Bob Bestor's Europe Travelers Blog
With emphasis on car rentals, driving in Europe, rail travel, currency/money issues, and hotels.
Read more...

Plan Your Trip
Buy air tickets to Europe Buy air tickets to Europe
Rent a car in Europe Rent a car in Europe
Book a hotel in Europe Book a hotel in Europe
Buy a European rail pass Buy a European rail pass
Pre-book a sightseeing tour Pre-book a sightseeing tour
Buy travel gear Buy travel gear
Rent a cellphone Rent a cellphone
Purchase a SIM Card Purchase a SIM Card
Buy travel insurance Buy travel insurance
Cruise/Package Tour Search Cruise/Package Tour Search
Browse Articles On...
>> Germany
>> Austria
>> Switzerland
>> Other countries
>> Car rentals
>> Travel Advice
Gemütlichkeit: The Travel Newsletter
>> Subscribe/Renew Today
>> Sample Issue
Gemütlichkeit Back Issues
Log-in to View 15 Years of Back Issues of Gemütlichkeit, The Travel Letter for Germany, Austria & Switzerland.
Log in...
Europe Travel Tips
News and deals free via email
View sample


Receive HTML mailings?

Gemut.com News Feed
Gemut.com's Europe Travel Forum  
theft safety; concern of hatchback/wagon vs. sedan
Date: 2007/11/23 20:13 By: stucon Status:  
 
I'm very concerned about my belongings in a locked rental car at tourist sights, which is why I do not want to rent a hatchback , wagon, or van even though we will be 4 adults traveling.

From previous experience in France, I was glad I had some of my belongings in a separate, lockable trunk of my 4-door sedan which was broken into in Normandy.

Do you agree?

Do they make a cable lock or something you could run thru the handles of all suitcases and attach to the car if I got stuck with a wagon or hatchback?
Please log in or create an account in order to post a reply.

Re:theft safety; concern of hatchback/wagon vs. sedan
Date: 2007/11/25 16:37 By: rbestor Status:  
 
Vans are a problem, but you cannot see into the luggage compartments of hatchbacks. Wagons all have retractable luggage covers. Even if you have a sedan with a traditional locked trunk all a thief has to do is break into the passenger compartment and pop the trunk. No easy answer, i'm afraid. Make sure your home owners insurance provides coverage and carry passports, cash, credit cards, rail and air tickets in a secure pouch on your person.
Please log in or create an account in order to post a reply.

Re:theft safety; concern of hatchback/wagon vs. sedan
Date: 2007/11/28 12:35 By: traveldroid0503 Status:  
 
Some cars have a key-lock which disables the "pop the trunk" button. However, many of the same cars have rear seats that release and offer trunk access.....

Your best bet is to have your carry-ables with you in the car. That way, when you arrive at your destination you don't have to open the trunk and expose your goodies. Theives are less likely to target your car if they don't know what is inside.
Please log in or create an account in order to post a reply.

Gemütlichkeit: The Travel Letter for Germany, Austria, & Switzerland