My husband and I were considering a trip to the Costa del sol in southern spain over easter vaction. We cancelled because of the war. Has anyone been to europe , spain in aprticular since the war started. Is it safe for Ammericans? Allso we had a trip to the lake region of italy and parts of switzerland planned. We are unsure whether to go ahead with our plans or not. Any thoughts? Thanks

Currently I am studying in France, and I know many of my university friends who are traveling Spain, Italy (I visited Rome), etc ... and it is perfectly fine ... especially Switzerland. Of course you'll run into the occasional person who will want to ask why Americans haven't stormed the capitol, but besides that, you'll be fine. Just keep a smile on, try to speak the language, and always be overly polite .. you shouldn't have a problem.

We came home from Andalucia 4 days before the war started, but at which time it was definitely an inescapable fact that Bush was planning to attack Iraq. Other than the "no a la guerra" signs, we saw nothing that related to the war at all (other than some negative coverage on the evening news). I would have absolutely no concerns about returning there tomorrow if I had the time and money. If you're worried about problems because you're an American, and anyone asks you, say you're from Canada. My local paper's travel section today mentioned that some nervous Americans are buying passport covers. Maybe you'd feel better if you did that.

&quot;If you're worried about problems because you're an American, and anyone asks you, say you're from Canada. &quot;<BR><BR>Well, there's the ticket...just deny you are an American...Hell I'd rather stay home than wimp out like that!<BR><BR>US

I can't believe these people are afraid to say they are Americans. Why not just stay home then and spend your money in the US.

US because you are so rude, I don't know why you bother to post on this forum..Real travellers accept all races and nationalities..If I were you I would stay in the U.S. because with your attitude it might be the safest place for you...

The safety issue comes up over and over again. President Bush went to war to make the world a safer place. Travel and prove him right!.

TracyB- The safest place for US is in an asylum, makes it safer for us too.

TracyB- No, the safest place for US would be an asylum, and safer for us too.

I live in London and can tell you that it is completely safe. Of course we're a bit nervous since Saddam said he was going to send suicide bombers our way but you can't just stop living, can you? Over a million people protested the war in Madrid. If anything, I think more Americans should travel. Otherwise, you perpetuate the stereotype of being insular and ignorant! I say go for it - otherwise our collective economies are going to go down the tubes...!

Deeg - You definitely should go ahead with your next trip. But what exactly are you asking? Safe from what? Terrorism? Anti-war protests? I live in DC, you can come here and get that without going to Europe. What do you think will happen to you? I'm really curious, I'm not being sarcastic. <BR><BR>I live in perhaps the number 1 target of potential terrorist attacks. So why wouldn't I go somewhere else? It's probably safer AWAY from home for residents of this great city. DC, IMHO, is a riskier place to be than Spain or Italy or anywhere else in Europe. But I don't live in fear. You shouldn't either. <BR><BR>I was in a bar over the weekend and met a guy in his late 20s from London. He came to DC for the weekend because it was so cheap to come here. I asked him if he ever considered not coming because of the war and the threat of terrorism, and he said no. If people can come to DC (and there are lots of tourists here right now for the Cherry Blossom festival), I see no reason Americans shouldn't travel to Europe. <BR><BR>Enjoy yourselves - plan your trip, have a great time, you won't regret it!<BR><BR>Karen

&quot;US because you are so rude,&quot;<BR><BR>Your opinion, which I respect in the true spirit of friendliness with which it was posted.<BR><BR>&quot;I don't know why you bother to post on this forum&quot;<BR><BR>Because I choose to.<BR><BR>&quot;Real travellers accept all races and nationalities&quot;<BR><BR>And your proof that I do not is.......???<BR><BR>&quot;If I were you I would stay in the U.S. because with your attitude it might be the safest place for you&quot;<BR><BR>But you're not me so I'll continue to travel when and where I choose..and besides, if I didn't travel a saint like you wouldn't have anyone to look down your nose upon!<BR><BR>US

Here we go again...

A friend's son just got back from a school trip to Spain, and he's 14. He had a wonderful time and no problems. I think if a school is not afraid of taking 14 year olds to Europe, you can probably handle it. His school took students to France, Greece, Germany and Spain, four different destinations, based on which language they were studying and where they wanted to go (a student only went to one of those choices). THis is a private school in Boston.

Also, the safest places in the world are airport boarding areas. There are security screeners to make sure nobody has weapons. Safer there, no weapons!

Hi<BR><BR>Logically, the most dangerous places to be are US, UK and .................. Iraq<BR><BR>Otherwise take normal precautions<BR><BR>Peter<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com

The Travbel section in this Sunday's N.Y. Times had an article on this very topic. Conclusion: it is safe to travel.

deeg-- at this point it all depends on your level of comfort. Take standard preacautions an try to enjoy.<BR><BR>julies-- about denying being Americans and say they are Canadians instead, well, not everybody would go that low, so while it may work for you, it may not work for Deeg.