travel to Paris and London now - warnings from state dept?

carolyn, the warnings at this point seem to be more of a "caution", encouraging travellers to be vigilant and aware of those around them. I wouldn't have any hesitation at all in travelling by myself in these circumstances, but given the fact you'll have your granddaughters with you, that definitely has to be considered. ¶ In the same circumstances, I'd probably try to minimize my time at the more high profile sites and stay in smaller local Hotels rather than the big chains. When are you planning to embark on this trip? Good luck with your decision!

Hi Carolyn, There is also a thread in the "General Europe" section of this site titled: "Recent threats of terrorist activity in Europe" that has some good information.

As I am sure you know as you said you have traveled lots; my theory is look & dress like a local, go to a market and buy a cheap scarf and leave the white tennis shoes and Cubs shirts & hats at home. Younger kids can get away with jeans and nikes,but even the brand of tennis shoes for the young ones can mean something there(15 y/o niece in Netherlands). I agree with the first responder to limit those high profile sights, as the Eiffel tower has been evacuated twice in the past week. I would also limit my time underground as well, walking where ever I could. We also have a rule of talking in the ear of our travel companions on public transportation, even grab those commuter papers at the metro. I am going this fall too, so happy safe travels.

As I am sure you know as you said you have traveled lots; my theory is look & dress like a local, go to a market and buy a cheap scarf and leave the white tennis shoes and Cubs shirts & hats at home. Younger kids can get away with jeans and nikes,but even the brand of tennis shoes for the young ones can mean something there(15 y/o niece in Netherlands). I agree with the first responder to limit those high profile sights, as the Eiffel tower has been evacuated twice in the past week. I would also limit my time underground as well, walking where ever I could. We also have a rule of talking in the ear of our travel companions on public transportation, even grab those commuter papers at the metro. I am going this fall too, so happy safe travels.

We are planning a German trip over Christmas. No extra concern. Given the number people killed on the Interstates around Chicago, I would be very, very, careful driving to the airport. That is the real danger.

Carolyn, given that you are traveling with grandchildren and responsible for their well-being your concern is understandable. We took our daughters of that age to Paris and London right after the Spain attacks when people were nervous. We decided to avoid the Metro and the Tube, stay in small hotels, and otherwise go ahead and have a good time, which we did. and as a result we walked everywhere and saw a lot that we might otherwise have missed. Perhaps the same approach would work for you.

Go, have fun. I took my 14 yr old son to London,, right after the subway bombings,, some friends and co workers were a bit surprised,, but all went well. You really can't predict when lightning will strike. If really concerned avoid using the metro,, but we used the Tube in London ourselves ..