Eiffel Tower

Pickpocketing is a major issue in popular tourist cities such as Barcelona, but it’s not Spain that tops the list as the prime location for this slick-fingered crime

While Barcelona is infamous for its high levels of pickpocketing, it’s not Spain that takes the crown as the prime hotspot for this nimble-fingered crime. Despite pickpocketing being a major issue – particularly for tourists – in Barcelona, the problem is rampant across Europe and beyond, with one European holiday destination dubbed the “worst” for light-fingered theft.

In tourist-heavy areas, holidaymakers must be extra vigilant with their belongings, especially in airports, train stations, underground systems, hotel lobbies or even while strolling down certain streets. UK travel insurance firm Quotezone.co.uk revealed last year that it had pinpointed where travellers were most likely to fall prey to pickpockets, singling out a location visited by 3.5 million Brits each year.

Tourists have corroborated the research with reviews on one particular visitor hotspot warning of “a lot of pickpockets in the area”. Data gathered by Quotezone showed that Italy was the prime spot where tourists are likely to be separated from their possessions by nimble-fingered thieves.

Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain has been flagged as a hotbed for pickpocketing, with the landmark boasting over 100,000 reviews – and hundreds of mentions of “pickpockets” on TripAdvisor, reports the Express.

As a site that becomes packed from spring through to summer, visitors are cautioned to “be careful” at this “beautiful” Roman landmark.

One disgruntled holidaymaker took to TripAdvisor to vent: “You have to elbow your way to the front of the fountain. Many people gather in front and sit for hours, so sitting is almost impossible.

“We didn’t spend more than 15 minutes. Be aware of pick pockets, as you are body to body in front and around the fountain.”

Another tourist, also reviewing on TripAdvisor, described a “beautiful fountain” but warned that the area was “extremely crowded”, cautioning others to “beware of this area” due to “lots of scams and pick pockets”.

According to research by Quotezone, Italy tops the list as the prime hotspot for pickpockets, closely followed by France, with the Eiffel Tower in Paris being particularly notorious.

Currently, Google reviews of the Eiffel Tower reveal over 800 visitors citing pickpockets as a problem – and the area is swamped with tourists throughout the year.

One Google reviewer shared their experience, describing the Eiffel Tower as “enormous and breathtaking”, but they also issued a warning.

The visitor penned: “It’s a very popular place, so expect big crowds; people from all over the world gather here to admire the monument and take in the scenery.

“Because of that volume of visitors, be mindful of your belongings. Pickpockets operate in crowded tourist spots, and there are street hustles and game scammers who may try to distract you or pressure you into playing quick ‘games’ that aren’t fair.”

The reviewer added: “Keep bags zipped and close, avoid carrying valuables in easily accessible pockets, and politely decline invitations from anyone hawking games or insisting you join impromptu activities.”

Quotezone’s comprehensive European pickpocketing index has revealed Italy as the top spot, with France coming in second and Spain taking third place. These rankings are based on mentions of “pickpockets” or “stolen” per million visitors.

The researchers reached their conclusions by analysing the number of mentions of “pickpocketing” or “stolen” on traveller review websites for Europe’s top destinations, compared to the number of visitors to each country.

Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, warned: “Theft can happen anywhere, and tourist hotspots are convenient places for criminals to target holidaymakers’ wallets and purses while they are busy taking in the sites.

“Many holidaymakers are unaware that some of the most popular destinations for Brits have some of the highest incidents of pickpocketing in Europe.

“Our research revealed some surprising results with Italy having the most pickpocketing mentions, yet France and Spain have much larger volumes of tourists.”

According to data from Quotezone, the “worst” European countries for pickpocketing are:

1. Italy
2. France
3. Spain
4. Germany
5. Netherlands
6. Portugal
7. Turkey
8. Greece
9. Poland
10. Republic of Ireland

EXCLUSIVE: Mark Wolters, who runs the successful YouTube channel Wolters World, explained that he felt compelled to provide “honest” advice to travellers after seeing numerous “misleading” blogs and videos

A travel vlogger who’s visited over 80 countries has revealed his favourite destinations. Mark Wolters, the man behind the popular YouTube channel Wolters World, hails from Quincy, Illinois, USA and is on a mission to provide “honest” travel advice to his many followers.

