President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande, second from right, and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo arrive at the Bataclan, site of one of the Paris terrorists attacks, to pay their respects to the victims after Obama arrived in town for the COP21 climate change conference early on Monday, November 30, in Paris.
President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande, second from right, and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo arrive at the Bataclan, site of one of the Paris terrorists attacks, to pay their respects to the victims after Obama arrived in town for the COP21 climate change conference early on Monday, November 30, in Paris.
Evan Vucci/AP
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is illuminated in the French national colors on Monday, November 16. Displays of support for the French people were evident at landmarks around the globe after the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday, November 13.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is illuminated in the French national colors on Monday, November 16. Displays of support for the French people were evident at landmarks around the globe after the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday, November 13.
Frank Augstein/AP
People hold hands as they observe a minute of silence in Lyon, France, on November 16, three days after the Paris attacks. A minute of silence was observed throughout the country in memory of the victims of the country's deadliest violence since World War II.
People hold hands as they observe a minute of silence in Lyon, France, on November 16, three days after the Paris attacks. A minute of silence was observed throughout the country in memory of the victims of the country's deadliest violence since World War II.
Laurent Cipriani/AP
French President Francois Hollande, center, flanked by French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, right, and French Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, center left, stands among students during a minute of silence in the courtyard of the Sorbonne University in Paris on November 16.
French President Francois Hollande, center, flanked by French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, right, and French Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, center left, stands among students during a minute of silence in the courtyard of the Sorbonne University in Paris on November 16.
Guillaume Horcajuelo/AP
A large crowd gathers to lay flowers and candles in front of the Carillon restaurant in Paris on Sunday, November 15.
A large crowd gathers to lay flowers and candles in front of the Carillon restaurant in Paris on Sunday, November 15.
Ian Langsdon/EPA/LANDOV
A man sits next to candles lit as homage to the victims of the deadly attacks in Paris at a square in Rio de Janeiro on November 15.
A man sits next to candles lit as homage to the victims of the deadly attacks in Paris at a square in Rio de Janeiro on November 15.
Leo Correa/AP
People light candles in tribute to the Paris victims on November 15 in Budapest, Hungary.
People light candles in tribute to the Paris victims on November 15 in Budapest, Hungary.
BALAZS MOHAI/MTI/EPA/LANDOV
People gather outside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on November 15 for a national service for the victims of the city's terror attacks.
People gather outside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on November 15 for a national service for the victims of the city's terror attacks.
Daniel Ochoa de Olza/AP
People write messages on the ground at Place de la Republique in Paris on November 15.
People write messages on the ground at Place de la Republique in Paris on November 15.
YOAN VALAT/EPA/LANDOV
People pray during a candlelight vigil for victims of the Paris attacks at a church in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 15.
People pray during a candlelight vigil for victims of the Paris attacks at a church in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 15.
Anjum Naveed/AP
French golfer Gregory Bourdy passes a peace symbol for the Paris victims during the BMW Shanghai Masters tournament November 15 in Shanghai, China.
French golfer Gregory Bourdy passes a peace symbol for the Paris victims during the BMW Shanghai Masters tournament November 15 in Shanghai, China.
Johannes Eisele/APF/Getty Images
A man offers a prayer in memory of victims of the Paris attacks at the French Embassy in Tokyo on November 15.
