do you register your trips with the local US (or your country) embassies before you go?

No I do not

I register my trips with the State Department. Here's their website: https://step.state.gov/step/

No, and no plans to do so in the future.

Yeah, we did once in Tel Aviv when the Canadian Government had issued a travel alert, or whatever you call it. So we sought out our embassy to register and the people on duty were quite amused. That was quite a while ago so nowadays they may find it less amusing.

the STEP program is designed for this purpose.

I am in the STEP program and definitely register when in Asia, S. America, Africa etc. Don't often feel as compelled to let them know about Europe.

Yes, and it probably saved my life. Was in Beijing last year during a wave of severe smog over the city. They sent out an email strongly warning of this and advising Americans to stay indoors, I followed the advice and even indoors in my modern hotel with functioning central AC I was still struggling to breath. I have asthma which is typically under control with medications, but even my rescue inhaler had very little effect. I had been to Beijing a few times in the past with moderate smog and it didn't bother my asthma, but on this day the smog was in another league. Without that warning I certainly would have gone out sightseeing, no doubt bad things would have happened to me without that warning.

I know of another instance of an American who was volunteer teaching in a remote part of Lebanon when the Israel-Hezbollah war broke out in 2006. Because she registered her stay, the US embassy was able to find her, and transport her to an evacuation ship to safety to Cyprus.

In yet another episode I was in Mexico City with a thousand other US soccer fans when the national team was playing a World Cup qualifying match. After the match a bunch of smart-ass US fans decided to hang a large American flag outside the window of the hotel the traveling fans were staying in, which happened to be across from a monument where Mexican fans congregate to celebrate a victory. The locals didn't take the flag well and hundreds of fans attacked the hotel and riot police and to surround the hotel and literally beat back the mob. The US embassy was adjacent to the hotel, they placed a spotter on the roof, and texted minute by minute details of exactly where the mob was and how to navigate around the police line for Americans stuck out in the streets.

While the above scenarios are unlikely in Western Europe, natural disasters can happen anywhere.

So in my experience the STEP system has worked very well.

thanks for all of the responses, I have never done it either, just wondering if it's something I should do on the next trip. Although the next trip is only to France and Rome.

I haven't previously but going forward I will use STEP.

Wow Michael. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the STEP program. It's nice to know it has worked.

I have gone to Europe for 13 of the last 14 years and quite frankly, have never thought of registering with the local US embassies in whichever countries I visit. I am not sure I would do that unless I was headed for a region that was under US State Department warning, such as Switzerland right now, or perhaps even Paris. I am going to London and Portugal in May of next year so I will keep this action in mind as my travel date approaches.

Considering the recent attacks in Paris, and the tensions in Belgium, it's probably a good idea. It would be nice to receive updates in English when your grasp of the local language is not great.

Never have, but considering the world situation today, I think it a good idea. years ago, my sister and I were in Rome and planning on going to Pompii. two days after we left, Mt. Vezuvious began to erupt and cause some damage and destruction. Our poor mother was totally stressed out. This was in the days before cell phones and easy/cheap ways to call home. All she knew is that we were suppose to be there around the time of the eruption. We had no idea how distressed she was until we got home. She had called the state department to see if she could find anything out and they told her that unless we had registered with them, it would be impossible to look for us or help us if we needed it.

I registered with STEP for my solo trip to Sweden last year...just to make it easier to find me. I never did before that when traveling with others. However, I think I will register from now on regardless after reading the comments on this post. It could be helpful.

wow, this is a very interesting topic.

I also had a good experience with STEP. I have a friend who works for the State Dept. in an embassy overseas but she's not always straight away available. I traveled to SE Asia during a period of significant protests and a military coup in Bangkok. I received many email updates from the embassy in Bangkok with helpful information about closures, etc. The trip turned out fine and the information shared was very accurate. I consider STEP a small investment in "plan B" to get information if something went wrong. Though plenty of us might find it enjoyable to be stranded overseas, I myself like knowing that if an unfortunate event happens, someone knows to look for me (besides my mom) and provide information about how to get home.

