School trip to Paris/London/Madrid Would you let your daughter go?
Mar 23rd, 2003, 05:53 AM
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School trip to Paris/London/Madrid Would you let your daughter go?
My 16 year old daughters school has planned a trip to Europe for 3rd year French and Spanish students the end of June. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for my daughter. She is 3rd year French, and is a history nut who also happens to have a great love for architecture. (Europe is her dream). She worked very hard to earn half of the money for this trip.<BR><BR>I am not one of those panic travellers, but I must admit, I am a bit nervous with all of the anit-war sentiment in France in particular. <BR><BR>The deadline to cancel without any major loss of money is April 1st which is quickly approaching, so far the school has not cancelled. I do have alot of faith in the school, I don't think they will put the kids in danger.<BR><BR>What do you think fodorites???? Would you let your daughter go?
Mar 23rd, 2003, 06:03 AM
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"What do I think" would require a lengthier answer. Your second question is easier.<BR><BR>Yes, I would.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>[email protected]<BR>
Mar 23rd, 2003, 06:26 AM
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Yes I would.<BR><BR>"Anti-war sentiment" does not necessarily equal "anti-American"; and even if it did for some, your daughter would still be safe and would still have a great time.<BR><BR>Substitute "French" for "Canadian" and ask yourself the same question again; because here in Canada, the anti-war sentiment is just as present as it is in France, with the usual divergences of opinions that arise in any democratic state.
Mar 23rd, 2003, 07:17 AM
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I agree with the previous posters. The risks are very small; the reward is large. Go for it. Frankly, I would be more concerned that school authorities would get cold feet and leave you high and dry on your investment. If you have that part of the equation covered, then I would forge ahead with the understanding that unforeseen circumstances could still enter into the picture between now and the trip.
Mar 23rd, 2003, 07:37 AM
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I am leaving on Thursday with a school group. We will be in Paris four days and London for four. While I am nervous, when it comes right down to it, you cannot let simple fear rule your life. If there were a legitimate danger in that area, your tour group wouldn't go anyway.<BR><BR>Pay the money and let her enjoy it. It **will** be the trip of a lifetime. <BR><BR>I will post our experiences when we return.
Mar 23rd, 2003, 07:46 AM
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I would definetely let her go. The anti-war sentiment might be big and considering she loves history it might be an even better trip for her. How often does one witness such a huge historical movement? The pros definetely outweigh the cons. My best friend is suppose to leave for Paris in July and our school is looking at canceling their trip. Everyone has worked so hard and spent a lot of money on this trip. It is impossible to live a life in fear and definetely not worth trying! As for me, I highly look forward to spending my summer in Germany and France, regardless of the world situtation I'll be there!!! Good luck and tell your daughter to have a great time!!!!
Mar 23rd, 2003, 08:24 AM
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After just seeing the 80,000 strong anti-war rally in Paris on TV I would say NO!!!!! Cobb County Schools in Marietta, Ga (Atlanta) just came out with a statement saying that all school field trips must be cancelled or postponed for at least 45 to 60 days. I was scheduled to go to London and Paris on April 5th and I have cancelled the Paris portion!! No way I am going to hide being an American!!! I am still hoping that British Air will let me postpone my trip...
Mar 23rd, 2003, 08:28 AM
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You know, even here in Columbus, Ohio (which is about one-sith the size of Paris), they could have an 80,000 person rally and in most parts of the city, I don't know how you would know it is happening.<BR><BR>In fact, most Saturday afternoons in the autumn, they DO have a 100,000 person "rally" (it's called a Buckeye football game), and the average tourist here wouldn't much realize it unless one were to go looking for it.<BR><BR>Ridiculously irrelevant, in my opinion.<BR>
Mar 23rd, 2003, 08:36 AM
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I would not hesitate having her take part in the trip.<BR>When our daughter went to Germany while in high school we also thought that it was a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. Since then, through opportunities provided by the university, she spent a semester in Germany and worked for 6 1/2 months at Disney World. In May she leaves for an internship in China. <BR>There are so many study abroad opportunities for students nowadays--I wish I was "a few years younger"!
Mar 23rd, 2003, 08:42 AM
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I think that depriving your daughter of an experience like this, especially after she has worked so hard, would be an extremly bad idea at this point. There are a lot of protesters, and there was Ricin found in Gare de Lyon, but I haven't heard one report of Americans being attacked. I think that probably the only way she would really be hurt is if you didn't let her go. You would be taking away an opportunity that could potentially change her view of the world and herself.
Mar 23rd, 2003, 08:50 AM
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According to the LA Times, police estimate that 125,000 people participated in an anti-war protest/rally in Manhattan yesterday, ss well as rather large "rallys" in other American cities...<BR><BR>According to the BBCNews, protesters in London numbered in excess of 200,000!!<BR>Many other cities, apart from New York and London had rallys bigger than the one in Paris.<BR><BR>jammer, if public demonstrations of democracy unsettle you, maybe the only comfortable option for you would be to stay home, in your own house or backyard.
Mar 23rd, 2003, 04:33 PM
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I don't have a daughter, but I have beloved nieces and nephews that I would urge/escort/plan and/or give advice to should they want to travel. Don't let your fears deny the kid of this wonderful experience!! Ability to travel is a wonderful thing; one that should be utilized.
