Paris after the attacks: is it safe?

Paris, France or anywhere in Europe: is it safe to travel after the latest horrible terrorist attacks?

Last Friday evening, armed and suicidal terrorists carried out coordinated attacks across Paris. The outcome is critical: at least 129 people dead and more than 350 injured. The targets were places frequently visited by tourists. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State, the group fighting in Syria and Iraq, that also bombed a Russian passenger jet over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, killing 224 people last month.

Even if security measures is a top priority among the country's officials right now, the decision of traveling in the affected area is a risky, but personal one.

After the terrifying attacks in Paris last week, the United States Embassy in Paris stated:

"We strongly urge U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security, including limiting their movements to essential activity. U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities."

Travelers who were planning to visit the French capital reconsidered their options and began canceling their tickets. As expected, the travel and tourism industries are currently being affected by latest incidents.

The airports across Europe face high tensions after the unfortunate events, as an Air France aircraft was evacuated at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport after a threatening tweet and a terminal at London's Gatwick Airport was shut down for hours.

Increased security at all Europe's airports, including Paris' Charles de Gaulle, will lead to flight delays and further security tension, as flights are also fully booked.

10 out of 30 Americans began canceling upcoming trips to France after seeing coverage of the latest attacks. Blake Fleetwood, president of New York-based Cook Travel, declared: "It's a terrible situation. It's going to hurt the travel industry, the hotels, the airlines, the restaurants." The current crisis is expected to also affect business corporate Western visitors' trips to Europe. Terrorism coverage insurance can yet partially cover the costs for a trip to Paris, for the passengers who chose this type of services, according to Squaremouth website.

Despite current uncertain situation, there are voices who encourage people to keep traveling. Wendy Perrin, editor for TripAdvisor, advices tourists not to change traveling plans in a post on her Facebook page. "The answer is not to stop traveling. The answer is to keep traveling, to make friends around the world, to be a thoughtful ambassador for your country," she thinks.