Visit the USA at the moment
 

We are planning to visit Florida and the Bahamas over easter, but were warned by friends from the USA, that the attitude maybe somewhat hostile at the moment. Any ideas? Is it safe and friendly at the moment?

Whoever warned you that we are hostile is foolish, IMHO. I believe we are a very discerning people and judge people as individuals. This country has always welcomed visitors from everywhere as well as immigrants. It is what this country is all about. I wouldn't worry about it. If you run into any problems just post and we flyertalkers will come to your rescue http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif!

Just came back from the States.... I could not notice any difference in attitude compared to other times. That is, as long as you order "freedom fries" and not "french fries". http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

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truly yours. airOli.

Since I don't see anything here about a specific FT get-together while you are on your planned trip to the USA, I'm going to move this thread.

You can continue to follow it in FT Travel under USA.

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Moderator - FlyerTalk Community & Women Travelers

Yes, yes, yes it's safe. And peoples are friendly; they don't like some European politics, but they have nothing against the people. I am not 100% sure regarding french!?!

These are very good freinds of us, and they said:"Better do not mention where you are from!".

peter42:
you don't have to mention from where you come ... the Americans can hear it anyway.
They may ask you: "..from which city to you come .. I was in xyz ... my grandparents are from ...", and so on.

People in Florida are a friendly lot. I wouldn't worry about it. Your friends' admonishments are, though well-intentioned, should not prevent you from enjoying beautiful, sunny Florida.

Besides you will meet a lot of Europeans and South Americans in Florida. Easier to find them, then the Americans, who are very reserved and usually do not speak very loudly in bars unless they are the younger set after a few drinks!

What worries me are comments like ACES II's ones in this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum...ML/006022.html

I would not worry much about such comments.
You can find this (and worse) in any country...people avoided to go to Germany .. they have heard that foreigners are again attacked in the Metro (U-Bahn) by Punks. Got the message?
Just come and see for yourself.
Are you interested in horror-stories? I can give you some examples what (United States) INS, border control, security ... did to my friends, customers. You have a lot of "rules and regulations/red tape" in the US. More than in Europe. And some Europeans have trouble with this ...
As said before, come to Florida, it's nice, the people are friendly, it's (almost) a paradise.

I have heard that some people in Europe, particularly France (of which you would know nothing, I'm sure http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif :| http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif) do not like Americans. But I do not listen to gossip and you should not listen to gossip either. America is known for tourism and that's why people keep coming here. Have you noticed that people have stopped coming????????

Yes, I have. The estimates are, that Florida has about 30% less tourists from Europe. The LTU, twice a week DUS - RSW (Ft.Myers)-DUS are only 60% booked.
Still, there is hope: Condor will soon start weekly flights FRA-RSW-FRA.
In all other aspects I second your remarks.
There is a saying: "You didn't merry Mr./Ms. USAFAN because somebody told you she kisses so well..." http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...um/biggrin.gif
BTW, LTU and Condor (now Thomas Cook) are German charter carriers.

All I can say is this: here in New York, after 9/11, when the muslim people were afraid to walk our streets, American citizens walked with them to help them feel safe. If that doesn't say something about us, I can't say anything else that will reassure you.

Hey, I made another forum!! YEA!!! Why is it that other countries can scrutinize us americans with impunity (I travel the world over and get some really shoddy treatment) but when people come here and we want to know who and why they get all scared. You don't see soldiers on all our street corners like I see almost weekly in other countries. We just want to know who you are and why you are coming. You are most welcome, but with the current world situation it is only proper that we know something about those that are visiting our wonderful country as others demand to know about us.