sparkchaser

US issues travel warning over Europe summer attacks

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/0...155642733.html

<i>The United States has issued a warning to American citizens visiting Europe this summer to be on the alert about the potential threat of attacks.

The State Department said on Tuesday targets could include major sporting events and tourist sites, as well as restaurants, commercial centres and transportation.

"The large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months will present greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events," it said.

"We are alerting US citizens to the risk of potential terrorist attacks throughout Europe, targeting major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers and transportation."

The Euro 2016 football championship, which runs from June 10 to July 10, is being held in France, which is under an extended state of emergency following last year's deadly attacks in Paris.

Another major event held in the country is cycling's Tour de France, while millions of people are expected in Krakow, Poland, for the Roman Catholic Church's World Day in late July.

Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher, reporting from Washington DC, said this was "a standard warning from the State Department ahead of what it could become a very busy summer".

"They are saying 'look, if you're travelling to any of these events, if you're moving around Europe, please be aware of the risks involved," he added.

"Clearly, given the big summer of sport that is coming up in Europe and concerns with recent incidents in Belgium and France, there is heightened concern."

The State Department warning expires on August 31.</i>

Christina

It is a standard warning, that's part of what the State Dept does. You can mock it all you want and go onto the American-bashing we see on Fodors as Europeans are so cool and sophisticated, but it's better than them doing nothing IMO, a lot of American tourists are clueless about what is going on in the world. Sure, I don't know what anyone is supposed to do about it, but I think they would not be doing their job if they never said anything about what was going on in the world.

Being aware of what is going on in the world is not "living your life in fear." It is foolish to remain ignorant about what is going on, in fact, or to have no understanding of events and security.

Part of the reason they do this is to clue people in as to why they might see more security in Europe and things like that, or that security screenings may take longer and to be prepared, it isn't just to frighten people. Some people have remarked on Fodors about how surprised they are to see so many armed military or police etc around Paris, for example. I don't think it realistic to warn being to be vigilant and avoid crowds, though, that isn't really possible if you are a tourist (avoiding crowds, hah).

sparkchaser

If someone is going to reconsider their holiday because it might rain, I think that they need to know about this announcement.

NewbE

Here, here Christina!

I second everything you said, and would add, have European governments not told their citizens to be alert to and aware of risk?

Nice try, sparky, but your act is wearing thin even here...

colduphere

We miss Christina in the other place.

sundriedtopepo

In Rome, there was a large number of armed guards and police at every tourist site. Someone thinks there is a threat.

sparkchaser

I'm not saying there isn't a threat. What I am saying is that you shouldn't let the threat ruin your plans.

Fussgaenger

What you actually said, sparkchaser, is that paying the warning any attention is living your life in fear.

But you've backpedaled that down now. Which is more appropriate. You are now approving both the attention-paying part AND any trip adjustments that do not actually ruin one's trip. Whew. As long as I go somewhere in Europe, you won't see my life as a fear-filled waste.

But those who opt out of Europe for now are still just irrational wusses, I guess.

RM67

I think the point he was trying to make is that the warnings are pretty much useless as they are so unspecific. All of Europe. Every public place. How does that help anyone to make an informed decision about where to visit. The only logical conclusion to such an alarmist communication is to stay at home.

twk

I'm going to Switzerland next week. If the State Department thinks there is a heightened risk this summer, they would be remiss not to tell the public. How people respond to this is up to them. I feel like Zurich airport and Switzerland are relatively low risk compared to a lot of other destinations, but I suppose I might be a little bit more observant when I'm in crowded places on this trip.

NewbE

<The only logical conclusion to such an alarmist communication is to stay at home.>
Only here, in the Fodor's Funhouse, does it mean that.

In the real world, it means, as twk says, be observant, be aware of the potential for danger, stay alert. That isn't alarmist, it's common sense.

IMDonehere

We leave after Labor Day so we are safe.

kleeblatt

Here in Switzerland, we have not been given warning of any higher risks for the summer. Having said that, safety measures at certain events have been increased. Sadly, it's a sign of the times.

Whathello

That is exactly like these signs that you see a lot in mountainous country.
Ok, I'm warned. Now what do I do ?

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannea...rres_en_France

sparkchaser

Proceed with caution and be prepared to swerve and drive like you were driving in an autocross.

Whathello

;-)

kleeblatt

To be fair, we do have the odd mad mother cow in Switzerland that have been known to attack hikers. One should always avoid them whenever possible.

sparkchaser

The key is situation awareness. Be like Jason Bourne.

Whathello

Like Bourne, I never drive below 70 mph in town and always carry a gun.

traveller1959

<The only logical conclusion to such an alarmist communication is to stay at home.>

My home is Europe. So, what shall I do? Maybe kill myself? And take others with me? That would make it a self-fulfilling prophecy!