Is It Safe to Travel in Europe Right Now?
How to Make Informed Decisions in Uncertain Times
When headlines turn alarming—like the recent U.S. military action in Iran—it’s natural to wonder: Is it still safe to travel? Especially if you’re a U.S. citizen traveling solo, this question can feel even more pressing.
I’ve heard from many of you in the Adventuring Alone community who are worried about what’s happening in the world and how it might affect your travel plans. This post is here to offer clarity—not panic. Europe remains a beautiful, diverse, and largely safe continent to explore. But being informed is key.
Let’s walk through how to assess risk, stay up to date, and make confident choices about where and when to travel.
Step 1: Check Official Travel Advisories
The U.S. State Department is the go-to source for current travel safety information. Each country is assigned a risk level from 1 to 4:
Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
Level 2: Exercise increased caution
Level 3: Reconsider travel
Level 4: Do not travel
These advisories reflect security concerns like terrorism, civil unrest, or natural disasters. They are updated regularly—so it’s worth checking before you book and again before you go.
👉Check current advisories at travel.state.gov
You can also enroll in STEP—the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program—which connects you with your nearest U.S. embassy. You'll get alerts if something changes and help in case of emergency.
If you're not a U.S. citizen, your country likely has similar services—check with your foreign ministry or consulate.
Step 2: Be Aware of Global Tensions and How They May Affect Europe
While Europe isn’t directly involved in conflicts like the one between the U.S. and Iran, it’s still smart to pay attention to how international events ripple outward.
Some things to watch for:
Increased protests or demonstrations, especially near U.S. embassies or government buildings
Heightened airport security
Flight delays or rerouting due to temporary airspace restrictions
These issues don’t usually make Europe unsafe, but they can affect your experience.
A recent Worldwide Caution from the State Department encourages U.S. travelers to stay alert due to the potential for anti-American sentiment in certain regions, especially after high-profile international incidents. But again, this doesn’t mean don’t go—it means go smart.
Step 3: Use Trusted Travel Resources
Here are some reliable sites and tools to help you stay informed:
U.S. State Department: Country-by-country advisories
STEP Program: Embassy updates and emergency help
UK Foreign Travel Advice: Additional perspective from another trusted source
FlightAware: Real-time flight tracking
Your airline’s app: Alerts about delays or cancellations
Local news apps: Follow media from your destination country
If you’re traveling soon, it’s a good idea to download your airline’s app, follow the U.S. embassy in your destination on social media, and stay subscribed to alerts through STEP.
Step 4: Take Practical Safety Steps
You don’t need to cancel your trip—but you might want to travel a little differently:
Avoid large gatherings and political demonstrations
Keep a low profile—especially as a U.S. citizen
Know the address of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
Have travel insurance that covers trip changes or emergency evacuation
It’s also wise to carry a backup copy of your passport, register your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, and be flexible with your plans.
Step 5: Keep It All in Perspective
While it’s true that we live in a complex and unpredictable world, it’s also true that most trips to Europe happen without incident. France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and much of Central Europe remain welcoming, peaceful, and safe for travelers—especially if you stay informed.
Rather than staying home out of fear, empower yourself with facts. Take advantage of the tools available to help you travel safely and confidently.
Travel Smart, Not Scared
As someone who travels solo and has been through many world events abroad, I can tell you that staying calm and informed goes a long way. Use this moment as an opportunity to become a more confident, aware, and adaptable traveler.