Travel Advisory to Italy: "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution"

If you’ve never looked at the state dept website for travel advisories in Europe prior to now, you probably feel anxious. But there are often lots of Level 2 advisories throughout Europe. It’s a reminder to be aware and cautious. It’s not to scare you off from traveling at Level 2.

Also at Level 2: UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Turkey, Spain, France & Denmark.

Czech Republic, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia & Hungary among those at Level 1.

Based on population, the majority of Western Europe is at Level 2. So as they recommend, just use a bit of extra caution.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

Take a look at the warnings for Europeans visiting the USA.
KD is correct.

I see from your profile (thank you for posting this) that you have mainly traveled in the US, including Alaska. You are likely at more risk of being caught in a random shooting in the US than a terrorist attack in Italy. We are returning for our tenth site or so in a few days. AS noted above, you will also see such State Department warnings about travel in much of Europe, including the UK.

I’m in Italy now. There is nothing unusual happening. Just be aware of pickpockets and your surroundings.
Don’t worry. Enjoy your trip!

Level 2 is the new normal with US State Department warnings and let’s not forget that 2 days ago was the anniversary of September 11. Maybe that is the only reason for these Level 2 warnings as it’s known that terrorists would like to attack again around September 11.
I recall during the Covid Pandemic that the State Department cited statistics in a few Western European countries such as Spain and Germany and warned Americans to “ Reconsider Travel” to the countries it cited.

The fact was that the very same statistics here in California were actually worse than they were in Spain and Germany at the time. We joked we SHOULD travel to Europe because we would be safer!

So I wouldn’t let the Level 2 warning cause you to change your plans. Particularly since there is no specific information regarding a credible threat.

I’d be more worried packing my kids off to school in the morning here in the U.S. than I would be travelling in Italy.
Carpe Diem!
Have a great trip!

I feel safer in Italy than I do at home. I am in Italy now, BTW, and live here for several years. We take precautions everywhere , from dodging cars and pickpockets in Rome to watching for insane speeders on the freeways in Oregon.

One thing I learned working at the US Embassy in Rome: stay away from demonstrations. Sometimes there are disruptors who cause things to spiral out of control,

Wondering, if terrorist may attack without warning, how anybody can exercise increased caution.

Level 2 is the new normal with US State Department warnings

25 of the 44 European countries are at Level 1. Abouy a third of all the countries in the world are at Level 1. A lot less than just a few years ago.

I would say that Level 2 is the same old Level 2 and assume that at times, the US State Dept might know something not yet on the RS Forum. Or not.

Police just asked to see our passports at Bolzano train station. A first in my many times in Italy.

UK Government’s advice for travellers to the USA:

Terrorism in the USA
Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in the US.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Targets could include:

crowded areas
transportation networks
public events

Here;s how I look at it:

Level 1--have fun

Level 2--have fun but be aware of your surroundings

Level 3--do more research on why

Level 4--visit some other time.

Does that mean that you are guaranteed not to have a problem in a Level 1 country? Of course not. In today's world, you have to be vigilant everywhere--including home.

As stated, if you see a demonstration or gathering, go the opposite way. If you see or hear a commotion, don't investigate. Walk away. Even if it isn't terrorism or violence related, it could be staged to allow pickpockets to mingle.

Walk away.

In May, I was in Berlin. As I walked out of my hotel, there was a big march happening right outside. I went back in and asked what it was about. (Environmental activists.) I waited until it passed, and then went on with my plans.

The biggest threats to safety on my trip to Austria were:

The cars and trucks in Hallstatt
Backpack on the trains (had my face slapped by a backpack on 3 ocassions).

Least annoying thing, selfies.

@FrankII that’s what I follow:
“Level 1--have fun
Level 2--have fun but be aware of your surroundings
Level 3--do more research on why
Level 4--visit some other time.”
I would say where I live is level 2.
That being said I always register with STEP if I’m going to be in a large city. We were in Paris January 2015 and it was helpful to receive emails from the state department of what was happening.

In the US I face possible death from gunfire every time I go to church, the grocery store, a concert, drive on the highway or pick up my grandson from school -- so I don't worry about the normal level 2 terrorism warnings. It is a fact of life in this world we have created just as i gunfire is an every present threat everywhere in the US.

I like what Frankll said.
At the risk of straying into the political, I do not visit the US anymore and haven’t for 9 years.
Even here at home, we don’t venture into our downtown area any more as there has been increasing violence.
Everything we need is here in our small suburb and surrounding ones.
I look forward to my European visits and have felt safe wherever I’ve been so far.
You will be fine…just watch for petty theft and speeding traffic!

Thanks for your input, everyone. Much obliged!

I appreciate Frank II's approach:
"Level 1--have fun
Level 2--have fun but be aware of your surroundings
Level 3--do more research on why
Level 4--visit some other time."

That's pretty much what we were planning on doing. Having limited experience with travel throughout Europe, it's helpful to have reassurance. As my sister and I concurred... Just follow "parking lot rules". It's my general modus operandi so that should be easy enough.

For what it's worth... I'm a retired elementary school librarian living in Texas. Consequently I have the unfortunate experience of having to run shooter lockdown drills with Kindergarteners cheerfully enjoying their weekly visit to the library. Bless their innocent little babies' hearts.

All that to say... I'm still excited about thoroughly enjoying our trip to Italy!

Thanks again!

:-) WL