Due to recent riots, terrorist attacks in Europe, and continuous negative media coverage, many people are now questioning whether Europe is a safe place to visit.
The concerns are usually the same: “How likely is a terrorist attack? How dangerous is it? What about the refugees? Should we avoid crowded places?”
I want to reassure you that Europe is indeed safe to visit. Let me explain why.
The media tends to exaggerate and sensationalize events, painting Europe in a negative light which creates fear and confusion. When something happens, the media clings to the story, amplifying it through repeated coverage and political commentary, making it seem like the entire continent is in chaos.
While it’s important to stay informed, the 24/7 media cycle can create an echo chamber that isn’t always necessary. People often believe that the sensational news they consume is all there is to know, leading to biases and stereotypes. This is why some people think “all French people are rude” or “Germans are harsh and arrogant,” even if they’ve never visited these countries. Changing these deep-rooted misconceptions is challenging.
With all the misleading news online, it’s easy to see why Europe might seem dangerous. You might hear someone say, “I’d love to go, but I’m not sure it’s safe after seeing the news.” However, Europe is no more dangerous than any other place in the world. In terms of terrorism, Europe is actually safer now than it has historically been.
From 2004 to 2017, 723 people were killed by terrorists in Europe, while 25,500 to 31,500 people die in road accidents every year. So, maybe we should be asking how safe the roads are instead. In 2017 alone, 3.9 million people died from heart disease, which accounts for 45% of all deaths in Europe. More people die from various other causes than from terrorism. For instance, at least one American dies in a bathtub or hot tub each day, which is quite startling.
As someone who travels across Europe multiple times a year, I can assure you that travelers are not in any more danger than they were in previous years. That said, it’s important to remain vigilant. Incidents like sudden shootings at concerts or truck attacks are undeniably scary, and we can never predict when the next one might occur.
Terrorism tends to make us fear the unknown, creating an irrational sense of danger around every corner. After hearing about a terrorist attack, you might think, “we could be next.” But you could also get into a car accident, a bus crash, or even get struck by lightning. While we might fear a terrorist attack, we rarely consider the danger of more common activities like taking a bus or a bath.
Yes, we should be cautious and aware of our surroundings. But canceling or changing your travel plans due to potential threats is unnecessary. You wouldn’t stop bathing or eating burgers just because something might happen, would you?
Europe isn’t engulfed in riots or mass shootings. It’s not the dangerous place the media often portrays. The chance of being caught in a terrorist attack is incredibly low. In fact, you’re more likely to get hurt on your way to the airport than at your destination.
Don’t let fear dominate your life. Living in constant fear and anxiety isn’t living at all. Visit Europe, travel around, and enjoy your experience. Stay cautious and alert, just as you would when driving a car or taking a bath, as those activities can be dangerous too.