Terrorism

When I first started updating this edition of First-Time Europe, several months after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the States,
thought I would have to make some major revisions to this section. However, after re-reading the advice below, I stand by everything I’ve said over the years, including the assertion that the odds of you being involved in a terrorist incident are roughly equal to that of vOu winning your state’s lottery. Go, enjoy yourself, and don’t stress out. I went to Europe for Christmas of 2001, and other than some longer lines at the airports, nothing had changed. Only a few very common-sense tips are necessary now.

- Don’t accept packages to carry if flying or crossing a border.

- Don’t accept a request to “watch” a stranger’s luggage in a public place, especially an airport, train or bus station.

- Move away from unattended packages or luggage and report them to the nearest police officer or public official.

- When you get to an airport, get checked-in and get past the security checkpoint as soon as possible. (I don’t know why anybody would want to spend another second in the check-in area than they had to, terrorists or not.)

- Don’t give those poor souls at the X-ray machine a hard time. How would you like to get out of bed and have to go do that job?

- If you see a demonstration or protest, resist the (very strong) impulse to go look at it.

- Try to blend in with the locals, and don’t make it obvious that you are a foreigner. (This is another of those ideas that is a good thing, rerrorists or not.)

Finally, let me offer these words of advice. If you want to go to Europe, and are worried about terrorism, that is the best possible reason to head straight to the airport, if only because it flies in the face of the fear, ignorance and isolation that terrorism thrives on.