Travel
Don’t let fear of ‘risky’ destinations spook your travel plans
While it’s wise to be cautious and prepared, potential risks shouldn’t hold you back from experiencing the world’s wonders.
By Paula Goodyer
There’s lots to like about Sicily’s second largest city, Catania: beautiful baroque buildings, a fabulous food market, the backdrop of Mount Etna towering above the town – and even a trip back in time to the subterranean Achilleate Baths hidden below the city’s cathedral. If you want a sense of awe, it’s below ground in these Roman baths: standing in this ancient space, almost unchanged since other humans used it almost 2000 years ago, takes your breath away
But anyone skimming the UK’s Daily Express headlines last year might have wiped Catania off their itinerary. Voted by tourists as ‘the most dangerous city in Europe’, the story said, Catania ‘has an unwelcome reputation of being the place where tourists feel most afraid of walking alone at night.’
Yet I’ve just been to Catania and never once felt uneasy. Nor were there scary moments during my 3 previous trips to Marseille in Southern France, listed in the same story as Europe’s second most dangerous city.
Many other great destinations have dodgy reputations for theft and pickpocketing – Naples, Paris, Rome and Barcelona are just some. So what does this mean for older travellers? Should increasing age deter us from going to places like these or should we take a deep breath – and some precautions – and let our sense of adventure fly?
Are older travellers more likely to be victims of crime? Not necessarily …
“It’s hard to find statistics on this, although some research suggests that people over 65 are more fearful of being victims of crime,” says Dr Garth Lean, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Heritage Studies at the University of Western Sydney’s School of Social Sciences.
“But I’d flip that idea on its head and say that older people might be less likely to be targets of crime because they’re often more experienced and take fewer risks – they’re less likely to be in a club at 2am,“ he points out. “In a lot of cultures around the world, older people are also treated better than here in Australia and local people are more likely to reach out and be helpful.”
… but travelling when you’re older can be good for body and mind
Travel, especially independent travel, keeps us on our toes, mentally and physically and some research suggests it provides a cluster of health benefits for older travellers.
“Besides making you more physically active, navigating new environments can be a workout for the brain, helping us retain mental agility,” says Dr Lean.
“Travel can force you to have new experiences and engage with other people. The confidence that comes from stepping out of your comfort zone, and the understanding and empathy that comes from connecting with other cultures, are examples of this. Even difficult travel experiences or challenges can have an upside if you come back feeling stronger.”
Be well informed before you go
A closer look at that The Daily Express story revealed that the list of Europe’s most dangerous cities, sourced from an online database called Numbeo, was based on tourists’ perceptions of safety – not actual crime statistics.
Which might explain why Smartraveller, the Australian Government’s regularly updated travel advisory service tells a different story. The travel advice for Europe includes a colour -coded map with no-go countries marked in red, and those where you should ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ in yellow. Although France and the UK are coded yellow, much of Europe – including Sicily – is green for ‘exercise normal travel precautions’.
Smartraveller is a good place to research your destination, including the potential risks.
Don’t be scared to go it alone
Reluctant to travel solo? Think again, is Dr Lean’s advice.
“When you’re travelling alone you’re more open to engaging with other people, and that can help with feelings of isolation or depression.”
It can also be a way to grow a sense of independence according to a study of solo women travellers – and a way of exploring new places on your own terms without having to compromise.
So what precautions should you take?
The reality is that petty crime, like bag snatching and pickpocketing, along with the risk of terrorist attacks, are possibilities in many destinations now – travel even a few stops on the London Underground, and you’ll see frequent warnings about pickpockets. Smartraveller has good information on precautions to prevent theft, including advice for older travellers. Some general tips include:
- It makes sense to leave expensive items at home and take older, cheaper stuff instead.
- Invest in anti-theft bags, and plan how to keep your phone and other belongings safe when you’re on the go – there’s some good advice from Allianz Travel here and here.
- Consider leaving any valuables you do take in the hotel safe.
- Be mindful of pickpockets – keep cash, your Citro Card, other credit cards and money in a cross-body bag, not pockets.
- Don’t carry all your credit cards with you – keep a spare in the hotel safe.
- Take copies of your passport, travel insurance documents, prescriptions, and spare passport photos and keep them in the hotel safe.
- Travel light on trains and buses so you can keep your luggage close.
Embrace the adventure, not the fear
Travel is one of life’s greatest joys, offering opportunities to explore, learn and grow at any age. While it’s wise to be cautious and prepared, don’t let fear of “risky” destinations hold you back from experiencing the world’s wonders.
Whether you’re marvelling at ancient Roman baths, strolling through the vibrant food markets of Vietnam, or navigating new landscapes in outer Mongolia, remember that every journey is a chance to connect – with others, with new cultures and with yourself. Let your sense of adventure guide you and don’t let the world pass you by. After all, the greatest risks in life often come from staying in your comfort zone.
Feature image: iStock/SolStock
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