Iceland. Great cosmopolitan city, ultra safe, nice people, stunning beauty.
Immigration has not made France or Germany particularly dangerous, by American standards. But both countries are increasingly unpleasant places to visit, lacking in charm, dirty, full of tacky shops, cheap fast food, and rude street life. Maybe no worse than your average American city, but no better, and certainly not worth travelling 5000 miles to visit when you can find better restaurants and nicer people in New York or Philadelphia. The charm in Europe now lies in the East. Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have not slid as far down the path of globalization yet, and are good bargains as well.
4
I took a friend to Chicago late in the spring this year and this was her first trip to the great city. She was completely AMAZED by the beauty, the charm, and the style of the Windy-City!
My friend is working in media and had been having an impression of Chicago as one of the murder capitals in the U.S., and until our trip she never thought about visiting Chicago. And boy, how much she had been missed out on the art, architecture, urban sophistication and hospitality Chicago has to offer!
Learning a beautiful lesson from this first trip to Chicago, she spread the news/lesson of such a glaring contrast between Crime Rate reports in media and the beautiful areas tourists/travelers usually visit.
By reading the comment section of this NYT article, I've also learned that American cities Crime Rate / gun violence numbers are mainly about drug trail on the streets of certain neighborhoods while terrorist attacks are mainly targeting tourists and historic sites.
All said, being careful both in planning and on the road are essential to any tourist/traveler. By opening your mind/eye you do your homework every day, not only when doing your travel planning.
Travel on, safely and joyfully!
My friend is working in media and had been having an impression of Chicago as one of the murder capitals in the U.S., and until our trip she never thought about visiting Chicago. And boy, how much she had been missed out on the art, architecture, urban sophistication and hospitality Chicago has to offer!
Learning a beautiful lesson from this first trip to Chicago, she spread the news/lesson of such a glaring contrast between Crime Rate reports in media and the beautiful areas tourists/travelers usually visit.
By reading the comment section of this NYT article, I've also learned that American cities Crime Rate / gun violence numbers are mainly about drug trail on the streets of certain neighborhoods while terrorist attacks are mainly targeting tourists and historic sites.
All said, being careful both in planning and on the road are essential to any tourist/traveler. By opening your mind/eye you do your homework every day, not only when doing your travel planning.
Travel on, safely and joyfully!
2
This is silly. If you haven't been to Paris, go. You'll love it.
8
India is safe. Just spent 28 days. Don't understand the use of travel agencies, though. I go to State Department Website to determine where is safe. But, hey, I have more chance of getting car jacked in Florida than be a victim of any terrorist act. Ethiopia next. Addis Ababa $30 USD per night our hotel.
6
Even if someone paid for my trip I will skip India. After looking at what it has to offer on the World Heritage website, absolutely nothing stirred my interest or urge to be there physically. Not a fan of Indian food anyway. Sorry. Preparing for a trip to Eastern Europe next year!
1
I think the biggest danger in traveling today is being on a plane with someone who insists on bringing aboard or packing a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phone. The FAA has issued a warning about their exploding batteries which can cause a serious fire.
With over 300MM guns in the U.S. which are now allowed in national parks and 30,000+ deaths by guns annually, tourists would be better advised to avoid the U.S.
With over 300MM guns in the U.S. which are now allowed in national parks and 30,000+ deaths by guns annually, tourists would be better advised to avoid the U.S.
10
It is ironic that Americans consider France dangerous. In the latest statistics the murder rate in the USA is over three times as high as in France. You will be safer in Paris than NYC.
8
NYC is really pretty safe. Small to medium size cities in the US is where the killings go on.
3
Rather than be part of the overeating, picture taking, shopping mob gawking at the artifacts and tombs of history, how about just stayng home exercising a little and relaxing with good books or DVD courses explaining the history of the of places. Learning lasts forever.
4
sounds like a tepid substitute for seeing the real thing and experiencing a different culture
10
Really? What are the odds? Statistically speaking, the most dangerous part of any trip is driving on the highway to get to the airport (84,549 people killed on Europe's roads in 2015). Why not worry about lightning strikes? (6,000 people a year killed globally). Deaths from terrorism? (175 in Europe during 2015 - down from an average of 300 per year in the 1970s and 80s).
It's tempting to give the terrorists credit for impacting the travel plans of so many this year, but the credit really must go to the ignorance of the general public. I was in a park at sunset near the Eiffel Tower this summer about a week after the attacks in Nice. There were hundreds of Parisians out strolling, listening to music, having picnics on the vast lawns. The mood was a mix of sadness, defiance and resilience. I was deeply impressed. Had I been too afraid to go, I would have missed the chance to be a part of that experience.
It's tempting to give the terrorists credit for impacting the travel plans of so many this year, but the credit really must go to the ignorance of the general public. I was in a park at sunset near the Eiffel Tower this summer about a week after the attacks in Nice. There were hundreds of Parisians out strolling, listening to music, having picnics on the vast lawns. The mood was a mix of sadness, defiance and resilience. I was deeply impressed. Had I been too afraid to go, I would have missed the chance to be a part of that experience.