A man offers a prayer in memory of victims of the Paris attacks at the French Embassy in Tokyo on November 15.
Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP/Getty Images
A woman holds a candle atop a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower during a candlelight vigil Saturday, November 14, in Vancouver, British Columbia.
A woman holds a candle atop a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower during a candlelight vigil Saturday, November 14, in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Darryl Dyck/AP
Front pages of Japanese newspapers in Tokyo show coverage and photos of the Paris attacks on November 14.
Front pages of Japanese newspapers in Tokyo show coverage and photos of the Paris attacks on November 14.
Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP/Getty Images
An electronic billboard on a canal in Milan, Italy reads, in French, "I'm Paris," on November 14.
An electronic billboard on a canal in Milan, Italy reads, in French, "I'm Paris," on November 14.
Luca Bruno/AP
The Eiffel Tower stands dark as a mourning gesture on November 14, in Paris. More than 125 people were killed in a series of coordinated attacks in Paris on Friday. People around the world reacted in horror to the deadly terrorist assaults.
The Eiffel Tower stands dark as a mourning gesture on November 14, in Paris. More than 125 people were killed in a series of coordinated attacks in Paris on Friday. People around the world reacted in horror to the deadly terrorist assaults.
ETIENNE LAURENT/EPA/EPA /LANDOV
Lithuanians hold a candlelight vigil in front of the French Embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania, on November 14.
Lithuanians hold a candlelight vigil in front of the French Embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania, on November 14.
Alfredas Pliadis/Cal Sport Media/ZUMAPRESS.com
Thousands gather in London's Trafalgar Square for a candlelit vigil on November 14 to honor the victims of the Paris attacks.
Thousands gather in London's Trafalgar Square for a candlelit vigil on November 14 to honor the victims of the Paris attacks.
PEAA/ZDS/Newscom/WENN.com
A woman lights candles at a memorial near the Bataclan theater in Paris on November 14.
A woman lights candles at a memorial near the Bataclan theater in Paris on November 14.
LAURENT DUBRULE/EPA/LANDOV
A man places a candle in front of Le Carillon cafe in Paris on November 14.
A man places a candle in front of Le Carillon cafe in Paris on November 14.
Jerome Delay/AP
A woman holds a French flag during a gathering in Stockholm, Sweden, on November 14.
A woman holds a French flag during a gathering in Stockholm, Sweden, on November 14.
JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP/Getty Images
Nancy Acevedo prays for France during the opening prayer for the Sunshine Summit being held at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida on November 14.
Nancy Acevedo prays for France during the opening prayer for the Sunshine Summit being held at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida on November 14.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
French soldiers of the United Nations' interim forces in Lebanon observe the national flag at half-staff at the contingent headquarters in the village of Deir Kifa on November 14.
French soldiers of the United Nations' interim forces in Lebanon observe the national flag at half-staff at the contingent headquarters in the village of Deir Kifa on November 14.
MAHMOUD ZAYYAT/AFP/Getty Images
A couple surveys the signature sails of the Sydney Opera House lit in the colors of the French flag in Sydney on November 14.
A couple surveys the signature sails of the Sydney Opera House lit in the colors of the French flag in Sydney on November 14.
Rick Rycroft/AP
A woman places flowers in front of the French Consulate in St. Petersburg, Russia, on November 14.
A woman places flowers in front of the French Consulate in St. Petersburg, Russia, on November 14.
Dmitry Lovetsky/AP
Candles are lit in Hong Kong on November 14 to remember the scores who died in France.
Candles are lit in Hong Kong on November 14 to remember the scores who died in France.
Kin Cheung/AP
A woman lights a candle outside the French Consulate in Barcelona, Spain, on November 14.
A woman lights a candle outside the French Consulate in Barcelona, Spain, on November 14.
Manu Fernandez/AP
Britain's Prince Charles expresses solidarity with France at a birthday barbecue in his honor near Perth, Australia, on November 14.
