If you are planning a trip to Milan, it might be exciting to think about what you plan to do while you’re there. Even though it’s a city that’s safe for tourists, it’s important for you to take the necessary precautions. Any smart traveler can tell you that your belongings can still be subject to a pickpocket opportunity or something similar. The last thing you want to do is lose your wallet or something valuable. We’ll be taking a look at the following tips and tricks that you’ll want to know about before you jet off to Milan for your upcoming trip. Staying safe is key so long as you use your common sense and don’t do anything that would be seen as ‘stupid’. You want your trip to be a good one and not be cut short due to something bad happening. If you need it, there’s also luggage storage in Milan that you can use. If you want to stay safe while traveling through Milan, these are the tips and tricks you’ll want to take to heart (so keep reading to find out more).
Protect Yourself Against Mosquitos
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If there is one thing that you want to protect yourself from in the summer months here in Milan, it’s the mosquitos. Summers here in Italy are hot and even humid. So you’ll want to wear bug repellent to ensure that you don’t get bitten (especially by the mosquitos that can carry diseases). Furthermore, you’ll want to plan ahead in terms of your attire.
If you are touring a church, you’ll want to abide by a certain dress code. Specifically, you want to wear something that covers your knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you will be denied entry. As such, this is also a great way to keep yourself protected from mosquitoes since they would prefer someone to wear less as they provide them with perfect “biting” opportunities.
Be Aware of Flying Birds
Birds are mostly harmless unless you provoke them for some reason. Piazza Duomo is a place in Milan where a lot of pigeons will hang around. There will be so many of them to the point where you can be just an arm’s length away from one. That’s why you shouldn’t move too suddenly to scare them off. Otherwise, you might get hit by them accidentally.
While you’re there, you can feed them bird seed. Some of the people who sell them are nice, but others may get a little demanding or pushy just to make a sale. If you don’t want to buy bird seed, a polite ‘no’ will do you just fine. Don’t yell or get confrontational.
Know The Less Safe Areas
You might not be familiar with Milan. However, like every other city in the world, there are some places where you might not want to go. Areas around Central Station and Piazza Duca D’Aosta are places where pickpockets will tend to hang out.
It’s important to keep your belongings close to you at all times. For example, keep your wallet in one of your front pockets instead of your back pockets. Keep anything valuable that you don’t want to lose in your hotel room. Don’t carry large amounts of cash unless it’s necessary to do so. If that is the case, be sure to keep it in a money belt or something similar. Another place that you might want to steer clear from is Parco Sempinoe (especially at night). This is a place where many people will congregate in large numbers. Plus, illegal activities like drug use may be happening.
If you are in the Duomo area of Milan, you may encounter someone who may try to put a leather bracelet on you and demand payment for it. Your best defense is to say ‘no’ and they’ll likely leave you alone. If you are a seasoned traveler, follow the same procedures that you would use as if you traveled anywhere else.
Be Aware Of Scams
Scams can happen anywhere, especially in a place like Milan. These scams include fake taxis, petitions, and gift giving scams. Criminals will use distraction tactics to lure their victims in and a pickpocket will steal from them. If you are being approached by someone offering you a ride, a gift, or to sign something, your best bet would be to say no.
The last thing you want to do is make a decision that can cost you money (and perhaps a ton of it as well). If anything, use your gut instinct as it will not steer you wrong 100 percent of the time. If something sounds too good to be true or something feels off, it probably is. Use it to your advantage and you will be safe in Milan for the duration of your trip.
