I stood there frozen. Shocked at what had taken place. 

 

Honestly, I've anticipated this day – I've worried about it. But nothing can prepare you for the shock of the moment and a realization that no amount of experience could make you invincible.

 

I was robbed.

 

Everything had happened so quickly - one moment I was about to make a call, the next my phone is was gone, snatched by a man on a bike zipping past me in the middle of a busy sidewalk.

 

Yet equally fast, kind strangers gathered around me who had witness the phone snatching. Expressing compassionate gestures and comforting words, I was touched by the number of Londoners who took pity on me. From the barista who allowed me to access my apple account without hesitation to the bakery shop-owner who paid for an Uber and the hotel staff refunding my nights stay, even emailing me to make sure I made it home safely. 

 

Despite feeling displaced without my phone, London offered more than a replacement. She showed her humanity. In a city of millions, it's easy to feel anonymous, a face in the crowd. Yet, in that moment of vulnerability, I was seen, cared for, and reminded that connection can exist even in the midst of a massive city.

 

As travelers, we find ourselves at the mercy of strangers all the time. When we travel, we leave our comfort zone and enter a place we know nothing about inhabited by people who know it quite well.

 

I consider my decades of travel experiences and the amount of times I have been at the mercy of strangers. There have been terrifying violations – assaults even – while traveling. Thankfully these have been minor encounters compared to kindness I've experienced over the many years. 

 

Paris, 1998. My first trip to Europe, a naive impressionable 18-year-old wandering Paris for the first time. My best friend and I, having zero metro knowledge, set out from our hotel into the city in search of what… I don't remember. Probably adventure (maybe boys;)  Details blur, but one memory remains. 

 

A small, older woman took pity on two bewildered, lost teens. Despite the language barrier, she grabbed my friend's hand and ushered us to the metro. I will never forget how she paid her own way through the turnstile, demonstrating its use and pointing out our destination on the map. Then, she was gone. 

 

Even today, I recall the impact of this seemingly small act, an extravagance for two clueless American teenagers.

 

Traveling often puts us on guard, strangers in a strange land. But what if we shifted our focus? Looking to help others, not just for help, is a powerful act.

 

Compassion in action transforms. It restores faith in humanity and encourages us to be that kind stranger for someone else, the next time we witness a need.

 

 

Here you'll find my round-up of recent European travel-related news, tips, and resources so you can be in the know:

 

 

It’s one of travelers’ worst nightmares: losing (or worse — stolen!) a phone while you’re far from home. Our smartphones act as everything. Traveling can be a serious challenge without that device. A lost phone abroad isn’t just an inconvenience; it can completely disrupt a trip and become a major safety concern.
 

Before departing for a trip, it’s important to take necessary precautions should the unexpected occur. 

 

Only bring devices you need during travel and remove any unnecessary data, signing out of or deleting apps that you don’t anticipate using when traveling. This makes it harder for someone to access platforms without your consent, if they happen to get into your phone in the first place.

 

Securely manage passwords. A password manager protects you from credential stuffing attacks. Essentially, if an attacker gets access to one of your passwords, they won’t be able to access all of your accounts. Some password managers, like 1Password, even have a specific travel mode. Use a password manager to generate a unique password for each account.

 

Back up data on the devices. Make sure you have backed up your data, either locally at home or onto the cloud. If you do lose your device, backing up your data will give you access to your recent contacts, messages and all-important travel photos.

 

Update your devices before you go. Make sure your phone, computer, and tablets are ready to travel is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Start with checking that your software is updates and consider setting your devices to auto-update so you won’t have to do this manually in the future. These updates often have critical security patches that can safeguard your devices from recently discovered threats. Make sure you do this on your home wifi.

 

Enable “Find My Device” or similar feature on your phone will allow you to track your phone’s location remotely and wipe its data in case of loss or theft. This is handy, because if the worst does happen, your personal data will not be accessible in the hands of a thief. Knowing that you can locate or erase your phone’s content remotely can offer peace of mind while traveling. You can also use the app “Life360” works for both iPhone and Android devices. That way, if you accidentally leave your cell somewhere you can use another phone to track and and possibly recover it.  If you lose yours and your phone isn’t locked, you can lock it with Android’s Secure Device function or Apple’s Lost Mode.

