Forex Articles

In the wake of 2015's deadly attacks in Paris, global travel concerns are as heightened as ever as governments impose increased security measures, and confront new ISIS-related terror threats on an increasing scale. The world's citizens, unfortunately, now exist in a new era of terror-driven warfare that can make even the most hardened adventurer think twice about their travel plans. Recent events raise the very valid question: Is it still safe to travel to Paris, and other parts of Europe? The short answer is yes. However, as with all travel, remaining practical, informed and observant is key.

Following the Paris attacks in November of 2015, the U.S. Department of State cautioned American travelers to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. And other foreign governments (including Australia, Canada, China and Japan) advised their nationals to reconsider any non-essential travel plans to the French capital,but none of these governments officially advised its citizens to abandon their European travel plans.

The U.S. Department of State's Worldwide Caution states the following:

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas… Authorities believe there is an increased likelihood of reprisal attacks against U.S., Western and coalition partner interests throughout the world, especially in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia.

However, the Caution by no means advises travelers to avoid specific European nations. Rather, it simply advises U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

It's important to remain cautious and alert, but maintaining perspective is equally as important. According to the 2011 National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) report, Americans are significantly more likely to be killed from random everyday activities than by being harmed or targeted by a terrorist. You're actually much more likely to lose your life in a car crash, drown in your own bathtub or get struck by lighting. Granted, terrorist ISIS activity is on the rise, but terrorism itself does not pose enough of a threat to warrant staying at home or abandoning travel plans – unless there's a specific imminent threat.

If government organizations get wind of an imminent, planned attack, you'll hear about it ahead of time via government-issued alerts and media coverage… assuming you're keeping abreast of current affairs. Whenever you're planning to travel, wherever the destination, monitor current news surrounding your planned destination. Check the Worldwide Caution issued by the U.S. Department of State, and factor up-to-date information and precautions into travel plans and activities.

Always share your itinerary with friends and loved ones before you travel, and as an added safety precaution, the U.S. Department of State advises American travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The program allows U.S. national and citizens to easily register their foreign travel plans with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrollment benefits are threefold:

1. The U.S. embassy can easily contact you in the event of any emergency.
2. Friends and family are able to get in touch with you should the need arise.
3. You'll receive important information from the embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, which will guide informed decisions with regard to your travel plans.

There's a fine line between being cautious and paranoid. Any travel, in the wake of terror threat or otherwise, should be undertaken with practicality and measured precaution. As with travel to any foreign nation, research the local culture before you depart and integrate to the best of your ability. The more you stand out as vulnerable, the more likely predators of all kinds may target you.

The threat of terrorism isn't going away, but abandoning your European travel plans is simply succumbing to fear that only empowers and motivates the bad guys. Monitor media, register your plans via the STEP program, share your itinerary with loved ones, stay tuned to government warnings and alerts as they arise and always remain alert to your surroundings while traveling.

At the end of the day, if you're simply too rattled by the current state of world affairs (and your European travel isn't mandatory), there is a very simple solution – go somewhere else where you'll feel more comfortable. So long as you don't allow yourself to succumb to fear, the world (more or less) remains your oyster.

See also: How Safe is Traveling in the Middle East? and How Safe Is Traveling In The Philippines?