What are Europe's top travelers afraid of? This study reveals.

Residents of the Netherlands are among the most mobile tourists in Europe. According to Eurostat, a staggering 84 percent took at least one overnight tourist trip in 2023, one of the highest rates in the European Union. There were also 2,538 tourist trips abroad per 1,000 Dutch residents – the highest rate in the entire European Union.

Pickpockets, dishonest taxi drivers, fake policemen

However, it turns out that the Dutch are no strangers to travel anxiety. A recent survey by iVOX agency reveals that pickpocketing is their biggest source of concern, with 64 percent of respondents admitting this is their biggest fear. Tourists most often point to crowded places, public transport, and popular attractions as potential targets for this type of crime.

Second place came in the form of false fines (51%), which, according to respondents, may be the result of abuse by local authorities or an attempt to extort money from foreign tourists. The third most frequently cited concern was unfair practices by taxi drivers, including the lack of a working taximeter, deliberately extending routes, and demanding additional fees.

Renting a car abroad is a risk

Another threat is inflated prices for foreigners. Forty-four percent of respondents worry that as tourists, they will pay more than locals. Meanwhile, 41 percent report situations in which assistance from "friendly" locals ends with a demand for payment, for example, for directions, assistance with luggage, or assistance in arranging transportation.