 

Purchase protection for your phone that covers phone theft/loss. If you purchase Apple Care, make sure you include Theft and Loss as general Apple Care won't cover this. (I learned this the hard way). Most travel insurance policies won't cover phone theft/loss.

 

 

 

In London, a phone is stolen EVERY 6 MINUTES. A stat I am now part of. It’s important to be mindful of your surroundings, keeping a close eye on your phone, especially in crowded areas or tourist spots where thieves are often most active. Don't take your phone out in open places where you're standing for a long time taking photos or looking at your phone. Don't leave your phone sitting on a table top while sitting in public spaces, especially outdoor spaces. You are primed to be targeted. Consider using a phone case with a strap or a secure belt clip to keep your phone close to you when navigating these spaces. 

 

Back Up Your Phone (Before and During Your Trip) –  Back up your phone before you leave, and also turning on an automatic photo backup during your trip, either on iCloud or another software. That way, you can  keep your photos and information safe, even if the unthinkable happens.

 

From the danger of man-in-the-middle attacks to malware, connecting to public WiFi can leave you vulnerable to cybercriminals looking to steal your data. To avoid this situation, invest in a VPN, or a virtual private network, before you leave home. This creates a secure connection between your device and the internet. I personally use NordVPN. NEVER access bank accounts on public wifi. Always use a VPN. 

 

Though the risk of juice jacking is low, to be safe, skip plugging into random USBs and wall outlets or the type of USBs built-in into furniture at a hotel or towers at the airport. Pack a spare cord so you don’t have to buy one, putting you at risk of getting one pre-loaded with malware. Your data is safe if you're using your own cord. Don't plug your devices in a rideshare like Uber, even if you’re using your own cord— plugging in can trigger an option to connect your phone to the vehicle’s system, which the driver may be able to accept without you knowing. Pack a portable power bank is preferable over plugging into to public spaces.

 

 

Breathe. Give yourself grace. It's ok to feel scared, panic, shock, grief, angry, violated, upset – all the emotions.  I am telling you it's ok. I felt all the emotions in 30 seconds following my phone vanishing into the London afternoon. 

 

Your phone has built-in security measures that allow you to track, ring, lock, or erase it remotely, if you have the feature enabled. On Android™ devices, the feature is called Find My Device™; on an iPhone, it's called Find My Phone™. To check if the feature is enabled on your phone and to learn how to use it, see these guides for how to find your lost Android™ phone and how to find your lost or stolen iPhone.

 

If you think your device was stolen, you should remotely delete the data right away. Sophisticated thieves may remove SIM cards or use special boxes that shield mobile phones from cellular networks, making it impossible for you to wipe the device if you delay. 

 

To remotely erase an iPhone:

To remotely erase your Samsung or Google phone:

If your device can't be located quickly, use the find my phone feature to remotely secure your phone from any location. And make sure to change the passwords on accounts or apps you regularly use—especially financial accounts, email, and social media—just to be safe.

 

You probably won't get your phone back, but you may need a police report to dispute any fraudulent charges made with your device or if your personal information was stolen

If your iPhone is covered by AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, file a claim for an iPhone replacement. Don’t remove your iPhone from Find My or your Apple ID until your claim has been fully approved.

 

 

I hope this doesn't happen to you — but it can happen. If you are prepared, it can help minimize the severity of the loss.  

 

 

 

Make the most of Parma and Florence while traveling with a small group you can enjoy special extras along with knowing all the details are taken care of.

The experience is personal and authentic, with time to immerse yourself in local culture, freedom to roam and time set aside for your own exploration.
 

 

Hidden in plain sight, Hazlitt's pairs old-world style with modern comforts. Spread across four Georgian townhouses, this boutique hotel is named after the 18th-century essayist, William Hazlitt, who lived here. He counted many other famous literary figures amongst his friends, including Jonathan Swift, who wrote Gulliver’s Travels.

 

Over the years Hazlitt’s has played host to many prominent literary figures, including Seamus Heaney, Ted Hughes, JK Rowling and Bill Bryson. Many of these authors leave their mark in the bookcase, giving signed copies of their works to Hazlitt’s collection. 

 

Life inside Hazlitt’s hallowed walls remains resolutely 18th century in style. The 30 bedrooms ooze character: narrow corridors, antique four-poster beds, dark wooded antique furnishings and brass-fitted clawfoot tubs. Booklovers will appreciate the opulent library.