He explained that he was driven to create his videos after noticing many “misleading” blogs and felt it “wasn’t right” for families to “waste their hard earned vacation time”. He previously shared the “least friendly” country he’s visited for tourists. But, in an exclusive interview, he had no hesitation in naming his five favourite countries by continent.

Brazil

Mark explained: “My favorite place to visit in South America is Brazil. I lived there and have family there and it is just such a wonderful place with the food, the nature, and the crazy fun times you can have there.”

Brazil is the largest country in South America and one of the world’s biggest democracies. It boasts diverse landscapes including the Amazon, the world’s largest jungle, and is synonymous with world-class football, being the home of Pelé.

The nation boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife, featuring a staggering 600 mammal species. Rio de Janeiro (pictured above) ranks among its most sought-after tourist hotspots.

France

Mark revealed: “In Europe, it is a toss up between France and Italy. They both have great food and if you speak a bit of the local language you can make so many friends there. So I can never pass up going to either of them.”

Famous for its cuisine and culture, France stands as a significant force globally and maintains membership in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation). Located in Western Europe, it shares borders with Germany, Belgium, Italy and Spain.

Boasting legendary sites including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe, France serves as a European cultural capital and an enormously popular holiday destination.

Italy

A major attraction for visitors and amongst Mark’s top picks, Italy represents another country celebrated for its gastronomy and heritage. Many of history’s most famous artistic figures originated from Italy, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Caravaggio.

This Southern European country also houses some of the globe’s most recognised monuments, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum. Beyond the capital, Rome, holidaymakers flock to other remarkable destinations like the stunning cities of Venice and Florence.

Rwanda

Mark explained: “In Africa we love visiting Rwanda. It was such an incredible adventure when we visited the first time. We fell in love with it.”

Rwanda, a landlocked nation in East Africa, is known as the “land of a thousand hills”. It’s a small yet densely populated country that borders Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Home to the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, Rwanda boasts rainforests, majestic mountains, volcanoes, and even the endangered mountain gorilla.

China

Mark said: “In Asia, I think my wife would say Japan, but I loved teaching and traveling in China. So much history and so much food!

China, one of the world’s most populous nations and a leading industrial powerhouse, has a rich history spanning 4,000 years. The modern People’s Republic of China was established in 1949 following the Communist Revolution.

Tourists flock to see the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. Not to mention, it’s famously home to the Giant Panda.

Travel blogger Ben Morris decided to visit a city that has been dubbed ‘the rudest in the world’ but ended up having mixed feelings after his first day on the ground

A travel blogger visited the “rudest city” in the world but was left confused by what he found. The French capital Paris is often dubbed the rudist place to visit as a tourist.

Its locals have often been described as “snooty”, “surly” and “unwelcoming” for visitors. That is despite the fact around 50 million tourists each year head to the city to see sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe.

Ben Morris, who boasts 870,000 followers on YouTube, decided to head to Paris to find out if the stereotypes were true. On his first day, he received a mixed reaction tourists walking the Parisian streets.

One woman said: “They are rude. French people are so rude, they are so mad at everything.”

Other tourists however told Ben they had no negative experiences in the huge French city. One said: “Nobody’s been rude to me, but I’m good vibes.”

Ben’s experience in Paris left him unsure about its reputation. In a video, he explained : “After a full day of talking to strangers I was feeling confused because everyone was giving mixed opinions.

“We were told if we wanted to better understand why Parisians are labelled rude, we needed to experience the morning commute to La Défense.”

The travel blogger decided to head to La Défense – the city’s business district – on the second day of his trip to see if it lived up to its name. While Ben encountered a “direct” waiter in the bustling district, he felt as though it “wasn’t quite rude”.

Ben’s mission to discover the true Paris found him encountering more positive reactions when he donned a blue-striped shirt and red beret. “More nice French people, they’re everywhere,” he told the camera.

He later met up with Lucile Hernandez Rodriguez, a Parisian blogger who explained how to behave in Paris. She said: “You have to say merci (thank you), bonjour (hello), [and] look people in the eye or people will think you’re rude. That’s like the rule of Paris.

