I am considering a visit to Bali over the Christmas holiday. It will a first time visit for my wife and I & we are Americans. I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the current status of safety for Americans in this part of the world? Any tips/guidance? Thanks in advance!

I think with one exception, the posters on this board feel that Bali is a safe place for Americans to visit. You should know that there is a US State department travel warning for all of Indonesia - http://travel.state.gov/travel/
indonesia_warning.html
I would not spend a lot of time at nightclubs in Kuta. My personal preference is to not stay in western chain hotels. Others will disagree with me on this. I would not visit or fly to Jakarta or visit elsewhere in Indonesia. Bali is a terrific place with wonderful people. If you decide to go, it will be a great experience for you and your wife.

The whole point of terrorist attacks to to be unpredictable. Thus, none of us can predict where the next attack might be. That said, I've been to various places in Indonesia and I'm headed for Lombok in November. I will be alert but not nervous.

Stay away from the touristy areas (which is better anyway, with or without a terrorism threat). You'll have a wonderful time.

FYI, there was a good article in USA today last Wed., Thurs., or Friday on travel in Bali and safety issues.

You can find the USA Today article at:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/desti...-14-bali_x.htm

i was there in june and felt no issue on safety....i would not go to touristy nite-clubs or to other similar venues, but of course you have to go to the tourist spots...just keep moving...i did stay in western hotels where security was in evidence...not sure how effective it is however...