Europe Travel Alert

[brooklynite]

Source: Department of State

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to potential risks of travel to and throughout Europe following several terrorist attacks, including the March 22 attacks in Brussels claimed by ISIL. Terrorist groups continue to plan near-term attacks throughout Europe, targeting sporting events, tourist sites, restaurants, and transportation. This Travel Alert expires on June 20, 2016.

U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid crowded places. Exercise particular caution during religious holidays and at large festivals or events.

U.S. citizens should also: :

Follow the instructions of local authorities, especially in an emergency.
Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
European governments continue to guard against terrorist attacks and conduct raids to disrupt plots. We work closely with our allies and will continue to share information with our European partners that will help identify and counter terrorist threats.

For further information:

See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).


Read more: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/europe-travel-alert.html

[ForgoTheConsequence]

2. But should I buy duct tape?

?

[GoneOffShore]

3. Leaving for Marseille and Barcelona next weekend.

And we're not particularly worried.

No more worried than riding the Market-Frankford El or the Broad Street Subway or walking home up Passyunk Ave.

[MgtPA]

5. The El!

[RobinA]

17. Oh Jeez,

I think I'd feel safer in a European airport!

[GoneOffShore]

19. Ah, the El isn't bad. Trolley's are weird though.

I've ridden the 15 and that seems to be the trolley to Crazy Town.

[Wilms]

4. Tell people to wear a seatbelt and not drink and drive.

That would keep a lot of Americans alive.

That, and unloading guns.

[mwooldri]

6. Just don't leave any bags lying around. They'll be exploded.

Expect public trash cans to become scarce, especially at public transit locations. Expect ominous warnings about this, that and the other. Expect people to be worried a bit about it for the next few weeks and then after that for people to not give a f...k.

[melman]

7. All these snarky dismissive replies

I really don't get why people feel the need to act like this is not a big deal.

[Purveyor]

8. I actually meant my concern but was snarky about it. I'm

deleting.

[GoneOffShore]

10. And I'm sorry you felt the 'need' to delete.

Snark is fine.

[GoneOffShore]

9. The bigger the deal one makes of it, the more likely that the terrorists achieve their goals.

Time to get on with our lives and not have 'Terror, terror, terror!!11!!' at the front of our minds.

Otherwise we stay in our secure little hidey holes and behave like bunnies.

Oh yes, and thanks for your 'concern'.

[TowneshipRebellion]

11. because the probabilities suggest it isn't a big deal.

The republicans live their lives in fear of "them". I might be angry at the establishment and our ridiculous foreign policy but I am not scared and refuse to operate from a position of fear. RIP to those who died in the attacks. Moving on.

[840high]

13. I don't get it

either - 34 dead now abc said 300 injured and people think it's funny.

[RobinA]

18. Because The Alternative

is hiding in ones basement and waiting for the homegrown home invaders who supposedly prowl the land.

[nwduke]

12. More danger here than there

From NRA gun toting militia and the GOP hate mongers running for prez.

[840high]

14. I don't think so.

[mnhtnbb]

15. We were in London in January

and one thing anyone traveling can do is take carry on luggage only. Arrive at the
airport with your boarding pass. That way, you go straight to the security checkpoint.

Believe me, when we arrived at Heathrow for our return flight, I was very happy to avoid a 15-30 minute line to wait
to get a boarding pass and/or check a suitcase.

On edit: we were staying at an apartment. But I went over to the Holiday Inn across the street and up to their
business center to use their computers/printer to print our boarding passes. I had to have help from staff to get it done
(because they're monitoring who prints what) but they didn't ask me for a room number or room key. Even though
it took me about 20 minutes that afternoon, I was glad we didn't have to allow the extra time early the next morning
at the airport before our flight.

[GoneOffShore]

20. And you really don't need to print a boarding pass if you've got a smart phone.

Check in online, download your scannable boarding pass and off you go.

[mnhtnbb]

21. Some of us old farts do not use smart phones.

[GoneOffShore]

22. Ah, well, this 70 year old fart does.

And it's a great tool.

[CTyankee]

16. I'm not particularly concerned as I am going to Sicily in early May...

I do have to change planes in Rome which I guess could be a potential place for a terrorist bomb but I've not heard that there is any problem there. I doubt if Sicily poses any threat nor any attraction for terrorists...