By Lisa T. Bergren

On the eve of leaving for Mexico, people are looking at me in dismay as if to say How Could You Take Children THERE?!?…They don’t seem to realize the extreme violence of Ciudad Juarez is fourteen hundred MILES away from my blissful, completely safe resort in Cancun. I don’t have a moment of hesitation.

When I told people I was taking my girls to Paris for Spring break last year, some reacted with envy…a lifting of the eyebrows, accompanied by a wistful, far-off, dreamy look. And yeah, it was that great. Definitely worth the trip. (Here are our reports on Paris with Teens and Versailles). But I was surprised by the number of people who asked me the following two questions: Are French people mean? Did you feel safe in Paris?

Are French People Mean?

No. And yes.

We arrived across the Channel via ferry, and to our small inn in Calais, via taxi. Calais is a working man’s seaport type of town, not really a tourist stop (I was doing research and wanted to cross the water into France, not go under it).  But even with our lack of knowledge about the language (totally lame, I know!) we made it to our B&B, Cercle de Malinas in a charming area of the village, and were assisted all the way. We managed to get to our room, walk into town, order dinner, shop a little and then get to the train station the next day—primarily because our hostess, Anne Sophie, (who spoke very little English) went above and beyond to get us there.

Our language barrier helped us numerous times to test our theory of French Niceness. Over and over, we asked “Parlez vous Anglais?” hoping for someone who could give us directions. Sometimes people would shake their head sorrowfully, others would sniff and look at us as if we were idiots. Of course I don’t speak English. This is France! So yes, those people…could’ve been nicer. But I maintain you’d find the same thing in New York or L.A. or any other city. Big cities breed a certain level of speed of life that permits rudeness.

Others, however, were more than willing to help. One walked us to a tricky intersection and pointed the way. A couple engaged us in a long conversation, wanting to know where we were from, eager to share that they were soon on their way for a visit to America.

Waiters were often brusque and rude. I could feel their eyeballs in rotation behind me, but I just chalked it up to part of the experience (and most of the time, the food was too good to worry about such silly things). If I really wanted to be treated differently, I should’ve made more of an effort to learn more of the language before I went. I think it would’ve helped. If you remain ignorant of a foreign language, like me, shrug off the irritation and go with the flow.

Traveling with two cute girls, ages 13 and 10, probably thawed some of the cold exterior of those who who were Less Than Nice. But I would expect to have similar experiences if I returned with just my hubby…

I think getting a feel for a country’s people, even in a general sense, is part of why we travel, right? I don’t expect to meet the same kind of person in Wisconsin as I do in Boston. I like learning both about our commonalities—the parts of humanity that seem universal—and our differences. It gives a place another measure of texture that I can savor; some are warm and leathery people, others are as gritty as sandpaper. If a traveler accepts them all, they won’t impede her progress.

Is Paris Safe?

It’s a big city. My Korean neighbors shivered in fear when I told them we were going, relating a story about getting mugged in Paris. I’m sure that was terrible experience, but again, it would be as likely to happen in L.A. or NYC or even our home town of Colorado Springs as it was in Paris.

So if you go, think through your plans, day by day. Be aware. It’s hard, when you’re fascinated with your environs and absorbing the sights and sounds and smells of a city. But try not to look like you’ve abandoned your brain at the hotel exit, fascinating as your new locale may be!

In the train stations and other crowded places, take pickpocket precautions.  Avoid the immigrants shopping their made-in-China wares. Choose to wander neighborhoods with lots of pedestrians out doing the same, once night falls. In short, stay wise to the possible games and refuse to be played.

No place is entirely safe. People get robbed and scammed in Every Small Town, no matter where you are. Some of the best advice I’ve received: Be Ready to be Robbed. That way, when it happens, it doesn’t destroy your vacation. It takes the power away from those who prey on others–because you’ve PLANNED to lose that forty euros and your passport is safely tucked in a hidden pocket and you have someone at home who can wire you emergency money and contact all your credit card companies…

In any case, don’t let fear stop you from seeing one of the greatest cities in the world! Because many, many, many more people leave Paris unharmed and in love with the city than those who do not. Statistically speaking, if you’ve booked a trip to the City of Light, you’re likely about to have one of the most fantastic experiences of your life, leaving with stars in your eyes, rather than a sour taste in your mouth.

Trust me. It’s worth the risk. Would I have taken a 13-year-old and 10-year-old if I didn’t believe it was true?

Click HERE to read about my trip with teen/tween to Paris.

Click HERE to read about my trip with them to Versailles.

Click HERE to read about my trip with them to London.

Click HERE to read my teen’s report on Paris.

Has FEAR of a country’s people or safety issues kept you from traveling to a major city? Why or why not? Comment below…