13
I would think that citizens of a country with a murder rate about 4-5 times higher than most countries in the EU, that consider bi-weekly "mass shootings" business as usual, would be less worried about the current trouble in the EU. Apparently I am wrong.
This isn't about a real threat. This is about fear. The whole point of terrorism is to disrupt society by instilling fear. I guess it is working.
This isn't about a real threat. This is about fear. The whole point of terrorism is to disrupt society by instilling fear. I guess it is working.
30
To Serge: We are quite aware of the gun violence problem in our country and don't need a patronizing reminder from the Netherlands.
4
Citation for our 'bi-weekly "mass shootings"' please?
4
Yes, the murder rate is higher in the country as a whole, but Americans who travel abroad live in neighborhoods where murders are rare to nonexistent, and they stay away from the places where they are more likely to encounter violent crime. If you live in Beverly Hills you don't visit South Central.
1
I recently returned from a vacation in Canada and I will say that the wonderful exchange rate was a deciding factor for me. In the end, I think I spent less on the whole trip than I would on airfare alone to Europe. The weather, the people, and the sites were all great. I look forward to going back sometime. Still, I hope the author is correct that airfare to Europe is dropping, as I'd liked to get there soon too (and to more national parks!).
6
For better or for worse, travelers' memories are short. Great to see people not giving into fear and continuing to travel. People need to realize that they have better chances of a piano falling on them than being affected by a terrorism attack. Of course common sense goes a long way when traveling.
If you want to compare and read reviews for trips from Butterfield & Robinson, A&K and others mentioned here, check out www.stridetravel.com
If you want to compare and read reviews for trips from Butterfield & Robinson, A&K and others mentioned here, check out www.stridetravel.com
1
I'm planning my spring Paris vacation because I don't think it is any more dangerous than where I live now. Funny how a Saturday am mass shooting at the Safeway in my old neighborhood changed my perspective.
15
I remember that Tucson shooting on G. Giffords and others as I was driving on Oracle Road at the time; we are scheduled to leave for Italy soon for a month. I am just as fearful about the shootings in the US as I am about terrorist bombings abroad. I will not give into my fear of the terrorists.
5
This is exactly what the terrorists want, fear among people. We stuck to Mumbai for a longer period even though Pakistan targeted India by waging any number of terrorist attacks there right from 12th March 1993 since Mumbai is the financial capital of India. Not only that we stuck to New York that too for four years even though there was a near miss in Manhattan when a car loaded with bombs was found by the New York Police.
During the period we stayed in Mumbai, we visited Hyderabad a number of times even though Hyderabad was also not spared by Pakistan. We have settled here for the past four years even though Hyderabad has had three to four terrorist attacks.
Doesn't matter even if people look for safe places but they should keep visiting places if they can afford and then enjoy life as it comes.
During the period we stayed in Mumbai, we visited Hyderabad a number of times even though Hyderabad was also not spared by Pakistan. We have settled here for the past four years even though Hyderabad has had three to four terrorist attacks.
Doesn't matter even if people look for safe places but they should keep visiting places if they can afford and then enjoy life as it comes.
3
I don't blame them. Things are increasingly worse in Europe - not all attacks and attempted attacks are reported, as the police here increasingly cover up everything from attempted terrorist attacks to numerous sexual attacks (such information comes from friends living all over Europe).
Besides, American nature is so beautiful. It's a good thing that more Americans get out there and appreciate it :)
Besides, American nature is so beautiful. It's a good thing that more Americans get out there and appreciate it :)
6
I weigh world events before planning a trip but since attacks can happen anywhere today, you have to be aware any place you travel to could present a problem. I am still traveling to Europe but there are US cities that a high rate of gun violence which most travelers would want to avoid.
6
In the new normal in which we live, one can be sitting at one's desk on the 101st floor of World Trade Center 1, shopping in market in Israel, dancing at a gay club in Orlando, sitting on bus in London, eating in a bistro or drawing a cartoon in Paris, cheering a marathon in Boston, standing on a train platform in Madrid and still be a victim of an islamic attack. With an ideology that posits that any place that is not "the abode of islam" is "the abode of war," anything can happen, anywhere. Accept that and act with courage. If you live in and act out of fear, you've submitted.
16
In virtually every country in the world, the probability of being killed in a traffic accident is an order of magnitude higher than the probability of being killed by a terrorist.
If staying away from terrorism is the goal, remember that the anniversary of the largest terrorist attacks in history is tomorrow: NY, DC and rural Pennsylvania.
If you want an exciting vacation, with minimal probability of being affected by terrorism, Israel is a great place to visit; any guided tour will be very safe and exciting. And traveling on one's own is fine also-just be careful on the road.
If staying away from terrorism is the goal, remember that the anniversary of the largest terrorist attacks in history is tomorrow: NY, DC and rural Pennsylvania.
If you want an exciting vacation, with minimal probability of being affected by terrorism, Israel is a great place to visit; any guided tour will be very safe and exciting. And traveling on one's own is fine also-just be careful on the road.
8
320 million people in the US with 12 000 homicides per year.
510 million people in the EU-28 with 5 000 homicides per year.
Do the math. Go to Europe.
