Dreamer2

First of all, I don't think you can put your faith in anyone for the care of your child. Your school board doesn't know any more than you do about the state of the world, and it's not their child at risk. I don't think Europe is any more unsafe than travelling to Disney World, and my high school age daughter is supposed to go there in April with a friend's family. The risk of flying is the same everywhere. I've already told her we'll decide the day before, regardless of losing money. But, travelling with a threat of terrorism is a fact of life. So we just have to decide whether or not we want to travel any more.<BR> Also, I disagree with a previous poster, and would NOT encourage to share her beliefs with locals, no matter what they are. I am getting annoyed with all the posts that imply that if you travel to Europe, you must be savvy enough or cultured enough to know better than the Commander in Chief. Personally, I prefer to avoid demonstrations at home or abroad, and certainly wouldn't want to discuss sex, religion, or politics with strangers - but neither do I want to be discriminated against if someone can discern my nationality. <BR> Having recently returned from Europe, I can say I felt no animosity. But, the natural exhuberance in children/teens, and their propensity for expressing their opinions quite self-righteously could make them targets of controntation. All it takes is one or two in the group to ruin it for the others.<BR> I was a chaperone on a trip to DC last spring - post 9-11. It was interesting, and we did run into a couple marches and vocal protests, and in fact were separated from our bus by one for a couple hours. Some of the kids knew how to behave, but some just thought it was a big joke, and yelled out comments and made gestures. It was a bit stressful for the chaperones. But I was glad I was there for the sake and safety of my child.<BR> And that's the final consideration, separation. Will she know what to do should something happen back in the states that would prevent her from getting home on schedule? Are you confident that the chaperones can handle emergencies? Chances are that everything will proceed smoothly, and everyone else is certainly going about their business having a wonderful time. But both you and she have to feel comfortable with and prepared for the off-chance that something could go awry. It's not as simple as &quot;just go!&quot;<BR><BR><BR>

Lorac1127

Of couse, we are all travel enthusiasts, hence our interest in Fodors. And most of us understand and appreciate the extensive benefits of travel for people of all ages. My daughter traveled to Europe three times in her teens and lived in Paris during her junior year of college. Were there protests? Yes. Were the strikes? Yes. Did she love Paris? Yes. Were the downsides? Yes. But would I send her there now...I honestly don't know.<BR><BR>However, travel at any cost, travel at all costs? I wouldn't be so cavalier in telling anyone to send their child abroad in time of war. The NYS school safety plan requires that all school districts reevaluate even local field trips during Orange Alerts. <BR><BR>Mzambo, only you can decide what is the right thing to do for you and your family.

TorontoSteven

Of course let her go. Her memories of this trip will mean far more to her in the years to come then any fear of the unknown will ever merit.

Hans

I can understand concerns for the safety of children in such times. But on the other hand, last year more than 40,000 people died in traffic accidents in the USA, including nearly 3,000 children under 16. How many people restrict the access of their children to activities to avoid the risk of driving them around in a car?

Lorac1127

I guess some people can rationalize anything.....

Ryn2691

Yes, there is a war going on, but for cripe's sake, but it is going on well over 1,000 miles from Paris! This is not 1917 or even 1943. Western Europe is NOT a war zone, nor will it be one anytime in the near future.<BR><BR>Individual Americans in Paris might be asked for opinions about the war, but the average Frenchman is not going to physically attack an American tourist just on political principle. The French presently disagree with the US government, which is not at all the same as hating the entire American people.<BR><BR>If she wants to go, she should go. If education is the point, being exposed to the opinions and actions of individual Europeans will be an excellent and thought-provoking experience.

LJ

Mzambo: You have wisely stayed out of the line of fire your question created. But I am curious, have you decided? If so, what was your decision? <BR>(For the record, as the parent of teenagers of my own and the don of a boy's residence in a school in Europe, I would have said &quot;yes&quot;.)

Zammy1

This is mzambo, thank you to all of you for your responses. <BR><BR>First of all, my daughter WANTS to go, and as most teenagers has no fears.<BR><BR>As of right now, we have received a one month reprieve from the travel company, they have extended our deadline from April 1st to May 1st. So we can sit back and wait for the moment.<BR><BR>I will tell you however, I put the post out just to take the temperature for the most part.<BR><BR>Our decision, however, as of right now, would be to let her go. <BR><BR>After meeting with the school again, I have every confidence in the staff who have made this trip numerous times, and truly have thought of most every caution from blending in, (our kids have been instructed not to wear jeans/college wear, or anything with American writing, to avoiding places like the local McDonalds. They have taken alot of precautions.<BR><BR>I must agree with most posters, that you want to be aware of major security issues, however we do not want to teach our children to be afraid, or to live in fear. Life is to be lived, and enjoyed, and travel is a big part of the joys of life.<BR><BR>Thanks again.

tammylouky

In 1986 when the U.S. bombed Lybia and hijackings seemed common, I was suppose to go on a school trip to Europe for one month. My parents, who at that time had never traveled outside the states, canceled the trip. I was terribly disappointed, especially since I had saved most of the money for the trip myself. It wasn't until 11 years later that I made my first trip to Europe. Hindsight is definitely 20/20, and my mom admits now that she should have let me go. I understand now my mom's fears, she wasn't a experienced travel and was afraid for the safety of her only child. You're doing the right thing, just wait till the first of May. Things could change drastically either way.

