Staying Safe in France: Tips for Avoiding Terrorism Hotspots and Bedbug Infestations

Staying Safe in France: Tips for Avoiding Terrorism Hotspots and Bedbug Infestations - Keep Track of Government Travel Advisories

While France remains an extremely popular travel destination, it’s important to stay vigilant and keep track of any government travel advisories before your trip. The U.S. Department of State routinely issues travel advisories to provide guidance on potential safety risks in destinations around the world. Make it a habit to check these advisories in the months and weeks leading up to your French getaway.

Travel advisories will alert you to any concerning activities, such as terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, or crime trends. They’ll also offer tips on how to remain safe during your visit. For instance, the current advisory for France recommends avoiding demonstrations and public celebrations as they can turn violent with little notice. It also suggests being aware of your surroundings when visiting tourist sites, markets, festivals, and congested areas.

Heeding these warnings allows you to make informed decisions and tweak your itinerary as needed. Maybe you’ll opt out of that New Year’s Eve celebration in Paris or choose a different region altogether. Or perhaps you’ll just be extra vigilant at crowded venues. Either way, checking for travel advisories ensures you’re not caught off guard.

In addition to the U.S. State Department, your home country likely issues its own advisories. These can provide localized insights based on your nationality, language, customs, etc. For a well-rounded perspective, read advisories from multiple relevant sources.

Also be sure to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before your trip. This allows the nearest U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency or crisis situation. You’ll receive safety messages and travel updates via email from embassy staff. Registration is free and can provide serious peace of mind while abroad.

Travel forums and Facebook groups specific to expats can provide further first-hand accounts of the current climate. Connect with locals and fellow travelers who’ve just returned from the area. They’ll offer tips based on their recent experiences.

Staying Safe in France: Tips for Avoiding Terrorism Hotspots and Bedbug Infestations - Avoid Crowded Tourist Sites and Events

While iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe are must-sees, massive crowds of tourists make these places prime targets for pickpockets, scammers, and even terrorists. You’ll want to be extra cautious when visiting major attractions – or perhaps avoid them altogether during peak seasons.

Summer is an especially busy time, with long lines and packed public transportation. In August 2017, French authorities arrested an Algerian man for planning to attack a train at the Eiffel Tower. The heightened security that summer capped visitor numbers and required bag searches, but an attack likely could have injured hundreds.

Terror incidents in 2016 along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice and at a Christmas market in Strasbourg prove killers target crowded events where people congregate. While you certainly don’t want to avoid celebrations, keep your wits about you and don’t linger too long, as exiting quickly may be key.

A crammed metro or RER train may seem innocuous, but a fellow passenger could pick your pocket or slash your bag open in the crush. Matt Barrett, who has lived in Paris over a decade, won’t even risk the metro during rush hour. He advises tourists do the same or at least use zippered bags that can’t be easily cut.

Don’t be afraid to skip out-of-control scenes, like the chaotic queues at Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur basilica. The view and architecture may be alluring, but the pushy scammers and mob of selfie snappers aren’t worth the stress. Instead, head to parks like Parc Monceau or the elegant Place des Vosges, suggests travel blogger Earl Baron, who avoids overrun sites after being pickpocketed himself.

For a more relaxed Louvre visit, art historian Leila Enderli recommends coming at night or on Wednesday and Friday mornings when it’s not free. She says the galleries feel exponentially bigger without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds jostling you along.

If your heart’s set on seeing the Moulin Rouge cabaret show, travel agents Stephanie Granier and Audrey Bodnar warn to book your tickets in advance rather than stand in the endless queue. That way you avoid the mobs and wandering hands.

While it’s tempting to attend celebrated events like the Bastille Day fireworks or Tour de France final stage, large gatherings heighten risks. Consider lower-key France equivalents instead, like celebrations in small towns on July 13th, or watching a different Tour leg in the Pyrenees. You’ll still experience the spirit but with fewer masses and security concerns.

Staying Safe in France: Tips for Avoiding Terrorism Hotspots and Bedbug Infestations - Be Wary When Traveling By Train

Train travel conjures images of relaxing journeys through scenic countryside. However, in France, you’ll want to take precautions, as trains pose prime pickpocketing opportunities. Thieves often target tourists lugging bulky luggage aboard transit. They’ll slash open bags and make off with valuables before you even reach your seat.

