The U.S. State Department warned Americans about visiting Europe this year. Be on the alert for potential terrorist attacks, the State Department said. Possible targets include major tourist sites, sports events, restaurants, and transportation hubs, the State Department said. So why did my family go to Europe this summer? And why would we do it again, today?
Why did my family go to Europe this summer, when the State Department had issued a warning about travel to Europe? Am I crazy? I don’t think so. And I’m so glad we went.
Keeping Risk in Perspective
It is a question of perspective. What are the odds that my family will be the victims of any kind of terrorist attack? According to the Washington Post, the odds of being killed by terrorism in the U.S. are about the same as being crushed by furniture. Slim to none.
But we did not stay in the U.S. this summer, we traveled to Paris. The same city that last November survived coordinated terrorist attacks on a soccer stadium, a rock music concert, restaurants, bars, sidewalk cafes, and other targets. If you lived in Paris that day, the New Yorker says you had a 1 in 20,000 chance of being a victim.
That sounds bad – til you realize it is about the same chance you had of being killed by a car crash in France.
I live in Pennsylvania. Turns out, my odds of being killed in a car crash are TWICE that (1/10,574). That’s right: it is twice as likely that I will be killed in a car accident in my home state than that a Paris resident would be killed by terrorism on the day of the attacks. Yet I accept my car crash risk every day, when I drive to work. I happily drive everyday in Pennsylvania, even though I see people texting, speeding, and zipping through stop signs.
So we thought our odds of staying safe were pretty good in Paris. Safer than driving to work in Pennsylvania.
Keeping the Odds in Our Favor
Did we avoid places the State Department warned us about? Yes – and no. We did avoid the big soccer stadiums, the crowds for the Tour de France bike race, and we didn’t go to a big music concert. But sidewalk cafes, restaurants, big tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum? Those are the essence of Paris, and we didn’t want to miss them.
So we went to all of them. We enjoyed eating at Paris sidewalk cafes and splurged on an elegant restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower. We walked for hours in the city, visited museums, and took a fascinating architectural walking tour of Paris.
And we explored other parts of France. We took a 5-day river cruise up the Seine to explore Normandy, including Rouen, where Monet painted the cathedral over and over in the changing light. We took a high speed train to the South of France, where we stayed in beautiful Arles as a base for exploring towns and countryside in Provence, and took a wonderful walking walking tour of Aix-en-Provence.
We were just fine. I am so glad we visited France despite the State Department warnings.
Why Now is a Good Time to Travel to Europe
In fact, now is a good time to go to Europe. Europe is on sale for Americans. The Euro is worth $1.12 today, a much better exchange rate for Americans than in 2008, when the Euro was worth $1.50.
Tourist sites are likely to be less crowded. Hotels and restaurants that usually do not have openings are likely to welcome visitors. Not just American tourists are staying away from Paris. In 2016, Japanese visitors to Paris were down by 50% and Russians by a third.
This summer was not the first time my family has experienced visiting a city still shaking from a terrorist attack. My family and I flew to London shortly after the bombing of a London bus and subway. We had planned and paid for the trip months in advance. Although we were nervous, we went anyway. And London could not have welcomed us more warmly. Ticket takers thanked us for taking the subway. There were no crowds. We walked right into the Tower of London – no line – and walked right up to the Crown Jewels, which we enjoyed so much we went back twice.
Londoners were grateful to us for visiting their city in the wake of the attacks. Strangers were gracious, and we felt connected to them. Just like we felt connected to New Yorkers when we visited shortly after 9/11. This summer, even the famous Paris reserve had relaxed a bit. We felt welcomed by Parisians, and by the French people we met in both Normandy and the South of France.
If you decide to visit Europe with your family, here at tips for a first family trip to London and ideas for visiting Paris with young kids.
What do you think? Would you consider visiting France or other parts of Europe this year?
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I honestly think that anything can happen anywhere nowadays. I’m French, part-time Parisian (meaning: when I’m not travelling!) and I feel as safe in France as anywhere else in Europe or in the US… I can understand why governments are issuing warnings but it doesn’t mean that it’s war and everyone has to stay home 😉 I’m not objective, but Paris is a great place to visit ahah!
I loved your article!
Thank you so much for commenting. I agree. In fact, we are headed back to France for the beautiful Christmas Markets!
We were IN PARIS the day of the attacks in November. I still would not hesitate to travel there again despite warnings. Tragedies can occur anywhere at any time. We can’t live our life in fear. Love this post.
Wow, you were in Paris after the attacks last November, which must have been both scary and emotionally difficult. I agree with you, tragedy can happen anywhere. My family and I will continue to visit New York, and hopefully Paris and London, for many years to come.
The stats say it all. Good for you for adopting this approach and not letting any fear-mongering put you off some great experiences abroad. I hope more Americans will take up this approach, especially if Donald Trump becomes President…
I hope more Americans will travel overseas also, no matter what happens in November. Making connections is part of traveling, and that’s all to the good in encouraging better relations between countries.
We visited southern Italy in May and are going to Venice in October. We got wonderful hotels in May (private balcony in Positano!) at very reasonable rates and the combined airfare: and hotel for Venice is insanely affordable. If you’re thinking about going abroad, do it.
Southern Italy in May and Venice in October sounds like a banner year for travel. Wow. I agree – if you can do it now, Americans should go. We’re welcomed in Europe and Europe is on sale.
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Thank you so much for coming in France. We need you. Best regards from Paris.
We LOVED our visit to France. From Paris, to towns along the river in Normandy, to Roman ruins and medieval villages in the South of France, we loved all of places we explored in France this summer. Can’t wait to return!
We are going to Paris in June. Yes there is a bit of tension but the joy of returning to an almond croissant at Stephane Louvard Boulangerie is winning…
Thank you so much for this article. Europe is a big continent and France is a big country. The State department’s advice really is disproportionate to the risk. I live in France and my business relies on tourism, so thank goodness there are people such as yourself who are able to see the bigger picture and put these issues into proper perspective! THANK YOU!
We loved our visit and cannot wait to return to France. The beauty and cultural riches of Paris, the towns that inspired Impressionists in Normandy and Provence, the Roman ruins and medieval villages in the South of France – we loved all of places we explored in France this summer. I’m hoping to encourage more Americans to visit, and keep traveling.
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Definitely travel! Everywhere! It makes the world a better place, makes our children global citizens! Besides– on Sept 11 our kids were “safe at school” in New York City. So you don’t know what will happen or where. Go out & enjoy!
Wonderful post! My husband and I will be going to Europe in a week with our two little ones, and I couldn’t agree more.
Thanks! We will be there in August, and I am so excited to explore France with my children. Enjoy your trip!
All about perspective. Why focus on trouble instead of joy? Thank you for your outlook.
Exactly, there is trouble everywhere. We can take precautions, but keep exploring, keep experiencing, keep making connections out in the world.
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I’ll be in Stockholm for the month of July. Aside from the real attacks that have indeed occurred, I also believe the US Government wants to frighten US residents into submission. Issuing this travel warning is just one way of doing just that.
Well, I’m not sure what you mean by frightening us into submission, but I agree the warnings do frighten people, and that they are probably overly cautious. Which is why we feel fine traveling to Europe despite the warnings. And we’re looking forward to what is shaping up to be a wonderful trip to France!
Registering with the US State Department SAFE program is a really good idea – thank you. And thanks for the good wishes!
We were there in January, less than 2 months after the Paris attacks, and had no issues. Register with the US State Department SAFE program. By doing this, IF something happens, you will be granted immediate access to the US Embassy. Have fun and ENJOY EUROPE
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