In any type of crisis situation, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Your country’s embassy abroad is usually your best resource in an emergency; registering with that embassy upon arrival in the country is often a good idea. Let’s Go lists consulates in the Practical Information section of large cities.
Drugs And Alcohol. Drug and alcohol laws vary widely throughout Europe. “Soft” drugs are tolerated in the Netherlands, while in much of Eastern Europe drug possession may lead to a heavy prison sentence. If you carry prescription drugs, include both a copy of the prescriptions themselves and a note from a doctor, especially at border crossings. Public drunkenness is culturally unacceptable and against the law in many countries; it can also jeopardize your safety.
Terrorism And Civil Unrest. In the wake of September 11 and the war in Iraq, be vigilant near embassies and be wary of big crowds and demonstrations. Keep an eye on the news, pay attention to travel warnings, and comply with security measures. Overall, risks of civil unrest tend to be localized and rarely directed toward tourists. Tensions remain in Northern Ireland, especially around July “marching season,” which reaches its height July 4-12. Notoriously violent separatist movements include the ETA, a Basque group that operates in southern France and Spain, and FLNC, a Corsican separatist group in France. The November 17 group in Greece is known for anti-Western acts, though they have not targeted tourists, to date. The box above lists offices to contact and webpages to visit to get the most updated list about travel advisories.
For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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