Luxembourg is the little country that could. It boasts the second highest GDP in the world and is considered as one of the best countries in the world to live in on the basis of resident happiness. There are over 100 sites of castles and palaces as well as numerous museums and other incredible landmarks. The culture of Luxembourg is heavily influenced by its bordering countries, particularly Germany and France however the Luxembourgish motto is “We want to remain what we are”. For its small size, the country has much to offer however there is a risk that accompanies these attractions.

Traveling info

Because Austria is a member of the Schengen convention all members of this agreement may move freely to Austria for tourist, business, starting a new life or any other purposes without the requirement to obtain any sort of a visa document. The only document required to cross the border is an ID card. There are several countries who are outside of the European Union however they are a part of the Schengen convention. These are Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland. Nationals of countries which are not part of this convention are required to obtain a Schengen visa that will allow them to move freely within the boundaries of the Schengen convention nations. (list of countries in sources). Schengen visa is normally admitted once per half a year for a duration of 90 days. Schengen visa holders can not work or study during their stay within the Schengen boundaries. Visitors who decide to drive in Luxembourg must have their valid driving permit, a certificate of insurance and vehicle registration documents at all times whilst drive. Citizens of the EU and the EEA are not required to obtain an international driving permit. IDP is particularly recommended for tourists whose driving permit is written in non-Roman scripture.

Traveling hazards

Luxembourg has a modern and very well developed infrastructure. Both highways and secondary roads are in excellent condition and are properly maintained. Road signs and markings are clear and in French. During the rush hours in the mornings and evenings traffic gets very congested especially that Luxembourg has a lot of workers coming from the bordering states. Traffic on highways and secondary roads may be suddenly impeded particularly during the winter season when roads often experience black ice although such hazards are usually quickly dealt with by de-icing the roads. Public communication is available throughout the country, very well developed, cheap and safe.

Environmental hazards

Luxembourg is relatively safe. There have been sightings of a pack of wolves in the country however encountering the pack is extremely unlikely. The common European viper has venom potent enough to kill an adult if medical help is not sought in time. Although fatalities are rare, untreated bites may result in death or lengthy rehabilitation. Ticks are the most dangerous creature to roam Europe. These parasites carry Lyme disease which may be treated if discovered early enough. If the disease advances it is untreatable and eventually results in death. If being bitten by a tick it is best to remove it and keep it. The tick should be submitted to a laboratory for Lyme disease testing as soon as possible to allow for quick reaction to prevent the progress of the disease. Not all ticks carry Lyme disease however there are more reports of infections every year. Luxembourg is a landlocked country however its many lakes are safe to swim in.
Luxembourg rarely experiences earthquakes with the most recent occurring over 10 years ago and being insignificant. Floods, however, strike Luxembourg often damaging infrastructure and urban areas however measures to prevent floods greatly reduce the damage caused.

Health hazards

There are no outbreaks of any diseases nor are there any required vaccinations in order to enter Luxembourg. There are however several vaccinations which are strongly recommended. These are the routine vaccines, hepatitis A and B and rabies vaccine. Healthcare in Luxemburg is modern and provides a very high standard of service. Both private and public sector will deliver quality service. Although the public sector delivers free healthcare for its citizens, expats should be prepared to pay. The European health insurance card holders will not be charged for the treatment they receive in the public healthcare sector. Due to the close proximity of French, German and Belgian hospitals citizens of countries who are not holders of the EHIC are encouraged to purchase insurance in the bordering countries as well to minimize the risk during emergency situations.
In case of emergency dial 112.

Crime

Luxembourg is one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime is rare and almost non-existent for tourists however petty crime such as scams and pickpocketing is alive. When visiting Luxembourg no increased safety measures have to be taken as opposed to its neighbors in the east and west where terrorism risk has increased significantly. For those who want to minimize the risk of falling a victim of crime, it is advised to wear money belts to prevent pickpocketing. It is best to avoid exposing the sings of wealth by wearing expensive clothes or flashy jewelry as it attracts potential thieves. Although Luxembourg is considered safe to explore at both day and night and for both solo males and females it is advised to avoid secluded places at night. Even though violent crime is extremely rare, it cannot be ruled out. The Luxembourgish drug laws are laxer than those of most European countries. Possession and consumption of cannabis are not considered a criminal offense however it is punishable by a fine of 250 up to 2500 euro. All other narcotics are considered illegal and are punishable by jail sentences.

Summary

For such a small country Luxembourg packs a punch offering a wide range of attractions mainly centered around museums and medieval landmarks but not limiting itself to just those. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
http://www.luxembourg.public.lu/en/vivre/citoyennete/immigrer-au-luxembourg/visa-schengen/index.html
https://guichet.public.lu/entreprises/en/ressources-humaines/recrutement/ressortissant-pays-tiers/visa/
(EHIC)
http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559
(Vaccines)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/luxembourg