Britain's Prince Charles expresses solidarity with France at a birthday barbecue in his honor near Perth, Australia, on November 14.
GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images
The French national flag flutters at half-staff on November 14 at its embassy in Beijing.
The French national flag flutters at half-staff on November 14 at its embassy in Beijing.
Andy Wong/AP
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte after a speech on November 14 in The Hague following the attacks.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte after a speech on November 14 in The Hague following the attacks.
BART MAAT/AFP/Getty Images
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe becomes emotional after his speech on the French attacks during the opening ceremony of a Japanese garden in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 14.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe becomes emotional after his speech on the French attacks during the opening ceremony of a Japanese garden in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 14.
Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A woman mourns outside Le Carillon bar in the 10th district of Paris on November 14. The attackers ruthlessly sought out soft targets where people were getting their weekends underway.
A woman mourns outside Le Carillon bar in the 10th district of Paris on November 14. The attackers ruthlessly sought out soft targets where people were getting their weekends underway.
Kenzo TribouillardAFP/Getty Images
People lay flowers outside the French Embassy in Moscow on November 14.
People lay flowers outside the French Embassy in Moscow on November 14.
Dmitry Serebryakov/AFP/Getty Images
Mourners gather outside Le Carillon bar in the 10th district of Paris on November 14. "We were listening to music when we heard what we thought were the sounds of firecrackers," a doctor from a nearby hospital who was drinking in the bar with colleagues told Le Monde. "A few moments later, it was a scene straight out of a war. Blood everywhere."
Mourners gather outside Le Carillon bar in the 10th district of Paris on November 14. "We were listening to music when we heard what we thought were the sounds of firecrackers," a doctor from a nearby hospital who was drinking in the bar with colleagues told Le Monde. "A few moments later, it was a scene straight out of a war. Blood everywhere."
Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images
People attend a vigil outside the French Consulate in Montreal. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered "all of Canada's support" to France on Friday, November 13, in the wake of the attacks.
People attend a vigil outside the French Consulate in Montreal. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered "all of Canada's support" to France on Friday, November 13, in the wake of the attacks.
Graham Hughes/AP
Police show a heightened presence in Times Square in New York on November 13, following the terrorist attacks in Paris.
Police show a heightened presence in Times Square in New York on November 13, following the terrorist attacks in Paris.
John Angelillo/UPI/Landov
People light candles at a vigil outside the French Consulate in Montreal on November 13.
People light candles at a vigil outside the French Consulate in Montreal on November 13.
Graham Hughes/AP
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, fans observe a moment of silence for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris before a basketball game November 13.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, fans observe a moment of silence for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris before a basketball game November 13.
Sam Morris/AP
The house lights are shut off and scoreboard dark as Boston Celtics players pause for a moment of silence for the Paris victims before an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks in Boston on November 13.
The house lights are shut off and scoreboard dark as Boston Celtics players pause for a moment of silence for the Paris victims before an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks in Boston on November 13.
Charles Krupa/AP
People light candles at a vigil outside the French Consulate in Montreal on November 13.
People light candles at a vigil outside the French Consulate in Montreal on November 13.
Graham Hughes/AP
World reacts to Paris attacks