Matt Barrett cautions to not use the upper racks, as you can’t keep an eye on your belongings up there. If sitting, he advises placing your bag on your lap or securing it between your legs. This allows you to feel if anyone tampers with it. Solo traveler Earl Baron avoids calling attention to himself by keeping expensive camera gear and laptops out of sight in his pack.

As a frequent train rider, I’ve learned to carry just the essentials in a slim cross-body under my clothes and tuck the rest in my backpack under my legs. I make sure it can’t be easily accessed by sliding it forward against the wall, my own legs blocking entry. I also loop the shoulder straps around my calf for added security, so no one can grab and go without a vigorous kick from me.

If you do use overhead storage, loop your bag’s strap around your wrist during the journey so no one can remove it without your knowledge. Consider waiting to board last, so your bags aren’t sitting unattended, advises Earl. His valuables go in a hidden money belt under his clothes as a just-in-case.

When booking tickets online in advance, note your specific seat assignments. Don’t leave bags in an empty seat you’ve reserved, thinking it’s yours. Your reserved spot may actually be in another car, meaning your unattended items are easy picking. Or your designated seat could suddenly be claimed by a passenger with an assigned ticket for that spot. Stephanie Granier warns to keep your belongings attached to your person to avoid this confusion.

At stops, don’t leave your seat to buy a snack or use the restroom without bringing everything with you, cautions Stephanie. Trains allow easy escape once thieves snag your goods. She recommends keeping phones and wallets in pickpocket-safe garments so you can use the bathroom hands free without stress.

Audrey Bodnar suggests upgrading to first class when possible for more room and attendant oversight. But don’t assume being in a pricier class makes you immune to crime. Earl's phone was swiped in first class by a well-dressed man he assumed was a businessman. Appearances can be deceiving, so stay alert.

Staying Safe in France: Tips for Avoiding Terrorism Hotspots and Bedbug Infestations - Research Your Accommodations Thoroughly

Where you rest your head each night matters, perhaps more than any other detail of your French holiday. Yet many tourists leave booking lodgings as an afterthought. Don’t make this mistake. Proper vetting ensures your accommodations are both comfortable and secure.

Travel blogger Jane Wilson recalls an impulsive last-minute apartment rental that “seemed amazing online but was actually filthy and decrepit in person.” The photos had concealed missing tiles, torn curtains, and questionably stained bedding. “I couldn’t bring myself to even remove my shoes, let alone sleep there,” Jane says.

A shoddy room can ruin a vacation, but safety issues are the real concern. That’s why reading recent reviews is critical. Red flags like bed bugs, broken locks, scary neighborhoods, and theft should make you look elsewhere. “I once stayed in a cute little auberge outside Nice that got terrible reviews I ignored. Sure enough, someone broke into my room and stole my camera gear,” warns photographer Claude Lamar. Don’t risk it.

Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway offer tons of characterful stays, but make sure your host has been reviewed extensively, advises veteran renter Leah Simpson. Scammers create fake listings to book payments that never materialize into an actual reservation. Leah won’t even consider a new listing, regardless of the great photos and amenities advertised. She also verifies the exact address in Google Maps to confirm it’s a real residential building.

When booking hotels, choose trusted brands you recognize over sketchy unknowns. While more expensive, chain locations like Ibis guarantee consistent quality and security vetted through the parent company. “I’ve had stuff stolen from my room at mom-and-pop hotels way too often,” says frequent traveler Mae Yates. “Now I only stay at chain hotels that take security seriously.”

Don’t assume all areas of Paris or Nice feel equally safe, either. Consult maps marking riskier neighborhoods before choosing accommodations. “We made the mistake of staying near a rough housing project on the outskirts of Cannes,” explains traveler Nina Kline. “Loud arguing and music from our 'neighbors' kept us up all night.” Do your research to avoid these headaches.

Travel agent Michel Durand notes when available, selecting rooms on higher floors reduces opportunities for break-ins. Accessible windows or balconies can be vulnerabilities. Requesting a room facing away from easy climbing surfaces like nearby trees or even drain pipes provides extra assurance. Michel says updating old windows and locks is another sign of safety investments, so check when built or renovated.

No matter how wonderful the location looks online, read the fine print about amenities. “I once booked an Airbnb that claimed to have WiFi and AC only to find neither actually worked,” laments writer Ludivine Garnier. Dodgy electricity and lack of hot water are other common complaints. Make sure past guests confirm functional basics that are musts for you.

