Travel Scary (noun)
An unnerving experience during travel that triggers fear, anxiety, or discomfort, often stemming from unforeseen circumstances or unfamiliar environments.
While visiting Paris, La Ville-Lumière, Amari and her friend experienced a “travel scary.” As they were heading down the stairs to the train, they were targeted by a pickpocket. Despite the area seeming relatively quiet, with little foot traffic around, a pickpocket tried to snatch her friend’s phone from her pocket. Fortunately, her friend’s quick reflexes prevented the theft. Still, it was a close call, and the whole experience left them shaken.
No longer feeling safe in their surroundings, they decided to avoid the train and find another way to get home. Knowing that such pickpocketing attempts are often part of a coordinated effort by a group, they couldn’t be sure there wasn’t another pickpocket waiting for them further inside the station.
Takeaways from the experience:
Invest in proper apparel
A coat with zippers, pants with hidden pockets, and even anti-theft bags can be the best investment when traveling. This will minimize the odds of success if you were to be targeted by a pickpocket.
Trust your gut
If something feels off, trust your instincts as it can save your life! Both Amari and her friend knew it would be best to not continue down into the train station which likely prevented the situation from escalating overall.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Although Amari had taken note of her surroundings and noticed it was empty, they still were targeted. Had her friend not been as vigilant, there might have been a chance that the pickpocket would have been successful.
Travel can bring incredible experiences, but it can also expose you to unexpected risks. The experience of encountering a pickpocket in Paris serves as a reminder to always be prepared, trust your instincts, and stay aware of your surroundings. By taking these precautions, you can better protect yourself and turn potentially scary situations into valuable lessons in travel safety.
x, Stephanie