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mrsh2010
To travel is to live.
Member since 7/09 1679 total posts
Name:
Celia
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Barcelona Question...
for those who have been there.
Is it really that unsafe? I keep reading that Barcelona particularly Las Ramblas area is very unsafe. Pickpockets and bag snatchers everywhere. I will be staying in the Las Ramblas area a few days prior to my cruise. Living in Queens and working many years in Manhattan I think of myself as being able to be on alert to my surroundings.
After reading some of these stories i want to just lock myself in my hotel room until the day of the cruise. 
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Posted 3/30/12 9:59 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
tourist
Member since 5/05 10425 total posts
Name:
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Re: Barcelona Question...
No,it's not that bad! 
Obviously, use your NYC street smarts & pay attention. Keep your bag close to you, esp. at night, but I didn't feel unsafe at all & no one in our group had anything stolen & a pretty sure we stuck out like tourists. Also, hide things in different places--we had a safe in our hotel room, so we left some money there.
I went on a cruise from there, and other people on the boat did say that they got ripped off by cabs, which was also a rumor I heard before we went. We didn't really take cabs--we walked & took the subway & to get from the airport to hotel & hotel to the pier, we had some sort of car service pre-arranged though our travel agent.
Have a good trip!
Message edited 3/30/2012 11:57:21 PM.
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| Posted 3/30/12 11:12 AM |
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MrsFrizzle
<3
Member since 9/09 4628 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: Barcelona Question...
It's always been my theory that NY'ers are safer traveling than people from other states bc we are always on the lookout and more aware of our surroundings. That being said I haven't been to Barcelona but I imagine that it's like anywhere else that could be subject to pickpockets and whatever else. Stay alert, be aware, be conscious of your surroundings and you will be fine.
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| Posted 3/30/12 11:39 AM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Barcelona Question...
I don't think it's unsafe per se, but living in Queens and going to school in manhattan on te A Train, the only time anyone tried to mug me was in barcelona.
And everywhere you go people will try to trick you, hold something in your face, and then get into your purse while it's blocked.
So keep your valuables hidden, don't carry a big purse people can get into and STAY ALERT
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| Posted 3/30/12 11:56 AM |
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mrsh2010
To travel is to live.
Member since 7/09 1679 total posts
Name:
Celia
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Re: Barcelona Question...
I have heard about this Safe Pac bags. They are supposed to be theft proof. Cant cut through the straps or the bottom of the bag and it has zipper security. Thinking of getting one.
here is the link
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| Posted 3/30/12 12:16 PM |
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thewinterone
You make me happy
Member since 5/05 2474 total posts
Name:
cause you are gray.
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Re: Barcelona Question...
We ended a cruise there and stayed for a few days with NO problems.
We hung out on Las Ramblas at night, went to restaurants, walked around etc.
We stuck out as tourists for sure, but again, no issues.
I think NYC is way scarier at night after everyone from the shows go home.
Don't bring a bag out with you if you'd feel safer. Maybe you'd be less of a target?
There are lots of distractions on Las Ramblas, just pay attention to everything.
Enjoy it, it's beautiful!
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| Posted 3/30/12 4:32 PM |
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allikat
LIF Infant
Member since 5/06 283 total posts
Name:
Alli
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Re: Barcelona Question...
Like others have said, just be very aware of your surroundings. Watch out for any little distraction, even children! It can def get very crowded, and there's always something to look at. It's really wonderful there, though! Just be smart about it, and you'll be fine. Enjoy!
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| Posted 3/30/12 5:00 PM |
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tourist
Member since 5/05 10425 total posts
Name:
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Re: Barcelona Question...
I thought about getting one of those special bags, but I ended up with just a cross body le sportsac, that I kept towards my front & held onto it in a crowded area.
Where is your cruise going?
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| Posted 3/30/12 11:56 PM |
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Melissa1980
LIF Infant
Member since 3/11 328 total posts
Name:
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Re: Barcelona Question...
We spent a few days there. I was nervous as well, but it was fine! We had a great time! Have fun!
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| Posted 3/31/12 10:39 AM |
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Mushesgirl
Too blessed to be stressed
Member since 4/09 6691 total posts
Name:
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Re: Barcelona Question...
I was there as a partying backpacker in 2000 with another young girl and we were fine (granted it was 2000). But we were out on las ramblas into the wee hours clubbing and were fine.
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| Posted 3/31/12 11:24 AM |
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queensgal
Smile
Member since 4/09 3287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Barcelona Question...
I had no trouble at all and never felt unsafe.
Las Ramblas is SUPER crowded, especially late at night, and that always makes me feel more safe.
It's not like a dark alley or something. Just be careful and use a shoulder bag or something that you can make sure no one tries to get into.