“They [tourists] come and they’ve seen the movies and they think like they’re going to meet a pretty French girl and fall in love but they take the subway and people are p****d because they have to go to work.”

Lucile however feels the stereotype about Paris is “kind of true”. She however says a lot of the attitudes towards the city comes from interactions with people heading to and from work.

Ben admitted he had met “so many nice people” on his trip, confessing it was “ironic” since he travelled to the city in search of rudeness. He signed off the video by experiencing the Fête de la musique (World Music Day) in the capital.

Europe can become incredibly busy during the peak holiday season and according to a travel expert, one of Italy’s top attractions is among those that have become too overcrowded

Europe’s top holiday spots are becoming unbearably crowded during peak season, warns a travel expert, with Italy’s most popular attractions among the worst offenders. World-renowned destinations like Barcelona have even hiked up their tourist taxes in an attempt to curb visitor numbers.

Research by Holidu reveals that Dubrovnik takes the crown as the world’s most overcrowded tourist hotspot, boasting 30 visitors for every local resident. But which other locations are bursting at the seams come summertime?

Speaking previously to Express.co.uk, Sara Rodriguez, a seasoned traveller and blogger at Madrid Travelling, revealed four places she found overwhelmingly busy.

Positano, Italy

Considered a gem of southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the picturesque landscape in Positano is nothing short of iconic. Colourful buildings are perched on cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean, giving Positano its name as the “vertical village”.

Despite its reputation as one of the most picturesque seaside villages on the coastline, Sara described the atmosphere as far too “hectic”. She elaborated: “While undeniably beautiful with its colourful buildings and seaside views, the narrow streets were packed shoulder to shoulder with other sightseers.”

She added: “The atmosphere felt more hectic than idyllic, and prices were inflated for tourists. I left feeling like I never got to experience the real Positano beyond the chaotic surface.”

Paris, France

The ‘City of Love’ is one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations, but Sara is just one of many visitors who are left less than impressed by the iconic French city.

She detailed: “The congested boulevards of Paris and the never-ending lineups at attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre strained my patience. I didn’t really enjoy the atmosphere as much as I was waiting to take shots.”

TripAdvisor reviewers are in agreement, with one Louvre Museum visitor stating: “The art is crazy, but the queues are insane. Two hours to access the museum and then you can barely walk due to the quantity of tourists. They should regulate this.”

Excessive tourism has been widespread this year, with the Olympics and Paralympics taking place in the city. This occurs despite Paris City Hall’s decision to triple the tourist tax by 200 per cent for 2024.

The move was implemented to assist Île-de-France Mobilités, which oversees public transport, including the metro and bus services, in managing the increased passenger numbers anticipated for the international sporting spectacle.

Mykonos, Greece

The busy tourist period in Mykonos is generally from Greek Easter (April) to the end of October, with peak season from mid-July to late August. During this time, the island attracts visitors of all ages.

Holidaymakers fork out top prices for accommodation on the picturesque Greek isle, which costs considerably more than neighbouring spots such as Syros. However, the masses prove disappointing, according to Sara.

She explained: “When I finally went to the Greek island, I thought it would be a tranquil haven. Even while it was breathtakingly gorgeous, I felt that partygoers and inebriated vacationers overshadowed it. The restaurants were expensive and the beaches were noisy.”

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is renowned for its lively culture, fascinating heritage and stunning waterways, with the 17th-century canal network having developed into one of the most distinctive cityscapes globally. That said, its hordes of visitors make it incredibly busy considering the city is only an eighth of the size of London.

In addition to overnight stays, Amsterdam welcomed 15.1 million day visitors last year, with approximately 60 percent of them coming from within the Netherlands, according to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.

Sara’s own experience was marred by congested streets, claiming: “The city centre was overrun with rowdy bachelor parties riding bikes through crowded streets. The museums were packed, and reservations at restaurants were impossible to get.”

July 14 (UPI) — France on Monday celebrated Bastille Day with the nation’s biggest holiday in the air and on the ground.

