State Dept. Issues Travel Alert For Europe After Terrorist Attacks

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The State Department issued a travel alert to U.S. citizens following the deadly terrorist attacks in Brussels.

They are warning U.S. citizens of the potential risks of traveling to and throughout Europe - especially after Tuesday's attacks that killed at least 30 and wounded more than 200 people.

Department officials say terrorist groups continue to plan near-term attacks throughout Europe specifically targeting sporting events, tourist sites, restaurants and transportation.

U.S. Citizens are asked to be vigilant in public places or while using mass transportation and to be particularly cautious during religious holidays and at large festivals or events.

To be extra cautious, department officials are asking U.S. citizens to follow a number of tips to ensure safety:

• Follow instructions by local authorities.
• Monitor media and local information sources.
• Be prepared for more in depth security screenings and unexpected disruptions.
• Stay in touch with family and let them know where you are or where they can reach you.
• Register with the department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Click here to register.

The European governments continue to guard against terrorist attacks and have been conducting raids to disrupt plots.

Department officials said they are working closely with their European partners to help identify and counter terrorist threats.

At Miami International Airport, travelers CBS4's Natalia Zea spoke with are taking the alert seriously, but say it won't stop them from traveling to Germany, Spain and other planned destinations.

"We need to carry on and not let it impact our daily lives," said Phil Ebinger.

Frequent European traveler Alejandro Urrutia agreed and said the terrorists should not win.

"They want us to be afraid. We should be vigilant but not afraid," said Urrutia.

Many travelers like Sylvia McCabe arrived early at the airport and worried the added vigilance would mean added wait times at security checkpoints. She was pleasantly surprised.

"I came early. But no. It's very quiet," said McCabe.

Passengers saw a heavier police presence at the terminal, before the security checkpoints, which McCabe appreciated.

"It's so easy to get in here, so that's the part...after this there's all the security but this is the part where it happened, so I think that's frightening to a lot of people," said McCabe.

The State Department Travel Alert for Europe expires June 20th. Anyone wanting more information on travel alerts can click here or call 1-888-407-4747.