My serious advice is avoid traveling alone, or even in pair, in Europe/ or indeed, outside your neighouring countries in Asia where you know.

Asian females may even give a misconception in Europe that they are better targets for crimes than other fellow American/European women.

Travellers too often have a over-romaticized conception of Europe. Merely in Rome, there was approx. 80 cases of rape, or even group rapes after robbery, of Japanese female tourists from the Japanese Ambassy there in 1997. Asian women do face a greater chance of rape/sexual harrasement/robbery in Europe. We have not heard the these negative experiences and have not taken enough cautions.

Traveling with at least 3 people is a safe rule indeed. 4 is even better as 4 just occupy a train compartment.

Another rule of thumb: always be cautions of foreign males met. Be brave. Say ‘No’, do not think it is in not polite. In Europe, it’s polite indeed to say ‘no’ strongly and reject males.

[This message has been edited by Michelia (edited 08-11-98).]