A trip to Tuscany is one of life’s greatest pleasures. From the Renaissance wonders of Florence to the Medieval jewel that is San Gimignano, there’s so much to be discovered. But while you’re out there ticking sights off your bucket list, it’s crucial not to let your guard down when it comes to safety and security. From protecting your personal data online to ensuring your physical safety in unfamiliar places, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some tips and tools that can help you stay safe and secure during your travels.
Staying Secure While Travelling in Tuscany
1. Stay Safe Online with a VPN
One of the most important aspects of travel safety is digital security. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks at airports, stations and coffee shops, you are automatically putting your personal information at risk. Hackers can easily gain access to unsecured networks and harvest credit card details and passwords.
This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help. This is a powerful tool that can make your online activity much safer while you’re travelling. By encrypting your internet connection, a VPN shields your data from unwanted attention, ensuring that any information you send or receive is secure. It also means you can access certain sites that may be geo-blocked, such as your bank’s website or streaming platforms. Investing in a reputable VPN service, like this vpn app for iphone, before your trip is the best way of ensuring your valuable data stays safe.
2. Guard your Valuables
When travelling on planes and trains, your passport, money, credit cards, and other valuables are not only essential—they’re irreplaceable. Keep them secure in a good-quality anti-theft backpack or travel pouch, ideally one with RFID-blocking compartments to prevent electronic pickpocketing. Always keep your valuables close to your body and not in easy-to-reach exterior pockets.
Consider spreading your money across multiple places—some in your wallet, some in a hidden pouch, and perhaps a backup card stored in your luggage or safe. In case of loss or theft, this strategy minimises your risk of losing everything at once.
3. Be prepared for Emergencies
Health and safety go hand-in-hand while traveling. Before you depart, make sure your travel insurance is up to date and covers any medical emergencies. Carry a basic first-aid kit and know where the nearest hospitals or clinics are at your destination.
If you take prescription medications, bring enough to last your whole trip—plus a few extra days’ worth—and carry them in their original packaging to avoid issues at customs. Keep a digital and printed list of emergency contacts and any known allergies or medical conditions. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of local emergency services numbers to hand.
4. Get real-time Travel Warnings
It can be a good idea to get updates from your embassy about any travel warnings relating to Italy. You can for example download an app like Smart Traveler from the U.S. Department of State, or sign up for email updates from the British Government. Alternatively, the Sitata app provide real-time alerts about travel disruptions, health outbreaks, protests, or other local dangers. By staying informed about potential risks, you can avoid dangerous areas and respond quickly in emergencies.
5. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
If you’re travelling to Florence, remember that the areas around stations and on trams can attract pickpockets. Same goes for the most popular and crowded spots in the region, like Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Although phones are a necessity when you’re out and about, they can distract you from what’s happening around you, so try to stay vigilant.
Small towns and villages are generally very safe at all time. This said, when you park your car make sure there’s no belongings in view.
* 12 Top Hilltop Towns in Tuscany
6. Keep Digital Copies of Important Documents
Scan your passport, visa, travel insurance, and important tickets, then store them in a secure cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox. You can also use apps like Evernote to encrypt and store documents. Getting a digital backup means you can still access your ID and travel information if your physical documents are lost or stolen.
7. Use Digital Maps with Offline Capabilities
Google Maps and Maps.me allow you to download maps and navigate without an internet connection. This is particularly useful if you’re in the remote parts of Tuscany where mobile coverage may be weak. Offline maps can help you avoid getting lost—an issue that can put you in vulnerable situations, especially after dark or in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
8. Enable Location Sharing with Trusted Contacts
Apps like Life360, WhatsApp, and Google Maps allow you to share your real-time location with friends or family. By keeping a trusted person informed of your whereabouts, especially when traveling solo or going off the beaten path, you add an extra layer of security. In the unfortunate event that something does go wrong, they’ll know where to find you or alert local authorities if necessary.
Author: Sabrina Nesi, born in Florence, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.9. Set Up Emergency Contacts and SOS Features
Most modern smartphones have built-in SOS features that can quickly alert emergency contacts and share your location with them. On iPhones, pressing the side button five times in a row triggers an emergency call and notification to selected contacts. Android devices offer similar features. Make sure to set these up before your trip and educate yourself on how to use them quickly in an emergency.
10. Break down the language barrier with Translation Apps
Google Translate and Microsoft Translator can help you overcome language barriers when seeking assistance or reading important signs. Downloading Italian language packs for offline use is crucial. Some apps even allow you to photograph signs or menus and receive instant translations—an invaluable feature in emergencies or when navigating medical care.
11. Use GPS Trackers for luggage
Luggage tags embedded with GPS technology, like Apple AirTags or Tile, can help you track your belongings if they go missing. Whether lost at the airport or stolen in a train station, knowing your bag’s location improves your chances of recovery. Some smart suitcases even include lockable compartments and built-in chargers.
12. Keep a Backup Battery for your phone
Finally, your smartphone is your lifeline while traveling—so keep it charged up. Carry a portable power bank and charging cable in your daypack. Without it you risk being disconnected at a crucial moment, and without access to the very safety tools we’ve mentioned.
Travelling through Italy should be filled with awe and adventure, not worries. By being prepared, staying vigilant and using digital tools to your advantage — you can stay safe and enjoy everything Tuscany has to offer, with a greater peace of mind.
Author: Ben Carson, co-founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, English born and living in the countryside near Florence. Loves all things Tuscany.
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