To go or not to go - London?

[bklynhamptonian]

For those who are planning trips to Europe or currently living there now what's your take on going now/being there now with all that is happening in Lebanon? I want to plan a 4 day getaway to London sometime in October with DH BUT I'm wondering if this is smart given the current unrest or am I just being a paranoid freak? And yes I know where London is in relation to Lebanon (LOL!). Just asking.

[Asha]

based on your username, don't you already live in a target location for terrorists? i don't see how london would be any different.

[pocket]

I do not think that situation in Lebanon is perilous for a trip to London. It's like me being worried about that serial killer in Pheonix.

[ejs]

I don't understand why you wouldn't go.

[bookworm]

Yes, definitely go.

[jajacobsen]

Possibly the OP is not worried about terrorism, but anti-American sentiment. It is true that you may run into some of that. However, less so in the uK than say, France or Germany. I would go, and be the nicest, politest American anyone ever met. And it someone brought up politics, I would change the subject or say you preferred not to discuss such while on holiday.

As far as terrorism or physical danger, you will be very safe. The UK has a much lower per capita death rate from either terrorism or violent crimes than most parts of teh US, NYC especially.

[nawsgirl]

I do not think that situation in Lebanon is perilous for a trip to London. It's like me being worried about that serial killer in Pheonix.

Well, actually we have two: the Baseline Rapist/Killer and the Serial Shooter :p

Seriously though, I wouldn't worry about going at all. Yes you may encounter some anti-American sentiment, but you'd probably get that regardless of what is going on in the middle east.

[amew]

We have a trip to Italy, Greece, and Croatia planned for the near future, and it has never even begun to occur to me that we should rethink our trip due to the situation in the Middle East. I would not consider changing my plans unless there was nearby terrorist activity or a State Department travel advisory. I don't think you will be any less safe in London than in any major US city.

[artist]

If I had the money/vacation time to do it, I'd go! I think you're probably okay in London.

[basketcase]

I just returned home from London last week (I spent almost three weeks there). I agree with the other posters: GO! I felt incredibly safe, not to mention London is a very international city. There were so many Americans there, it was ridiculous! The biggest threat is getting your cell phone stolen, or running into unruly drunks. ;)

[tenofcups]

There have been times in the past when I've intentionally not gone to Europe because of either international or U.S. situations, so I understand where the question is coming from. (And other times when I've really questioned the decisions of some friends or coworkers re travel.) Right now, though, I don't personally think this is one of those situations where I'd question going. In fact, Dh and I have a trip planned to Europe in September and it didn't even occur to me to cancel it.

Things can always change quickly, of course, and if the U.S. becomes more actively involved, then I might reconsider it, but for now, I would still plan to go.

[Rico'sAlice]

Re: Anti-American sentiment- Some people sew Canadian flags to their backpacks. Just sayin'...

[bellabonga]

Possibly the OP is not worried about terrorism, but anti-American sentiment. It is true that you may run into some of that. However, less so in the uK than say, France or Germany.
Being German and living in Germany myself, I have to defend us here. ;) I think that most people in Germany know that not every American is agreeing with the US foreign affairs and I don´t think it would be risky to travel to Germany for you. Even Bush was able to travel to Germany without any harm. ;)

Back on the topic: I don´t see a reason why you shouldn´t travel to London either. The only thing I would be worried about is that their safety standards at the airport aren´t that high.

[Quartercentury]

...
Back on the topic: I don´t see a reason why you shouldn´t travel to London either. The only thing I would be worried about is that their safety standards at the airport aren´t that high.
Funny you should mention this... I would rather fly through a UK airport than an American airport any day. Not sure exactly what you mean by "safety standards" but the lack of shoe & belt removal protocol, for example, doesn't make me feel any less safe.

Once (in 2003, I believe) I flew from Birmingham to Newcastle (a domestic UK flight - nothing to do with Alabama) with a pocket knife in my bag. But I also flew from JFK to Heathrow with a professional corkscrew (the kind with a corkscrew on one end and a knife on the other) in my bag on the 21st of September, 2001. And that was after my bag being x-rayed twice!

FWIW, I was just in London weekend before last and it's fine. Lots of visitors - no one is going to pick you out of a crowd and heckle you for US policy in Israel. Even if they do, you might make a comment along the lines of their prime minister being at the beck and call of the Bush administration and those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...

The other thing worth mentioning... Have you looked at the exchange rate lately? That would be the only reason I would consider delaying a trip to the UK. $1.86 to £1.00 last I checked. Ouch.

[tlew12778]

I don't see what the situation in Lebanon has to do with London.

