Is Europe Protected to Go to Proper Now? (Up to date 2025)

With regards to journey, security is normally the first concern of vacationers when they’re selecting a vacation spot. Due to the continuing warfare in Ukraine (in addition to the present battle within the Center East), I’ve gotten many emails asking me if Europe is secure to go to.

The questions are at all times the identical:

“Is it doubtless the warfare will unfold? What about terrorist assaults? Refugees? There are at all times strikes and protests occurring today. Is Europe secure to go to?”

It seems like there’s loads of uncertainty. I get it. In the event you watch the information usually, you’d suppose the tip is nigh. Thankfully, actuality isn’t practically as bleak because the information.

Having been to Europe not too long ago and with plans to proceed to go to (in addition to a workforce member who lives there full-time) I can say this:

Europe is secure to go to.

Let me clarify why.

Is Europe ACTUALLY Protected?

“If it bleeds, it leads” is the go-to mantra of the information and social media today. Unsurprisingly, the media have performed job of portray Europe in a adverse gentle. One thing occurs, they decide up the story and run with it, and it will get amplified and sensationalized. A politician makes use of it as “proof” of his bigger level, it will get amplified once more, after which out of the blue, a complete continent seems to be prefer it’s harmful and engulfed in flame. (I’m not saying what occurs isn’t newsworthy, however everyone knows 24/7 protection creates this echo chamber.)

Folks additionally find yourself extrapolating from sensational protection and assume that what they learn is the one factor happening. It’s how biases are shaped. It’s why individuals who have by no means been to France suppose “the French hate Individuals” or “the French are all impolite.”

Or why many Individuals nonetheless suppose Colombia is the damaging narco-state they heard about all through the Nineteen Eighties.

As soon as engrained, these mistaken perceptions are arduous to alter. (And it’s not simply Individuals who do that. Each nation around the globe has conceptions of all of the others!)

Mixed with all of the pretend information on the net and the way individuals solely appear to soak up that which confirms their preconceptions, it’s simple to see why Europe seems to be unhealthy.

Europe is not any extra harmful (most likely even much less so) than any metropolis within the U.S. (definitely by way of gun violence)…or wherever else on the planet.

The truth is, 7 of the world’s 10 most secure international locations are in Europe (in comparison with the USA rating 131 on the International Peace Index). These embody:

By way of terrorism, Europe is safer than it’s ever been.

Statistically talking, you’re really most likely safer in Europe than within the U.S., relying on the place you reside and the place you’re visiting! That’s to not say Europe is ideal; it nonetheless has its points, identical to any vacation spot. However I’m going to Europe a number of occasions yearly (I used to be simply there for nearly two months really) and may let you know that, as a vacationer, you aren’t in any higher hazard than you have been years in the past.

“However I noticed these terrible protests in France!” you say.

Properly, Europe (particularly France) has a protracted historical past of protests and riots. Whereas I’m not right here to begin a debate on French integration, the actual fact is that France has at all times had a difficulty integrating immigrants into French society. This has been a supply of friction for many years and generally erupts into riots, particularly within the housing developments on the outskirts of Paris. Additionally they have a robust and lively working class which additionally results in loads of strikes and protests.

That is nothing new; the information media are solely making it seem to be one thing new as a result of they’re attempting to tie it to the present refugee state of affairs. There aren’t any roving bands of youths in central Paris and no “no-go zones” within the metropolis.

Not solely am I not involved about security in Europe, however I’ve additionally led group excursions across the continent not too long ago and everybody felt completely secure all the time. We didn’t have a single problem or concern.

The reality is, statistically, you’re extra more likely to get harm in your bathtub than die in a terrorist assault (over 700 Individuals die of their bathtub annually!).

I’m not denying that there isn’t a rise in terrorist threats around the globe or that we shouldn’t be extra vigilant.

However you additionally by no means know when you can be in a mass capturing, bus accident, automobile crash, or lightning strike right here at house. We’re frightened of being in a terrorist assault whereas touring overseas, however we hardly give any thought to getting in a automobile or the tub.

Terrorist assaults are uncommon and it’s not possible the warfare in Ukraine will sweep throughout the continent or that Hamas will begin attacking European cities. The now-endless media protection when one thing occurs and the truth that is all we hear about make it seem to be they’re extra frequent than they are surely. Since just about solely the adverse issues make the information, we assume that that’s the one factor occurring.

