Safety concerns about traveling to Europe

I am not in Ireland but have been in Italy and Greece for almost three weeks.

We had a few conversations about politics but more curiosity on part of other people. But they were other tourists not locals who we were chatting with. We engaged with people but if we had not wanted to discuss, it would not been an issue.

I think Europeans recognize that there is a variety of people in the US.

I would not be concerned. I have had a marvelous time. It is in my experience no different than other times I have traveled to Europe.

You should go!!!

People in Europe have been extremely welcoming this summer, as they always are. Calm your concerns; everything will be just fine.

There has been a long term problem of Americans being as cut off from the outside world as the Russians are. Bill Bryson wrote years ago (aimed at his foreign readers) "how do you make your country disappear? Simple, buy an American newspaper...". The internet has filled that void with nonsense and conspiracy theories.

People from many countries, especially Europe, are boycotting the USA for travel and, probaby more importantly, purchases at home. Simply because of Trump and Musk. The damage they have done to your country's reputation is massive. But as long as you don't wear a MAGA hat you should be OK (assuming it's an area where you would have been OK last summer), they may even take pity on you - obviously not as much as they take pity on Canadians, who are making lots of new friends this summer.

Nobody is worried about being detained at customs - because they don't do that, customs is a tax/illegal imports thing. Immigration do the detaining, and yours do have a certain reputation, for example if you were to pitch up at the Irish border without proper paperwork they would put you on the next plane back to where you came from. In the USA you could be in a cell for days whilst enquiries are made through the multitude of Federal agencies. About 18 years ago my godson and a friend landed in LA, with correct paperwork, for a few days stop on a round the world trip, which seemed suspicious to the man with short cut hair and overpressed shirt. The friends father (reason for visit) was actually a british intelligence officer on secondment to the NSA and was sat outside in an NSA car - but it still took 4 hours worth of phone calls and faxes to DC before they were allowed into the USA!!

All you need to concern yourself with is whatever it was last year. Do you have the correct paperwork? I believe for an American entering Ireland that's a valid passport and little else other than a credit card (if you go north you will need an ETA to enter the UK even though the border is unstaffed). Have you told your bank to allow your cards to be used in Ireland? Will your phone work (at a sensible price) in Ireland? If you are taking electricals like phone chargers, are they suitable for 220-240v 50hz which is twice as much as weak US electricity? And do you have adequate travel insurance - most importantly cover for getting you back if you need special care on the flight, medical bills in Ireland may not be the big problem compared to a new flight booked on the day with three seats to yourself and extra legroom because you have a leg in plaster!

Your trip may coincide with Trump's State Visit to UK (or State Visit to remote areas of Scotland as has been hinted at...). There will be a reaction in UK, and it will be on Irish TV which will provoke comments there. But you should pick up that views on him and views on American visitors are very different.

Hi!

I am here to join the chorus of sensible and reassuring advice! My husband and I have been in the UK for the last two years and change, and the only reactions we have gotten have been uniformly positive. Same thing for when we venture onto the continent for short trips. Yes, some people do act a little pitying – but honestly, only in a nice way.

Example: when my husband had to get an emergency dental procedure last Christmas, the dentist rocked up to the exam room, heard my husband’s accent, and asked with a big grin, “Political refugee? Or just here for the holidays?” And then we all had a laugh.

I think most folks this side of the pond understand that many if not most of the travelers coming from the United States are… how to put this?… not threatening to the European ethos of democracy and tolerance. Those folks mainly stay home.

As already stated, the actual trip and customs and immigration should be absolutely no problem.

Hope you have a blast! Ireland is superb.

I have been to eight European countries since the beginning of the year. I have re-entered the US twice and will do so again this week.

There is no difference now than previous years. I never felt unwelcome. Crossing borders is fine.

Just go and have a good time.

Oh, and stop reading social media and non-legitimate news sources.

Dick went to Europe wrapped in his American flag announcing his American exceptionalism. Dick wasn't popular. Don't be a Dick and you'll be OK.

The chatter online is that foreign tourists won't come to America right now because of possibly being detained at customs. I am afraid of them doing that to us even though we are American.

What "chatter online", currently, do you speak of? For sure, earlier in the year, there were reports of foreigners encountering problems coming to the US, people with green cards getting held up on returning to the US, but I have not noticed so much of that recently.

Stay off social media, it is bad for your well being.

We were in Ireland for three weeks in May, and we had lots of conversations in pubs with locals, and we got nothing but sympathy. Joe Biden has Irish roots, and his cancer diagnosis triggered candles and prayers throughout the country. There was a little trepidation on locals' part until we assured them how we had voted. My wife was wearing a small "Untrump the world" button that helped break the ice (that she had been given by an American in Cork). I don't think the maga crowd travels internationally very much.

My wife did take off her button for customs, and we reviewed our rights regarding our phones which weren't an issue. We're older and of western European heritage, which is probably the lowest risk group for shenanigans.

Sorry if this sounds political. It's just the way things are.

Congratulations on your first trip abroad. In my opinion there are are many things to worry about when traveling but being an American is not remotely in the top 10 (or even 50). I myself would be much more worried about getting hit by a car in Ireland due to the part they drive on the other side of the road. As has been noted, cut back on your social media intake and don't let the trolls live rent free in your head. Enjoy your travels.

I think people need to remember that this is not the first time that Americans have been less than admired by the rest of the world. I am old enough to remember traveling to Europe during the Gulf War when GWB was pretty much hated in Europe and there were massive protests in most major cities-we saw one in London.

The only two times that politics were brought up was when I was talking to a Canadian(of all people) who blame us Americans for people yelling at her. And the second time was a few of our London tour guides who made a dry comment about Bush...and Blair.
However 99% of the people won't care and won't talk politics.

