Traveling to Europe, and the worlds situation...

[Adam G]

Hi there,
Me and 3 of my friends are planning to go to Europe this August for 3 weeks! We are gonna hit up England, France, Germany and Italy.

I would just like some public opinions on what others think of traveling over there right now...with the current situation in the world with terrorsism and such.

My father thinks postponing right now till next Spring might be a good idea, but I don't feel as though we are putting our selves in harms way by heading over there. The threats that have been placed against us have been directed at US soil. I don't feel unsafe traveling.

I would like to know what others think of this...how they feel about traveling during that time.

Be honest, heh

[jessica]

I'm sure that next spring there will still be a possibility of terrorist attack, as there has been for the past thirty years. Americans don't think about it, but Europeans have been dealing with terrorists for decades. Don't put off your trip because of it. That's exactly what terrorists want you to do.--jessica

[Michelle]

Go! Don't let the terrorists stop you! You have a greater chance getting hit by a bus crossing the street in front of your house, than you do getting caught in a terrorist attack! If we all live our lives in fear of something happening, then the terrorists have done their job...

[LHR02]

I agree totally with the above posts! We've discussed this subject many times here on Kim's board and always get the same reaction. As one who left right after 9/11 I appreciate the grief you might be taking....but as I've also said before, if you allow 'them' to change your plans, they you allow them to win. GO! After all, one could be struck by lightening, crushed in an earthquake, get bubonic plague, tumble into an active volcano, fall down an elevator shaft, get eaten by a great white shark...any of these are just as likely as falling victim to a terrorist attack while traveling. ;D

[Eagle]

ADAM,

I can appreciate your Father's caution in this situation (I'm also a Father), but I doubt that postponing it until next spring would make any difference. I suspect that many western countries are going to be dealing with the threat of terrorism for many years to come. There seem to be "imminent attacks" and changes in the alert level happening on a regular basis, both here in North American and in Europe (including yet another alert this week).

You didn't say where you normally reside, but who knows you could be in as much danger at home as you would be during travel. Of course, there are no guarantees but I wouldn't let world politics dictate your travel schedules. You'll find lots of helpful advice on this board for planning and setting up your trip, so go for it!!!

Cheers!!!

[MuvverRussia]

I live in Central London and to be honest it's perfectly safe. The police presence is highly visible, with a greater number of armed officers- I actually find this reassuring. As well as this people are very aware of each other and of suspicious behaviour, especially with stuff like leaving bags around (there are posters on the tube and at railway stations warning about this).

All in all not much has changed. In my opinion the threat posed by Al Qaeda is nowhere near as realistic as the threat that was posed by the IRA and its offshoots in the early 90s.

[Adam G]

Thanks everyone for your input, I really appreciate it.

I'm glad everyones opinion is basicly the same!