Relatively than violent crime and terrorist assaults, the largest factor you’ll have to fret about when visiting Europe is pick-pocketing, which could be rampant in sure locations. Even so, by preserving your wits about you and working towards sure security ideas, you’ll be capable of defend your self and keep away from incident.
 

10 Security Ideas for Visiting Europe

1. Concentrate on thieves or muggers working in pairs or small teams – The trick of distracting you (for instance, somebody “by chance” bumping into you, holding up a map for instructions, or a bunch of children taking part in or preventing close to you) is commonly used in order that an confederate can rob you whilst you’re not taking note of your belongings. Don’t fall for distractions and hold your guard up.

This doesn’t imply that you must consistently be wanting over your shoulder. Relatively, it simply means to concentrate and pay attention to your environment whenever you’re out and about.

2. Keep watch over your belongings always – Pickpockets like to prey on careless vacationers, so hold your belongings (particularly your smartphone) out of attain always. Be particularly alert in crowded locations close to main vacationer sights, markets, or on public transit. Don’t depart your purse or bag hanging off the again of your chair whereas eating in eating places, particularly on the gorgeous out of doors terraces which might be so frequent in Europe. It’d be all too simple for thieves to swipe it with out you even noticing!

3. Be conscious of your cash – Likewise together with your cash. Don’t carry each euro you might have in your pockets or pocket. Unfold it round (some in your pockets, some within the lodge secure, some in your backpack), in order that if somebody steals your pockets (otherwise you lose it), you’ll nonetheless have cash elsewhere.

4. Watch out when utilizing ATMs – Solely use ATMs inside a financial institution. Robberies are rather more frequent at out of doors ATMs, and skimmers could be positioned on out of doors ATMs (to steal your PIN). To remain secure, solely use indoor ATMs. Random ATMs even have a lot greater charges, so avoiding them will prevent cash too.

5. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you – It is a no-brainer for anybody who travels abroad. Put your actual passport away within the lockbox offered by your lodge or hostel and carry round a photocopy or a digital model in your cellphone or in your electronic mail.

6. By no means depart your drink unattended – That is one other common security tip, however particularly if you happen to’re backpacking and partying in Europe. Drinks could be spiked at any second, so at all times hold yours shut, or hand it to somebody you belief if that you must.

7. Set up the Prey app to your cellphone and laptop computer – In case your units get stolen, you’ll be capable of monitor them and remotely flip in your digicam to {photograph} the thief (you too can wipe the info and message the thief too). It prices simply $1.30/month.

8. Obtain Google Maps & Google Translate – Obtain maps of the place you’re visiting for offline use. That manner, you may entry them even if you happen to don’t have Wi-Fi or cell information. You should definitely bookmark your lodging on the map, in addition to different essential areas (nearest hospital, embassy, and so on.)

Moreover, obtain the native language by way of Google Translate. That can will let you translate issues with out information/Wi-Fi as properly.

9. Observe your native embassy on social media – In the event you use Twitter, observe your nation’s embassy within the vacation spot nation. It won’t solely point out essential native occasions and holidays however, ought to a state of affairs come up, additionally publish updates and data there. Be sure to flip your notifications on so that you don’t miss something essential.

Following native information firms on social media can be a good suggestion, particularly if there’s a native english-speaking information web site/social media account. That manner, you undoubtedly gained’t miss any essential happenings.

10. Purchase journey insurance coverage – We by no means suppose that one thing goes to go incorrect on journeys. However it does generally — which I’ve realized from expertise. I’ve misplaced baggage in South Africa, had my gear break in Italy, and popped an eardrum in Thailand. I used to be additionally knifed in Colombia.

Whereas it’s not enjoyable to consider, unhealthy issues can occur whilst you’re touring, which is why I by no means depart house with out journey insurance coverage.

I like to recommend SafetyWing for vacationers beneath 70, whereas Insure My Journey is your best option for vacationers over 70.

You should utilize this widget to get a quote for SafetyWing:

For extra data on journey insurance coverage, try these posts:

What Concerning the Battle in Ukraine?

I’ve had tons of individuals emailing me not too long ago asking if it’s secure to go to Europe regardless that there’s at present a warfare happening between Russia and Ukraine. The battle has been ongoing for years, nevertheless, it’s solely localized in Ukraine. Meaning the remainder of Europe is secure to go to.

