xxxx

A friend of mine just returned from Spain last week (Barcelona & the coast) and was surprised that there weren't that many Americans there. So as far as being a target goes I think places like France & the UK would be more likely. I visited the UK just after a car bombing incidents several years ago by the IRA. Nothing was gonna stop me!The chances of it happening to you are very slim. But if you're that worried don't go, sorry to hear you're still shaken from the attacks. Silly as it may seem I think a US attack is more likely than Spain - but what do I know = ) Best wishes.

SAFEHOLIDAYS

HEI JOSE...ARE U FROM BARCELONA ? LIKE THE FAWLTY TOWERS WAITER ? gimme a break, we all know that there are LOADS of problems in Spain SUCH AS...petty crime in Barcelona and in Madrid, and bomb blasts in several locations...so please...gimme a break.

Angel

I visit europe every year & just returned from a 3 week trip by car thru Spain, Southern France & Italy. Had no problems whatsoever in major cities such as Barcelona, Nice, Rome, Florence, or Venice.<BR>Of course as a former New Yorker, one learns to keep alert about one's surroundings & personal belongings.<BR>Comments from locals in the aforementioned cities pointed out that petty crime has risen over the last decade, and they blame the massive number of illegal aliens entering western europe every year.<BR>As far as the bombings by basque terrorists, Ive never heard of any tourist being targeted and/or killed. (One British tourist was injured recently however when he crossed a police line into the cordoned off area where a car bomb was ready to explode)<BR>Go ahead & enjoy Spain! Don't let the terrorists win their dirty game of instilling fear among decent citizens!<BR><BR>Also ignore the bad-mouthing "DONT GO THERE" troll who doesn't know what he is talking about!<BR> <BR>

wendy

I just returned from a three week trip to Spain and I had a fantastic time there! Only once someone tried to pickpocket me, but I was aware of it and walked away before she even had a chance. I did feel a bit offended that she picked me but I didn't become a victim. Just be cautious and I don't think Spain is any worse than any other countries. Tourists are always the target in every country. <BR><BR>There were times I walked around at nights and didn't once feel unsafe. Spain is a very modern country and you will not feel dangerous or anything like that. Just enjoy your trip! <BR><BR>Jose, by the way, I LOVE Barcelona. By far, my favorite Spainish cities. I partied all night at the Port Olympic on my last night there. No cover charge. Only need to pay for drinks and we hopped from club to club.<BR>

Jose

This is for SAFEHOLIDAYS:<BR><BR>1st. Have you ever been in Spain? I'm sure you not.<BR>2nd. When you travel abroad you mind will be more open. So I seriously recommend you.<BR>3rd. I'm planning to travel to USA, but since September 11th I'm very worried about terrorism and I also know some news about european tourists killed by thieves in Miami however that event never happened in Spain. Do you think USA is a safe destination or better go to CANADA? Do you think it's OK to write a post in our europeans travellers forums like this: WARNING DO NOT GO TO USA.<BR> <BR>My answer to the above question is NO. That's events don't make me change the idea to travel to USA because when you travel abroad in every country of the world you have some risks. Just be aware of your personal belongs and enjoy all the wonders the world offers us. <BR><BR>Finally, Wendy if you think to come back to Barcelona, next time I recommend you to go to the Avenida Tibidabo's bars (Mirablau has a incredible wiews of Barcelona). <BR><BR>Best regards.

Francine

I notice that the bombs have been happening mainly in the Westernised tourist resorts. It may be safer in the interior where there are less tourists although you may stand out more as Westerners there.

nuts

Petty crime in Barcelona!! Oh no, we Americans know that there is no petty crime in any of our cities (heavy sarcasm in case you didn't quite get it). Crime and terrorism happen everywhere now days and it's absurd to act like "that doesn't happen in America". As far as "standing out", it's all luck, I doubt some terrorist is going to see you with your USA t-shirt and target you that instant. <BR><BR>That being said, everyone has different comfort levels and it just depends how you feel about traveling. It's not going to be much of a vacation if you're worried the whole time. I personally just got back from Italy and didn't think twice about going. My attitude is things could happen to you anywhere and if it's your time it's your time. I'm not going to let it stop me (that being said, not planning a weekend in Pakistan anytime soon).<BR><BR>Incidentally, we did miss a bombing in London by about 5 minutes in 1998 so I have had a close call and still feel that the odds are with you.

Tom

As an American who has a deep affection for Europe, I'm curious about something. (I ask this out of genuine curiosity, not to make a political point of any kind.) Do the Basque terrorists represent a majority viewpoint in their region? Thanks to anyone who can answer.<BR>

Angel

The ETA terrorists have minimal support among the people in the basque provinces. The overwhelming majority of basques believe in democracy and enjoy a representative government.<BR>The terrorists survive thru murder, extortion, kidnapping, and by taking advantage of the democratic environment in which they live.<BR>It is interesting to note that for years the terrorists have had their clandestine HQ in southern France but all of their dirty deeds are committed in Spain!<BR>They continue to threaten with death any elected official (& their family members)who is against terrorism. It has been estimated that there are only several hundred ETA members who believe in murder,bombings & other violence to achieve their objectives.

Jean Valjean

Many people may agree with their ideas (i.e. separation), but almost no one agrees with their actions. Much more has been achieved through politics than by ETA's actions. Just take a look at Catalunya.