Travel Tips
9 Travel Safety Tips for Couples – While Travelling
Using a few basic travel safety tips for couples, and solo travellers, you can cut down your risks while you travel the world on your next adventure.
Note: We actually wrote these travel safety tips for couples before we heard about the tragic killing of the solo female traveller Sarai Sierra in Turkey. Our travel safety tips can also be used by solo female travellers and males.
This post is a follow up to our previous article: Travel Safety Tips for Couples, Before you Travel.
We felt obliged to write about travel safety because we get asked a lot of questions regarding travel safety. We travelled to Egypt over a year ago and still get asked “is Egypt safe to travel to?”
Of course travel in Egypt is safe!
We basically consider that everywhere in the world is safe to travel to, as long as you are sensible and take precautions. It is like I said in our previous post, you don’t want to listen to everything others say, especially the media.
The world is NOT dangerous or unsafe. Sure there are dangerous people and destinations, but they are a really small percentage of the world.
And most of the unfortunate bad experiences that happen to travellers arise from them being stupid, drunk or just in the wrong place at the wrong time. By using a few simple travel safety tips, you can cut down your risks.
Travel Safety Tips for Couples
After 3 years of travel we haven’t had anything stolen and have NEVER felt unsafe because we follow our basic travel safety tips for couples, and solo travellers.
Travel Safety Tips: Blend in
One of the keys to travel safety is to limit drawing attention to yourself.
The closer you resemble a tourist, or more specifically the less you resemble other tourists, the better it is for you. Wearing sandals with white socks or sneakers with a large camera dangling from your neck is kind of a giveaway.
Similarly if you are waving around a map you may be targeted.
Basically, don’t look like me.
Travel Safety Tips: Dressing appropriately
Once you have stopped acting like a tourist you want to dress appropriately.
By leaving your valuables at home you should be carrying less stuff as you explore the streets. Everything you carry should be able to fit into your pockets or be within your bubble of “personal space”. Any time someone gets within that bubble you know to keep an eye on things.
There are always situations where this is unavoidable such as tightly packed public transport or local markets. To reduce your risk and avoid being pick-pocketed you want to keep your wallet in your front pocket, preferably buttoned up. Or use the inside pocket of your zipped up jacket.
You might also want to consider buying a “money belt” (examples here) that wrap around your waist underneath your shirt.
Finally, if you are a travelling couple ensure that you both carry your money and that it is not all in the same place. By spreading it out you won’t lose it all if one is stolen or lost.
Travel Safety Tips: Gather your gear
On arrival, or departure you are most likely to lose something.
At the airport you are tired from travelling and rush through customs eager to go exploring. Simply stuffing your wallet or passport at the top of your bag or in your back pocket is not good enough.
Use a money belt or secret compartment in your luggage to store valuable items.
It’s the same situation in a restaurant, accommodation or at an attraction. Take a moment to stop, gather yourself, and your belongings. As you walk away check behind you to see that you didn’t leave anything behind. I always do a quick “pat down” to check my camera, wallet, phone etc are in the right places.
If you know where everything should be then it becomes very easy to make this a simple routine ritual.
Travel Safety Tips: Don’t leave it unattended
We see this all the time. Someone sits down at a cafe and promptly ignores their bag or coat because they feel safe.
Always keep your items in your line of sight and within that personal bubble of space. It isn’t hard for someone to wander by and take something from your chair, or table, when you are distracted by delicious pastries and coffee.
Travel Safety Tips: Stay Alert
Before leaving your accommodation ask the staff if there is anywhere in the city they recommend not going. While you don’t necessarily want to stick to the boring tourist trails, you also don’t want to end up in seedy areas.
It is easy to unwittingly wander up the wrong street when you are gazing at all the sights. Just retrace your steps (guys are a little better at this than girls for some reason) and carry on your way.
The important thing is that you see what is going on around you. Take notice of what strangers are doing because it’s common practice for thieves to work together.
Kids with signs may try to distract you while the others pickpocket you. Or women will beg for money while pushing a crying infant in your face. While we feel bad doing it, we always just ignore them and keep walking. Once you stop, you become a sitting duck.
Our only rule is that if someone outright robs you then NEVER FIGHT BACK. Insurance will cover anything stolen and it is better than getting injured or worse.
