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The US Department of State increased the level of its travel advisory for Italy. The EU nation was at a Level 1 until last week when the government agency bumped it to Level 2 over concerns around the risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks, and other activity. I have a trip planned in late June and have every intention of going.
Most countries in Europe are under a Level 1 advisory. This means that tourists are advised to “exercise normal precautions.” At Level 2, which Italy is now rated, tourists should “exercise increased caution.” The State Department warns that “terrorists may attack with little or no warning.” This is sadly always the case just about everywhere. Being afraid and avoiding travel lets the terrorists win without even trying. This is not to say that I am planning a trip to anywhere that is unsafe, but I also have spent most of my life living in cities and if you use common sense and pay attention you’re largely okay. That’s not to say that warnings should be ignored, but what kind of life leaves you changing behavior and living in fear.
This reminds me of people not flying on 9/11 years after the devastating World Trade Center Attacks. It’s completely unnecessary. I’ve flown many years on the anniversary and will do so without a second thought in the future.
Anthony’s Take: I’m heading to Milan and the surrounding area next month. I’m not changing my plans. I’ll look for updates and if there is something specific, I will alter plans. This warning is too vague and open ended.
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2 comments
UK, Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, and Sweden are also Level 2. Switzerland, Ireland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg are Level 1.
In my opinion, there is a danger in Italy for a mass knife attack or car driven on the sidewalk aimed at hitting people. Just be careful. Look around you.
The risk among countries in the same level are not the same. For example, South Africa is Level 2. However, the chance of robbery and being stabbed is probably greater in South Africa than Denmark.
The safest Level 1 country that has lots of tourist attractions is probably Singapore or Taiwan. Both are really hot in the summer, too hot for comfort. Singapore has lots of air conditioning. Taiwan has plenty of AC but slightly less.
Seems the latest in Milano travel fashions are clothes made of knife attack resistant Kevlar and TriEye sunglasses with mirrors allowing you to spot threats behind you. The press is calling the new travel fashion the “John Wick Chapter III” look.