I Need Your Advice

no source ^ | 02.14.2007 | big guy and rusty 99

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

My wife (repogirl)is planning to go Europe this summer, however the trip is not yet set in stone. She is worried about possible terrorist attacks while she is over there. I was looking some advice, perhaps by European freepers as well, about how dangerous Europe is right now. She is going on a "tourist" tour, which means no out of the way places. Any advice would be helpful.

As this is a serious matter, I am only looking for constructive advice. Please do not post any sarcastic or stupid remarks.

Thank you in advance.

[Al Gator]

Here's the first sarcastic, stupid comment.

She has a better chance of getting whacked by an SUV on the way to the airport, than running into a terror attack.

Relax, enjoy the trip. If it worries you that much...stay home.

[Sarah]

Yeah, hi,
Did you happen to notice that there are more terrorist attacks in the USA than Europe?
Sarah

[Doogle]

Tell your wife to enjoy her trip. Prepare communication procedures before, in the case of any delays. Pay attention to any bulletins issued by our government.... and of course enjoy!!!

Doogle

[Gay State Conservative]

I can't imagine it being any more dangerous to tour Europe than the US these days.

[beltfed308]

Don't worry about it. I go to Spain once a year and if anything it is nice to not see everyone acting like there is a terrorist under every rock. Even been to the Basque region. Very nice people.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I'd just stay away from areas of high TROP concentration.

[3AngelaD]

I would go, but I would avoid public transportation like the plague. Several people I know have put Canadian stickers on their luggage and belongings when traveling to Europe. Sounds weenie-ish, I know, but a little detail like that could make a difference. Also, watch your wardrobe and hair style. Some Americans in Europe dress in a way that makes them easily identifiable as such. (Ditto Germans, who do the same thing.)

[Caesar Soze]

Really? Within the last few years there have been bus bombings and mail bombings in the UK, and train bombings in Madrid. In the US, we've had ... well, Ignignot Lite Brites posted all over Boston.

Ignoring the comparative incidence of terrorism between the two countries, I agree that fear of terrorism in either region is probably being overblown here. Perhaps the OP's wife should Google for the crime statistics of whatever countries she plans on visiting.

[CholeraJoe]

Terror attacks are infrequent and unpredictable. Stick to the touristy locations in Western Europe.

[AngelesCrestHighway]

Please do not post any sarcastic or stupid remarks...O.K.!...Be that way!

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

bump

[ConservatismNow]

From the antiterrorism training we got in the military: don't single yourself out, ie don't display the American flag on your clothing or baggage. Wear nondescript clothing and don't get into any arguments or discussions about United State foreign policy or anything like that. Make sure that you select a hotel room on the second floor. First is too dangerous and third is too high up. Check your car for any suspicious packages and avoid taking the same route to and from your destination. And at the hotel, ALWAYS take the main entrance. Never take a side entrance if you can help it.

[Terabitten]

Just contact the closest US embassy and let 'em know what's going on. They'll fill you in on anything you need to know about.

[spkpls4]

And only take a taxi from a legitimate taxi stand (courtesy of AFN).

[MNlurker]

Never even crossed my mind to worry when I was in Rome over Christmas. The only day that I saw significant security was the day that Saddam was executed. You have more to worry about from pickpockets and general scammers than you would about terrorism. If they're on a group excursion there would be even less to worry about.

Cash is still king in Europe and any anti-American sentiment that some may feel is quickly bypassed when a transaction could take place. I found even knowing even a little bit of passable language for the region goes a long way. We'd like people to speak English here, why shouldn't they expect the same from us?

The only danger I ran into was how expensive it is...dollar don't go a long way there anymore... :)

[Miss Didi]

The State Dept. posts information about traveling abroad, especially in countries where the risk of terrorism is high. I was living in Italy before and after 9/11 and we received warning emails on a regular basis.

On 9/12, I walked around Rome wearing my American flag pin, a copy of an American newspaper in my hands, attended mass at the American Catholic Church AND went to a Burger King and sat and ate ice cream. Perhaps it was foolish, but I was never prouder to be an American.

[freedom moose]

The only thing to watch out for if she comes to Barcelona is pickpockets. But I mean really really watch out for them. Let me repeat that again...watch out. I doubt there is a place in the USA with anywhere near the amount of pickpocketing.
As far as terrorist threats, I know I'm one of those Euro-Freepers who always argues that we are NOT over run here by arabs (so I may lose credibility) but there's really nothing to be worried about once you're off the plane anymore than any other place in the western world right now.
If you are really concerned, register with your nearest consulate wherever you go, check their website for travel advisories and if it will make you feel better get some travel insurance that covers repatriation, but I wouldn't bother.

[ConservatismNow]

Good call, forgot about that one. Big Guy you can also check the State Department website for info on the terrorism levels in the country she is going to.

[Joe 6-pack]

Frankly I would encourage any and all Americans to see Europe and the roots of western civilization before it is entirely islamicized. And right now, be more concerned about pickpockets than terrorists in areas frequented by tourists. Others here have given sound advice...other than don't sit near large glass windows in restaurants, hotels, etc., don't conspicuously single one's self out as the stereotypical "ugly American," keep a wallet card handy with all the local consulate/embassy contact info, and stay alert.