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There’s a reason over 700 million people visit Europe each year.1 The rich culture, incredible cuisine, breathtaking landscapes - it is simply a call that many of us can’t resist. And thankfully, Europe is generally considered a safe place to travel. That said, any trip can be made safer. Travelers should stay informed about safety measures, vaccinations, and common dangers. Let's take a look at what you can do to make your next trip to Europe smoother, safer, and more secure with just a few easy precautions.

What are Some Safe Travel Practices?

Here at AXA, we love a safe trip. Here are some simple steps that you can take to keep yourself and your family safer while on your European vacation.

Stay Mindful:

You're on vacation, reveling in the mesmerizing sights and experiences. It's easy to let your guard down, give in, and let it all go. Don’t. You’re on vacation, but the thieves are hard at work! Be suspicious. Listen to your intuitions. Keep your head about you, as you would at home.

Join STEP:

The U.S. Department of State created the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to help Americans traveling abroad. The free service sends you updates from the local Embassy or Consulate to keep you aware of any dangers. If there's an emergency at your destination, STEP will help the Consulate or Embassy find you and help you get the resources you need to stay safe. Sign up here

Try to Blend:

Standing out puts a big target on you for thieves. While it may be hard to actually look like a local, you can do your best to not draw attention to yourself. Research what locals wear and try to look the part. Try not to be the only one doing something - whether it’s speaking loudly or wearing shorts when everyone else is more formal.

Stay Informed:

In the months and weeks before your trip, staying on top of the news - both global and local to your destination - can help you avoid any potential dangers. STEP is a great resource which you can build on with google searches and following locals via their socials.

Share your Whereabouts:

Make sure a reliable family member or trusted friend has a copy of your itinerary. When traveling, maintain regular communication. This can be as easy and pleasurable as uploading your travel pics to your Instagram. Make sure your phone plan is set up in advance to support this. 

Necessary Vaccinations 

The last kind of souvenir you want to bring home with you is an illness. Before you hop on that plane - ideally months before -, check-in that you're up-to-date on your standard vaccinations. Additionally, some countries require specific vaccinations for entry to help prevent the spread across borders. 

General Recommendations

Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel website to get the latest news on infectious diseases at your destination. Measles is making a comeback globally, and unvaccinated travelers are carrying it back to their hometowns. The standard recommendations include: the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. 2 

COVID-19 Considerations:

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of staying current with vaccinations. The mask and vaccine requirements continue to be ever-changing and vary from country to country. European countries may still require proof of vaccination for entry, so be prudent and research your destination's policy before boarding. 

Region-Specific Vaccines:

In areas of Eastern Europe and for travelers who plan to spend time outdoors in wooded areas, vaccinations for tick-borne encephalitis are advisable, says the CDC. Hepatitis A vaccines are recommended for travelers visiting regions with lower standards of sanitation. 2 

Dangers, Threats, and Alerts 

Overall, Europe is considered a safe place to travel. With, for the most part, developed nations, stable governments, and little unrest. Still, there are dangers and threats to be aware of. It's always wise to stay vigilant, whether traveling or at home. 

Terrorism:

While it is statistically very unlikely that you would encounter a terrorist attack while on vacation, Europe has seen various terrorist attacks over recent years. While voyaging, remain alert in public places and follow local authority advisories. Before setting off, give the U.S. State Department's website one last look for the latest travel alerts and warnings. 

Pickpocketing and Scams:

All of those wonderful destinations that you’ve been longing to visit are happy hunting grounds for thieves. Petty theft, particularly pickpocketing, is prevalent in crowded tourist locations. 

There are steps that you can take to protect your belongings. Familiarize yourself with common scams, such as fake petitioners or distraction thefts, which often target unsuspecting tourists. Keep cash in a money belt tucked under your clothing. Leave valuable jewelry back home. Take photos of all your important travel documents and be sure to back up your data in case your phone gets swiped. 

Natural Disasters:

Disaster can strike anywhere, and doesn’t care if you're on vacation. From earthquakes in Italy and Greece, to volcanic activity in Iceland, to flooding in parts of Central and Eastern Europe - Europe has a few geological hotspots. While there’s generally not much you can do to prevent being in the wrong place at the wrong time, registering at the consulate upon arrival will help officials to track you down to help. Additionally, local governments provide guidelines on how to act during such events, so it’s wise to familiarize yourself with these procedures. 

Areas to Avoid 

There are thousands of guidebooks, sites and blogs on where to visit on your next trip to Europe. It’s harder to find information on where not to visit. Here are a few tips: 

High-Crime Neighborhoods:

Certain areas in major European cities have higher crime rates. It's advisable to research and avoid risky neighborhoods, particularly late at night. For example, in Paris, areas around certain metro stations can be unsafe, while in Barcelona, parts of the Raval district are best avoided after dark. A web search of the area you’re visiting will reveal the details you need to know. Also, always ask the hotel concierge or front desk clerk about the areas to avoid - they're invested in your safety and well-being. 

Political Demonstrations:

While political demonstrations in Europe are generally peaceful, they can occasionally escalate into violence. Stay clear of any protests. Not only can they pose safety risks, but they can also disrupt local transportation. 

Border Regions:

Some regions, particularly near borders with conflict zones like those near Ukraine, might be unstable. Always heed travel advisories that highlight current geopolitical tensions or conflicts. 

Traveling to Europe can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience when done safely. By preparing ahead, taking a few simple steps, and keeping your wits about you, you can have a sublime visit with memories that last a lifetime. 

1. "International tourist arrivals in Europe." Statista. Accessed April 22, 2004 https://www.statista.com/statistics/273598/international-tourist-arrivals-in-europe/. 
2. “Traveler’s Health: Destinations.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed April 22, 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.  

Also Read: Europe, Backpacking Europe

Disclaimer: Welcome to the AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Blog by AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance! The Blog is intended to provide you with entertaining and educational information of a general nature. The articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Please contact AXA Assistance USA if you have any questions. AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2024 All Rights Reserved.   

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