:

• I keep my passport in a small zip pouch tucked deep in my bag
  
  

• A second card and emergency €50 note go in my shoe or secret pocket
  
  

• And my daily-use items (a bit of cash, debit card, lip balm, keys) go in the zip pocket of my beach towel — honestly such an underrated travel hack
  
  

This is why I made the Nomadique beach towel with pocket. The hidden zip pocket is perfect for stashing valuables discreetly, whether you’re going for a swim or just don’t want to carry a bag. It’s come in clutch on beach days and hostel runs when I don’t want to leave my stuff unattended.

2. Watch Your Bags (But Don’t Be Paranoid)

Pickpocketing is real — especially in cities like Barcelona, Rome, Paris, and Prague. These spots are safe in general, but they’re known for slick, professional pickpockets who blend in with tourists. If you’re from Australia (like me), you’re probably used to just popping your phone in your back pocket or holding it loosely while walking around. Don’t do that here — it’s basically an open invitation.

I never keep my phone or wallet in outer jacket pockets or the back of my jeans. Instead, I use a crossbody bag worn in front of me when I’m in busy areas, and zip everything up tight. On public transport, I also swing my backpack to the front — you’ll see locals doing the same.

Also, I always travel with a small emergency whistle clipped inside my day bag or on a keyring. I’ve never needed to use it (touch wood), but it gives me peace of mind when I’m walking solo at night or arriving late to a new place. Super cheap, tiny, and worth it for that just-in-case moment.

3. Book Accommodations with Reviews (and Read Between the Lines)

Before I lock anything in, I always skim the most recent reviews — not just for stars, but for little clues about safety:

• Is the building secure?
  
  

• Did anyone mention feeling uneasy walking back at night?
  
  

• Was there someone at reception 24/7 or were the keys just left out?
  
  

And don’t be afraid to trust your gut. If you arrive and something feels off, it’s okay to pivot and find somewhere else. Your peace of mind is worth more than the cancellation fee.

4. Don’t Flash Expensive Stuff

This one’s obvious, but still worth saying. You don’t need to wear your best jewellery, carry a designer handbag, or wave your iPhone around on a quiet street. Europe is casual, stylish, and most people dress smart but low-key.

I keep my camera in a plain tote, wear my watch inside my sleeve when on trains, and leave anything flashy at home.

5. Stay Charged + Connected

A dead phone = no maps, no translations, and no way to contact anyone if something goes wrong. I always carry:

• A fully charged power bank
  
  

• A screenshot of my hostel’s address
  
  

• The train or flight number written down somewhere physical
  
  

If you’re travelling solo, I also send my accommodation details to a friend or family member just in case. Nothing dramatic — just a “Hey, I’m here tonight” message for peace of mind.

6. Pack a Towel That Does More Than Dry

Okay, this might sound random — but your travel towel can actually be a sneaky part of your safety plan.

Why? Because it doubles as:

• A pillow or blanket on long travel days (hello overnight trains)
  
  

• A way to cover up quickly in conservative areas
  
  

• A safe stash for your small valuables thanks to the pocket
  
  

• Something to sit on so you’re not setting down your bag or phone on busy ground
  
  

My quick dry towel is also super compact, dries fast, and doesn’t hold odours — so even if I end up somewhere without laundry or a clean hostel towel, I’ve got my own. The sand free beach towel feature also means I’m not dragging half the Mediterranean back into my hostel.

7. Keep Things Chill — But Smart

The goal isn’t to feel scared. It’s to feel confident. Europe is full of amazing people, stunning places, and mostly chilled-out vibes. But just like at home, being prepared means you can enjoy the fun without unnecessary stress.

So book the train. Say yes to the group dinner. Wander a little. Just keep your stuff close, your wits about you, and your beach towel with pocket — the one with the sneaky zip and sand-free fabric — even closer 😉