Would you feel safe taking your young children to Europe, the Mediterranean or A

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   breathe2travelposted 11 years ago

   Would you feel safe taking your young children to Europe, the Mediterranean or Australia?

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   Availiasvisionposted 11 years ago

   Yes, I know several people that do.   Just ask any taxi driver what parts of town are not safe.  It would depend on the places you go.  Every big city seems to have a "bad side of town."  Just know where not to walk at night.  Pickpockets and gypsis are the most common issues.   If you're doing the tourist loop of Rome, London, Paris, Cannes ect you shouldn't have any major problems.  However, certain regions like Naples have a reputation for crime.  If you feel safe walking around Chicago, New York, Seattle ect with your kids then you should be fine in most major European cities.   If by Mediterranean you mean Isreal, Turkey, Morroco ect.  then I would use more caution.  Check with the CIA's travel site for recommendations on how to stay safe and places to avoid.   for sure I would bring my kids to Australia.  Again, I'm sure there is one part fo town you shouldn't walk down alone with a small child.   For most western countries, the same rules you use to stay safe at home still apply, but with a tad extra bit of awareness.

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   Tricia1000posted 11 years ago

   I am taking my young son to Paris and Amsterdam with me in June.  I know Paris very well and can also speak French and thus feel safe there but have never been to Amsterdam before. I will just be very careful and read about safe areas to visit.  Just do your homework and you will be fine.  My son has been to to Europe and some Indian Ocean islands with me several times and I have never experienced any problems.  There are, however, countries  to which will never take my son.

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   Sheepsquatchposted 11 years ago

   It would be similar to traveling where you live if you live in America. You just have to be safe and conscious of your surroundings.

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   madisondavis512posted 11 years ago

   I've been to France, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland this past summer. Personally, I would not take my children to Paris unless I knew French well. The city is very big and very busy. Depending how young these children are, I would be very careful. If you really wanted to, go ahead, but be very cautious of your surroundings. Look up information about the places, just to be safe. But, also know that there is a lot of walking, too.

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      CynthiAnnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Age of the children is a very good point! I think you should make sure your children are ready(emotionally and physically) for a trip like that. I wouldn't want to handle "terrible twos" while trying to take in the culture of another country. :-)

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   frantisek78posted 11 years ago

   Any big European city's downtown area is safer than any American downtown.

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   iefox5posted 11 years ago

   Sure, these countries are great travel destinations. It saves money if you go to Europe now due to its Debt Crisis.

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   BrianMI6posted 11 years ago

   I'd feel fine taking them to any of those places.  Not Mexico though.  People be getting their heads cut off down there.

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   Suzie HQposted 11 years ago

   Absolutely  . . . . Many European and Mediterranean countries welcome families and are very child friendly.Like anywhere, research the areas you are thinking of going to for your accomodation and amenities and for the areas to avoid. Tripadvisor give good feedback from traveller's and i find checking forums useful.
   Australia just like anywhere, depending on if you are visiting Cities or going to more isolated places, do your homework and then there is no reason for you all to have a wonderful experience to remember!

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    CynthiAnnposted 11 years ago

    I suppose I haven't done too much research for travel to Europe, the Mediterranean, or Australia, but I would feel safe vacationing in one of those spots with my children.  I would feel much more apprehensive about Africa or Middle Eastern countries though.  There are no perfect countries and none that are violence or crime free, but I agree with Tricia1000.  Doing your homework on where you would like to visit will most likely keep your family safe on an out-of-country trip.   Good question! :-)

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    Adventure Colinposted 11 years ago

    Sure, these are all by and large very safe places. Unfortunately, street-crime exists in some places, but then it's virtually non-existent in others. You can usually tell if you're heading to a 'dodgy' part of town - do research beforehand, one of the best things to do is to ensure you don't obviously look like a tourist, keep your valuables hidden away and don't patronise the locals. Always remember to be vigilant, but also that you're statistically highly unlikely to suffer from crime, and that all of these regions will offer you unforgettable holidays.
    
    Oh, and guns are as rare a rocking horse droppings...

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    HelloCharlieposted 11 years ago

    As an Australian who has travelled all over the world with my children, I'm happy to tell you that I've never had any problems taking my children through Europe or the Mediterranean, and that Australia is one of the best places in the world for children! People here are friendly, the weather is great, we all speak English and you'll recognise the food!

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