Tip 1: Choose Safe Areas
While the safety of an area is not absolute, it’s advisable to avoid areas identified as high-risk, especially in cities like Paris. You can search online for ‘Safe Accommodation Areas in Paris’ and make your own choices based on your budget and travel plans.
Tip 2: Read Reviews
You can check reviews from foreign visitors on booking websites like Booking and on Google Maps. They provide valuable insights into accommodations, dining options, attractions, and even parking, as will be elaborated upon below.
Tip 3: Don’t Overly Trust Hotels
Most hotel rooms are equipped with a safe, a feature that might not be commonly used in our daily lives in some countries, but it becomes crucial when abroad. Utilize the hotel safe for your valuables, set your own password, and don’t forget to check it before checking out. Inside the room, avoid leaving cash, change, or documents in plain sight and consider placing them in the safe as well. Keep in mind that the cleaning and security staff in some hotels may not always be trustworthy, and due to the absence of cameras in the rooms, accountability can be challenging. This is especially important to note in smaller European countries.
If the hotel doesn’t provide a safe, consider placing valuable items inside a large suitcase with a password or lock. Most hotel staff are reluctant to tamper with larger luggage. It’s advisable to invest in a portable luggage lock, which can be used not only for travel but also for your carry-on luggage, serving as a handy backup at any time.
