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

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

On the subject of journey, security is normally the first concern of vacationers when they’re choosing a vacation spot. Due to the continuing 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 all the time the identical:

“Is it possible the conflict will unfold? What about terrorist assaults? Refugees? There are all the time strikes and protests taking place as of late. Is Europe protected to go to?”

There may be a whole lot of uncertainty. I get it. If you happen to watch the information often, 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 crew 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 as of late. Unsurprisingly, the media have finished job of portray Europe in a detrimental mild. 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, a complete 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 occurring. It’s how biases are fashioned. It’s why individuals who have by no means been to France assume “the French all hate Individuals” or “the French are all impolite.”

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

As soon as engrained, these mistaken perceptions are onerous to vary. (And it’s not simply Individuals who do that. Each nation around the globe has conceptions of all of the others!)

Mixed with all of the pretend information on the internet 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 dangerous.

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

The truth is, 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 most likely 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’m going to Europe a number of instances yearly and might inform you that, as a vacationer, you aren’t in any higher hazard than you have 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 all the time 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. Additionally they have a robust and lively working class which additionally results in a whole lot of strikes and protests.

That is nothing new; the information media are solely making it appear to be one thing new as a result of they’re making an attempt 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 all the time.

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

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

However you additionally by no means know when you might be in a mass capturing, bus accident, automobile crash, or lightning strike right here at residence. We’re afraid of being in a terrorist assault whereas touring overseas, however we hardly 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 appear to be they’re extra widespread than they are surely. Since just about solely the detrimental issues make the information, we assume that that’s the one factor taking place.

Relatively than violent crime and terrorist assaults, the largest factor you’ll have to fret about when visiting Europe is pick-pocketing, which could be rampant in sure locations. Even so, by retaining your wits about you and working towards sure security suggestions, you’ll have the ability to defend your self and keep away from incident.

8 Security Suggestions for Visiting Europe

1. Concentrate on thieves or muggers working in pairs or small teams – The trick of distracting you (for instance, somebody “unintentionally” bumping into you, holding up a map for instructions, or a gaggle of children taking part in or combating close to you) is commonly used in order that an confederate can rob you when you’re not being attentive to your belongings. Don’t fall for distractions and preserve your guard up.

2. Control your belongings always – Pickpockets like to prey on careless vacationers, so preserve 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 gorgeous outside terraces which are so widespread in Europe. It’d be all too simple for thieves to swipe it with out you even noticing!

3. Be aware of your cash – Likewise along with your cash. Don’t carry each euro you’ve gotten in your pockets or pocket. Unfold it round (some in your pockets, some within the resort 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 far more widespread at outside ATMs, and skimmers could be positioned on outside 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 supplied by your resort or hostel and carry round a photocopy or a digital model in your cellphone or in your electronic mail.

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

7. Obtain the Prey app to your cellphone and laptop computer – In case your units get stolen, you’ll have the ability to monitor them and remotely flip in your digital camera to {photograph} the thief (you can too wipe the information 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 fallacious on journeys. However it does generally — which I’ve realized 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, dangerous 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 underneath 70, whereas Insure My Journey is the only option for vacationers over 70.

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

What In regards to 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 at present a conflict occurring between Russia and Ukraine. The battle has been ongoing for years, nevertheless, it’s totally localized in Ukraine. Which means 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-about very protected (minus the exceptions mentioned above), when it comes to numbers, Iceland, Eire, Denmark, and Austria are thought-about absolutely the most secure.

Is Europe Secure to Journey Solo?

Europe is without doubt one of the most secure locations to go to as a solo traveler and is a wonderful 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 Secure to Drink in Europe?

The faucet water all through Europe is mostly protected to drink (with the potential exception of rural areas and a few seashore locations, so all the time make sure to ask locals in regards to the water once 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 result of increased mineral content material.

The easiest way to enhance the style of your ingesting water and be certain 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 keep away from single use plastics and get monetary savings within the course of, as shopping for water bottles on a regular basis can add up in Europe!

Are Taxis in Europe Secure?

The taxis in Europe are protected and dependable, although like wherever, you must all the time be sure to’re getting in a licensed taxi. You possibly can positively hail a taxi from the road safely, simply be sure to listen that the meter is turned on and operating correctly.

I can’t assure nothing will occur once you go to Europe. However that applies to any area of the world. Nonetheless, I can say that the prospect of one thing taking place to you is so slim that in the event you’re afraid of that, then you definately higher be afraid of every little thing else too.

I get that emotion makes human beings irrational, however don’t dwell your life in concern of what may occur. If you happen to do, the terrorists win, you lose out on residing your life, and we dwell in a state of perpetual concern and anxiousness of these round us.

And that’s no method to dwell.

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 way in which to the airport. These locations are actually scary!
 

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