The parade in Paris included 7,000 people on horseback and tanks, axe-carrying French Legion troops, 102 warplanes and helicopters.

French President Emmanual Macron reviewed the French Army, Navy and Air Force along the cobblestones of the Champs-Elysses and re-lit the eternal flame beneath the Arc de Triomphe. For the first time, there was included a prison dog, a Belgian Malinois shepherd, Gun, who specializes in weapons and ammunition detection.

At night, fireworks were lit at the Eiffel Tower at an expense of $817,000.

On July 14, 1789, nationals stormed the Bastille fortress and prison, which ignited the French Revolution and the overthrow of the monarchy.

This year’s event returned to Champs-Elsees from Avenue Foch because of the Summer Olympics.

Gisele Pelicot, 72, was given France’s highest award of Bastille Day celebrations. Pelicot, who has fought against sexual violence, was named a Knight of the Legion of Honor. She was drugged and raped for nearly a decade by her husband, who was sentenced to prison in 2024 along with 50 other defendants.

Also, nearly 600 people were given a civic award, including musician Pharrell Williams.

The guest of honor was Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subitanto, who represents the world’s biggest Muslim country with more than 240 million, or 87% of the total population. Indonesia had 451 soldiers march in the parade, including a drum band of 189 musicians.

It marked 85 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Also, Finnish troops serving in the United Nations force in Lebanon, as well as those from Belgium and Luxembourg serving in the NATO force in Roman, participated.

Another special guest was Fousseynou Samba Cisse, who rescued six people, including two babies, from a burning apartment on the sixth floor earlier this month.

One day before Bastille Day, Macron announced $7.6 billion in additional military spending over two years amid new threats, including from Russia.

“Since 1945, our freedom has never been so threatened, and never so seriously,” Macron said. “We are experiencing a return to the fact of a nuclear threat, and a proliferation of major conflicts.”

President Donald Trump was so impressed with Bastille Day in 2017 that he decided to conduct his own military celebration in Washington, D.C., this year on June 14.

July 5 (UPI) — The famed Seine river in Paris opened to the public for swimming on Saturday for the first time in over a 100 years, a key victory for outgoing mayor Anne Hidalgo.

The waterway was last swimmable in 1923, with a ban in place since that year because high levels of bacteria made it unsafe for people.

City officials spent $1.6 billion to clean up the river in time for last year’s 2024 Olympic Games. Despite the cash infusion, some races had to be postponed because of water quality issues.

In a show of confidence, Hidalgo herself famously took to the water ahead of the Olympics for a swim to prove the river was swimmable.

“Swimming in the Seine, some have dreamed of it, many have doubted it, and we have done it,” she said on Facebook at the time. “After a 100-year ban, athletes will take their turn in a few days during the Games! It will be next summer for Parisians.”

Hidalgo’s prediction came true on a seasonal basis. Three designated swimming areas opened Saturday morning, each with lounging areas, outdoor furniture, showers and changing facilities, while lifeguards patrol the river.

One of the swimming areas is not far from the Eiffel Tower, while a second is close to the Notre Dame Cathedral, which re-opened last year after a devastating fire. The third is in the eastern part of Paris.

The mayor, who was elected in 2014 and will leave office next year after a failed bid at the presidency, has spent her time in office pushing green initiatives in the city.

Water quality in the Seine has gradually improved over the last 20 years. At its lowest point, people swimming in the river would get sick because of the high bacteria count.

Plans to re-open the Seine to public swimming have been circulating since former French President and then-Paris Mayor Jacques René Chirac campaigned on the promise in 1988.

A planned race across the city was canceled in 2012 because the water was “manifestly insufficient quality for swimming.”

Fears of exceptional heat as Foreign Office updates advice amid wildfire concerns for British tourists

The South of Europe is bracing for a Heat Dome, which is predicted to extend its reach to Greece, bringing with it heatwave conditions from Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Early reports suggest that this heatwave will be relatively short-lived, but temperatures are expected to soar to a sweltering 42 or even 43 degrees Celsius next week.

Wednesday, July 9, is set to be the toughest day, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. In some areas, such as Halkida in Evia, the mercury will hit 42 degrees Celsius.