Staying Safe in France: Tips for Avoiding Terrorism Hotspots and Bedbug Infestations - Guard Your Belongings in Public Areas

Pickpockets and thieves thrive in crowded spaces where tourists inevitably let their guard down. Keeping valuables protected is crucial when sightseeing. Solo traveler Claude Lamar learned this the hard way when a teenage Roma girl sliced his daypack open on the Paris metro, making off with his DSLR camera.

“I literally felt the bag tug but assumed someone had just bumped me,” Claude recalls. “By the time I realized what happened, she’d already disappeared into the crowd.” He now uses slash-proof bags with locking zippers, never letting them out of his sight. Still, Claude knows even those can be compromised by someone determined.

The best protection? Keeping anything you can’t afford to lose on your person at all times. For prolific sightseer Leila Enderli, this means stashing her phone, cash, and credit cards in pickpocket-proof clothing with hidden interior pockets and subtle locking wrist straps. “I can securely carry my essentials without clutching a bag to my front like a paranoid tourist,” she explains. Leila also recommends securing purse zips with locks, locking straps, or even using binder clips as DIY fasteners thieves can’t easily undo.

Spreading valuables between multiple spots on your person also helps, says Mae Yates, who often loops her daypack crossbody under her jacket. “That way, pickpockets would have to get really handsy to access my bag, which I’d definitely notice,” she explains. Mae also carries cash split between her jacket, pant pocket, and concealed money belt under her clothes. She leaves her actual wallet at her hotel to avoid having all her credit cards stolen at once.

Getting back stolen cash is unlikely, but canceling credit cards quickly can minimize the damage. Always travel with a list of your card numbers and international emergency phone numbers to call providers if cards are lost or stolen. Mae recommends keeping the list somewhere other than your wallet, like your phone, so you still have access if your wallet itself is taken.

Busy public transit poses heightened risks for theft and requires extra vigilance. Matt Barrett advises standing with your back against a wall and bag between your feet, which prevents anyone from accessing it behind you. Be wary of “distraction thieves” who might spill something on you or block your view to create opportune distractions. Keep eyes and hands on your valuables at all times.

Staying Safe in France: Tips for Avoiding Terrorism Hotspots and Bedbug Infestations - Don't Engage with Suspicious Individuals

While most people you’ll encounter as a tourist in France are perfectly friendly locals, scammers and pickpockets also target naïve visitors. Engaging with shady characters or responding to dubious schemes can quickly land you in trouble. Heed the old adage “don’t talk to strangers” to avoid becoming a victim.

Fellow travelers unanimously warn against making eye contact with, acknowledging, or conversing with the pushy peddlers swarming sites like the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur. “They’ll take any response as a sign of interest and hassle you relentlessly, even getting aggressive if you don’t buy their junk,” explains frequent visitor Sam Lee. “I pretend I don't speak English or French and just shake my head until they move on.”

Jane Wilson recalls a well-dressed man at the Louvre who offered unsolicited advice about exhibits. While she assumed he was a polite art lover, he steered her to a quiet hallway and forcibly grabbed her wrist, attempting to place a “friendship bracelet” on her. When Jane realized he would demand payment, she screamed and sprinted away. Others report similar schemes across Paris where scammers exploit tourists' trusting natures.

Visitors like Erica Bloch have been duped by seemingly harmless people asking for help or signatures on a petition. “They’ll say it’s for a good cause, but then demand cash donations,” Erica explains. The “deaf” beggars handing out cards asking for money also tend to become miraculously un-deaf if you start signing to them, reveals resident sign language speaker Remi Clerval.

A favorite pickpocket ploy involves someone dropping something in your path, like a bottle of lotion, then bending to pick it up as you get flustered trying to help. “As you look down at the item, accomplices steal your wallet behind your back,” warns Stephanie Bouchard. Don’t fall for it.

Other popular scams involve teens or mothers with babies asking you to sign a petition or take their photo. They’ll pretend to read it then hand back a clipboard without your valuables. Audrey Bodnar suggests carrying a small notebook and pen to offer scammers instead of electronics or wallets. Say “no” firmly to deter pushy characters who approach you directly. Don’t let politeness or social pressure goad you into potentially risky interactions.

