technopersia
Traveller
1 comments
Posted 16 years ago
Hi, I have been planning to go to Europe and from there to Iran ( I am Iranian living in the UK). I have decided I want to see a few western and easter European countries before heading down Italy, catching a ferry to Greece continuing my travel to Istanbul and from there a train to Tehran. Avoiding all the non schengen countries as it would be really hard getting a visa for them. However my question is traveling alone safe (I'm kinda small, and kinda brownish colour). I have alittle experience with martial arts such as Taekwondo and the Russian Systema :o , but I prefer to keep a low profile and not to test my skills (they ain't that good! xo )
Let me know what you think, your experiences and what precautions I may have to take.
Many Thanks
admin
Traveller
203 comments
Hi there,
I'm a small guy and, having done many thousands of kilometres in Europe, I can tell you that the best defence is, even when lost, look sure of yourself and look as though you know where you are going. Keep your eyes open, look around and assess situations. Don't look paranoid; just alert. I've had the occasional beggar approach me and one or two pickpockets but if you look them in the eye rather than shrink away they will think twice about making you the object of their intentions.
People cannot see that you have martial arts experience...unless you are wearing your Judo pyjamas! I'm a very white, British-looking person and this can be a problem in many places these days.Try to be friendly and respectful and learn please and thankyous, if you can. You will have a better trip if you can be polite with the locals. The main thing is not to let your concerns spoil your journey. It's safer not to travel...but very boring. Have an excellent trip.
iaink
[quote]Hi, I have been planning to go to Europe and from there to Iran ( I am Iranian living in the UK). I have decided I want to see a few western and easter European countries before heading down Italy, catching a ferry to Greece continuing my travel to Istanbul and from there a train to Tehran. Avoiding all the non schengen countries as it would be really hard getting a visa for them. However my question is traveling alone safe (I'm kinda small, and kinda brownish colour). I have alittle experience with martial arts such as Taekwondo and the Russian Systema :shock: , but I prefer to keep a low profile and not to test my skills (they ain't that good! :x )
Let me know what you think, your experiences and what precautions I may have to take.
Many Thanks[/quote]