510 million people in the EU-28 with 5 000 homicides per year.
Do the math. Go to Europe.
44
Not sure where you got your numbers but they are wrong. The US murder rate is over 5 per 100,000. The EU murder rate is 1.2 per 100,000. Your chances of being murdered is four times greater in the US than in Europe.
5
Yes & with all those murders per year in the US (12,000 per year) there have been only 140 due to terrorism since 9/11. That's 140 vs 180,000 (15 years X 12,000) !! What are we afraid of?
1
My husband and I went to France for 20 years, until our French friends told us it was no longer a safe place to visit. Given my love of the French language, I needed to visit a francophone country. Québec was my choice. We went there last year and returned this year as well. We were welcomed warmly and I even learned to adjust my France French to the Québecois twang. I miss France but I love Québec.
7
In response. I am a “brit” living on the French riviera, close to the Italian frontier. I have been here for 10 years.
This year there has been a pronounced lack of “American English” in our village and around Monaco/Nice. Our hotelier friends report massive cancellations from American customers. WHY?
Yes - we have illegal migrants trying to cross the frontier. Yes - we have attacks. BUT despite the opportunistic ramblings of our presidential candidates (French presidents), and your “French friends”, I am more likely to be mown down by a 14 year old on a scooter in a mini skirt texting and smoking a cigarette, than be killed by a militant of whatever religious persuasion, and I have survived many of those (14 year olds that is etc).
Be brave. Don’t let the nasty people win. This is a beautiful part of a wonderful country.
I write this looking out at the Italian frontier. I am not afraid. Why should you be?
I too love Montreal, however prefer the real thing.
When you are afraid - THEY win!
This year there has been a pronounced lack of “American English” in our village and around Monaco/Nice. Our hotelier friends report massive cancellations from American customers. WHY?
Yes - we have illegal migrants trying to cross the frontier. Yes - we have attacks. BUT despite the opportunistic ramblings of our presidential candidates (French presidents), and your “French friends”, I am more likely to be mown down by a 14 year old on a scooter in a mini skirt texting and smoking a cigarette, than be killed by a militant of whatever religious persuasion, and I have survived many of those (14 year olds that is etc).
Be brave. Don’t let the nasty people win. This is a beautiful part of a wonderful country.
I write this looking out at the Italian frontier. I am not afraid. Why should you be?
I too love Montreal, however prefer the real thing.
When you are afraid - THEY win!
9
It gets more and more embarrassing to answer questions about my own country to other people. The most dangerous thing most of you do on any particular day is actually get your sad behinds out of bed. But let me make you all a deal.
If you folks too afraid to spend time in scary scary Europe would like me to go for you and send back pictures you can pretend are yours, I accept travelers checks and cash plus all major credit cards. Feel free to stay in bed while I'm gone.
If you folks too afraid to spend time in scary scary Europe would like me to go for you and send back pictures you can pretend are yours, I accept travelers checks and cash plus all major credit cards. Feel free to stay in bed while I'm gone.
8
I'm in lovely Barcelona where I can walk the streets at any hour and feel quite safe. In fact, I feel far safer here than my home city, New York. Plus everything is far cheaper, especially my deluxe Airbnb room that I pay less than 30$ a night for and meet people from around the world, whom I can visit at a later time.
It will be very hard to go back to the US.
It will be very hard to go back to the US.
2
Try getting a hotel room in Malta! I've been here 25 years...and have never seen it like this!!
3
I was in Malta while on a cruise. Loved it! Very warm. I went to the Blue Grotto and a fishing village, then took a brief shopping trip in Valetta.
It was amazing being that close to Africa!
It was amazing being that close to Africa!
Just returned from two weeks in Europe's "forgotten" country - Portugal - and have only good memories. Even took a side trip to the island of Madeira - beautiful - from Lisbon and flew back to Porto. Loved it all. Porto more fun than Lisbon. Very few American tourists - actually met or heard none. Fish lovers in particular will enjoy the Portuguese cuisine; and very inexpensive.
Drove a stick shift Mercedes from Porto to Lisbon - roads are wonderful - stopping at Obidos, Fatima and Sintra - amazing. Swam in the wild and incredibly clear and clean Portuguese Atlantic ocean beaches. Flew TAP from JFK - terrific flight - you're there in 7 hours. Portuguese were wonderful. You've been all over Europe so now try Portugal.
Drove a stick shift Mercedes from Porto to Lisbon - roads are wonderful - stopping at Obidos, Fatima and Sintra - amazing. Swam in the wild and incredibly clear and clean Portuguese Atlantic ocean beaches. Flew TAP from JFK - terrific flight - you're there in 7 hours. Portuguese were wonderful. You've been all over Europe so now try Portugal.
12
Spent a summer in Portugal a couple of years ago and loved it. Lived in Sintra for a few weeks and traveled to Porto, visited Obidoes, went to the Algarve and more. Great country and very inexpensive. The pace of life is definitely slower - walked into a coffee shop and asked for a cappuccino to take away. "No," was the answer. They don't do takeaway. I had to stand and drink it - and slow down.