Story highlights

Some travelers planning visits to Paris are weighing the risks and rewards of going through with trips

After terror attacks left the city on high alert, some airlines are offering travel refunds

Travel personality Rick Steves urges travelers "not to let the terrorists win by being terrorized"

CNN  — 

Jessica Thon-Ralph was excited to show her 15-year-old son the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre and other “supercool” landmarks during a trip to Paris next weekend.

Thon-Ralph and her family are living in Troisdorf, Germany, for two months while her husband completes work training. It would be their first chance to travel around Europe together before returning home to San Diego.

Now their trip is up in the air after Friday’s multiple terror attacks across Paris, causing tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower to close.

A forensic scientist works near a Paris cafe on Saturday, November 14, following a series of coordinated attacks in Paris the night before that killed scores of people. ISIS has claimed responsibility.
A forensic scientist works near a Paris cafe on Saturday, November 14, following a series of coordinated attacks in Paris the night before that killed scores of people. ISIS has claimed responsibility.
MARIUS BECKER/DPA /LANDOV
Police are out in force November 14 near La Belle Equipe, one of the sites of the terror attacks.
Police are out in force November 14 near La Belle Equipe, one of the sites of the terror attacks.
Loic Venance/AFP/Getty Images
Forensic police search for evidence inside the Comptoir Voltaire cafe after the attacks.
Forensic police search for evidence inside the Comptoir Voltaire cafe after the attacks.
Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images
Shoes and a bloody shirt lie outside the Bataclan concert hall on November 14. Most of the fatalities occurred at the Bataclan in central Paris.
Shoes and a bloody shirt lie outside the Bataclan concert hall on November 14. Most of the fatalities occurred at the Bataclan in central Paris.
Christophe Ena/AP
Security forces evacuate people on Rue Oberkampf near the Bataclan concert hall early on November 14.
Security forces evacuate people on Rue Oberkampf near the Bataclan concert hall early on November 14.
MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images
Medics evacuate an injured woman on Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire near the Bataclan early on November 14.
Medics evacuate an injured woman on Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire near the Bataclan early on November 14.
Thierry Chesnot/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Police, firefighters and rescue workers secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall on November 14.
Police, firefighters and rescue workers secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall on November 14.
FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
A man with blood on his shirt talks on the phone on November 14. He is next to the Bataclan theater, where gunmen shot concertgoers and held hostages until police raided the building.
A man with blood on his shirt talks on the phone on November 14. He is next to the Bataclan theater, where gunmen shot concertgoers and held hostages until police raided the building.
ETIENNE LAURENT/EPA
Police officers patrol the area around Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on November 14.
Police officers patrol the area around Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on November 14.
IAN LANGSDON/EPA/EPA /LANDOV
Police officers patrol Paris' Saint-German neighborhood on November 14.
Police officers patrol Paris' Saint-German neighborhood on November 14.
IAN LANGSDON/EPA
Victims of the shooting at the Bataclan concert venue in central Paris are evacuated to receive medical treatment on November 14.
Victims of the shooting at the Bataclan concert venue in central Paris are evacuated to receive medical treatment on November 14.
Maya Vidon/Zuma Press
A woman is evacuated from the Bataclan theater early on November 14.
A woman is evacuated from the Bataclan theater early on November 14.
Thibault Camus/AP
Forensics are working in the street of Paris after the terrorist attack on Friday, November 13. The words "horror," "massacre" and "war" peppered the front pages of the country's newspapers, conveying the shell-shocked mood.
Forensics are working in the street of Paris after the terrorist attack on Friday, November 13. The words "horror," "massacre" and "war" peppered the front pages of the country's newspapers, conveying the shell-shocked mood.
SIPA/AP
Rescuers evacuate an injured person near the Stade de France, one of several sites of attacks November 13 in Paris. Thousands of fans were watching a soccer match between France and Germany when the attacks occurred.
Rescuers evacuate an injured person near the Stade de France, one of several sites of attacks November 13 in Paris. Thousands of fans were watching a soccer match between France and Germany when the attacks occurred.
SIPA/AP
A survivor of the terrorist attack in the Bataclan is assisted following terror attacks, November 13. The violence at the Bataclan, which involved a hostage-taking, resulted in the highest number of casualties of all the attacks.
