This is my dilemma: I am an American who has never traveled outside of the US. A good friend of mine is from the Philippines and is going back to visit her family in a few months and invited me to go along. I was honest with her and told her I've never been abroad and she said it would be fine and not to worry since I'd be traveling with her and her family. But I've heard stories that Americans are targets for kidnappers and terrorists in the Philippines and since I've never been anywhere, these stories frankly scare me. My friend says that these things are a concern, but more for those who "look very white" (tall, blonde, blue eyes, etc.) which I do not (I am of Italian heritage-dark hair, eyes, etc.) so she says I will fit in better and to stop being paranoid. I would very much like to travel and see a bit of the world, but I'm not sure what to do about this. I'd be staying with her family so I don't have to worry about hotels or transportation. My friend's family live in Manila which is where I'd be staying. My friend thinks it would be a wonderful experience for me and is really encouraging me to go. Just would like to get some thoughts from those of you who have been there.

Thanks!

Go and enjoy yourself! I have traveled to the Philippines with my husband who is Filipino many times, along with our 2 children. I am what you would call "white, tall(by Filipino standards), blonde, blue eyes) and yes I do stand out. But I have never felt in any danger. We have been all over the Philippines and usually travel with relatives. The Filipino people are very friendly and hospitable and you will be treated very well by your friends family.

PollyR, I bring my husband who is also of Italian heritage back to Manila all the time. I am sure you'll have a great time being entertained by a local. As in travelling anywhere, you have to be cautious about talking to strangers, watching your bags etc. Just stick by your friend and her family and you'll be fine.

I have just returned from a 2 month tour of the Philippines. A lone traveller and very British looking!! Absolutely no problem at all - I just met very friendly and helpful Philippines. Go - enjoy yourself. You will thoroughly enjoy it. Try and visit Greenhills Department store for fresh-water pearls - it is an "education".

The Philippines are really wonderful and the people are very friendly. The two main concerns are (a) the islands of the southeast which tend to have the extremists and (b) the city of Manila itself which has a high crime rate.

But if you are with your friend and her family, they will be able to take care of you and steer away from the seedy areas. It really is an excellent opportunity for you!

Make sure she also takes you out of Manila and onto one of the lovely surrounding islands! If you have never been outside of the US, you have never seen water this beautiful.

Thanks everyone for your advice. My friend unfortunately had to go home to Manila the other day because her father died, so I'm not sure if she's still planning to go back again in May. If not, hopefully we'll be able to go maybe next year. Will let you know as soon as she gets back next week!

But I am glad to hear so many of you have gone there and not had any problems. That really helps.

hi polly! i know the philippines very well, and i must say that the country, like anywhere else in the world, has its share of safety problems. as long as u take the necessary precautions, i think you'll be alright. i hope u get a chance to visit the philippines. there is practically no language barrier, and u can visit the beautiful beaches in boracay, palawan, siargao etc.

Dear PollyR:
The philippines would be a great place to visit. Manila and its surrounding cities have both old and new world charm. Its beaches are comparable to other more well-known countries.

Kidnappings and terrorist acts are more an exception rather than the rule. So, there is no need to be afraid.

I would like to recommend Cebu or Boracay. They are more laid back than Manila.

Polly- so a search on this forum for my 2 trip reports to the Philippines. My first report was done in March of 2005 and it has a lot of things to do and see.

Hi BillT,

I read your trip reports and they were great! My friend is trying to bring her mom here to the US and is having immigration problems, so I'm thinking we probably won't go to Manila until maybe a year from now. In the meantime, I'm going to go to Hawaii to visit a friend who is in the Navy and is stationed there. I can rack up some FF miles that way on Continental which may help with the trip to the Philippines. Thanks for the advice!!!