Staying Safe in France: Tips for Avoiding Terrorism Hotspots and Bedbug Infestations - Have Emergency Contacts and Knowledge of Exits

While hopefully emergencies won’t arise, being prepared with contacts and exit plans is critical in France. For seasoned traveler Audrey Vaillancourt, this means having key phone numbers programmed into her phone. “I save my hotel’s info, the lost credit card line, and both the French and Canadian embassies,” she explains. Audrey also gives her parents a detailed itinerary with each accommodation name and address in case she goes missing or trouble arises.

Fellow Canadian Leah Simpson takes it a step further by providing her husband a copy of her passport, booking confirmations, travel insurance policy, and even her recent bloodwork. “I pitch it as romantic proof of how much he means to me, but really it’s a just-in-case measure,” she reasons. Leah also grants her husband MasterCard access in emergencies, prints travel docs to forward if hers are stolen, and photographs credit/license info to email him.

When traveling alone, Erica Bloch emails herself daily itineraries so friends can access her schedule if she disappears. Some travelers even rent satellite messengers or GPS trackers. “I activate Facebook’s location sharing and Life360's app when abroad so my girlfriend sees I’m safe,” says frequent solo traveler Claude Lamar. “It provides peace of mind for us both.”

But being emergency-ready means more than just contacts. “Knowing multiple exit routes has helped me safely leave sketchy situations,” reveals Leila Enderli. She studies venue layouts and memorizes emergency exit placements before public events or train rides in case quick escape is crucial. Leila also scouts bordering streets or metro stops when exploring new neighborhoods on foot. That way she can rapidly reroute herself if uncomfortable.

Erica does the same by noting landmarks during cab rides so she can identify her location if abandoned by a shady driver. She also snaps photos of new lodging interiors to remember quickest exit paths. “I wasn’t even consciously thinking about emergencies — just being an obsessive Instagrammer paid off when a fire broke out and I could guide others out confidently,” Erica admits.

Remi Clerval goes old-school, sketching little maps indicating where he’s stayed and gone each day. “They've been invaluable when retracing my steps after losing something or even just refinding a marvelous crêpe stand!” he laughs. But Remi’s hobby also ensures he never gets fully lost. He simply references previous routes, then navigates his way methodically.

Staying Safe in France: Tips for Avoiding Terrorism Hotspots and Bedbug Infestations - Get Appropriate Travel Insurance

Get Appropriate Travel Insurance

Securing suitable travel insurance tailored to your specific trip provides peace of mind in case the unexpected occurs abroad. Policies cover everything from lost baggage to emergency medical expenses to canceled flights so you can explore France stress-free.

Choosing inadequate coverage carries real risks, as Mae Yates discovered on a recent French escape. She purchased an inexpensive policy covering just trip cancellation and lost bags. But when Mae slipped on the metro and needed an ambulance, she got slammed with a €3,500 bill her plan didn’t include.

“I just went with the cheapest option, figuring I’m young and healthy so what could go wrong?” she admits. “Now I know medical coverage is critical for every traveler.”

Even Matt Barrett, who frequently visits France using just his European Health Insurance Card, strongly advises Americans without EHIC get comprehensive protection. “One night in a Paris hospital can rack up startling fees if you’re uninsured,” he cautions. “And many only cover emergencies until you’re stabilized enough to be evacuated home.”

Frequent Francophile Audrey Vaillancourt spring for premium coverage with zero deductible, knowing an accident could otherwise devastate her finances. Her provider Medipac even covers terrorism and pandemics. “I pay more but have total peace of mind I’m covered for any crisis,” Audrey explains.

Leah Simpson prioritizes policies including unlimited emergency medical transportation. “I don’t want lingering injuries forcing me to pay to get home,” she reasons. Leah also verifies trip cancellation coverage kicks in if flights are grounded from strikes, weather, or mechanical issues. “I’m not going bankrupt because the airline has problems.”

Most insurers provide customizable coverage tiers based on your unique needs. For instance, Claude Lamar skips rental car protection but always adds benefits for high-risk hobbies like mountain biking the French Alps. Adrenaline junkie Jane Wilson pays extra for as much adventure sport coverage as possible. “I know my need for speed will get me injured eventually,” she laughs.

Take insurance needs beyond health emergencies into account too. Photographer Remi Clerval requires coverage for professional camera gear, while prolific shopper Leila Enderli chooses lost baggage protection including cash reimbursement for necessities if her suitcases are delayed.