If you are thinking about visiting France, you probably already know that it is one of the safest and most popular travel destinations you could pick! Of course, visiting a foreign country often comes with inconveniences or even dangers, so educating yourself about safe travel is key to protecting your personal safety as well as maximizing your enjoyment of beautiful and vibrant France.

Take public transportation. Especially in large cities such as Paris, driving can be extremely dangerous for uninitiated visitors. French drivers are often fast and slightly reckless, as there are fewer traffic rules. Couple the dangers of driving on a French thoroughfare with the awkwardness of driving on a different side of the street than you are accustomed to, and you have the makings of a car accident. Fortunately, public transportation is excellent in French cities, especially Paris.

Exercise caution at night. This is simply common sense for exploring the streets of any large city at night, but if you are obviously a tourist, you may be more likely to be targeted. If you cannot walk with a friend, stick to well-lit, populous areas. Though violence against women is statistically less common in French cities, it is especially a good idea for women to be cautious when walking alone at night.

Pick-pocketing is often a problem at tourist attractions or in crowded areas such as the Metro (subway). You may see groups of gypsies at popular attractions like Notre Dame. The key to avoid being a victim of pick-pocketing is to be alert and aware of what is going on around you. Also, avoid wearing a wallet in your back pocket or carrying a handbag loosely, because these items can easily be snatched. Keep your belongings in a front pocket, in a cross-body handbag, or in a concealed pouch on your person.

The water in most of France is fine to drink. Your body may take some time to adjust to it, but most travelers do not experience severe digestive problems related to the water. Bottled water in restaurants is quite expensive, so you will usually be served a small vessel of tap water for the table. If you know that a change in water usually bothers you, bring water-purifying tablets. You can also buy more reasonably-priced bottled water from a supermarket if you need to.

Many travelers experience mild digestive troubles related to French foods, if they are not used to consuming rich meals. French cuisine is world-renowned, and you will want to taste everything, but it is a good idea to eat small portions of any new foods. Also, avoid unpasteurized dairy products.

If you require medications, it is important to pack them in their original bottles complete with pharmacy labels, in order to get through the airport. On the chance that you require an over-the-counter medicine during your stay, look for the green cross sign that signifies a pharmacy. If you experience a medical emergency during your stay, dial the number 112 from any phone. This is the European equivalent of 911.

France is a beautiful and exciting travel destination where thousands of people flock each year. Get started with study programs abroad to take a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is also a relatively risk-free place to visit, so relax and enjoy yourself! With a few safety precautions, your study abroad in France will go smoothly.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 at 6:29 am and is filed under Education. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.