[Asha]

I don't see what the situation in Lebanon has to do with London.

i do understand her point. since the u.s. and its ally u.k. support israel's attack on lebanon this could make the the u.s. and u.k. even more of a target for terrorists. though, i think being in any major u.s. city is just as risky as being in london.

[Vishenka69]

As Asha pointed out NYC is no safer than London or any other large European city. We had to change our travel plans due to the situation in the Middle East but our original destination was Israel. Now we're going to Eastern Europe instead. I would definitely go to London in your case.

[sue-bert]

There are loonies everywhere. Nobody in Seattle thought that they were in any serious danger due to the war in the Middle East, and then some nut-ball goes bezerk and shoots five women in a Seattle Jewish Community Center. It's all so random. I say you might as well travel and enjoy life.

[jajacobsen]

Bellabonga - I appreciate your realization that Americans run a very large spectrum in terms of politics. Just FYI, I lived in the UK for 5 years during and following 9-11 and the curent war. I am a member of an English/American family and hold dual UK/US citizenship. I try to understand politics from a world view, and do not come across as overly "pro-American" when travelling. That said, I was able to travel extensively in Europe when I lived in the UK. Unfortunately, in some countries where the political feeling was very unsympathetic towards Americans, and because I have an American accent, it seemed that some parties were less than welcoming. I should not have mentioned specific countries as that would be an unfair generalization. I apologize.

I think it is possible to run into anti-American sentiment almost anywhere, largely because of "ugly American" behavior in the past. Europeans don't care how we do things here and don't need to be informed of differences by laoud talikng, poorly dressed tourists eating McDonald's complaining about having to walk everywhere and that there is no AC. If you do these things, you may receive criticsm or unpleasantness - and you may receive such anyway die to our countries unpopular world politics.

I would caution any American travelling to have a thick skin and a polite demeanor and you will be fine. But as far as physical safety, I would have no worries.

[bklynhamptonian]

Thanks for weighing in ladies. Those of you who said being in a major US city is no more or no less safer are absolutely right (and for what it's worth I'm no longer a New York resident). I was more worried about the anti-american backlash, etc. But after reading your comments and really thinking about it's not like we would be drapped in an american flag and wearing we support bush pins on every part of our bodies.

Now the strength of the Euro against the dollar is a completely different matter. . . . That exchange rate is horrible!

[tlew12778]

Good thing the UK uses pounds then ;). The pound has always been much stronger against the dollar so it makes no difference if you go now, or had you gone years ago.

As for anti-American sentiment, I have travelled very extensively and have NEVER had someone treat me rudely bc I am American. Most people don't hate the American people... they harbor resentment against the American govt -- two totally different things.

[bellabonga]

Bellabonga - I appreciate your realization that Americans run a very large spectrum in terms of politics. Just FYI, I lived in the UK for 5 years during and following 9-11 and the curent war. I am a member of an English/American family and hold dual UK/US citizenship. I try to understand politics from a world view, and do not come across as overly "pro-American" when travelling. That said, I was able to travel extensively in Europe when I lived in the UK. Unfortunately, in some countries where the political feeling was very unsympathetic towards Americans, and because I have an American accent, it seemed that some parties were less than welcoming. I should not have mentioned specific countries as that would be an unfair generalization. I apologize.
No need to apologize. I´m sorry that you had the bad luck to be treated poorly here. There are dumb people everywhere. Although I have to admit that there has been an anti-American mood in Germany when the Iraque war started. But that was some years ago and has changed since then. Our new chancellor is very pro-American and that might have something to do with it.

[DaniML]

Being German and living in Germany myself, I have to defend us here. ;) I think that most people in Germany know that not every American is agreeing with the US foreign affairs and I don´t think it would be risky to travel to Germany for you.

I'm definetly going to have to agree with Bella here. I don't think I've ever heard of an American having problems in Germany solely based on their nationality.

Anyway, as far as London, I agree with everyone else. I don't see how there would be a problem.

[basketcase]

If you do end up going to London -- and you have an iPod -- check out this website (http://londonwalks.libsyn.com/) where you can download FREE podcasts called "London Walks" that give you guided tours as you walk around different parts of London.

We didn't find out about this website until we were already on our way home from London. We were so bummed! Especially considering that walking is the best way to explore London, these podcasts would've been great!

[jajacobsen]

Okay, I have already apologized and retracted my statement, which bellabonga has accepted, so I don't think we need to belabor this. That said, DH and I are VERY seasoned travelers and generally try to avoid politics and be good ambassadors for our country whenever we travel. This past June we were in three European countires, including Germany, where we had no problems on this trip. However, when we on an adjoining nation, DH did receive surly attitude on the last two days. He felt it was because he looks and is very American. It was unfortunate and while we did not let it ruin our trip or tarnish our view of the people of this country, it did make us realize that as Americans, we are still viewed with disdain at times.

