Is Europe Protected to Go to Proper Now? (Up to date 2024)

Final Up to date: 11/8/23 | November eighth, 2023

Relating to journey, security is often the first concern of vacationers when they’re choosing a vacation spot. Due to the continued conflict in Ukraine (in addition to the present battle within the Center East), I’ve gotten many emails asking me if Europe is protected to go to.

The questions are at all times the identical:

“Is it seemingly the conflict will unfold? What about terrorist assaults? Refugees? There are at all times strikes and protests taking place lately. Is Europe protected to go to?”

There’s quite a lot of uncertainty. I get it. In case you watch the information repeatedly, you’d assume the tip is nigh. Happily, actuality isn’t almost as bleak because the information.

Having been to Europe not too long ago and with plans to proceed to go to (in addition to a workforce member who lives there full-time) I can say this:

Europe is protected to go to.

Let me clarify why.

“If it bleeds, it leads” is the go-to mantra of the information and social media lately. Unsurprisingly, the media have completed a superb job of portray Europe in a adverse gentle. One thing occurs, they choose up the story and run with it, and it will get amplified and sensationalized. A politician makes use of it as “proof” of his bigger level, it will get amplified once more, after which immediately, an entire continent appears to be like prefer it’s harmful and engulfed in flame. (I’m not saying what occurs isn’t newsworthy, however everyone knows 24/7 protection creates this echo chamber.)

Folks additionally find yourself extrapolating from sensational protection and assume that what they learn is the one factor happening. It’s how biases are shaped. It’s why individuals who have by no means been to France assume “the French all hate People” or “the French are all impolite.”

Or why many People nonetheless assume Colombia is the harmful narco-state they heard about all through the Nineteen Eighties.

As soon as engrained, these mistaken perceptions are exhausting to alter. (And it’s not simply People who do that. Each nation world wide has conceptions of all of the others!)

Mixed with all of the pretend information on the net and the way individuals solely appear to soak up that which confirms their preconceptions, it’s simple to see why Europe appears to be like unhealthy.

Europe is not any extra harmful (in all probability even much less so) than any metropolis within the US (definitely when it comes to gun violence)…or wherever else on the earth.

In truth, 7 of the world’s 10 most secure nations are in Europe (in comparison with the USA rating 129th).

By way of terrorism, Europe is safer than it’s ever been.

Statistically talking, you’re truly in all probability safer in Europe than within the US, relying on the place you reside and the place you’re visiting! That’s to not say Europe is ideal; it nonetheless has its points, identical to any vacation spot. However I am going to Europe a number of instances yearly and may let you know that, as a vacationer, you aren’t in any higher hazard than you had been years in the past.

“However I noticed these terrible protests in France!” you say.

Effectively, Europe (particularly France) has a protracted historical past of protests and riots. Whereas I’m not right here to begin a debate on French integration, the very fact is that France has at all times had a difficulty integrating immigrants into French society. This has been a supply of friction for many years and generally erupts into riots, particularly within the housing developments on the outskirts of Paris. In addition they have a powerful and energetic working class which additionally results in quite a lot of strikes and protests.

That is nothing new; the information media are solely making it seem to be one thing new as a result of they’re attempting to tie it to the present refugee state of affairs. There are not any roving bands of youths in central Paris and no “no-go zones” within the metropolis!

Not solely am I not involved about security in Europe, however I’ve additionally led many group excursions across the continent and everybody felt completely protected the whole time.

The reality is, statistically, you’re extra prone to get damage in your bathtub than die in a terrorist assault (over 700 People die of their bathtub annually!).

I’m not denying that there isn’t a rise in terrorist threats world wide or that we shouldn’t be extra vigilant.

However you additionally by no means know when you might be in a mass taking pictures, bus accident, automobile crash, or lightning strike right here at residence. We’re fearful of being in a terrorist assault whereas touring overseas, however we infrequently give any thought to getting in a automobile or the bath.

Terrorist assaults are uncommon and it’s not possible the conflict in Ukraine will sweep throughout the continent or that Hamas will begin attacking European cities. The now-endless media protection when one thing occurs and the truth that is all we hear about make it seem to be they’re extra widespread than they are surely. Since just about solely the adverse issues make the information, we assume that that’s the one factor taking place.

Moderately than violent crime and terrorist assaults, the largest factor you’ll have to fret about when visiting Europe is pick-pocketing, which might be rampant in sure locations. Even so, by preserving your wits about you and practising sure security ideas, you’ll be capable of shield your self and keep away from incident.

8 Security Ideas for Visiting Europe

1. Pay attention to thieves or muggers working in pairs or small teams – The trick of distracting you (for instance, somebody “by accident” bumping into you, holding up a map for instructions, or a gaggle of youngsters enjoying or combating close to you) is usually used in order that an confederate can rob you when you’re not being attentive to your belongings. Don’t fall for distractions and hold your guard up.

