Is It Safe to Travel to Europe: Practical Advice, and Security Tips
Traveling to Europe is a dream for many, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. But is it safe to travel to Europe now when geopolitical tensions, health concerns, and global events may affect your trip? Well! This guide offers practical advice on safe travel practices, necessary vaccinations, and how to avoid common threats to those who are planning to travel soon. This guide will empower you to explore Europe with confidence and security.
Is it Safe to Travel to Europe Now?
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, visiting 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, travel advisories, 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 a few easy precautions.
What are Some Safe Travel Practices fore Europe?
Here at AXA, we love a safe trip. Here are some simple steps you can take when visiting any popular destination or backpacking through Europe. These safety tips will help you to keep yourself and your family safer while on your European vacation.
Stay Mindful
You're on vacation at major tourist attractions, reveling in the mesmerizing sights and experiences. It's easy to let your guard down and give in. 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. Take normal precautions and stay mindful at popular tourist destinations.
Join STEP
The U.S. Department of State created the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to help Americans traveling abroad. This 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. So, sign up here to stay updated with the local laws and the latest updates about your destination
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 try not to 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 aware of the news - both global and local to your destination - can help you avoid any potential dangers. STEP is a great resource that you can build on with Google searches and following locals via their socials.
Buy Travel Insurance
You can face any uncertainty while traveling to European destinations. Purchasing travel insurance is a great way to deal with some of those. Travel insurance offers coverage for trip interruptions, trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.
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.
Know Emergency Numbers
It is very unlikely that you might need immediate help when traveling to a new place in Europe. But you may know all the emergency numbers that can save you in case you need any help.
To contact the local police, fire department, or medical emergency services, contact 112. If you are in the UK, 999 is used as an emergency contact. For reporting any loss of passport or any important document or belongings, contact the U.S. consulate and embassy.
Stay Hydrated and Energized
When you are traveling to Europe, staying well should also be on your priority list. It is important to avoid danger, but it is also crucial that you stay hydrated while walking and exploring the beautiful streets of European countries. This keeps you energized and allows you to enjoy your trip.
Use Public Wi-Fi Carefully
It may look convenient to get access to public wi-fi while traveling, but sometimes, these open wi-fi lack security. This can make your personal data easily accessible to the hackers. You can try using a VPN to protect your data, especially sensitive information such as bank account details.
By taking precautionary measures, you can lower the risk of data theft and stay protected while traveling to Europe.
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 health safety measures like vaccinations for entry to help prevent the spread across borders.
General Recommendations
To know about the health risks, you must 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.
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. Currently, European countries do not require proof of vaccination or any restrictions for entry. However, you must 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.
Besides these, travelers should also consider vaccinations according to their planned activities and destinations in Europe. If you are planning to travel to some of the rural areas, having a rabies vaccination may benefit you. Travelers should also consider boosters before traveling for health risks such as cholera, flu, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis B, Shingles, Yellow Fever, etc., as suggested by the CDC.
Dangers, Threats, and Alerts
Overall, it is safe to travel to Europe, with most of the parts consisting of developed nations and stable governments. However, there is still a little civil unrest, dangers, violent crimes, and threats to be aware of. It's wise to stay vigilant, whether traveling or relaxing at your hotel or stay area.
Terrorism
Europe has seen various terrorist attacks over recent years, which leads us to the question, “Is it safe to travel to Europe now?”. It is statistically very unlikely that you would encounter a terrorist attack while on vacation. Europe is the most peaceful continent in the world, according to the GMI 2024, with 7 of the 10 most peaceful countries in the world.
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
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 each of 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. As Europe has a few geological hotspots, you might encounter earthquakes in Italy and Greece, volcanic activity in Iceland, and flooding in parts of Central and Eastern Europe.
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 the places to visit in Europe. But it might be harder to find information on where not to visit. However, there might be some places the U.S. government warns against traveling in Europe. 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 advisable to be avoided after dark. A web search of the area you’re visiting will reveal the details you need to know. You may also ask the hotel concierge or front desk clerk about the no-go zones and 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, as they can pose a threat to the bystanders. Not only can these demonstrations be a big safety risk, but they can also disrupt local transportation.
It is better to avoid such neighborhoods by staying alert in advance by checking local news. You may also prefer joining social media groups specific to your destination to check any latest news. If you witness any protest, make sure not to be a part of it.
Border Regions:
Some regions, particularly near borders with conflict zones like those near Ukraine, might be unstable. The situation around these areas can be highly unpredictable. Make sure to have a look at the travel advisories that highlight current geopolitical tensions or conflicts.
If you wish to travel near these areas, you must contact the consulates or local authorities that can give you the latest security information near these regions.
How AXA Travel Protection Plans Make Your European Travel Safe?
With AXA Travel Protection Planspersonalizable travel insurance for your journey catering to your diverse needs. You can confidently travel with AXA and stay protected against potential mishaps that could disrupt your trip.
The AXA Silver Plan offers essential coverage for travel, accident, health, and property. This plan includes important benefits such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, and missed connection protection. It also offers coverage for emergency medical expenses and evacuation, accidental death & dismemberment (for both general travel and air carriers), and baggage delay compensation.
AXA Gold Plan builds on the Silver Plan’s benefits by offering higher coverage limits and adding collision damage waiver benefits. This is especially helpful for travelers who plan to rent a vehicle during their trip. Select the rental car coverage option when choosing the Gold Plan to take advantage of this benefit.
In addition to all the services provided by the Gold Plan, the AXA Platinum Plan includes non-medical emergency transportation and added coverage for adventure activities. Travelers can enjoy benefits like coverage for lost skier days, lost golf rounds, and sports equipment rental, making it ideal for those planning an active vacation in Europe.
Final Thought
Traveling to Europe can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience when done safely, especially for those who are traveling solo or for female travelers. Travelers should stay alert for any unforeseen circumstances while witnessing the beauty of the different parts of this continent.
By preparing ahead, taking a few simple steps like buying travel insurance, knowing emergency numbers, learning a few phrases in local languages, and keeping your wits about you, you can have a sublime visit with memories that last a lifetime.
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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