The federal government says it continues to closely monitor events world-wide that could affect Canadians and their interests aboard.
All non-essential travel to Turkey is being advised against and advisories are being sent out to ensure the personal safety as well as security of Canadians overseas.
Notifications of an attack in Nice, France were also issued on July 14 after a truck sped through a crowd killing at least 84 people. At that time, Canadians in the area were advised to be in touch with family and friends to confirm their well-being.
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It’s videos like the one above, and graphic images similar to it, that are enough to make anyone apprehensive to about travelling especially abroad.
“The nature of terrorism is that it tends to strike when we least expect it. It is very difficult for security services to know in advance, often they may have some indications but whether they know enough specifics to preempt those attacks is another question,” said Colleen Bell, a terrorism expert at the University of Saskatchewan.
“At the same, I would say there is always a danger.”
In fact, Bell says you’re more likely to be killed by your own furniture than in a terrorist attack.
Saskatoon travel advisers who have received calls from concerned residents about to take a trip say there are things you can do to make yourself safer while overseas.
“Everyone should register on the government site and just register where they’re going to be, when they’re going to be there,” said Shammi Rathwell, a travel adviser with Ixtapa Travel.
“That way you leave contact information if they need to get a hold of any of your family but also they will send you travel advisories when things are happening.”
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Click here to register for an upcoming trip.
Leading up to your trip, Rathwell suggests watching the news before departing for your destination and access how serious a situation is in the area you’re going to.
“Was this an isolated incident? Do they seem to be targeting somewhere more than other places? Was it contained in area or wide-spread?”
Rathwell says she can’t understate the importance of travel protection as well, saying it’s a must-have.
“I know people don’t always like buying insurance and it’s an added cost onto a trip but I wouldn’t go anywhere without travel protection,” she said.
“People have employer plans that maybe have medical make sure your cancellation and interruption is enough to take if something happens.”
It still might not cover everything says Rathwell but will get you out of an area – quicker.
You’re also advised to avoid travelling to places where there is unrest and use caution when visiting others.
“I think there’s a lot of credibility to the idea that people should be concerned but not allowing these kinds of attacks to control their lives,” Bell said.
“If we live according to fear then often we make decisions that can be extremely short-sighted and potentially produce injustices towards other people that live within our societies.”
For more information on travel advice and advisories, click here.
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