A survivor of the terrorist attack in the Bataclan is assisted following terror attacks, November 13. The violence at the Bataclan, which involved a hostage-taking, resulted in the highest number of casualties of all the attacks.
SIPA/AP
Spectators invade the pitch of the Stade de France stadium after the international friendly soccer match between France and Germany in Saint-Denis.
Spectators invade the pitch of the Stade de France stadium after the international friendly soccer match between France and Germany in Saint-Denis.
Christophe Ena/AP
Spectators embrace each other as they stand on the playing field of the Stade de France stadium at the end of a soccer match between France and Germany in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, on November 13.
Spectators embrace each other as they stand on the playing field of the Stade de France stadium at the end of a soccer match between France and Germany in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, on November 13.
Christophe Ena/AP
A body, covered by a sheet, is seen on the sidewalk outside the Bataclan theater.
A body, covered by a sheet, is seen on the sidewalk outside the Bataclan theater.
Jerome Delay/AP
Rescuers evacuate an injured person on Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, close to the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris.
Rescuers evacuate an injured person on Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, close to the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris.
MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images
Wounded people are evacuated outside the scene of a hostage situation at the Bataclan theater in Paris on November 13.
Wounded people are evacuated outside the scene of a hostage situation at the Bataclan theater in Paris on November 13.
YOAN VALAT/EPA /LANDOV
A medic tends to a wounded man following the attacks near the Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire.
A medic tends to a wounded man following the attacks near the Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire.
Thierry Chesnot/Getty Images
A woman walks past police and firefighters in the Oberkampf area of Paris.
A woman walks past police and firefighters in the Oberkampf area of Paris.
DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images
A riot police officer stands by an ambulance near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris.
A riot police officer stands by an ambulance near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris.
DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Wounded people are evacuated outside the Bataclan concert hall.
Wounded people are evacuated outside the Bataclan concert hall.
YOAN VALAT/EPA
Police secure the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, following explosions during the soccer match between France and Germany.
Police secure the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, following explosions during the soccer match between France and Germany.
Michel Euler/AP
A wounded man is evacuated from the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris.
A wounded man is evacuated from the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris.
IAN LANGSDON/EPA /LANDOV
Spectators gather on the field of the Stade de France after the attacks. Explosions were heard during the soccer match between France and Germany.
Spectators gather on the field of the Stade de France after the attacks. Explosions were heard during the soccer match between France and Germany.
Michel Euler/AP
French security forces rush in as people are evacuated in the area of Rue Bichat in the 10th District of Paris.
French security forces rush in as people are evacuated in the area of Rue Bichat in the 10th District of Paris.
KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images
People leave the Stade de France after explosions were heard near the stadium during a soccer match between France and Germany on Friday. Paris Deputy Mayor Patrick Klugman told CNN President Francois Hollande was at the match and was evacuated at halftime.
People leave the Stade de France after explosions were heard near the stadium during a soccer match between France and Germany on Friday. Paris Deputy Mayor Patrick Klugman told CNN President Francois Hollande was at the match and was evacuated at halftime.
Michel Euler/AP
Victims lay on the pavement outside a Paris restaurant.
Victims lay on the pavement outside a Paris restaurant.
Thibault Camus/AP
Rescue workers and medics tend to victims at the scene of one of the shootings, a restaurant in the 10th District. Attackers reportedly used AK-47 automatic weapons in separate attacks across Paris, and there were explosions at the Stade de France.
Rescue workers and medics tend to victims at the scene of one of the shootings, a restaurant in the 10th District. Attackers reportedly used AK-47 automatic weapons in separate attacks across Paris, and there were explosions at the Stade de France.
Thibault Camus/AP
French security forces move people in the area of Rue Bichat in the 10th District. A witness told BFMTV that firefighters were on the scene to treat the injured.
French security forces move people in the area of Rue Bichat in the 10th District. A witness told BFMTV that firefighters were on the scene to treat the injured.
KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images
Night of terror: Paris attacks