1
Think about it. If you go to a fascinating European place where no other tourists go, why would there be some tourist targeted event? Great hiking, history and food in "middle Europe" and eastern Europe.
3
I have been an international traveler for over forty years and have been fortunate to have seen and enjoyed most of the world. Too bad most people will not have this exhilarating, educational experience.
6
way more risk going in the USA , lots more guns and people getting shot than in europe...as strange as it may seems take a look at the numbers.
14
Travel-related businesses are not going to publicly bite the hands that feed them. So they aggressively promote travel to - anywhere. But most major cruise ship operators are shifting ships from the Mediterranean to places like the Caribbean
in the wake of safety issues in parts of the continent.
in the wake of safety issues in parts of the continent.
1
Cruise ships always move from the Mediterranean to the Carribean this time of year. Ships that do these two routes summer in the Mediterranean and winter in the Carribean. At the beginning and end of the season the ships do a transatlantic "repositioning cruise". That's probably what you are noticing now. For example, in April 2015 we did a transatlantic cruise from Ft. Lauderdal to Barcelona. After arriving in Barcelona, our ship was going to start doing a route from Barcelona to Athens, then Athens to Barcelona, and keep that up for the rest of the summer. In September they would do another transatlantic "repostioning" cruise from Barcelona back to Ft. Lauderdale, and then spend the winter cruising out of Ft. Lauderdale around the Carribean. It's just how the cruise industry works and has nothing to do with terrorism or european safety issues.
3
Considering all the news lately about National Park visitors taking selfies with bison, or putting "cold"-looking baby bison in the back seat of their car, or falling into the Grand Canyon or into a boiling geyser pond at Yellowstone, the travel industry could focus a bit more on education for travelers who are too scared to go to Europe!
6
I traveled to the southern region of Spain, Andalusia, this summer. I had a great time. We stayed in the paradores, the government run hotels of Spain, traveled major cities and sites ( such as the Alhambra), and we always felt sate and we had a great time. Spain is set up for tourism -- easy to navigate, lots of history and great beauty and great food. I would return in a New York Minute!
4
Americans are hysterical.
There are certain places one should NEVER go traveling, like along the border between Iraq and Iran, or between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
There are certain places that ALWAYS require a certain amount of caution, like Paris or Madrid or Rome, or along the Inca Trail, but where very few tourists are attacked or injured.
But certainly there are more than enough wonderful places to visit including Canada and Iceland. But in fact a chronic lack of funding by Congress and over-utilization are threatening many U.S. national parks.
When I get the chance I will still take my wife to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam since she has never been.
There are certain places one should NEVER go traveling, like along the border between Iraq and Iran, or between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
There are certain places that ALWAYS require a certain amount of caution, like Paris or Madrid or Rome, or along the Inca Trail, but where very few tourists are attacked or injured.
But certainly there are more than enough wonderful places to visit including Canada and Iceland. But in fact a chronic lack of funding by Congress and over-utilization are threatening many U.S. national parks.
When I get the chance I will still take my wife to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam since she has never been.
9
Fear of the Zika virus has also shifted travel patterns from the Caribbean to Canada, Iceland, and even Norway.
9
Just before 9/11 I was seriously considering the 5 'Stans'.
In the late spring after the attack my wife and I decided on Mongolia. Fantastic adventure.
Since then we take a major trip at least once a year to mostly out of the way places.
Today I wouldn't hesitate to go to Paris or anywhere else in Europe.
Just have situational awareness as much as possible.
In the late spring after the attack my wife and I decided on Mongolia. Fantastic adventure.
Since then we take a major trip at least once a year to mostly out of the way places.
Today I wouldn't hesitate to go to Paris or anywhere else in Europe.
Just have situational awareness as much as possible.
8
It's the 100th birthday of our national parks. If you haven't visited Yellowstone, you must. While you are at it, visit all parks in UT and CO. Buy an annual pass for all parks. And, you must see Alaska and Hawaii. Rocky Canada, Nova Scotia and Greenland are all very interesting, too. North America is beautiful. Some day, I have to visit South America. But I will leave Antarctica alone unless I have research to do there.
4
It's probably baby boomers retiring by the millions. All those with travel bucket lists. So many have already been to Europe so branching out is natural.
3
My God...get everything into some sort of perspective.
You've more chance of winning the lottery...no, more chance of spontaneous self combustion than being in or seeing any form of "attack" in Europe.
Reading much of the media in the US recently and indeed the NYT ( which you'd think was more informed and less sensationalist) you'd think Europe is at war! Its not...get a grip!
What is it about Americans which makes them so chicken to travel abroad?
You've more chance of winning the lottery...no, more chance of spontaneous self combustion than being in or seeing any form of "attack" in Europe.
Reading much of the media in the US recently and indeed the NYT ( which you'd think was more informed and less sensationalist) you'd think Europe is at war! Its not...get a grip!
What is it about Americans which makes them so chicken to travel abroad?
5
I thought I would avoid Europe and try Canada instead. But it was a mistake, I had the most horrific time by border patrol in Canada!!!!! As the only brown person on my bus of 33 people I was the only one checked. The bus was heading from Seattle to Vancouver. It was a very embarrassing experience being racially profiled and in my travels to over 30 countries I had never experienced. Due to that fact I doubt I will travel again to Canada and would not recommend others of color to visit. There are still so many beautiful and welcoming places in Europe that are safe and welcome the tourist dollar.
