Travel and Terrorism: Will You Continue To Travel

Will you continue to travel? This is a question I see more and get asked more. It’s a concern for those that travel and those that don’t. I see the question popping up in a lot of travel groups I’m a part of, especially after the Paris and Beruit attacks. Just the other day, I was asked if the Paris attacks make me reconsider traveling. My answer was and still is no . . . and I don’t think that is the answer people expect. Unfortunately, terrorism is something that we see a lot of these days, but I won’t let it stop me from traveling.

I decided a long time ago that I’m going to live my life the way I want to. Life is too incredibly short to not do what you want. People are shocked when they realize the places I would like to visit, or that I may go on my own. ” Jordan!?! You wouldn’t really go there, would you”

Terrorism can happen anywhere in the world . . . not just the Middle East or Afghanistan or Africa. It happened in America. It can happen in your town. It could happen in Orlando, Chicago, New York, or L.A. Your not safe just because you reside in America. I’ve decided not to live my life in fear and let the terrorists win. I will always travel . . . that will never end. Are there places that I may chose not to visit at a certain time? Sure . . . but as a traveler you have to use common sense and gauge the situation for yourself. And sometimes things will happen that you never expected to happen. There will be things that happen that are out of your control. If I considered everything that “could” happen I would never leave my house.

The attacks on Paris were shocking, tragic and horrific. It took a lot of the world by surprise just as 9/11, Bangkok, the London and Madrid bombings did.

1). Statistics:

Statically speaking what are the chances of a traveler being killed overseas in a terrorist attack? According to the U.S State Department there were a total of 350 U.S citizens killed in terrorist attacks overseas between 2001 and 2013. 350 people over a 12 year span. Whereas, a total of 3,030 U.S citizens were killed inside the U.S in domestic terrorist attacks from 2001-2013.

2) Being a victim of a terrorist attack:

We are seeing a continuation of terrorist threats across Europe, and as a result European countries are increasing security measures. Is it likely that there will be another terrorist attack in Europe over the next year? Yes it is likely. However, what are the chances that you will be in that exact country, exact city, exact spot if it does occur?

3) You are able to minimize risk

Check the U.S State Department website for any travel alerts or warnings to the destination you will be going to. Then make the choice for yourself on whether to heed those alerts and warnings. I believe the more informed you are, easier that decision will be. Also, keep in mind that the media isn’t always 100% accurate. I like to check several new sources to see how accurate the reporting is.

4) Nothing is Guarenteed:

Nothing in this world is guaranteed to us, we can die at any moment. I believe that each person should live their life the way they want to live it. We only have a short time in this world, and I believe in making the most of every second.