Bbernstein

Is it safe to travel to Rome and Positano right now? Got a trip planned for late May and early June and thinking about cancelling because of the war. What are your thoughts?

JoshP

I have our honeymoon planned for July in Italy......I'm not thinking of changing anything (as of now). Do you think Italy will be dangerous to be in? I don't think so.......many posters have stated that the 'vibes' have been good from the locals.....but always do what you feel is best for YOU.

DougP

I believe that the safest places on earth are airport boarding areas. Unless in your daily life you spend time in airport boarding areas you will be safer travelling.

Tess_Durberville

Frankly I think your biggest danger is on the airplane. Latest story on SARS, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2901607.stm
In the article they report, �A World Health Organization (WHO) official said on Monday the virus may have come from an animal and is more infectious than the Ebola virus� Now that's scary.

Thyra

Scary yes, but while ebola kills something like 99% of the time... SARS is much less deadly. It is quite possible if diagnosed quickly enough, and given proper medical attention, that you will survive SARS.. ebola.. well... thats a different story.

jor

There is no answer to this question. No one knows what will happen. I wish I knew the answer as I am making plans too. If your airline has a good cancellation policy, stick with your plans to see what happens.

capo

With the numerous questions about safety in Europe here, I'm curious in what specific ways people feel Europe might be "unsafe" right now?

Is it primarily due to the fear of being a victim of a terrorist attack while in a European country?

jody

That is my question too,capo.

Is it safe to walk on the wet floor in your bathroom? How about climbing to the top step of a ladder?

You have less chance of being unsafe within 20 miles of home!

jody

Sorry that should have been MORE chance!!

LarryJ

Good grief,...... I knew about the frequent lobor union strikes in Italy but I never dreamed it would turn into all out war!

Larry J

Angelika

I am in Europe (UK) and I feel VERY safe. I appreciate the new risk of suicude attacks that have been voiced by Iraq, but here in the UK we have decades of experience in dealing with IRA terrorism (funded in part by some members of the US public!)I would therefore have no fears visiting London, nor would I allow a war in the Middle East stop me visiting Italy, although I am less aware of their security arrangements, but they are probably not as great a target. Just because Europe is geographically closer to the Middle East does not necessarily make it an easier target, as we saw Sept 11th. I would have greater fear flying to the USA, than I would travelling to Italy. We are all potential targets now.
When your time is up, your time is up. That is not something that we have any say in!
I have noticed that this fear of travel is a question often voiced by our American allies, but rarely voiced in Europe.

lukel

I totally agree with Angelika and the others.

Positano could be dangerous, you might slip down some of the steep steps. And in Rome there's a chance that one of the reckless drivers will knock you down while you're distracted by a monument.

SiobhanP

I agree with Angelika as well. People here in Ireland have not even thought to cancel a holiday in other Euro countries. We are all planning our summer trips at the moment. In fact many are travelling to other European countries as they are afraid to go to the U.S. It's funny the perception we have of beingat riask when one is probably no more then the other is most instances. I was in Milan for 1 night and day and all I noticed was the "Pace" (Peace) rainbow flags everywhere. My U.S. friend living there says that they are against the war not the people of the U.S. Don't worry and go and have a good trip!