articles

Terrorism

Terrorism – should we worry when travelling? Listen to the news and you’d be forgiven in thinking that a terrorist attack is an inevitable holiday event; much like getting a dose of the trots.

But before you start packing your hostage survival kit have a look at the real statistics. For the average Brit travelling aboard, you’re more likely to win the Lottery, than explode. Terrorism is not, in most parts of the world, a common occurrence.

The odds of wining the Lottery is roughly one in 14 million. But international statistics reveal that the average number of deaths per year in the world attributable to terrorism is less than 2,000. So, for a Brit, the odds of being involved in terrorism when travelling is virtually non-existent.

But if you’re still worried, have a look at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office web-site.

Now if you fancy sunning yourself on the beaches of Chad, then don’t bother. And that’s not because landlocked Chad has no beaches, but because this African nation, worryingly known as the Dead Heart of Africa, is one of two countries, the other being Somalia, that worry the Foreign Office. They are listed under the polite heading of Countries the FCO advises against all travel to.

Okay, Chad and Somalia might be an obvious worry. Yet move onto the FCO heading Countries the FCO advises against all but essential travel to parts of and you will get a few surprises. Thailand is listed, so is India and also Turkey. These three have distinct terrorism warnings and although they are not top Brit holiday destinations, they do attract many visitors.

That does not mean you should cross them off your list; it just means that the chance of terrorism is higher than in other countries. As always, take the usual precautions. Don’t use that unattended luggage as a bench, don’t take that nice man’s bag on the plane for him and don’t let that stranger pack your underwear for you. Well, you get the picture.

But, terrorism – should we worry travelling? No

< back