Following a brief respite with cooler than average temperatures, the heat is set to return with a vengeance, as a five-day heatwave is forecasted, with high temperatures lingering for several days.

However, relief is in sight, with a significant drop in temperatures expected from Thursday, July 10 Keep Talking Greece reported.

Open TV’s meteorologist Klearhos Marousakis predicts a sharp rise in temperature from Monday to Thursday, July 7-11, due to a westerly current entering Greece, acting as a windbreak for the eastern mainland. He forecasts peak temperatures of 40 to 42 degrees Celsius around Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

From Saturday, July 5, temperatures will gradually begin to climb as the meltemi (summer northern winds) depart the area and the pressure difference decreases. The very dry wind levels are expected to persist until Friday, July 5.

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The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice – with concerns rising about an outbreak of wildfires in the dry country. It said: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.

“Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.”

To avoid starting wildfires:

• leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires
• make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished
• do not light barbecues

Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.

Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires:

• follow @112Greece for official updates
• follow the guidance of the emergency services
• call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger
• contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK

Meanwhile, Europe experienced its first major heatwave of the summer this week, with Barcelona recording its hottest June in over a century and Paris reaching scorching temperatures.

The iconic Eiffel Tower was shut to visitors due to the heatwave. Health warnings were issued in several countries as the extreme heat persisted.

Samantha Burgess, from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, stated that the unusually hot weather “is exposing millions of Europeans to high heat stress”, with temperatures more akin to those usually seen in July and August.

Barcelona’s Fabra Observatory reported a record-breaking average temperature of 26C for last month, the highest since records began in 1914.

The Observatory also noted a single-day high of 37.9C for June recorded on Monday. Barcelona typically avoids Spain’s most intense heat due to its location between hills and the Mediterranean Sea.

Ramon Pascual, a representative for Spain’s weather service in Barcelona, told the Associated Press that the “very intense heatwave” is undeniably linked to global warming.

READ MORE: British tourist dies on Greece cruise ship as probe launchedREAD MORE: EasyJet flight makes urgent landing as passenger ‘urinates in aisle’ on way to Tenerife

Mr Pascual pointed out that the rising sea temperatures are not helping those living in the Mediterranean region, as they significantly reduce any cooling effects from nearby bodies of water.

Spain’s weather service reported that recent surface temperatures for the Mediterranean near the Balearic Islands are 5-6C above average.

Spain’s national average for June was 23.6C, which is 0.8C hotter than the previous hottest June in 2017.

Madrid was expected to hit a sweltering 39C.

In Paris, temperatures were predicted to reach a staggering 40C. The national weather agency, Meteo-France, placed several departments under the highest red alert.

Over 1,300 schools were either partially or fully closed due to the heat.

Visitors to the Eiffel Tower without tickets were left disappointed as the landmark closed due to the extreme heat.

Visitors were advised to delay their plans as the summit was temporarily shut down until Thursday for “everyone’s comfort and safety”.

Climate specialists are sounding the alarm, predicting that future summers could outdo all previous records, with scorching highs over 40C becoming an annual occurrence by the century’s end.

Italy’s health ministry has reported a heatwave gripping 17 out of its 27 key cities.

Florence felt the brunt of the heat on Tuesday, with mercury hitting 38C, leading to a city centre blackout due to a surge in power usage. Energy giant Enel confirmed that power was swiftly restored thanks to emergency systems.

Tragedy struck near Bologna where a 46 year old construction firm boss succumbed while working on a school car park, with state broadcaster RAI attributing his collapse to the intense heat, pending autopsy results.

In Soest, Netherlands, local fire services announced they’d be joining a water gun battle with a real fire hose, teasing on social media: “Bring your water pistol and swimming clothes with you, because you’re guaranteed to get soaked!”.

Portugal’s meteorological authority confirmed a record-breaking high for June in mainland Portugal, with Mora, west of Lisbon, scalding at 46.6C on June 29.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s firefighters are battling blazes for the third day running, leading to the evacuation of around 50,000 people.

