>>When you say "my group", who is included and who is excluded?[/QUOTE]>>

Look I am not going into details about "my group, " as this is not a political board We were a small religious minority in Egypt numbering 100,000 souls in 1948. Our community are no longer living in Egypt. One year, 70 of our community were slaughtered in Cairo by terrorists. So I have personal experience with terrorism there and maybe that is why I avoid these places like the plague, if I can.

Axe to grind admitted. Understandable.

I rest my case.

I think one can conclude the following. If one feels comfortable visiting a country in turmoil then go. If one feels uncomfortable then think twice.

Guwonder you made an excellent point about the risk of diseases. One should always check before going. Returning from Brasil I spent 10 days in bed with Hepatitis not able to move. My mother had red spots from head to toe and even in her mouth; most likely from spending time in the Amazon region. It took 3 months to cure her. One should be very careful.

Thank you everyone very much for such a lively and interesting debate, touching on so many issues, it has been very useful ^
drumbo

It was not only a lively, intense debate -- it was free of name calling and personal insults. Sadly, that's not always the case on FT.

All the contributors to this thread and most all contributors to FT know the primary purpose of FT is to facilitate good travel experiences and the miles and more that come with it. If there are a few sidetracks, they are here for amicable entertainment. :)

After the other day, are we still thinking Eqypt is safer than Israel for western travelers?

I would say now it is very safe in that the security forces will be on a much higher level of alert. However these things can truly happen just about anywhere and you can't stick your head in the sand.

If I had a business reason to go to Egypt now, I'd go in a heartbeat. Ditto for Israel.

It's a tragedy what happened in Egypt, however, my travels this month have included two countries which have been hit by (repeated) terrorist attacks. What am I to do? Avoid the UK and India? When 9/11 hit NYC, running away from NYC was the last thing in my mind. Same goes for Egypt (where one Conrad hotel is going to be housing me when the weather is better).

I said 1 month ago that Egypt was dangerous. Many said no it was very safe, especially as it was only Israelis in Taba that were really being targeted. And I am sure many will still say it's safe and really no big deal.

<<would say now it is very safe in that the security forces will be on a much higher level of alert.<<

Really? And how exactly can they stop it? Not an easy task.

Actively avoiding London (and even Rome and Copenhagen) too? And India as well? I guess I won't be travelling much then if you convince me that they are dangerous too. (Life is full of risks ... be it in London, in New York, Rome, Copenhagen, or Cairo.)

<<Actively avoiding London (and even Rome and Copenhagen) too? And India as well? I guess I won't be travelling much then if you convince me that they are dangerous too. (Life is full of risks ... be it in London, in New York, Rome, Copenhagen, or Cairo.)>>

I have no reason to travel to London, fortunately. And if I were I would avoid the underground, busses and department stores. Same for most other European cities.

I certainly am not rushing to book a trip to Turkey at the moment either.

I feel safer in New York, yes but when I go there I also avoid public transport too.

As to India I would not be so foolish as to visit Kashmir or Nepal where there is a war going on. Now "to each his own." I don't go marching into danger. Those who want to that's their choice. They are "free" to do as they wish.

As to Sharm El Sheik, going there in July is also crazy; the weather is terribly hot.

Enjoy Cairo.

What he said...

Have ticket, will travel... :)

Nepal is part of India? :confused: Must be a different Nepal than the one with a certain king being armed to the teeth by powers far and near then. :D

The main tourist locations in the Indian state of Kashmir are fine (as of now); it's going off the beaten path that will land people in trouble in the Kashmir valley part. The Jammu & Ladakh portions of the state of Kashmir are generally fine (and any travel advisory there for non-Indians is a bit of security paranoia and then some). DEL and BOM are far more likely to have a terrorist attack that hits non-Indians than a terrorist attack in Kashmir. (FWIW or not worth, Srinagar, Kashmir is full this summer of Indian, Israeli and Chinese tourists yet again. Good luck getting good houseboat accomodations on the lake; and better luck getting a flight.)