Travel Safety Tips: Lock your luggage
While you should travel with minimal stuff, anything you leave in your accommodation should be locked away. Most hotels and hostels provide safes or lockers.
Our small padlocks probably wouldn’t stop a determined thief, but it will make them think twice and/or slow them down. Stealing your stuff is all about speed, so most won’t take that risk.
Travel Safety Tips: Walk away from confrontations
Everyone has been in a situation where someone upsets you or makes you angry. They might have accidentally bumped you or tried to chat up your girlfriend. Some ridiculous people might just be looking for a fight.
Unless you are Chuck Norris, walk away calmly. You never know who that person might be associated with. If they follow you then stick to public areas and find a local spot to ask for assistance.
And by no means are we telling you to avoid people. Meeting people is a main reason to travel!
Travel Safety Tips: Know your way out
Memorising maps and routes comes naturally to me but there are still many times I have gotten lost while wandering small streets in Italy, Egypt and Turkey.
Familiarising yourself with local landmarks as you wander around the streets of a foreign city can be very helpful for when you do take that eventual wrong turn.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have taken the time to learn a little bit of the local language then someone will be willing to help you out. Our favourite experiences have been after we have gotten lost then shown where to go by a friendly local.
Travel Safety Tips: Don’t try this on holiday
While we love to step outside our comfort zones, we don’t take unnecessary risks. Especially when something looks a little dodgy.
There are way to many stories of travellers getting injured, or killed, while taking part in something life threatening. Sure we have run with bulls, driven scooters in Italy and scuba-dived in Egypt. But we consider these calculated risks. And we had great travel insurance.
If you want to take part in adventure travel activities then always check that the operators have legal qualifications and a good safety record too. The cheapest option is usually that price for a reason.
Travel Safety Tips Summary
No we are not trying to scare you away from travelling. We just know from experience that people seem to go on holiday without their brains. By showing you examples of worst-case scenarios we hope that we can limit your risks.
Travelling is safe when you reduce your risks and take precautions.
The important thing to remember is that if you do suffer a loss or a problem, don’t let that ruin your trip!
Germany—the Land of Poets and Thinkers—is not only home to world-renowned composers like Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Schumann, and Wagner. It is also well-loved by tourists for its stunning sceneries and landscapes, serene rolling hills, picturesque meadows dotted with grazing cattle, quaint medieval villages, rich culture, and hearty, scrumptious German cuisine, among others. If you want a cornucopia of unique experiences rolled into one great adventure, you definitely have to put Germany at the top of your travel bucket list.
Traveling to Germany for the first time could be a daunting and thrilling experience. At the same time, it can also be overwhelming and intimidating if you absolutely know nothing about the country you’re visiting. For such reasons, it will be helpful to book a Germany guided tour to make sure everything is already taken care of for you so that the trip will go effortlessly smooth sailing. If you are unsure where to begin for your preparations, this ultimate travel guide to successfully exploring Germany is an excellent starting point!
The Basics You Should Know
First things first, here are the basic things you should know about Germany before hopping on that plane:
Requirements for Entry for US Citizens
Germany is a Schengen country, which means that tourists from the allied 27 European countries don’t need to present a passport to gain entry to Germany. With little to no border control at their mutual borders, tourists from the other Schengen countries can seamlessly cross borders into their neighboring countries, including Germany.
Now, if you’re from the US, you would need to present a passport to be allowed entry in Germany. This U.S. passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen area.
Budget Allocation
The prices of lodging and commodities in Germany are definitely cheaper than in the US, so you would find that most things are affordable here. If you are an average spender, expect to shell out $55 to $90 per day on accommodation, food, and transportation. Meanwhile, mid-range travelers may have to spend around $110 to $160 per day, and luxury spenders may have to shell out $200 or more daily.
The Best Time to Visit Germany
Like most European countries, Germany has four seasons, each having its unique charm and appeal. This means that the best time to visit Germany would ultimately depend on your preferences.
Summer
If you like to participate in outdoor activities and festivities, it is best to visit Germany during its summer months—from June to August. However, take note that this is also the peak season, so there will inevitably be larger crowds, and the commodities tend to be more expensive.