Flights and rail connections to Paris and the rest of France are operating. There is a large military and police presence on the ground in the capital.

Paris attacks: ISIS claims responsibility; Belgium makes arrests

French President Francois Hollande has declared a national state of emergency and three days of mourning.

This climate has stoked Thon-Ralph’s concern for her family’s safety.

“We don’t want to panic and cancel everything when it is so fresh, but it is definitely on our minds,” Thon-Ralph said in an email. “The worst thing we can do is to live in fear, that will give ‘them’ what they want, right? But, we have to be smart for the sake of our family.”

She and her husband, John, haven’t decided yet whether they’ll go through with their holiday. The family’s travel is booked and they’ve paid for a flat on Airbnb, so they could lose money if they decide to cancel, a situation in which countless travelers find themselves.

“If we do cancel, there will be fees, but peace of mind and safety is worth more to us,” she said.

Landmarks closed to the public

Thon-Ralph and her family wanted to visit the typical tourist spots, but knowing that some of them are closed is causing her to reconsider the practicality of the trip, too.

Indeed, the Eiffel Tower was shuttered Saturday and will remain closed till further notice, its official website said.

Disneyland Paris closed and will remain so through Tuesday as part of France’s national mourning period.

“We mourn those lost to the horrific attacks in Paris. We pray for the injured and we hold them all in our hearts,” said a statement from Tom Wolber, President of Euro Disney S.A.S, posted on the park’s website.

The Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau has posted museum and monument closures and openings on its site.

People go through a security checkpoint to attend a Mass in homage to victims of the Paris terror attacks at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on Sunday, November 15. French President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency after the attacks in Paris on Friday, November 13, and said border security has been ramped up. The terrorist group ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks.
People go through a security checkpoint to attend a Mass in homage to victims of the Paris terror attacks at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on Sunday, November 15. French President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency after the attacks in Paris on Friday, November 13, and said border security has been ramped up. The terrorist group ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Zhou Lei/Xinhua/Sipa USA
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, center, speaks with police forces with French Interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve, left, and Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian at the Gare du Nord railway station in Paris on November 15 about security measures after the attacks.
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, center, speaks with police forces with French Interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve, left, and Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian at the Gare du Nord railway station in Paris on November 15 about security measures after the attacks.
ERIC FEFERBERG/POOL/AFP/POOL/EPA /LANDOV
French police secure the perimeter after panic broke out among mourners who paid their respects at the attack sites at restaurant Le Petit Cambodge and the Carillon Hotel in Paris on November 15.
French police secure the perimeter after panic broke out among mourners who paid their respects at the attack sites at restaurant Le Petit Cambodge and the Carillon Hotel in Paris on November 15.
Peter Dejong/AP
Mounted police officers patrol in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris on November 15.
Mounted police officers patrol in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris on November 15.
FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images
Security personnel inspect vehicles at the border between Belgium and France on Saturday, November 14.
Security personnel inspect vehicles at the border between Belgium and France on Saturday, November 14.
MARC DEMEURE/Maxppp/Landov
A police officer stands guard outside the Cafe Bonne Biere in the Rue de la Fontaine au Roi in Paris on November 14.
A police officer stands guard outside the Cafe Bonne Biere in the Rue de la Fontaine au Roi in Paris on November 14.
UWE ANSPACH/DPA/LANDOV
A French police officer guards the French-Italian border on November 14 in Menton, France.
A French police officer guards the French-Italian border on November 14 in Menton, France.
BORIS HORVAT/AFP/Getty Images
Soldiers from the 3rd Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment of Carcassonne arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris as security reinforcements on November 14.
Soldiers from the 3rd Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment of Carcassonne arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris as security reinforcements on November 14.
ERIC FEFERBERG/AFP/Getty Images
Soldiers patrol the Eiffel Tower on November 14.
Soldiers patrol the Eiffel Tower on November 14.
Francois Guillot/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
French police check vehicles on the bridge between Strasbourg and Kehl, Germany, on November 14.
French police check vehicles on the bridge between Strasbourg and Kehl, Germany, on November 14.
Frederick Florin/AFP/Getty Images
Police vehicles are parked near the entrance to the Louvre in Paris on November 14. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the state of emergency in France could mean restrictions on people's movements. Airports in France remained open, and airlines were still flying there, though some airlines reported canceled flights.
Police vehicles are parked near the entrance to the Louvre in Paris on November 14. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the state of emergency in France could mean restrictions on people's movements. Airports in France remained open, and airlines were still flying there, though some airlines reported canceled flights.
Bertrand Guy/AFP/Getty Images
French police check vehicles on the so-called European bridge between Strasbourg and Kehl, Germany, on November 14.
French police check vehicles on the so-called European bridge between Strasbourg and Kehl, Germany, on November 14.
FREDERICK FLORIN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Police stand guard at a train station in Paris on November 14.
Police stand guard at a train station in Paris on November 14.
Anadolu Agency/Anadolu/Getty Images
Increased security following Paris attacks

Fear, grief and support after Paris attacks put French capital under siege

Travelers are being warned that border controls have tightened and movement throughout the city may be restricted.

