Hello<br><br>My parents are going on a 3 month holiday to Scotland, England, and France. Being the concerned son, I am worried about their welfare. We have close relatives in both Scotland and England so there is a support structure of sorts in place. France, on the other hand, is a different issue. Neither of them speak french or have visited the continent before.<br> Besides the standard tourist gear (which includes raingear, michelin maps, and a compass/magnifier) is there anything specific they should bring? Also, are there any current scams or frauds they should be alert to?<br> Any help will be appreciated.<br><br><br>Chris<br>

Hmmmm...those places are already civilized. Nothing much to fear beyond exercizing normal common sense.<br><br>B.<br>

france people don't like to speak engish, they usually reply in france wenn you ask them something, so bring a ( travel )dictonairy ( or whatever they call them... )

Ok, everytime I came upon a case of stolen US passport (had to sit thru 5 stories like that) it happened in Paris. The stories are true because I see no reason why anyone would fabricate somethign like that for fun. I just think (like mentioned here) that common sense should be used. <br><br>Matt

Chris, go to [url=Http://www.refdesk][url=Http://www.refdesk][url=Http://www.refdesk]Http://www.refdesk[/url][/url][/url] .com Has links to CIA WORLD FACT BOOK,Foriegn Word and Phrases,geography/history, newspapers ,maps. If you wish to learn French you can go to Staples and buy Transparent Language Learn French Now to use in your PC.You can also look at http://www.comebackalive .com. HIde your wallet/passport the pickpockets/scam artist are all over Paris.

When in France, I listen in French and speak in French at first as best I can. Most folks switch to English for me right away (my french is more like "franglais" these days).

Thanks for all the input guys.<br><br>I confirmed the pickpocketing/theft problem by using the state department web site. It seems Paris is rotten with thieves :(<br>The state department also has a warning about Basque and Corsican separatists in southern France. Apparently they stage about six bombings a year.<br><br>The other thing I discovered (which applies to all foreign travel) is that a lot of health insurers will not cover you if you are out of the country. So before you take off to far away places make sure your provider will extend coverage. Otherwise you better buy travellers' health insurance.<br><br>Chris