3
I'm sorry for your experience. As a "brown" American, I lived in Canada for four years when I was in university and I have travelled back and forth between the two nations at least fifty times. I found the officials on both sides of the border courteous and polite every time. Canada is a wonderful and varied country and I hope that you give it another chance.
8
Traveling anywhere can be inconvenient and stressful for those who choose to go this path. Add to that the fears of not knowing what occurs during those travels abroad can cause some not to leave their home at all. But, the adventures and memories that one acquires during their travels, is reason enough not to let fear win. Hopefully, more people consider planning their trips with caution and comfort in mind.
1
I've kayaked the Grand Canyon several times. Much of it scared. Not only didn't it detract from the experience, it actually enhanced it.
6
May as well spend money at home and support local economy. Why feed the EU politicians by paying super high taxes.
8
Super high taxes pay free college education, free textbooks and even stationary, free medical school, universal health care for which people pay a percentage of their incomes, etc. In the US, we get what we pay for. More corporate profits go to finance puppet politicians in Congress, instead of the social benefits for the 99%.
9
I have been back and forth to Istanbul and SW Turkey in the last few months and have seen nothing to put me off visiting. 15 million live in Istanbul and the chances of you experiencing terrorism is still extremely small. The coastal holiday resorts are unaffected. Life largely continues as normal. Don't be put of visiting this wonderfully interesting country with the consistently charming, friendly Turkish people.
20
Thank you.
4
My guess is that most 'regular' travelers are not affected whatsoever by 'mass terror events' around the world... Somehow, we possess that gene that directs us to adventure. The Grand Canyon? I'll save that for when I can't travel anymore.
Meanwhile, those who are tentative, might just like to travel into the cauldron, so to speak. We just spent a month in central Asia -- Uzbekistan, Khazakhstan, Kyrgystan (were rejected for the Tajikistani visa!)-- and felt quite safe, esp after being patted down by state security each time we wished to take the Metro in Tashkent! ... felt like the eastern bloc in the 1980s...
(BTW -- Europeans aren't going to Turkey or Greece this year, rather flocking to the Alps. Busy season there this year!)
Meanwhile, those who are tentative, might just like to travel into the cauldron, so to speak. We just spent a month in central Asia -- Uzbekistan, Khazakhstan, Kyrgystan (were rejected for the Tajikistani visa!)-- and felt quite safe, esp after being patted down by state security each time we wished to take the Metro in Tashkent! ... felt like the eastern bloc in the 1980s...
(BTW -- Europeans aren't going to Turkey or Greece this year, rather flocking to the Alps. Busy season there this year!)
7
Rafting at Grand Canyon is indeed an adventure, for which you would not want to wait until you "can't travel anymore".
28
On the contrary -- the national parks should be seen when you are still active enough to engage in some serious exercise. We saw the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas last year and we went to Glacier National Park this year.
In the Park there are two things to do: 1) Sit in some vehicle (car, boat, bus) and be driven around to look at things 2) get out and hike. 99% of the great stuff can only be seen/done via #2. We climbed up a mountain to walk right up to a glacier with a glacier bowl of icebergs floating in clear blue icewater. 2,000 feet below us we could see a chain of turquoise lakes whose famous color is the product of suspended "glacier dust." One evening we were out strolling around before bed and we saw ten mountain goats -- a mother and kid came up within about 10 feet of us. The next day we went whitewater rafting down a canyon. For me, I'll take that over the "metro in Tashkent."
In the Park there are two things to do: 1) Sit in some vehicle (car, boat, bus) and be driven around to look at things 2) get out and hike. 99% of the great stuff can only be seen/done via #2. We climbed up a mountain to walk right up to a glacier with a glacier bowl of icebergs floating in clear blue icewater. 2,000 feet below us we could see a chain of turquoise lakes whose famous color is the product of suspended "glacier dust." One evening we were out strolling around before bed and we saw ten mountain goats -- a mother and kid came up within about 10 feet of us. The next day we went whitewater rafting down a canyon. For me, I'll take that over the "metro in Tashkent."
4
The Grand Canyon to date is the only place I have visited where there was no trace of the "you mean that's it?" sense of feeling underwhelmed. Quite the opposite. Plus - the park rangers don't pat you down, no beggars or obsequious-service-masking-hostility, and no not-funny smells.
Up next- Antarctica! To the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station Visitors Center! Except the Visitors Center doesn't exist and they will come out with shoggoth prods extended to keep you away if you paid no heed to the tour guide's warning to not go anywhere near the station. The McMurdo Station Visitor's Center is an old wooden crate permanently manned by a single quarter-scale stuffed penguin from FAO Schwarz lashed to the top that answers no questions put to it. So you sort of get the idea how they feel about the prospect of guests interrupting their work.