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| Posted 4/1/12 10:43 AM |
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femalej
LIF Adolescent
Member since 7/11 833 total posts
Name:
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Re: Barcelona Question...
i think you will be fine. but just wanted to share, that when i travel internationally (with my passport), i wear one of those neck straps (like this )...but i wear it around my waist. it fits in my pants nicely and doesnt bother me at all. so God forbid, something were to happen to my purse (which i dont carry much in), i have most/all of the important things on me.
as for the bag you posted....while it may be safe...do you really want to wear that at all times? i carried a simple couch cross over bag and was fine.
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| Posted 4/3/12 12:12 PM |
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Re: Barcelona Question...
We went to Barcelona for our honeymoon and stayed at La Ramblas as well and it was perfectly safe. We stayed out late and everything was fine.
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| Posted 4/3/12 1:44 PM |
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BunnyWife
Insert Witty Comment Here
Member since 5/07 8274 total posts
Name:
BunnyWife
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Re: Barcelona Question...
Posted by mrsh2010
I have heard about this Safe Pac bags. They are supposed to be theft proof. Cant cut through the straps or the bottom of the bag and it has zipper security. Thinking of getting one.
here is the link
I think this would make you a target to be honest! You'll look like a tourist carry one of these. Just try to blend in with the locals as much as possible. Don't carry tons of cash or your passport (that what safes are for).
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| Posted 4/3/12 2:04 PM |
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mrsh2010
To travel is to live.
Member since 7/09 1679 total posts
Name:
Celia
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Re: Barcelona Question...
Posted by tourist
I thought about getting one of those special bags, but I ended up with just a cross body le sportsac, that I kept towards my front & held onto it in a crowded area.
Where is your cruise going?
We are starting out in Barcelona going to Toulan, Nice, Rome, Naples and Pisa/Florence
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| Posted 4/3/12 2:58 PM |
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mrsh2010
To travel is to live.
Member since 7/09 1679 total posts
Name:
Celia
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Re: Barcelona Question...
Posted by femalej
i think you will be fine. but just wanted to share, that when i travel internationally (with my passport), i wear one of those neck straps (like this )...but i wear it around my waist. it fits in my pants nicely and doesnt bother me at all. so God forbid, something were to happen to my purse (which i dont carry much in), i have most/all of the important things on me.
as for the bag you posted....while it may be safe...do you really want to wear that at all times? i carried a simple couch cross over bag and was fine.
J- thats a great idea! I will look into this
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| Posted 4/3/12 2:59 PM |
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mrsh2010
To travel is to live.
Member since 7/09 1679 total posts
Name:
Celia
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Re: Barcelona Question...
Posted by BunnyWife
Posted by mrsh2010
I have heard about this Safe Pac bags. They are supposed to be theft proof. Cant cut through the straps or the bottom of the bag and it has zipper security. Thinking of getting one.
here is the link
I think this would make you a target to be honest! You'll look like a tourist carry one of these. Just try to blend in with the locals as much as possible. Don't carry tons of cash or your passport (that what safes are for).
I want to blend in but they will know I am a tourist as soon as I open my mouth and I cant speak a word of Spanish 
No- I am not planning on alot of cash- just what I will need for the day.
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| Posted 4/3/12 3:01 PM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: Barcelona Question...
I feel less safe in NYC than Las Ramblas.
I was wearing an American flag on my hat (didn't realize it - it was an Old Navy nothing hat) and some guy came up to me and said something and we walked away. He started yelling (calling me a b, etc), but DH is from Spain, so he started yelling back in Spanish and the guy ran away...
I agree with everyone above....NYers have an advantage travelling.
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| Posted 4/3/12 9:59 PM |
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racheK
Hudson's Momma
Member since 10/10 2853 total posts
Name:
Rachel
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Re: Barcelona Question...
Just be aware of your surroundings.
I had a little boy come up to me and tug on my bag in the subway in Barcelona. I was told that these kids are supposed to pick-pocket you so I slapped his hand away and ran in the other direction. Its hard to push a kid away but these kids are thiefs.
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| Posted 4/4/12 10:07 AM |
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Samira0407
Love being a Mom
Member since 6/08 4030 total posts
Name:
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Re: Barcelona Question...
I was there just 3 weeks ago!!
Def not as bad as people say-and like others have posted just be smart about your surroundings! I bought a cross body bag and kept my hand on it ALL the time!! Was even in a store trying things on and kept the bag in my hands the whole time. Even with the door closed. I just planned for the worse (like someone putting their arm over from the next dressing room to steal my bag). Luckily nothing happened.
We did see kids out during the day (when they should have been in school) hanging around Las Ramblas. Some were on roller blades and I joked to DH that they must be pick potters...probably run into people pretending like they can't stop then frisk you for your wallet. Of course we were just kidding and we didn't see anything like that happen-but if a kid came towards me like he was going to fall...well lets just say i wouldn't be helping him catch his fall!
You'll have an amazing time in Barcelona! I loved it there!!
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| Posted 4/5/12 5:23 PM |
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