2. Keep watch over your belongings always – Pickpockets like to prey on careless vacationers, so hold your belongings (particularly your smartphone) out of attain always. Be particularly alert in crowded locations close to main vacationer sights, markets, or on public transit. Don’t go away your purse or bag hanging off the again of your chair whereas eating in eating places, particularly on the attractive out of doors terraces which can be so widespread in Europe. It’d be all too simple for thieves to swipe it with out you even noticing!

3. Be conscious of your cash – Likewise together with your cash. Don’t carry each euro you’ve in your pockets or pocket. Unfold it round (some in your pockets, some within the lodge protected, some in your backpack), in order that if somebody steals your pockets, you’ll nonetheless have cash elsewhere.

4. Watch out when utilizing ATMs – Solely use ATMs inside a financial institution. Robberies are rather more widespread at out of doors ATMs, and skimmers might be positioned on out of doors ATMs (to steal your PIN). To remain protected, solely use indoor ATMs.

5. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you – It is a no-brainer for anybody who travels abroad. Put your actual passport away within the lockbox offered by your lodge or hostel and carry round a photocopy or a digital model in your telephone or in your e-mail.

6. By no means go away your drink unattended – That is one other common security tip, however particularly in case you’re backpacking and partying in Europe. Drinks might be spiked at any second, so at all times hold yours shut, or hand it to somebody you belief if it is advisable.

7. Obtain the Prey app to your telephone and laptop computer – In case your units get stolen, you’ll be capable of observe them and remotely flip in your digicam to {photograph} the thief (it’s also possible to wipe the info and message the thief too). It prices simply $1.10/month.

8. Purchase journey insurance coverage – We by no means assume that one thing goes to go incorrect on journeys. But it surely does generally — which I’ve discovered from expertise. I’ve misplaced baggage in South Africa, had my gear break in Italy, and popped an eardrum in Thailand. I used to be additionally knifed in Colombia. Whereas it’s not enjoyable to consider, unhealthy issues can occur when you’re touring, which is why I by no means go away residence with out journey insurance coverage.

I like to recommend SafetyWing for vacationers below 70, whereas Insure My Journey is your best option for vacationers over 70.

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For extra info on journey insurance coverage, take a look at these posts:

What Concerning the Battle in Ukraine?

I’ve had tons of individuals emailing me not too long ago asking if it’s protected to go to Europe although there’s presently a conflict happening between Russia and Ukraine. The battle has been ongoing for years, nevertheless, it’s totally localized in Ukraine. Meaning the remainder of Europe is protected to go to.

Clearly, visiting Ukraine is out of the query (and I’d recommend you keep away from visiting Russia as nicely), however neighboring nations like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania are nonetheless completely protected (simply don’t go too near the border). Whereas the battle is entrance of thoughts for everybody (each vacationers and locals), you actually received’t discover it when it comes to day-to-day occasions as a vacationer. The conflict is totally remoted to Ukraine, which implies you’re free to journey elsewhere in Europe with out fear.

What’s the Most secure Nation in Europe?

Whereas most nations all through Europe are thought of very protected (minus the exceptions mentioned above), when it comes to numbers, Iceland, Eire, Denmark, and Austria are thought of absolutely the most secure.

Is Europe Protected to Journey Solo?

Europe is likely one of the most secure locations to go to as a solo traveler and is a superb selection even for first-time solo vacationers. I’ve been going there for many years and have hardly ever encountered any issues. Solo feminine vacationers also needs to really feel protected all through Europe.

Is the Faucet Water Protected to Drink in Europe?

The faucet water all through Europe is mostly protected to drink (with the attainable exception of rural areas and a few seaside locations, so at all times make sure you ask locals concerning the water whenever you arrive). Relying on the place you’re touring although, it would style a bit completely different than what you’re used to as a consequence of greater mineral content material.

One of the simplest ways to enhance the style of your ingesting water and make sure that it’s protected to drink is to carry a LifeStraw reusable water bottle. They’ve built-in filters that purify your water so that you don’t get sick. Plus, carrying a reusable water bottle will enable you to keep away from single use plastics and lower your expenses within the course of, as shopping for water bottles on a regular basis can add up in Europe!

Are Taxis in Europe Protected?

The taxis in Europe are protected and dependable, although like wherever, it’s best to at all times be sure you’re getting in a certified taxi. You possibly can positively hail a taxi from the road safely, simply be sure you concentrate that the meter is turned on and operating correctly.

I can’t assure nothing will occur whenever you go to Europe. However that applies to any area of the world. Nonetheless, I can say that the possibility of one thing taking place to you is so slim that in case you’re afraid of that, then you definitely higher be afraid of all the things else too.

I get that emotion makes human beings irrational, however don’t stay your life in concern of what would possibly occur. In case you do, the terrorists win, you lose out on dwelling your life, and we stay in a state of perpetual concern and nervousness of these round us.

And that’s no strategy to stay.

Go to Europe. It’s protected. Be vigilant and cautious however be much more so within the bathtub as you prepare or within the automobile on the best way to the airport. These locations are actually scary!
 

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