Is it safe?
 

In 3 weeks we are going to Spain for 1 month. Is it safe today to be an American in Spain? We were looking forward to this vacation, but now we are not sure. Please, what do think?

Why on earth would it not be? I can understand US nervousness at visiting the Middle East and North Africa but Spain?<BR>It seems to many Europeans that Americans expect the whole world to be as safe and sanitised as the local shopping mall back home. Of course it isn't but take sensible precautions (generally with regard to personal safety/mugging/theft from hire cars etc)and Spain will be such an enjoyable vacation for you. No more dangerous than for anyone else. (ie not very at all!)

When has America ever been safe? I would feel MUCH more nervous about Americans let loose with guns in their own country than in travelling in Europe!

I have always felt safe in Spain, in big cities you have to be alert, use common sense like in any big city,<BR>you know " In Rome do as the Romans do"..got the idea. They will not take you for a local, but do not show off you are a tourist, dress in low key way, like in cities dress like in a city not like in the beach or as you were going of to play tennis...only common sense. <BR>Don't act like if you didn't know where you are going, ....only common sense....good luck.

topping<BR>

I don't know what prompts "scared" to ask this question: the Israel-Palestine tensions? the ETA? the thought of a terrorist flying a plane into la Sagrada Familia?<BR><BR>I believe that the greatest risks that an American contemplating a vacation in Spain are:<BR><BR>1. driving by automobile to and from work 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year to make the money to afford the trip. This was the greatest cause of death in America, NOT due to natural causes in 2001.<BR><BR>2. sitting at your job at work, to make the money to afford the trip. This was the greatest cause of death by a terrorist ACTION in America in 2001.<BR><BR>3. driving by automobile to get to the airport, potentially facing a collision with another frazzled traveler who is "running behind", worried about getting to the airport 2-3 hours early. This is me expressing a pet peeve; I don't thi has actually killed anyone.<BR><BR>If you can cope with these three risks, you can probably enjoy a trip to Spain.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

one concern would be depression that results in suicide from reading rex's answers to everything

Rex makes good points; our individual assessment of risk is often based upon emotional thinking rather than the rational. If there were a traffic fatality on a main thoroughfare near our homes, would we quit using that route? There is some risk involved in almost everything that we do. Some aren't choices, but necessities (eg, driving to work); among the things that are optional, we decide how worthwhile it is to take the risk based upon our own value system.

If, by chance, there should appear on this forum, a notification concerning the death by suicide of "x", or the subsequent funeral, there will be many who will bring flowers.<BR>

topping<BR>

I have no idea why you would be nervous. Just stay away from Morocco - which isn't worth the price of admission anyway. Right after 9/11 my husband and I (candians) toured the US in our Rv for 1+ months. During all the anthrax stuff. threats to blow up bridges in San Fran. threats to nuclear plants etc etc etc. You get the idea. If we hadn't gone due to fear of what MIGHT happen we would have missed a wonderful holiday. Heavens - just go and enjoy!

Hi<BR><BR>Why not visit Morocco ?<BR>I was there in Nov, met plenty of US citizens enjoying their vacation.<BR><BR>Peter<BR>