Up next- Antarctica! To the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station Visitors Center! Except the Visitors Center doesn't exist and they will come out with shoggoth prods extended to keep you away if you paid no heed to the tour guide's warning to not go anywhere near the station. The McMurdo Station Visitor's Center is an old wooden crate permanently manned by a single quarter-scale stuffed penguin from FAO Schwarz lashed to the top that answers no questions put to it. So you sort of get the idea how they feel about the prospect of guests interrupting their work.
2
Here's my travel tip if you are looking for some place safe - fly to Europe through Ireland - for the pre-clearance (save time) - then check out the North of England. We flew to Manchester in order to avoid the crowds/hassles in London. We just got back from the Ribble Valley in Lancashire (for a wedding). Great food and countryside (lots of sheep and cows) and the friendliest people. We stayed at the beautiful, Inn at Whitewell (also recommend seeing the movie, the Trip which features great inns and restaurants in the North of England).
Living a few minutes walk from the Boston Marathon bombing site, I feel for other communities. But I'd rather take my chances than sit at home wishing/regretting I went places. I can't wait for retirement or the "right time" - life goes on.
Living a few minutes walk from the Boston Marathon bombing site, I feel for other communities. But I'd rather take my chances than sit at home wishing/regretting I went places. I can't wait for retirement or the "right time" - life goes on.
25
Why not just go to Ireland, which is in Europe, not on the way there?
Safe, friendly, interesting, literary...great craic altogether.
Safe, friendly, interesting, literary...great craic altogether.
23
Ireland and Northern Ireland are beautiful and friendly places. Irish farmers will chat with you while herding their cows crossing the road. Irish people are hardworking and always very friendly. They will come up to help you if you look lost. Scots in Scotland are more reserved but also very friendly.
1
Ireland is wonderful. Northern Ireland is a rich and under-realized tourist destination because of the history of the Troubles but has really opened up since there has been peace. Dublin is very cosmopolitan and has a rich historical and cultural scene--not to mention its burgeoning gastronomy. Cork City is a marvelous destination. The Aran Islands--not as a day trip but as a destination for at least a few days-are spectacular.
Ireland has a decent train system and a very good inter-city bus system. We have never rented a car on any of our trips and have done fine with bus, train and a few cabs thrown in. Twice we have hired private drivers for a day to go to more out of the way places.
Because Ireland is now in the EU, it has also become diverse, especially in its cities. But, it has definitely not lost its rich traditions.
True, Ireland is a gateway. From there we have gone to England, Scotland and Wales on various trips BUT--Don't just use Dublin for its pre-clearance. Stop for a while. You'll like it!
Ireland has a decent train system and a very good inter-city bus system. We have never rented a car on any of our trips and have done fine with bus, train and a few cabs thrown in. Twice we have hired private drivers for a day to go to more out of the way places.
Because Ireland is now in the EU, it has also become diverse, especially in its cities. But, it has definitely not lost its rich traditions.
True, Ireland is a gateway. From there we have gone to England, Scotland and Wales on various trips BUT--Don't just use Dublin for its pre-clearance. Stop for a while. You'll like it!
1
Oh please-as someone said below-those who are so frightened of terrorist attacks should do everyone a favor and just continue to visit the theme parks and the Grand Canyon. I'm a proud American but I have zero interest in seeing America; I adore Europe and Paris is my second home. I rent a flat there for several weeks a year and was in the city during last November's horrific attacks. Yes, it was an incredibly tragic and awful time, but no way did it scare me from returning, as I always do. I'm heading back in November, and cannot wait. Live your life. Travel!
46
I love most of Western Europe also and travel there as often as I can. Italy is my favorite, though. I am quite surprised and dismayed by your reactive linking of the Grand Canyon with a "theme park". Nothing is further from the truth. The Grand Canyon will rock you to your core. It is a spectacle so massive and amazing and natural, you will come away inspired and invigorated.
I would guess that you have not actually visited the Grand Canyon.
Oh... and on a related note, in 2013 when my family and I visited the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion we were blown away by the record number of foreigners visiting these wonders. I would guess more than 60% of the folks we encountered were from Western Europe. In my conversations with some a common theme rang true; we are all a small part of a very massive natural world. Sometimes a natural "theme park" impress that upon you.
I would guess that you have not actually visited the Grand Canyon.
Oh... and on a related note, in 2013 when my family and I visited the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion we were blown away by the record number of foreigners visiting these wonders. I would guess more than 60% of the folks we encountered were from Western Europe. In my conversations with some a common theme rang true; we are all a small part of a very massive natural world. Sometimes a natural "theme park" impress that upon you.
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Wonderful post. I would add to it, that if you're really fearful, the US would be the country to worry about. We have the highest rate of gun ownership in the civilized world and the highest murder by gun and other gun related issues to go along with that. Give me Spain (with all it's problems) any day.
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Patou, your comment is based on stereotype and misinformation every bit as much as the misinformation about terrorist attack incidence and alleged lack of safety in non-US destinations.
If you do not want to visit theme parks and the Grand Canyon, try historical sites closer to your home in NYC. A visit to the Civil War battlefields and sites in Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland will put you in touch with the tragedy of the war, the death and suffering it wrought, the sordid history that precipitated it and the roles played by many people including recent immigrants and African Americans in the war effort. In the last few years of the war, for example, African Americans were a sizable portion of the Union army and its medical services. I did not learn that in a book but from the NPS.