My two-day trip to Paris – the city of love – was an eye-opener to say the least and made me realise one huge plus to travelling so spontaneously

2025 is the year of spontaneity, at least for me. I told myself that I’d say ‘yes’ to doing things that I usually wouldn’t agree to do – no overthinking and simply just doing it. Six months into the year, I have zero regrets.

When the opportunity for a spontaneous weekend trip to Paris came up, of course, I said yes. For a little context, out of nowhere, my parents decided to go on a weekend jaunt to celebrate Mother’s Day. Paris is known to be ‘the city of love’, and it’s not too far from home, so I decided to join them for a literal 48-hour trip. Leaving on Saturday early in the morning, we drove from London to Paris – yes, drove – and came back on Sunday, just past midnight.

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. So, I thought, if I’m going to spend £100 on a night out, why not go abroad, instead? Plus, the weather in Paris was so much better and warmer than London, so that gave me the ultimate push.

READ MORE: ‘I ditched my phone for an 18-mile hike and learned one surprising thing about myself’

When it comes to holidays, it’s hard to see and do everything in one trip. On average, UK travellers spend over a week on their holidays abroad. Thankfully, I had already been to Paris, so there wasn’t anything in particular that I wanted to see. Just be there and enjoy the moment.

My really good friend joined us on the trip, and funny enough, she had also been to Paris, but didn’t get the chance to see the Eiffel Tower. I mean, who could miss the 1,083ft tall structure the city is so famous for? So, we made it our mission to visit it – and it was probably the thing we ended up seeing the most, if not the only tourist attraction we beelined.

We walked around the city, sat in coffee shops, did some shopping, and even bar-hopped during the night to make the most of the ‘happy hour’. And honestly, excluding the accommodation and the travel expenses, I don’t think I’ve spent more than £100 – which it got me thinking, why am I not doing this more often?

READ MORE: I’m Spanish living in the UK and these key differences blow my mind

We all know that things in 2025 have become much more expensive than they were 10, 20, and even 30 years ago. Going out during the weekend in London has become an occasional treat for many. Let’s be real – the price of drinks, public transport, club entries, taxis, cigarettes… You always end up spending outrageous amounts of money, so is it even worth it?

What a night out would cost you is a plane ticket to a European country, and the expenses are more likely to be less than London prices. Plus, if you want to go abroad without using your annual leave, weekends are the perfect time to do it.

In the end, it wasn’t just about saving a few extra pounds or going on a holiday. It was more about saying yes to things because some of the best memories come from impulsive decisions. Here’s to many more spontaneous last-minute trips that will cost me less than a London night out!

Travel experts have named the places you could find yourself at risk – including in Spain, France, Italy, Turkey and Thailand

Holiday season is almost in full swing with just weeks until we hit the peak summer travel window, and millions of people will head from the UK to familiar locations in the sun. Each year we make more than 55million holiday trips abroad, with places like Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Portugal topping the list of destinations.

People from the UK usually travel to familiar locations, believing they will be safe from crime and disease, while shunning places they think may be more ‘trouble’. But travel experts have warned some of the most familiar spots are actually the most dangerous – where you are most likely to experience things like becoming a victim of crime.

Those destinations include familiar favourites such as Spain, France, Italy and Turkey.

Diana Peng from Just Wanderlust said: “Places that are regarded as safe but aren’t include popular places such as Paris and Barcelona. I’ve heard so many horror stories from travelers to those cities and I’ve also been the target of crime in those cities – it is rampant and yet, it’s barely discussed.

“Groups of pickpockets and scammers frequently work the tourist crowds in these popular cities. They are also easy targets: preoccupied, lost, or trying to get photos more so than paying attention to their surroundings.”

Patrick Farrell of Viceroy Bali added: “Regions like Cancun and Acapulco in Mexico make me think they are safe, when in fact, they are not. I have received clients who booked luxury wellness retreats there, only for them to experience unforeseen safety concerns outside the resort areas.

“Furthermore, cities like Paris and Barcelona are pretty in their own right, but they do pose some level of safety concern. The two cities have a high risk of pickpocketing and scamming tourists. My advice always is to look at government-issued travel advisories, and talking to someone who knows the city is very useful.”

