I don’t think anyone will specifically target your glasses. But if they’re in your purse or daybag and it happens to get stolen then you’re out of luck. Take a spare pair just in case, if you’ve got one.

As for the jewellery, I personally like to leave everything at home that I’d be heartbroken to lose. Chances are it won’t get stolen, but it may break, get left behind somewhere, fall off, snap or simply get lost.

I usually leave home with no jewellery other than a Timex Indiglo watch that I picked up for next to nothing; it’s waterproof, pretty much indestructible, and it has the time for two time zones which can be handy when you travel. It also has a beeping alarm, so no need for a separate alarm clock. I leave my good watch at home along with the rest of my sentimental-value and real-value jewellery.

Besides, then you can buy cheap jewellery in the places you visit as souvenirs. I’ve got two silver bracelets from Greece and a necklace and two bracelets from Israel that I wear all the time, and they remind me of my trip.

Of course, if you want to take some other stuff, there’s no big problem with that either. I find necklaces uncomfortable in hot countries, as the chains can give me heat rashes. And I don’t have pierced ears, but I can’t see anything wrong with taking earrings if you do. Some women travelling solo like to take a cheap wedding band to stave off unwanted male attention. I don’t really see it as being a big deal, but if you like, you can do that.

I’ve never heard about anybody having glasses stolen. Can’t even imagine it. I would take a copy of your prescription along in case your glasses get lost or broken. There are optical shops everywhere (seems like every street corner in come cities) so it should be relatively easy to replace glasses if you have your prescription.

If you wear your gold chain and watch all the time at home, wear them in Europe. They’re probably less likely to get ripped off you when you’re wearing them than at home. I always wear a diamond solitare on a gold chain. I don’t take it off to go to Europe! I would WEAR your necklace and watch, though. I wouldn’t leave them lying around the hostel or on the sink in the bathroom. If you don’t wear your watch 24/7 you might be more comfortable with a cheaper one.

Theives are pretty much after CASH. Even passports and credit cards aren’t that much of a target — but they’re a real hassle to deal with if they do get lost or stolen. I certainly wouldn’t worry about basic jewelry, watch or glasses.

Prescription glasses are such an individualized item, they are hardly a target for theives. Designer sunglasses are another story, perhaps.

Regarding glasses, people lose glasses on airplanes ALL THE TIME. If you’re prone to leaving the case lay around, at least put your name on it somewhere. I’m amazed at how many people lose their prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses on airplanes and in the gate area.

BTW, they are mega expensive due to the exchange rate, but you can get some killer glasses in Europe.

Thanks for that everyone

I rarely take my glasses off except when I sleep, but If I am sleeping on a plane or in a car I always leae them on, so leaving them behind somewhere is unlikely….as I wouldn’t be able to see the exit door hehe

My glasses are from Italy now so I will be on the look out for another pair or two while I am over there.

We dont get enough european frames here in Aus and they tend to fit my face better than most

Cheers Again

Mimmo