Go to Shenandoah National Park or Harper's Ferry, site of the John Brown rebellion. Gettysburg is a short trip from New York. Head north to Fort Ticonderoga, Boston, Acadia National Park. What about New Orleans, Charleston, Savannah, San Francisco? Denver, the Rockies? Culture, history and diversity as rich, if shorter, as that of Europe. Studying our history at its sites informs our understanding of our present.
I have also traveled outside the US. I am heading to Asia soon and have been to many places in Europe. I do not let fear of terrorism hold me back but I would be cautious about areas for which the State Dept. has issued advisories. Both US and travel abroad enrich and inform.
If you do not want to visit theme parks and the Grand Canyon, try historical sites closer to your home in NYC. A visit to the Civil War battlefields and sites in Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland will put you in touch with the tragedy of the war, the death and suffering it wrought, the sordid history that precipitated it and the roles played by many people including recent immigrants and African Americans in the war effort. In the last few years of the war, for example, African Americans were a sizable portion of the Union army and its medical services. I did not learn that in a book but from the NPS.
Go to Shenandoah National Park or Harper's Ferry, site of the John Brown rebellion. Gettysburg is a short trip from New York. Head north to Fort Ticonderoga, Boston, Acadia National Park. What about New Orleans, Charleston, Savannah, San Francisco? Denver, the Rockies? Culture, history and diversity as rich, if shorter, as that of Europe. Studying our history at its sites informs our understanding of our present.
I have also traveled outside the US. I am heading to Asia soon and have been to many places in Europe. I do not let fear of terrorism hold me back but I would be cautious about areas for which the State Dept. has issued advisories. Both US and travel abroad enrich and inform.
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Brings back the slogan from the 1960s: See America First. Some frequent travelers are more familiar with other countries then their own and are left in the dark about political trends here. Still the danger of terrorism in Europe is small considering they have less street violence. Of course street crime in the US focuses on the drug trade while terrorists target the tourists. Still you can't live in fear.
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Thank you for sharing your reasoning, "Of course street crime in the US focuses on the drug trade while terrorists target the tourists. Still you can't live in fear"!
Thank you for pointing out that a lump-number of crime rate needs to be broken down to "drug trade and target the tourists", the 2 categories of safety concerns.
That's why I love reading the comment section!
Thank you for pointing out that a lump-number of crime rate needs to be broken down to "drug trade and target the tourists", the 2 categories of safety concerns.
That's why I love reading the comment section!
1
Americans are becoming international laughing stocks owing to their absurd and frequently irrational fears. A big part of this is a propensity to buy into cheap 24 hour television news drivel, while another part is owing to a basic lack of geographical knowledge. An American is probably at greater risk on the streets of their own cities as they are on a visit to Paris, or an African wildlife safari. They forget too, that this climate of fear (originally constructed by Bush and Cheney), which broods in America, is exactly what the terrorists want; we live in an age where the correct thing to do is show some spine, and not let them win.
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Americans have no monopoly on irrational fears or geographical ignorance. Such folks are found everywhere human beings are found. But your larger point, also made by others, is true; the chance of being injured or killed in a terrorist action is far less than by some quotidian event which hardly anyone is concerned about. It is very close to pointless to adjust travel, or any other, plans to avoid such unlikely events. Indeed, given that many others will give in to such fears, that may be the best time to visit such places -- the crowds will be thinner, and the prices lower.
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"An American is probably at greater risk on the streets of their own cities as they are on a visit to Paris,"
I feel I should share my experience, which is much different. I lived in the US for many years and nothing ever happened to me. But in Europe I've been attacked and assaulted at least half a dozen times, in addition to dealing with multiple terrorist attack (threats) that are now normal. Same applies to most of my international friends who've spent time in the US and Europe. I felt safer in the US than I ever have in Europe.
I feel I should share my experience, which is much different. I lived in the US for many years and nothing ever happened to me. But in Europe I've been attacked and assaulted at least half a dozen times, in addition to dealing with multiple terrorist attack (threats) that are now normal. Same applies to most of my international friends who've spent time in the US and Europe. I felt safer in the US than I ever have in Europe.
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Very true. I live in New York City, where, just yesterday, a tourist from the U.K. was set on fire. The victim was visibly Muslim.
May I suggest Moravia--the eastern half of the Czech Republic. All the delights of Prague, but there are basically NO tourists. I visited in July and had it to myself.
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Thanks for the tip!
This article needs a correction. The photo purporting to show the vieux port area of Quebec is, in fact, Place Jacques Cartier in Vieux Montreal.
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Looks like it's been fixed.
I am leaving Iceland today and it was marvelous. Everyone speaks beautiful English. We wandered out of Reykjavik and it added much to our experience. Off to other Scandinavian destinations for a few more weeks before returning home to "crazt" and wonderful USA! I love travel, and have seen much of America and it is all great.
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Imagine every one speaks English in Iceland but now not even taxi drivers need to speak English. The USA is quickly becoming the Tower of Babel and we will regret it.
