The U.S. State Department has issued a travelers’ alert for Americans heading to the U.K, France and Germany. It is not telling people not to travel to Europe or to return home ASAP. It is advising them to steer clear of congested areas, consider not using mass public transportation and try not to look like tourists.
A CNN article said people should avoid wearing sneakers or baseball hats. Skip shorts because few Europeans wear them unless they’re participating in sports or they’re at a resort.
The reality is there’s potential trouble brewing, but as one person said, she refuses to allow fear to govern her life. Jennifer lived in Manhattan during 9-11 and is adamant that if she survived that, she won’t cancel her European vacation.
Facts:
The French police have arrested 12 people in two separate counter-terrorism raids and are on high alert.
The UK’s security agency MI5 has upped the threat level resulting from international terrorism to severe, indicating a terrorist attack is highly likely.
Germany’s Interior Ministry was the exception, stating there were no immediate indications of a terrorist attacks.
Security officials in Europe and the U.S. have discussed the possibility of armed attackers staging a repeat in Europe of the 2008 assault against Mumbai, India that left 166 dead and many people wounded.
An informal poll:
Susan Saltzman of Imperial American Express Travel Services stated their clients aren’t canceling trips. “They’re business people and go when and where their clients need them.”
Kimberly Ann Yarnall canceled her Paris trip. “If things calm down, I should be there in the spring.”
Patrick Hollister said, There’s an inherent danger any place you go. It simply boils down to being aware of your surroundings, leaving your Colts jersey at home and acting as if you’ve been there before. Mexico right now is far more dangerous than the EU and living in California, I fear earthquakes far more than many other things.”
Tuwanna Rainbolt exclaimed, “No Way! I’ll be in Europe for Thanksgiving. The “threat” of terrorism exists everywhere these days and keeping people in fear is exactly what these punks want. Besides, Paris is in a better position to handle such uncertainties. Europe has been dealing with this for thousands of years. I feel safer traveling there than here in the U.S.”
Janet Hulstrand said, “Absolutely not. It’s one thing to feel unsettled knowing that there are people in the world who have decided to make their primary goal in life harming people and scaring everybody else about being harmed. But it’s another thing to allow that knowledge to dictate your life.”
José Sanchez-Alarcos wrote, “New York, London and Madrid cases did not have prior alerts. From another point of view, once the government frightens people, the goal of the terrorists is already accomplished without bombs.”
One person said he felt this could be governments “covering their arses” so if there were an incident, people would have had been notified.
Adrienne Sasson, Marketing and Business Development at Redefine Vacations, said she received her first panic call from a honeymoon client traveling to Barcelona and then going a cruise. “The bride wanted to know if she should change her plans. My response was, NO.
There will be much more security throughout the “targeted” areas, some visible and some, not as visible. To cancel travel plans would be playing directly into the hands of those creating the havoc. They’re hoping fear will help them win their war of terror. We must not let them even think they have a chance to even come close to winning. FYI: Travel alerts are updated daily for many destinations. We just don’t hear about them.” Sasson explained.
If you’re an American and traveling overseas, The State Department suggests you register here
Having lived in France for 22 years, I’ve come to accept and appreciate that its intelligence community is excellent and extremely proactive. The CRS police are highly visible and extremely well-armed. I will travel (possibly) even to destinations others wouldn’t. C’est la vie or mine. What’s yours?
Karen Fawcett is president of Bonjour Paris.
Photo: www.maniacworld.com
Karen Fawcett loves to travel anywhere. Karen was a founder & president BonjourParis.com while living in Paris for more than 25 years. She has traveled across Europe and the rest of the world. She is now based in Washington, DC.
