Europe travel alert... what you need to know

This week, the United States issued a travel alert for Americans in Europe in reaction to a potential threat by al Qaeda. Officials say that there is a possibility for an attack similar to Mumbai in 2008, by plotters who may be training in Waziristan – a mountainous region of Pakistan that borders Afghanistan.

Authorities learned of the plot by a German national who had been training for jihad and is currently being held in Afghanistan by the United States. Pakistan’s Ambassador Husain Haqqani has told news sources that the plot’s leaders have already been identified and targeted.

While there is a travel alert, there is not a travel restriction. The US State Department officials say this shouldn’t scare people from going ahead with travel, and travel agents report they haven’t seen an uptick in changes or cancellations.

What does this mean?
Travelers should be as cautious as they usually would be when traveling, and take special measures to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

We’ve pulled together some basics on how to be as safe as possible:

• Always be alert in public places.
• Be aware of your surroundings in large gatherings, and know where the exits are.
• Check international news a few times a day.
• Keep your passport in a safe place, and keep a copy with you and on the internet at all times.
• Make a point to know where you are in relation to your hotel, police officials and an embassy.
• Let others know where you’ll be.

The BBC has compiled a list of frequently asked questions, and mentions what travelers should expect regarding compensation if they decide to cancel trips:

“Travel industry representatives in both the US and UK point out that because there has been no explicit restriction placed against travel to Europe – the advice is to maintain vigilance – jittery travellers are unlikely to be able to receive a refund or compensation. Some travellers may be able to postpone tickets for flights, but may have to pay a substantial penalty to do so.”

Germany