If you are planning to travel, whether overseas or within the United States, it is understandable that terror threats are a top concern. After attacks in Paris, Nice, Brussels, Orlando, and San Bernardino, it may feel like no place is safe, especially for tourists. While it is true that you cannot predict or prevent an attack from happening, there are several things you can do to stay as safe as possible while traveling.
Pay Close Attention to Travel Warnings/Alerts
Regardless of your destination, you should always check the U.S. State Department’s webpage to see if a travel alert or travel warning has been posted for your destination. If a travel warning has been issued, your destination is unsafe for travel, and the U.S. government recommends that you do not go. Travel warnings are often issued because of frequent terror attacks, unstable governments, wars, high crime rates, and frequent kidnappings. Travel warnings for certain areas can remain in effect for years.
A few countries currently under travel warnings are Pakistan, The West Bank and Gaza Strip, Mexico, and Kenya.
Travel alerts are typically less serious and usually only in effect for a short amount of time. They are issued for elevated terror risks, disease outbreaks, and strikes or other public disturbances. The government typically does not tell travelers to avoid countries under travel alerts, but a high degree of caution and vigilance should be maintained when traveling.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Knowledge is power, and knowing about emergencies or warnings gives you the power to stay safe and make informed travel decisions. This is exactly why you should enroll in the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, also known as STEP.
Enrolling in STEP is free and helps you stay informed, connected, and safe while traveling by:
- Providing you with up-to-date safety and security information for your destination
- Giving you real-time travel warnings and emergency messages
- Granting you access to reports on security risks and threats in your destination country
- Keeping you in touch with the U.S. Embassy in your destination country in case of emergency
Remain Vigilant
It can be quite easy to be distracted by sights, sounds, and tourist attractions when you travel. However, it is imperative that you remain vigilant at all times. Keep an eye on your surroundings and report any suspicious people, bags, vehicles, or behavior to authorities right away.
Last, but certainly not least, remember that the odds of never being a victim of a terror attack are in your favor. According to research conducted by the State Department, the odds of being a victim of a terror attack are 1 in 20 million. You can further reduce your risk by implementing the above safety tips every time you travel.