But I do think it's good to go to other countries and see how the news and people talk about us to break out of the US media bubble. Secondly, don't freak out if you see protestors with anti-Trump messages or graffiti. People know the difference between government and citizens.

In short, enjoy your trip and try to watch some news while you are there. It's always interesting to see how news is reported in different countries and CNN vs CNN International.

To be Frank, it sounds to me like you don’t want to travel. I doubt any reassurance here will make you feel otherwise. I think you should just stay at home and be afraid. (I’m trying reverse psychology, you see.)

That said, the world has an issue with the US government, not with US Americans. Europeans tend to be well informed about politics and understand that not all Americans support the White House. As long as you don’t wear MAGA gear, you’ll be fine. If anything, people feel sorry for us.

Actually Emily, I think Americans will be surprised that there are Europeans who agree with Trump. Europe is not a monolith and there are a wide variety of political views. But unlike the US, Europeans don't make politics their defining personality and definitely do not talk about it every day.

Traveling around in Europe and Germany it was wonderful to turn on the news and not have politics dominate the news. While you might see a report about a law being debated it wasn't the constant 24/7 war between the parties BS that American viewers see everyday and it was even better to talk to people and not have a certain person be brought up every day. Sadly American viewers are bombarded with politics from the time we wake up to the time we go to bed and it's become normalized. I think you will find that it's a little more relaxed over in Europe.

This will be our first time traveling abroad which also adds to the travel anxiety.

The only ”safety” issue that I can think of in Ireland is that they drive on the opposite side of the road. Be very careful when you cross the street. Other than that, it is a lot safer than traveling in the U.S.

But seriously, I can’t think of an easier and friendlier country for a U.S. citizen to visit than Ireland. I was there in May. It is beautiful, people are helpful and friendly, and it seems like nearly everyone in Ireland has a relative in the U.S.

I do not think you need to worry for the reasons you mentioned in your post. But, if you are TRULY concerned to the point you would be nervous and not enjoy yourself, yes, then staying home might be the answer. BUT..............

Right here in my state of Tennessee, do you think these people thought they had ANYTHING serious to worry about (and there is the likely chance the victims could have been tourists (most locals avoid downtown, especially during large events):

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/3-injured-by-celebratory-july-4th-gunfire-in-downtown-nashville-officials-say/ar-AA1I1git

Or what about this guy......who avoided the mass crowds in downtown Nashville for somewhere "safer."

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/man-critically-injured-by-falling-bullet-during-july-4th-celebrations-in-winchester

I can pretty much "guarantee you" you will not have bullets coming at you randomly in Ireland. The population is not as gun obsessed (or irresponsible) as many places in our country.

We have always tried to be aware of the politics in the country we are visiting. We had a great discussion with the landlord of our apartment rental during our last visit to Naples. And I will be looking for a Meloni figure to add to our * praesepe* this year. Mr. Trump does tend to dominate the news but he is not the only political story around the globe. It's only through talking with people that we can understand each other. People are people everywhere and most are smart enough to know that no politician represents the views of every member of his/her constituency. Go and enjoy your trip and be proud that you live in a country that allows you to travel freely.

Heather - I live in Europe and I haven’t come across anyone who likes the President of the US. But, sure, there must be some somewhere.

Do not worry at all, go and have a good time! They love Americans in Ireland, tho I think they can sometimes be a bit bemused by Americans whose families came to the US from Ireland generations ago claiming to still be "Irish" :)

As others have said here, like everywhere else there are a wide variety of political views across Europe. Unfortunately this means there are also far-right sentiments in Ireland which have led to recent rallies and even attacks against Irish residents originating from Africa and Asia. While this is distressing (and extremely sad) it's unlikely to impact visitors from the US. I would just check the news and avoid any areas with "anti immigrant" rallies/marches if they are happening while you are there (if any... hopefully none.).

The Irish are lovely people.

Secondly I traveled to the UK during his first administration and will return during his second. Solo travel. Not concerned at all. Yes, I know Eire is not the UK. Simply letting you know they know.

Favorite travel pic during first Adminstration was holding up an English paper with the headline: “Twit Happens”

I also traveled during the Nixon years. Nary a worry.

And just to clarify Immigration is about entering a country. Customs is if you purchase items while traveling that you wish to declare when exiting the country.

Take deep breaths and focus our creating your itinerary.

Absolutely stay off the internet. Don't listen to naysayers. They can ruin anything! I have a friend who swears by it and she is a wealth of misinformation. Just yesterday told about a wildfire burning just 35 miles east of Atlantic City! That puts the wildfire in the Atlantic Ocean. I looked it up and sure enough this was an article on a reputable newspaper. You will be a wreck and you haven't even walked out your front door. Have been to Ireland six times and never ever felt anything but welcome. As others have said, we have also been to most countries in Europe and although the people don't perhaps like our politics the people have almost always been gracious towards us. If you want to keep politics out of anything just don't wear Mega hats or buttons saying Untrump the World

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

We have literally been around the world in the last nine months with no issues. Some folks have asked us questions, but out of curiosity. Remember the rest of the world is trying to get on with their lives too. FYI, we leave for Europe in a few weeks for several weeks.

Hi nightingalesings, and welcome to the forum! I think you've gotten a lot of great answers here. I am locking this thread, but if you’re looking for more firsthand experiences or reassurance, you can browse past threads on the subject.

Here are a couple of links to past discussions (and using the search tab at the top of the page will help if you are looking for something more specific):

https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=6m&filter=Travel+Forum&query=americans+in+europe&utf8=%E2%9C%93

https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=6m&filter=Travel+Forum&query=political+climate