Oh No! Europe on High Alert: What Travelers Need to Know About Recent Warnings

Oh No! Europe on High Alert: What Travelers Need to Know About Recent Warnings - New Terror Threats Have European Capitals on Edge

Recent terror threats and attacks have put many European capitals on high alert. Over the last few years, cities like Paris, Brussels, Berlin, and Barcelona have all been targeted by Islamic extremist groups like ISIS. While Europe has experienced terrorism before, this current wave feels different. The attacks have become more frequent, more sophisticated, and are targeting the heart of Europe's biggest cities.

For example, take the November 2015 Paris attacks. ISIS coordinated a series of suicide bombings and mass shootings across the city in busy restaurants, the national stadium, and a packed concert hall. Over 130 people were killed in what was the deadliest attack on French soil since World War II. Paris lived in fear for months afterwards.

Just a few months later in March 2016, Brussels suffered its own ISIS attack. Suicide bombers hit the airport and a metro station in the city center during rush hour. Another 30+ people lost their lives. Belgium ramped up security, deployed troops, and told citizens to avoid crowded areas.

Berlin, Nice, London, Barcelona. More European capitals joined the victim list in 2016 and 2017. Extremists plowed trucks through crowded streets or set off shrapnel bombs at concerts and markets. The shocking attacks left locals feeling vulnerable.

European intelligence agencies have warned that the risk of another imminent, large-scale attack is high. ISIS might be weakened in Syria and Iraq but its followers still lurk within Europe's borders. Domestic terror cells plan to strike more fear into the heart of their enemies.

For visitors, this uneasy atmosphere changes the tone of a European vacation. Extra security precautions at tourist sites and transport hubs means long lines and delays. There's a sense of not knowing when or where terrorists might strike next. Cafe terraces and Christmas markets don't feel quite as carefree anymore.

But Europe is also resilient. Cities have bounced back after past traumas like World War II or the Cold War era bombings. Parisians still sip coffee along the Seine. Londoners munch fish and chips. Italians enjoy la dolce vita. The show goes on.

Oh No! Europe on High Alert: What Travelers Need to Know About Recent Warnings - UK Raises Threat Level, Deploys Troops After Intel of Imminent Attack

Oh No! Europe on High Alert: What Travelers Need to Know About Recent Warnings - France Extends State of Emergency, Citing Ongoing Security Concerns

Oh No! Europe on High Alert: What Travelers Need to Know About Recent Warnings - Belgium Warns of Possible Terror Plots Similar to 2016 Brussels Bombings

Oh No! Europe on High Alert: What Travelers Need to Know About Recent Warnings - Germany Steps Up Border Checks and Deploys Extra Police Forces

Oh No! Europe on High Alert: What Travelers Need to Know About Recent Warnings - Spain Maintains High Alert Level After Recent Vehicle Attacks in Barcelona

Oh No! Europe on High Alert: What Travelers Need to Know About Recent Warnings - Airports and Train Stations Increase Security Measures Across the Continent

Across Europe, major transport hubs like airports and train stations have ramped up security in recent years to try to prevent terror attacks. Travelers arriving at CDG, Heathrow, Fiumicino or Barajas these days encounter far more bag checks, pat downs and sniffer dogs than a decade ago. Both locals and tourists have learned to budget in extra time simply to get into an airport or station.

The inconveniences and delays are frustrating but understandable given the threats. Airports and rail stations pack thousands of people together in confined spaces - prime soft targets. The 2016 attacks on Brussels Zaventem airport and Maalbeek metro station highlighted these vulnerabilities.

Since then, security crackdowns have become the new normal. At Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, armed soldiers now patrol among passengers. Frankfurt Airport brought in biometric screening using face scans and fingerprint IDs. Protection for crowded check-in and security areas got overhauled across the continent. Expect to see concrete barriers, tougher building access rules, more police.

For travelers used to pre-9/11 airport experiences, the intense atmosphere can feel jarring the first time. "I was shocked by all the machine gun-toting police everywhere in CDG airport," remarked Jessica M., an American tourist arriving in Paris. "it was pretty scary until I got used to it."

Veteran business traveler Barry W. routinely encounters one- to two-hour waits at major European hubs. "I've learned to arrive 3-4 hours early if I have an important flight to catch. But it's frustrating when I breeze through small regional airports - why can't the big ones get it together?"

Occasionally, the new procedures go awry. Tales of 3+ hour TSA-style security lines at European airports crop up every summer. Tactics like removing shoes, belts and laptops for X-ray scans - which speeders say slow things down - get blamed. But most travelers accept the rules as an inevitable trade-off. As Sophie R. put it when faced with a 2 hour train station queue in Belgium, "I'd rather be safe so I don't mind the wait."

Oh No! Europe on High Alert: What Travelers Need to Know About Recent Warnings - What Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting Europe Right Now

Despite the recent terror threats, Europe remains one of the world's top tourist destinations. Millions of visitors arrive every year to soak up the culture, history and cuisine. Travel in the region is generally safe if precautions are taken. What should tourists know before visiting Europe right now in this climate of heightened security?

First, recognize that risks exist but keep things in perspective. Statistically, your odds of being caught in a terror attack are extremely low. Everyday crimes like pickpocketing or getting scammed are far more likely. Take normal safety precautions like being aware of your surroundings, not flashing cash or valuables, only using licensed taxis. Don't let fear ruin your enjoyment.

Second, build extra time into airport arrivals and train transfers. Security crackdowns at travel hubs mean longer waits are the new norm. Budget 60-120 minutes to clear airports, 30-60 minutes for train stations. If leaving extra early, many stations and airports have lounges to relax in. Download the gate info and departure APPs so you can gauge wait times.

Third, keep up to date on the latest news. Check official government travel advisories for your destinations as security threats can change quickly. Know which cities or areas to possibly avoid. Be prepared to alter plans if need be. Subscribe to local news feeds via social media. Talk to your hotels - they'll know about local conditions.

Fourth, cooperate fully with authorities. Don't make jokes or casual comments about bombs or terrorism. Be patient if subjected to extra questioning or searches. Restricted items rules get strictly enforced now. Comply with ID checks and bag inspections.

Fifth, learn some key phrases in the local languages. French for “I don’t speak your language”, “where is the bathroom”, etc will take you far in European airports or train stations. Download offline translation apps as backup. Know emergency numbers to call. Have local cash for taxis or food if stuck.

Sixth, dress casually and avoid anything overtly flashy. Backpacks and bulky clothing get more scrutiny now. Skip the loud Hawaiian shirt or giant camera. Blend in with the crowd as much as reasonable. Act calmly and pleasantly if questioned.

Seventh, get travel insurance with medical and cancellation coverage. Terror attacks, unfortunately, can disrupt things without warning. Many policies allow cancellation for any reason. Read the fine print. Confirm your credit cards include travel protections.