Staying Safe in Deutschland
Throughout my time in Germany, I haven’t felt unsafe at any time, but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t thought excessively about being safe as I travel through the country.
We take public transportation everywhere we go, which is fast and easy. The only downside to this? When we move to a new city, we’re responsible for lugging our heavy suitcases on the trains with us. This isn’t too bad as long as you manage to balance yourself and your bags when the U-Bahn screeches to a sudden halt – picture the good old Green Line back home.
When we go on longer journeys, like our five hour regional train ride from Nuremberg to Berlin, standing and holding a suitcase isn’t exactly something we all want to do. Luckily, the trains offer plenty of luggage space above and behind the seats – it’s just important to keep your eyes on your bag to make sure no one grabs it at each of the stops.
Beyond the luggage, I’ve also found ways to keep yourself safe when traveling within the city, and there’s no tip here that you can’t follow right this second. They’re straightforward things we, as students in one of America’s major cities, should be doing anyway.
Don’t keep your cell phone in your back pocket. I know it’s comfortable and convenient there, but no city is complete without the threat of pickpocketers. Ladies, keep your device in a crossbody purse – keeping your bag on one arm makes it easy to snatch – and keep the zippers facing your body. Further, throw your phone or wallet in inner pockets within your bag to hide them more.
It shouldn’t be difficult since you’ll be traveling either in a large group or with all of the friends you make on your Dialogue, but stick together! Adventures are more fun when they’re shared, anyway.
Germany is an incredibly safe country, and as long as you’re on top of your game and remain aware of your surroundings, you have nothing to worry about.