Ross Thompson at Covac Global said: “Places like Naples, Italy and Tokyo, Japan sit on massive seismic and geologic risks. Naples sits near Mt Vesuvius which is an active volcano that last erupted in 1944. While it’s closely monitored it sits near a highly dense population and is closely monitored for a reason.

“Tokyo sits on a major seismic zone where an earthquake or tsunami can strike not only Tokyo but many other highly visited Japanese cities without warning causing massive destruction.”

He added: “Hidden risks can manifest politically, even if they say it is welcoming to Western tourists, they may have less noted political or civil strife either internally or externally. Think about the attempted coup in Turkey in 2016 where the opposition actually seized airports, bridges and media entities and both tanks and fighter jets filled the cities and skies.”

Ross also warned about ‘kidnapping in Mexico’s most popular cities’ and the risk of illness in Western Africa, Thailand and Brazil.

He highlighted Bali in Indonesia as a particular risk – surrounded by active volcanoes, at threat of political upheaval and home to ‘a host of exotic diseases including Dengue Fever, Malaria and Typhoid’

He said: “And when disaster does strike – you’re on an island and you and everyone else wants out.”

Christian Petzold, travel expert at BCN Travel, said: “Mexico is the proverbial example. Cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are tourist havens: splendour and creation in concert. Yet, in the past few years, intermittent conflicts of criminal gangs have touched even these sanctuaries of tourism, some directly in the proximity of tourist zones.”

He added: “Paris, on the other hand, although arguably one of the most visited cities, is known for petty crimes around Gare du Nord, Montmartre, and near the Eiffel Tower. Pickpocketing is almost a fine art there, whereas protests and strikes disrupt transport and city services with unpredictability. I always recommend guests carry crossbody bags, beware of strangers who get too friendly too fast, and keep eyes and ears open for local news updates.

“Rome has a similar ambience. Whereas it is rich in history and culture, Termini Station and some venues near the Vatican attract scams and thefts: from fake helpful locals to those touting friendship bracelets or petitions, the usual distraction-and-robbery routine.

“Thailand poses a curious case. Generally safe and world-renowned for hospitality, guests should be wary of certain transportation modes, especially tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis, which are often unregulated. Some islands like Koh Tao have been in the spotlight due to a string of deaths of tourists that went unsolved amidst rumblings of local corruption. When it comes to political differences in Bangkok, protests tend to escalate relatively quickly, thereby promptly throwing an alienated tourist into the midst of demonstrations.”

How to stay safe on a foreign holiday

Staying safe on a foreign holiday involves a mix of preparation, awareness, and common sense. Here’s the best advice broken down into key areas:

Before You Go

1. Research the Destination Check travel advice from the UK Foreign Office: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Understand local laws, customs, and any safety concerns (crime, weather, political instability, etc.).
2. Get Travel Insurance Make sure it covers health emergencies, cancellations, theft, and adventure activities if applicable.
3. Copies of Important Documents Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, travel insurance, visa, and emergency contacts.

While You’re There

1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded places (tourist hotspots, public transport).
2. Protect Your Valuables Use a money belt or hidden pouch. Leave expensive jewellery and unnecessary tech at home or in a safe.
3. Use Reliable Transport Use official taxis, ride apps (e.g., Uber), or public transport where safe. Don’t hitchhike.
4. Be Cautious with Alcohol Drink in moderation and never leave drinks unattended. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
5. Local Laws and Etiquette Respect dress codes, especially in religious or conservative areas. Know what’s illegal – e.g., vaping in Thailand, chewing gum in Singapore.

Health & Emergency

1. Know Emergency Numbers Not all countries use 112 or 999. Look up the local emergency number.
2. Medications Bring enough prescribed medication with a copy of your prescription. Check if your medication is legal in your destination country.
3. Vaccinations & Health Risks Visit a travel clinic for any necessary jabs or malaria tablets.
4. Avoid Unsafe Food/Water In higher-risk areas, stick to bottled water and avoid street food that isn’t freshly cooked.

Tech & Communication

1. Stay Connected Get a local SIM or roaming plan. Share your itinerary and daily check-ins with someone back home.
2. Download Essential Apps Maps, translation, local transport, embassy locator, travel insurance app.