4
Interesting how there are no articles about Europeans reconsidering travel to the U.S. in the wake of almost daily mass shootings. Any tips on how to stay safe from gun violence on my American vacation?
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From the German foreign ministry travel advice section:
In den USA ist es vergleichsweise leicht, in den Besitz von Waffen zu gelangen. Sollten Sie Opfer eines bewaffneten Überfalls werden, versuchen Sie nicht, sich zu wehren!
That means: "In the USA it is relatively easy to possess weapons. Should you be the victim of an armed robbery, do not try to fight back!"
So yes, the Europeans have been warned ;)
In den USA ist es vergleichsweise leicht, in den Besitz von Waffen zu gelangen. Sollten Sie Opfer eines bewaffneten Überfalls werden, versuchen Sie nicht, sich zu wehren!
That means: "In the USA it is relatively easy to possess weapons. Should you be the victim of an armed robbery, do not try to fight back!"
So yes, the Europeans have been warned ;)
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and stay out of NYC and Chicago if you are afraid of being murdered by a criminal with a gun...
6
Bullet proof vests are a recommended item.
1
Greece was mentioned a bit in passing but not as much as I expected, since "Greece is the best country for vacations in the world, according to Conde Nast Traveler's 2016 Readers' Travel Awards," as Tornos News puts it, and Greece has so far proven a safe place to vacation and live. Although tourists were scared away from some of the Aegean islands near Turkey, given the high number of refugees there, I have heard of no problems for tourists even that far east, and those islands sound like gorgeous places to visit. Farther west, the large island of Crete, where I've lived for almost 14 years, has been especially popular with tourists this year, although perhaps not as much with Americans as with Europeans. Americans should also discover the beauty of this island. See http://greekliquidgold.com/index.php/en/agrotourism-food-tourism/195-pho... and http://greekliquidgold.com/index.php/en/agrotourism-food-tourism/196-bot... for samples of Cretan beauty.
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I totally agree about Greece, especially Crete. My daughter and I just returned from two weeks on the island. Enjoyed the great people, wine, food, ancient sites, and overwll lack of crowded tourism since we spent most of our time in the country walking and, of course eating in local Tavernas. I will return. I am. Onle jealous that you live there and nor me.
13
It must be quite debilitating to be this afraid. Some people really should just stay home, under their beds. It is best for everyone.
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I went to Europe this Spring, arriving by cruise ship. We made day stops in Funchal, two in Spain, ending at Rome. I then spent another two and a half weeks traveling Eurail to Munich, Berlin, Western Belgium, and Luxembourg, with side day trips to surrounding towns. Flew back through Paris Orly.
The only unusual event was a delay getting through the Brussels train stations, due to police investigation of activities on the rail tracks. But the trains run hourly, so it only resulted in a one hour delay.
I was somewhat amazed that when the cruise ended in Italy on a Sunday morning, there was no passport control whatsoever. I got off the ship, into the terminal, found my luggage, boarded a charter bus, and left. While I did have to leave my passport with hotels I stayed at for the first night checking in, the only place where someone asked to see my passport while I was holding it was at the Iceland airport, at the plane change. A month away from home, passing through Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. And then Iceland. Not one passport stamp.
And the security check boarding Orly for Iceland was like it used to be in the US pre-9/11. Through a metal detector, X ray your bag, that's it.
They had more security entering St Peters in the Vatican than they had entering continental Europe.
The only unusual event was a delay getting through the Brussels train stations, due to police investigation of activities on the rail tracks. But the trains run hourly, so it only resulted in a one hour delay.
I was somewhat amazed that when the cruise ended in Italy on a Sunday morning, there was no passport control whatsoever. I got off the ship, into the terminal, found my luggage, boarded a charter bus, and left. While I did have to leave my passport with hotels I stayed at for the first night checking in, the only place where someone asked to see my passport while I was holding it was at the Iceland airport, at the plane change. A month away from home, passing through Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. And then Iceland. Not one passport stamp.
And the security check boarding Orly for Iceland was like it used to be in the US pre-9/11. Through a metal detector, X ray your bag, that's it.
They had more security entering St Peters in the Vatican than they had entering continental Europe.
16
You had to have been cleared to enter Maderia (part of Portugal, assuming the ship had traveled from the US and that was your first European stop) and that might have been done en mass on the ship before arrival. In any case, once you were cleared into the European Union Schengen Area, travel is unimpeded among those countries. No further passport check needed. That is why your passport wasn't checked in Italy or any of the other countries you visited after the first. It was checked in Iceland because your flight out was going to the US.
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Yes, Maderia was the first stop out of Florida, and Holland America had all my passport info,
3
If you checked into any hotel in Italy, by law they need to see your passport and pass on the info to the police. This law came into effect after the kidnapping and murder of politician and academic Aldo Moro in 1978. Even people who rent out apartments are required to do the same.
4
Your Vieux Port picture should be captioned Montreal which is indeed in the Province of Quebec but this could easily be confused with Quebec City. And for complete accuracy this is a picture of Place Jacques Cartier in the Vieux Port area.
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The picture you show is of Place Jacques Cartier, in Old Montreal.
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