ChristineSF

I recently returned from Paris...a month ago today actually. One thing that struck me about the French is their ability to seperate Americans from the American government. Most french that i met wanted to discuss what was then the impending war. Of course things have escalated since then, but i feel confident that your daughter will not have problems as an American traveling. In my opinion, the french seem perplexed over the way the media portrays american hatred towards them. They see that they pose a different opinion on a very grave matter, and it does not warrant the backlash they feel from the American govt and media. <BR>I keep in contact with new friends in Paris, and they are still anxious to speak of the war and things they hear in the media in regards to franco/american relations. <BR>

ktyson

Hi mzambo,<BR><BR>I say let her go and now let me tell you why. <BR><BR>My 14 year old daughter was looking very forward to her trip to Europe then just before she was to go the 9/11 attacks occured. Her Dad and I were very nervous, but we still let her go. <BR><BR>That was a year and a half ago and she still talks about that trip almost daily. She still keeps in touch through email with her homestay families in 3 different countries. <BR><BR>This experience is something you could never give to your daughter no matter how hard you tried. <BR><BR>There are things that they were careful about when my daughter went. They were not allowed to wear anything that advertised they were American. No t shirts with american flags on them. No levis or other American name brand jeans. They traveled in large groups as I'm sure your daughters school will do. <BR><BR>Relax, she will be fine. And this will be an experience she will never forget.<BR>

andy

mzambo-- <BR><BR>On the FLA news last nite, they ran a piece on a school group that JUST returned from FRANCE--<BR><BR>The kids were spit on and a glass bottle was thrown out of a hotel window on them..and these were young teenagers--AND forget about going into a McDonalds.<BR>The chaparones were able to keep the kids out of trouble and the kids did NOT instigate anything and tried to ignore all the nastiness--but it was there.....

JLK

Yes, she should go. We just returned from Paris and from visiting our daughter who is studying in Nantes. As well, we got into the middle of the demonstration in Paris which had many, many high school students. We were trying to make our way back to where we were staying and the police had cordoned off the streets, so we had no choice but to cross through the protesters. It was absolutely no problem. In fact, the only issue I had with the whole trip was the insanely intense security in American airports. It drives me nuts to see wobbly old ladies being made to remove their shoes and stand with their arms out being searched. The French had quite a bit of security, too, at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay, etc., but it didn't interfere with your enjoyment of those places.<BR><BR>We saw a lot of high school tour groups while we were in Paris, particular Italian kids. Our daughter reports no problems in her study-abroad situation. <BR><BR>I think the media has stirred up a whole lot of anxiety that is unneeded. <BR><BR>One last comment: I hope this isn't a &quot;once in a lifetime&quot; opportunity for your daughter, but just the first in a series of travel adventures she'll have. Once you've been bitten by the travel bug, once is never enough!

Maira

JLK beat me to it.... the thing that struck me the most of your post is that you consider this a &quot;once in a lifetime opportunity&quot;. I HOPE NOT. Europe is not going anywhere and this should be the first of many, many travel experiences, not only to Europe, but to anywhere she wants to go. <BR><BR>On the topic, if the school is willing to continue the planned trip, she should go.

red63corvette

Chiming in as the mother of a 14 year old daughter...<BR><BR>Ask your daughter how *she* feels about going and use your own judgement as to her maturity level. If she's scared or not mature enough to handle the trip - the decision's made for you.<BR><BR>If she still wants to go and can handle herself well among her peers and strangers, don't let your own fears hold her back.<BR><BR>Don't worry about losing the money at this point. Let the April 1st deadline pass and keep an eye on world events. If things go to hell in a handbasket before she leaves, she doesn't have to board the plane. <BR><BR>Imagine the day of her trip arriving, you've cancelled... and now everything is fine. <BR><BR>~ Sheryl<BR><BR>

bmanley

Just returned from Paris Wed. There were school groups on our flight over. We were there the day of the rally . Just avoided that side of town and really didn't have a clue it was happening. Only evidence we saw were 14 yr olds with peace signs on there faces headed to the Metro.Wish I could have taken my 15 yr. old with me. If you trust the sponsers and they have tight rules on not going out alone,etc. let her go.

erniy

mzambo,<BR><BR>Im 16 years old and I'll be going to Spain,Germany, Switzerland, and France this July. Im not at all worried about the anti-war sentiment.You should let your daughters go they will return with a new perspective on different cultures.<BR> erniy

calipinay

My parents were going to allow me to travel in Europe with some friends Fall of 2001 (I was 15 at the time). Unfortunately, we purchased the tickets August 30th, and less than two weeks later 9/11 happened. My trip was cancelled and I was crushed. <BR>I'm 17 now and I WILL be in Europe this summer, parents approval or not. I'm travelling with a group of four other people from all over the world and I've already got my ticket and have saved up close to $2,000 for hotel and other expenses. <BR>Please let your daughter go. It's such a pain to work your b*tt off, research into cities and fares, only to be told that you cannot go.

Keith

andy,<BR><BR>I returned from France yesterday, had zero negative experience. The French class from Troy, Michigan that I encountered on Mike's Bike Tour were have a great time and reported no problems.<BR><BR><BR> Keith

andy

Keith- Glad you had no problem in France- I was just reporting what the nightly news in Palm Beach was reporting with child that had just come back...Glad everything went well for you....