“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,” the U.S. Embassy in Paris said on its website. “U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.”

Airports in France remain open, and airlines are still flying to and from Paris, though some carriers reported canceled flights. United Airlines is among several airlines that are offering to waive change fees for passengers whose travel is affected by the attacks. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest on any fee waiver information.

The Eurostar rail service is operating as normal, though passengers are being advised to allow for additional time to check in and complete security checks.

Airbnb is encouraging its hosts to extend travelers’ stays free of charge and offering to waive some fees. More details here.

“If you are able, we hope you will strongly consider helping those who are in need by making your listing available at little or no cost,” the accommodation-sharing service said to its hosts and their guests. “Also, if you’re an Airbnb host in Paris and your Airbnb guest is experiencing travel delays as they try to leave Paris, you can allow your guest to extend their stay for free.”

It’s unclear whether travelers with trips booked farther down the line will be able to take advantage of similar discounts and refunds.

Terror in Paris: What we know so far

‘We’re never truly safe, but we always have to live’

Gary Leff never seriously considered canceling his plans to visit Paris with his wife in early January after hearing about the attacks.

The Austin, Texas, couple likes to travel to France in the wintertime to avoid big tourist crowds and prefers simply to wander the city enjoying the food, wine and atmosphere rather than visit big attractions.

It will be their fourth trip to Paris in six years. They booked their stay at the Park Hyatt a few weeks ago.

An avid traveler, Leff writes about frequent flier deals for a travel blog. He took to the blog, View from the Wing, on Saturday to explain “Why I’m Still Going to Paris.”

“Could there be follow-on attacks?” Leff wrote. “Of course, though I’m not sure the risk of that is any greater today than it was yesterday. Indeed, in some sense the risks may be lessened because there are now fewer people in Paris aiming for such an attack than there were yesterday, by virtue of their having completed it.”

Leff has seen the aftermath of terrorism firsthand: His commute to work took him past the site of the September 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon. He remembers the streets teeming with military and the pervasive fear.

“It made the risk very real, made it hit home, and made it clear you were a target,” he said in a phone interview.

But Leff, who works as CFO for a university research center, said fear of more attacks won’t rule his decision-making.

“We’re never truly safe, but we always have to live.”

Paris attacks: How will France respond?

To go or not to go

Travel personality Rick Steves posted a message on his blog and Facebook encouraging travelers not to avoid Paris. Steves called the shootings and bomb attacks on Friday night an “isolated incident.”

“There’s an important difference between fear and risk. … I believe we owe it to the victims of this act not to let the terrorists win by being terrorized,” he wrote.

Steves recalled past attacks in popular tourist destinations like the 2004 train bombing in Madrid that killed 191 and injured more than 1,800 and the 2005 train and bus bombings in London that killed 52 and injured more than 700.

“These societies tightened their security, got the bad guys, and carried on. Paris will, too,” Steves wrote.

Katie, who lives in Belgium and declined to use her last name due to safety concerns, booked a December trip to Paris just hours before the Friday attacks. She still looks forward to Christmas shopping at the famous Parisian markets, sightseeing at the catacombs and heading outside the city to tour Versailles with her family.

“The goal of a terrorist is to create fear and pandemonium. It gives them the feeling of ultimate power and control,” she wrote in a message. “The creation of that fear and the question of where or when an attack may happen again prevents many people from living their daily lives. I refuse to live that way.”

However, each traveler must decide for himself or herself how much risk is too much, and whether unease is reason enough not to travel.

“There is always that thought when you travel, especially when you have children and when you go to new and unknown places. It is now more upfront in our minds, for sure,” Thon-Ralph said. “Do I feel that it will happen again next weekend? I don’t believe so. Unfortunately, there are the ‘what ifs’ that are nagging at me.”