We're going to Turkey next month. There was another tourist directed bombing today in Kusadasi (last week in Cesme). Is this obvious campaign directed at tourists deterring anyone's travel plans?

Well, despite literally 100s of people in our church having gone to Israel & Turkey on tours, I and others refuse to go. These insurgents do their countrymen a great disservice by frightening away tourist dollars that could benefit their land. But I guess their thoughts are focused on forcing their philosophy on others, rather than granting the possibility of alternative thoughts being valid.

Still planning to go to Turkey in September.

I am going to Turkey Aug 31st and I have no plans to cancel. My trip to Florida last month was probably more dangerous..you are times more likely to be murdered and 20 times more likely to be assaulted in Florida than in Turkey.

make that 6 times more likely to be murdered

Gee people, I lived and worked in Florida for 30 years. All cities have areas that are dangerous..but there are a zillion places in Florida that are very safe. And I don't alter travel plans because of bombings..but then I don't do tours either.

I didn't mean to suggest Florida is a dangerous place, only that Turkey is statiscally less dangerous...Sorry!

Hi everyone. We live in Florida. The most dangerous thing here frankly is the drivers: much more dangerous than anything you'll encounter elsewhere! There are those too old to see but feel driving is their God given right and those too young to appreciate the danger of a car! Still a great place to live!!

And I thought the big dangers in Florida were sharks and hurricanes...

I am flying to Turkey today and I will be in KUSADASI tomorrow afternoon

Best wishes and Have a nice trip in Turkey.

Sinan Akdeniz

Well, Florida can be dangerous to tourists who go out on beaches during hurricanes or swim in rip tides...

Cheesy, you are right however, statistically the probability of being killed is greater here than in Turkey. But we don't (as of now) have nuts setting off bombs in the middle of a group of tourists.

Sinan -
Have a safe trip and enjoy. Be sure to send us a report if you can.

Today's Sunday Times reports that the Kurdish terrorist faction are deliberately targeting tourists in Turkey. The TAK have announced a summer campaign of bombing.
The UK's Foreign Office has issued the following warning to travellers:
"Our travel advice is under constant review. We urge travellers to remain vigilant at all times."
The TAK have warned that if tourists come to Turkey, "they WILL be injured". This seems to be a deliberate ploy to destabalise Turkey's tourist trade.
Blase comments about Florida being statistically more dangerous is simply burying heads in the sand and the answer is to be extra careful and mindful of the threat and not ignore it. Defiance is one thing but heroic ignorance spells trouble.
The FO advice above was before yesterday's bombing and tour companies are monitoring the FO's advice before altering itineraries for UK travelers.

I just got back from Turkey a few weeks ago. We felt very safe at all times. If you are unsure, maybe just make a point of staying out of the tourist meccas, like Kusadasi. I had heard so many negative things about the place, in terms of it being a tourist trap. We stayed outside of Kusadasi at Hotel Kismet, and used it as a base for Ephesus, Pammukale, etc. In 3 days we drove partially into Kusadasi once for an ATM and medication, but I never felt the need to explore this town. This is the 2nd bombing I've heard about in Kusadasi in the past few months. I would venture to say it is probably the most touristy town in all of Turkey??? All the cruises stop there.

My husband and I are going to Turkey in September too and never thought of canceling.

Cheesy, I'm glad you made it back safely from Florida! I've lived here for over 50 years, and don't feel particularly threatened (and I live in Miami). However, I agree with jrlaw10, watch out for the drivers!

This thread is so funny All you scared people, free your mind and be less neurotic.

Hi Sue,

I had a great time in Florida; will be going back in the fall for my first trip to Disney! (and I promise to keep my eyes on the road *g*)