I have not done so. I have only travelled in western and central Europe, so have not felt the need. I always planned to do so if I were visiting somewhere more dangerous or exotic. However, I think I will start registering even for trips to Europe. Can't hurt and in an unlikely situation it could help.

Well, you have all convinced me, next trip upcoming I'll register with the state department STEP program. Just a little more piece of mind.
Thanks,
Mimi

I must say, it is extremely easy to register for the STEP program in general and then register a particular trip. I doubt if it took me 3 minutes to register my recent 4 country trip to S. America. I did get notices of the planned strikes in Peru which did modify our travel plans quite a bit.

So far I've never registered with State Dept or local US embassies in the trips to Europe. Not until 2009 did I even inform the credit card companies or my bank. Regardless of the transaction, my credit cards always went through in Germany. Most of the time prior to departure, it hardly ever occurred to me inform the State Dept about going to central and western Europe whether the trip was 2 weeks or three months.

I never registered. Maybe I would think about it if I would go to Africa, Middle East or so.

So far I've never registered with State Dept or local US embassies in the trips to Europe. Not until 2009 did I even inform the credit card companies or my bank. Regardless of the transaction, my credit cards always went through in Germany. Most of the time prior to departure, it hardly ever occurred to me inform the State Dept about going to central and western Europe whether a 2 week or three month one..

I haven't registered yet for travels in Europe, but would certainly consider it if I was going to Central / South America or other locations with "travel alerts" in effect. Given some of the recent events in Europe, I might try it out in future just to see how it works and what kind of information they send.

I think I will register our trip to Europe next year, just for peace of mind. Thanks for all of the advice, I appreciate it.
Mimi

I just arrived in Paris today. After seeing this post last week, I registered, especially since I'm traveling without my husband and here by myself until Friday. Not to mention the attacks a month ago. A few days after registering I received an email about a planned protest and recommended to stay away from that area on that day.

We just got back from Germany, and we did register in the STEP program before leaving. We did receive an email from them before leaving about the global alert. So that made me feel better. I am glad we did. To me it is like an insurance policy: glad to know it is there, and hope to never have to use.

I'll register before our trip next fall, once I get all of the details worked out. Thanks, everyone.
Mimi

I'm flying out of Paris this morning after 9 nights. Just in case you are curious, I receive the below email from the state department two days ago. We saw bands of four armed (machine guns) military personnel multiple times daily in our travels about the city- tourist sites, government buildings, Christmas market, and just wandering local non touristy neighborhoods. Several times we saw a caravan of police vehicles, swat vans included, racing someplace with sirens blaring. But never felt unsafe.

The U.S. Embassy in France reminds U.S. citizens that in the wake of the November 13, 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, the government of France continues to warn of possible further attacks in France, citing repeated threats by terror groups. As we approach the final weeks of 2015, the U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of our Worldwide Travel Alert that urges travelers to exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events, including Christmas markets. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places. So called “soft targets” represent a potential for terrorist activities.

The French government continues to operate under a state of emergency, which has been extended through February 26, 2015. The state of emergency allows the government to prevent the circulation of individuals and to create zones of protection and security. There are reinforced security measures throughout the communes in the Ile de France region. These allow for house arrest of any person whose activities are deemed dangerous, the closure of theaters and meeting places, the surrender of weapons, and the possibility of administrative house searches. Large gatherings and public demonstrations are prohibited.

"The French Government has decided to re-establish border controls and movement may be restricted in some areas. Airports and train stations remain open; however travelers may expect delays due to heightened security measures. Due to strengthened border controls, land border checks are in place and drivers may expect increased security at both border checkpoints and toll booths. We encourage travelers to contact transport companies for the latest information and to arrive at airports and train stations early.

All U.S. visitors or residents in France should be aware of their local security situation, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. There is a continuing threat in Europe from persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Specific safety concerns should be addressed to French law enforcement authorities who have responsibility for the safety and security of all visitors to France."

thank you all for your help. I'll register, couldn't hurt.