What are some safety tips for gays and lesbians traveling through Europe?

What are some safety tips for gays and lesbians traveling through Europe?

Charlie Rounds (Board Advisor, Gaytravel.com) gives expert video advice on: When is the best time for gays and lesbians to travel to Europe?; What are popular gay and lesbian destinations in the UK?; What are popular gay and lesbian destinations in Spain? and more...

As far as safety tips, a lot of it is going to be common sense. Italy is notorious for pickpockets, and you need to be aware of that. Whatever you can leave in your hotel, especially if they have a safe deposit box, try to do that. Always have somebody that has access to a photocopy of your passport, in case it is stolen. In that case, it can be faxed to the closest US consulate or embassy so that you can get back into the country. Don't carry a lot of cash and don't wear a lot of jewelry, especially in southern Europe, because it is going to be a target. You are going to be a target. In any big city avoid late nights. If you are going to be out in the bars and you are coming out at four in the morning, take a taxi.