 

Hazlitt’s is located in central Soho, with all of the area’s legendary pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and theatres on its doorstep. Soho is bordered by Chinatown (to the south) and Oxford Street and Fitzrovia (to the north) – while Covent Garden is a 10-minute walk away.

Named after Hazlitt’s friends who frequented his Georgian boarding house, rooms are furnished with period trims – think oak four-poster beds, original fireplaces, heavy velvet curtains, ornate mirrors and antique desks – while the wonky walls and sloping floors have been retained. Bathrooms feature roll-top tubs and toilets concealed behind Jacobite loveseats, and are kitted out with generously-sized REN toiletries. A low-key, low-tech atmosphere prevails, but there are a few modern touches including minibars, hidden televisions, and double-glazed windows which ensure a good night’s sleep – despite the lively Soho locale.

 

Hazlitt’s doesn’t have a restaurant, however continental breakfasts (such as Brick Lane beigels, berries and granola, pastries and bacon sandwiches) are served in-room on china plates. Breakfast in bed is always a bonus. There’s also a room service menu of light meals (chicken pie, filled baguettes, pasta, etc) and an extensive wine list at all other times. For a nightcap, head to the honesty bar in the lounge or step outside the front door: Soho is abuzz with options. 

 

The hotel is a one-off and the welcome is intimate and cosy. The staff are friendly, attentive and very passionate about the concept. I absolutely loved my stay.

 

It was a lot less expensive in Hazlitt’s day. Double rooms from $325. Breakfast $15 per person, per night. Free Wi-Fi.

 

Here are a few of my current reads this spring season.

 

A compelling novel about war, family separation and ambivalent homecoming, its tale of sacrifice, guilt and betrayal is propelled by dark mysteries and offset by glorious shafts of humor. “Our mother stayed so we could escape,” narrator Saba confesses. Like thousands of Georgians, he fled the country during the civil wars that followed Soviet collapse in 1991 and a bleak winter that “left Tbilisi wall-to-wall f*cked with no electricity, no gas, no water, and no food in the shops”. Saba shares his childhood fate with the author, who arrived in London with his family as a 12-year-old refugee in 1995. While embracing Georgian culture, the novel pushes back against martial values. Yet, distinguishing between forgivable betrayals and those too heinous to grasp, he learns to let go of vendetta. Urging him to “break the cycle” because “someone has to”, his grandmother Lena’s counsel hints at a long overdue reckoning with a divided past.

 

A waiter's job is to deceive you. They want you to believe in a luxurious calm because on the other side of that door...is anything but. Edward Chisholm's spellbinding memoir of his time as a Parisian waiter is the perfect summer read. It takes you below the surface of one of the most iconic cities in the world and right into its glorious underbelly. He inhabits a world of inhuman hours, snatched sleep and dive bars; scraping by on coffee, bread and cigarettes, often under sadistic managers, with a wage so low you're fighting your colleagues for tips. Colleagues - including thieves, narcissists, ex-Legionnaires, paperless immigrants, wannabe actors and drug dealers - who are the closest thing to family that you've got. It's physically demanding, frequently humiliating and incredibly competitive. But it doesn't matter because you're in Paris, the center of the universe, and there's nowhere else you'd rather be in the world.

 

Olivia Laing’s book is at once an investigation into works of art that arise out of the condition of loneliness, and the record of a more personal quest to master the difficult “art of being alone”. The setting is (mostly) New York, where Laing experienced a spell of acute loneliness after the relationship that had brought her there from the UK abruptly ended. In her involuntary solitude she became “possessed with a desire to find correlates, physical evidence that other people had inhabited my state”, and began immersing herself in artists whose work seemed “troubled by loneliness”. The two sides of the resulting book – the curatorial and the curative – drive each other with neat economy, loneliness propelling Laing out into the archives and galleries of her chosen artists, whose work in turn informs (and transforms) her sense of her own isolation. The real heart of the book isn’t, after all, in this somewhat tentative personal narrative; it is in the wonderfully freewheeling elucidation of the artists themselves, and, above all, in the constantly surprising connections Laing discovers between them as she adjusts and readjusts her angle of approach, bringing in new characters and rearranging ones we have already met. It is in these passages, where Laing’s relaxed but deeply informed connections and associations rise to a kind of private vision of community, that her book transcends the loneliness it so vividly anatomises.