Mar 23rd, 2003, 05:09 PM
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DianeG,<BR>Just in case you have head your head buried in the sand... there IS a war going on!! Have you seen the latest UPDATE from www.state.gov from our government regarding travel?? Here it is:<BR><BR>PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT<BR>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE<BR>Office of the Spokesman <BR><BR><BR>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<BR><BR>This information is current as of today, Sun Mar 23 21:01:29 2003. <BR>WORLDWIDE CAUTION<BR>March 19, 2003 <BR>This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to an increased potential for anti-American violence, including terrorist actions against U.S. citizens, as a result of the military action in Iraq. The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of Americans overseas. American citizens are reminded that it is more important than ever to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Worldwide Caution supersedes that issued on February 6, 2003 and expires on July 20, 2003. <BR><BR>As a result of military action in Iraq, there is a potential for retaliatory actions to be taken against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Public demonstrations carry the potential for precipitating violence directed at American citizens, symbols associated with the United States or other U.S. and western interests.<BR><BR>The threat to U.S. citizens includes the risk of attacks by terrorist groups. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings or kidnappings. Possible threats include conventional weapons such as explosive devices or non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. U.S. citizens should increase their security awareness at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate.<BR><BR>U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert and some have drawn down their dependents and/or personnel. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time for security reasons. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. Monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate. <BR><BR>As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to Americans overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at l 317-472-2328.<BR><BR>Return to Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings Page <BR>
Mar 23rd, 2003, 05:20 PM
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I would also let her go.<BR><BR>A demonstration should be relatively easy to avoid, and if you're concerned about it, you can have a talk with her about your concern and talk about some ways that she could avoid one if she happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.<BR><BR>I don't have experience being in Europe during this time, but I'm an American living in China, and I was here in 1999 when the U.S. bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. There were demonstrations at the U.S. consulate, and anti-American sentiment was pretty strong. I faced absolutely no problems, and found that people are generally able to see the difference between individual citizens of a country and the actions of their government.<BR><BR>She might face some rudeness, but I think that although it wouldn't be pleasant, that, too, would actually be a good experience for her (not good in the lighthearted and fun sence, but broadening and eye-opening). <BR><BR>I hope I don't get attacked for saying that, but while encountering rude attitudes is never fun, it's a part of being a global citizen, and just as much of a learning experience as visiting a museum. <BR><BR>I hope that her trip happens without encountering any negative attitudes, and am sure it will be an enriching trip.
Mar 23rd, 2003, 05:33 PM
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I would have no problem whatever with allowing my daughter (I have 5) to make the trip. If you wait for all the world's problems to disappear before living your life fully you will have a very dull life for a very long time.<BR>I am making two for sure trips to Europe and maybe three in the next several months. I will spend more time in France than any other European country. I hope your daughter has the time of her life.<BR><BR>Larry J<BR><BR>
Mar 23rd, 2003, 06:41 PM
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Mzambo,<BR><BR>Does your daughter still want to go? I may have missed that in your original post, but I didn't see it mentioned and it is definitely a factor I would want to consider. If she thinks she will be absolutely petrified for some reason and not able to learn or enjoy herself at all, this might not be the right time for her to go. If you haven't already, I would suggest sitting down with her and discussing her feelings as well as yours.<BR>I would let her go. Having said that, I think you are perfectly justified in feeling at least a bit of trepidation about this trip - you are a mom, after all! But I think you would feel a bit of concern even if everything was perfectly peaceful in the world - again, because you are a mom. So don't feel guilty about worrying. But if you both can handle it, I would say go for it.
Mar 23rd, 2003, 11:24 PM
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Personally, I think it would be prudent to NOT allow your daughter to go at this time. I have a 17 year old daughter who yearns to travel. Someday she will - but not now for heaven sake! I am surprised the school isn't showing better judgement by cancelling the trip. Good luck with your decision.
Mar 23rd, 2003, 11:41 PM
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Let her go, absolutely!<BR>Remember that in any of the many anti-war demonstrations that are taking place almost daily in various cities in Europe, there are also lots of Americans. I've also heard reports of pretty nasty things being said to Americans protesting IN America! Verbal abuse is everywhere, unfortunately, but if she and her tripmates are aware of some stereotypes and political emotions they should be able to have the trip of a lifetime. I'm assuming that the trip leaders are savvy enough to understand the need to avoid any public chauvinistic displays.
Mar 24th, 2003, 02:05 AM
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Our 13 year old is scheduled to go to Scandinavia for 10 days in June - final payment was due 3/19 (the day before we started bombing!) I made the payment, have told her if we feel it is safe, she can go, if not, I am willing to lose the money if I can't get refund. Yes, it would be a lot of money to lose, but my daughter is worth more than that. <BR><BR>There is a clause in our travel insurance that speaks to US Dept of State issuing a specific travel warning (that is different than current worldwide caution) to countries visited and getting a refund. However, specific warning to Norway, etc. seems unlikely. Yes, we are nervous and will probably not make our final determination until close to departure date.