Winter
Meanwhile, if you fancy engaging in winter sports, it is best to visit during the winter months—from December to February. Expect that the quaint German villages will have a snow-capped snow globe-like charm to them. Additionally, prices of accommodations and commodities tend to be lower since the crowds are sparse during the cold winter months. However, take note that many stores are closed down for the winter, except during the days leading up to Christmas. The German Christmas Markets are definitely not to be missed!
Spring and Fall
The shoulder season in Germany falls under both Spring—from April to May—and fall—from September to October. During these months, the weather tends to be milder, the prices of hotels and commodities tend to be lower than in the summer season, and there are also fewer tourists around.
Festivals and Events
Germany is known for having two essential festivals: the Oktoberfest and Christmas Markets.
Oktoberfest is a festival held yearly in Munich that celebrates beer, food, and Bavarian culture, along with some live music and carnival rides for 16 days straight. This world-renowned festival runs from late September to early October, attracting countless visitors from all around the world.
On the other hand, come late November til the end of December, Germany transforms its tranquil towns into a magical winter wonderland, complete with snow-dusted Christmas trees and cobbled lanes. During winter, everywhere you look, you will see festive wooden huts draped in lush Christmas garlands, sparkling string lights, and handcrafted Christmas ornaments and gifts. The delightful smell of roasted nuts, gingerbread, mulled wine, and German sausage hangs around the air as you make your way through the German Christmas markets. Christmas in Germany is truly the jolliest time of the year!
Transportation
Germany boasts an extensive public transportation network comprising of buses, trams, U-Bahn (or subways), and trains. You don’t really need to rely solely on driving cars to get around the area, as Germany’s public transportation system is reliable, efficient, clean, and comfortable to use.
If you want to get to your destination quicker, you should ride ICE Trains, which are speedy but tend to be expensive. On the other hand, regional trains tend to be slower in terms of speed but are much more affordable. But if you are on a tight budget, riding the bus will do as it is the least expensive option. You can even plan your travel using public transportation via apps like Deutsche Bahn or Rome2Rio.
To ensure a hitch-free ride, make sure you always validate your ticket at the machine in the stations before you board the train or bus. And do take note of the schedule of the vehicles as the trains in Germany are very punctual. They arrive on the dot, so it is important for you to arrive at the station early so you won’t miss your train. Lastly, you may need to push a button to open the doors so you can get off at your stop, or may need to alert the driver that your stop is approaching.
Best Places to Visit
Germany has a pocketful of mesmerizing sights, medieval architecture, and landscapes to marvel at. At a glance, here are the best places to add to your itinerary:
City Escapades
- Berlin
Germany’s capital city is one of the top tourist destinations, thanks to its marvelous museums, opulent art, and vibrant culture. This is the best place to appreciate Germany’s striking contrasts, where the past and present intermingle as historical buildings stand alongside modern architecture.
- Munich
It is Bavaria’s capital, which is known as the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest celebration. If you love beer, you will love Munich’s beer halls, most especially the famed Hofbräuhaus.
- Köln (Cologne)
This two-millennia-old city is famed for its twin-spired Cologne Cathedral and its gilded medieval reliquary alongside sweeping river views.
Quaint Medieval Towns
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
This German town nestled in northern Bavaria is known for its charming medieval architecture. As you walk its cobblestone streets, you’ll be amazed at the panoramic sight of its well-maintained half-timbered houses. Arguably, this is the best medieval town in Germany.
- Nuremberg
Back in the Middle Ages, the Imperial Castle in Nuremberg was once considered the most important imperial palace in the Holy Roman Empire. For centuries, the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg stood as a secure base and prestigious residence for the head of the Empire.
Charming Fairytale-Like Castles
- Neuschwanstein Castle
This fairytale-like castle nestled deep within the Bavarian Alps is one of Germany’s best tourist attractions. It is famously known as the inspiration for the castle design of Disney’s Cinderella. This castle was built by the orders of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was infamously known as the “mad King Ludwig.” The ever-so-beautiful castle of Neuschwanstein was supposedly a hideaway for this reclusive mad king.
- Burg Eltz
This 1,000-year-old fairy tale castle is nestled at the heart of the hills above the Moselle between Koblenz and Trier. It is among the oldest castles in Germany, and to this day, it is still owned by the House of Eltz, a clan who have lived there since the beginning of the 12th century.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
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