Terror in Europe

Having been isolated from the world for some time due to extensive studying for the LSAT, upon finishing the test I thought it best to read various news sites to better acquaint myself with today's top stories. An article titled “US Terror Warning Could Hurt Europe’s Economy” especially interested me. While most who read this headline would immediately react with a sigh of relief thinking to themselves "good thing I'm not traveling to Europe right now." As the article mentions it could sway many who were hesitant about traveling to Europe in the first place to forgo their plans all together. However, having traveled to Europe with my parents only a year after September 11 and then traveling to Europe again only a week after the London bus bombings in 2005 I see no reason to live in fear and cancel travel plans. While it is important to be cautious, an extremely cautious life is an unfulfilled one. If anything we can't let terrorists win by letting their threats affect our lives. Instead I think it is important to see the bright side of certain situations. Now would be the perfect time to travel to Europe. With the dollar continuing to gain strength while the European economy continues to be unstable you will be certainly getting your money's worth by traveling to Europe now. It would be best to take advantage of this situation by visiting countries like France, Spain, and Italy, which tend to be on the more expensive side compared to other European countries. Also because the terrorist threats may scare away more timid travelers there is the possibility that popular tourist sights may be less crowded than usual! This is always a huge plus especially because so many popular sights: the Eiffel Tour, Versailles, the Coliseum, and the Spanish Steps to name a few always involve waiting in line or dealing with obnoxiously large crowds.

Be cautious but don't refrain from traveling and taking in Europe. As an ambitious student traveler it is important to watch the economy and be aware of the terror situation in Europe to make proper decisions that will allow you to travel safely, and efficiently.