Is it right? Of course not. And I am certain that most Europeans realize that many people in the US share a diversity of political opinions. Like I have explained, I hold dual US/UK citizenship, but was raised in the US and have an American accent. I cannot tell you how many times in the UK casual aquantainces (or even people I did not know at all) would make disparaging comments to me about the actions of "your George Bush" as if I were somehow responsible for them! I would respond that the actions of the White House no more reflected the sentiment of allof the US than the actions of Tony Blair represented the political opinions of all of the UK and then change the topic or discontinue the conversation.

Things are not better in the US. Muslims have unfortunately been stigmatized by many Americans following 9-11. And where I live, GA, illegal immigration is a HOT political topic and so persons of Latin American heritage often have unfair generalizations made about their status and entry into the US. I am NOT saying that the situation is any better here. But I just warn all Americans to please be on their BEST manners when travelling abroad as they may be put on the spot and they should be prepared to respond in a calm and poised manner rather than get upset.

That said, if the OP plans to mostly do sightseeing stuff in touristy areas, they should have no problem Those areas are covered up with Americans on vacation right now and peopel who cater to the tourist trade generally are less openly critical of their guests (although our rude European was a hotel employee!).

I do disagree with a previous post. The current exchange rate of $1/1.86 sterling is VERY disadvantageous to Americans and is at a 10 year high. In 2001 the rate was $1/1.40 stterling. But that is something you know and accept up front before you travel there.

[bklynhamptonian]

Good thing the UK uses pounds then ;). The pound has always been much stronger against the dollar so it makes no difference if you go now, or had you gone years ago.


Why did I think England was using the Euro. . . . shows you how much I know! LOL!

[bellabonga]

I cannot tell you how many times in the UK casual aquantainces (or even people I did not know at all) would make disparaging comments to me about the actions of "your George Bush" as if I were somehow responsible for them!
I cannot tell you how many times in the UK people have acted as if I was personally responsible for WWII just because I´m German. Seems to be a popular way of thinking in the UK. :rolleyes:

[jajacobsen]

Bellabonga - while I don't want to generalize and state that the British generalize all the time - I hear ya! And I can say that as a taxpaying - and voting British citizen!

One thing travelling and working in the UK, Switzerland, France, Russia, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, Holland and Sweden in the years following 9-11 taught me is that we all have sterotypes and perceptions, myself included, which are so unfounded. And that the hopes, needs and desires for most people, to live simple and peaceful lives, and raise happy and healthy children are the same. I no more associate the modern German with WWII than I would hope I am associated with slavery, and current political actions of my government. Unfortunately, many others do not recognize the diversity within each culture.

Bklynhamtonian - While the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) is a member of the European Union, the have not adopted the single currency, the euro. The pound sterling is still the currency within all of these countries and may be used freely in any of the four.

The Republic of Ireland is a separate politica state and is also a member of the European Union. It has adopted the euro. Conversion rates from teh $ to euro are about $1/1.26 euros.

[tlew12778]

I do disagree with a previous post. The current exchange rate of $1/1.86 sterling is VERY disadvantageous to Americans and is at a 10 year high. In 2001 the rate was $1/1.40 stterling. But that is something you know and accept up front before you travel there. When I travelled there for the first time in 1998 it was 1.65 to the $1. The rate fluctuates, but the GBP has always been stronger than the USD. My point was exactly that... yes the 30 cents might make a difference but it's all relative.

Oh and FWIW, the actual conversion rate you get is not 1.27. That is the interbank rate. You need to tack on an extra 2-3% for cash and credit card rates.

[Larissa]

I cannot tell you how many times in the UK people have acted as if I was personally responsible for WWII just because I´m German. Seems to be a popular way of thinking in the UK. :rolleyes:

I think that's the way it happens everywhere. In the UK, where I now live, I get the "your George Bush" but when we travel my British partner gets the "your government is Bush's pawn". In Croatia just last week I was blamed (friendly blame with a nice Croatian guy) for both Blair and Bush once the people I was speaking with found out I was an American living in the UK. I hate to think what would be said to me if I actually did run either country ;)

More on topic - I live right outside London right now and I'm American. London is fine and I've had no anti-American comments in the 4-5 months I've lived here.

[am_81]

I live in Europe right now (Switzerland) and just got back from a long weekend in London . . . . . I feel/felt perfectly safe at all times.

[Smittenk]

It's absolutely fine here...we haven't experienced anything more than stories in the newspaper. Don't let it stop you from travelling at all.

[sue-bert]

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