Hello,
A group of us are planning a trip to Kenya and Egypt. We are scheduled to book by this Friday but with the current situation in the Middel East, we are wondering if you Fodorites would still go to Egpyt. We still want to go, but are a little nervous. Any thoughts you may have would be appreciated. Thanks.
PS- I know it's impossible to tell what will happen in the futurem but would like to hear whether you would go or look for alternatives.

Well, I don't know if this'll help much, but I'm also watching the situation. See, I'm supposed to study abroad in Cairo for NINE months starting in August. Obviously, if it's too volatile, my program will be canceled. Honestly, although I'm worried, I don't think (total speculation speaking) that Egypt will become involved in the conflict. I'm not going to start a political argument(those are sooo fruitful), but I have a flight and am intent upon going.

When are you planning on traveling? While there will likely always be tensions in this area, in weeks or months, it may be very quiet in the area. People will return to Lebanon and areas of Israel and life, as it is (sadly) will go on.

The unfortunate conflict is occuring in an area way off from Egypt, even a greater distance from Kenya.

When there were riots in Los Angeles, did people not visit Florida, New York, Chicago; even closer, in Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon. No! Granted there weren't bombs and rockets flying thru the air, but I wouldn't cancel my plans.

Do, however, be certain to buy your trip insurance when you pay for your trip being sure to read the exclusions for war, terrorism, etc. Ask questions if not certain.

In the end, only you and your group can make this decision.

We have travelled in Egypt and always felt very safe. My son lives in Cairo and I spoke to him today. Nothing has changed in his opinion. I would go to Egypt tomorrow. It is a very safe country with really friendly people.

Egypt is one of the safest places I have been to....but it was a bit difficult to tell me that before I went about 7 months ago.

Go to Egypt and then on to Kenya. The Middle East conflict is a great distance away.

I can understand your concerns but like galiano said " I would go tomorrow" if I had to .

Percy

hello

iknow we sitting far away and planning trips to a troubled area is bound to get us nervous. but we had been to egypt in may 2006 and inspite of bomb blasts there and being in the news, egypt was safe. infact adequate precautions were taken in all the tourist places. there was security all over and some places like abu simbel we had to go in a convoy with police escort. egypt will amaze you. enjoy!
vineetha

"When there were riots in Los Angeles, did people not visit Florida, New York, Chicago; even closer, in Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon. No! Granted there weren't bombs and rockets flying thru the air, but I wouldn't cancel my plans."
"Did they not visit ... No!" Does this mean they did or did not visit other states?

How does this statement compare to the current Middle East situation? Egypt is a Muslim country and although it's doubtful Egypt would get involved in the conflict, the poster may be concerned about anti-American sentiments, which seem to be spreading throughout Arab countries at this time.

I think this is something you and your friends need to assess and decide for yourselves. You'll get a variety of opinions here.

I think Luhisa points out that your questions can be read two ways--either as as concern about immediate conflict spreading or about anti-American sentiments. In either case I have no firsthand knowledge but do know that those who can afford to flee Lebanon are flying to Egypt because it is considered safe from the immediate conflict.

Hello Everyone,
Thank you for your replies... I appreciate them. Unfortunately, the rest of the group did not feel comfortable going to Egypt at this time so we have decided to extend our time in East Africa. We opted to go to Tanzania instead. Hopefully one day i will get to Egypt!