Clearly, visiting Ukraine is out of the query (and I’d counsel you keep away from visiting Russia and Belarus as properly), however neighboring international locations like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania are nonetheless completely secure (simply don’t go too near the border). Whereas the battle is entrance of thoughts for everybody (each vacationers and locals), you actually gained’t discover it by way of day-to-day occasions as a vacationer.

The warfare is totally remoted to Ukraine, which suggests you’re free to journey elsewhere in Europe with out fear.

What’s the Most secure Nation in Europe?

Whereas most international locations all through Europe are thought-about very secure, by way of numbers, Iceland, Eire, Denmark, and Austria are thought-about among the most secure. Different secure international locations embody Portugal, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

Is Europe Protected to Journey Solo?

Europe is without doubt one of the most secure locations to go to as a solo traveler and is a superb selection even for first-time solo vacationers. I’ve been going there for many years and have hardly ever encountered any issues. Simply observe the information above, use frequent sense, and concentrate. Do this, and also you doubtless gained’t expertise any points. I really feel safer in Europe than I do within the U.S.!

Is Europe Protected for Solo Feminine Vacationers?

In the event you’re a solo feminine traveler, Europe is without doubt one of the most secure areas on the planet to discover. When you’ll nonetheless need to use frequent sense (don’t depart your drink unattended on the bar, don’t stroll house alone intoxicated, and so on.), you gained’t have to consistently look over your shoulder right here.

In the event you’re new to solo journey as a girls, that is most likely the simplest and most secure area of the world so that you can begin with.

Is the Faucet Water Protected to Drink in Europe?

The faucet water all through Europe is mostly secure to drink (with the attainable exception of rural areas and a few seashore locations, so at all times make sure you ask locals in regards to the water whenever you arrive). Relying on the place you’re touring although, it would style a bit completely different than what you’re used to because of greater mineral content material.

The easiest way to enhance the style of your consuming water and be certain that it’s secure to drink is to carry a LifeStraw reusable water bottle. They’ve built-in filters that purify your water so that you don’t get sick. Plus, carrying a reusable water bottle will aid you keep away from single use plastics and get monetary savings within the course of, as shopping for water bottles on a regular basis can add up in Europe!

Are Taxis in Europe Protected?

The taxis in Europe are secure and dependable, although like wherever, it is best to at all times be sure you’re getting in a certified taxi. You’ll be able to undoubtedly hail a taxi from the road safely, simply be sure you concentrate that the meter is turned on and operating correctly.

Is Driving in Europe Protected?

It’s completely secure to hire a automobile and drive round Europe. There are some stuff you’ll need to remember (most automobiles have handbook transmissions, some international locations drive on the left as an alternative of the best), however as a common rule, it’s completely tremendous to drive right here.

Some international locations are simpler than others, and I wouldn’t counsel driving within the large cities like Paris or London, just because site visitors is a nightmare. However on the entire, highway tripping round Europe is a good way to see the sights.

For the very best automobile rental costs, use Uncover Automobiles. They’ve the very best offers and may prevent cash!

Can You Stroll Round Alone at Night time in Europe?

Whereas each metropolis can be completely different, as a common rule, strolling round Europe at evening is ok. I wouldn’t stroll round alone at evening intoxicated, and it’s at all times higher to be with a bunch reasonably than solo. However, typically talking, Europe at evening is secure.

That mentioned, there are going to be areas of every metropolis which might be safer than others. Ask your lodge/hostel employees for recommendation about this in case there are areas greatest prevented at evening.

I can’t assure nothing will occur whenever you go to Europe. However that applies to any area of the world. Nonetheless, I can say that the possibility of one thing occurring to you is so slim that if you happen to’re afraid of that, you then higher be afraid of every little thing else too.

I get that emotion makes human beings irrational, however don’t stay your life in concern of what would possibly occur. In the event you do, the terrorists win, you lose out on dwelling your life, and we stay in a state of perpetual concern and anxiousness of these round us.

And that’s no method to stay.

Go to Europe. It’s secure. Be vigilant and cautious however be much more so within the bathtub as you prepare or within the automobile on the best way to the airport. These locations are actually scary!

For extra common security ideas, try this webinar with Medjet all about journey security:

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