The situation is still simmering in some places. If you have visited Yemen, Syria, Bahrain or Jordan recently, please share your first-hand reports for fellow travellers
A town may have protests which in the media seem to consume a whole city, but in reality it might only impact a street or two.
If you have been to countries with unrest and can share reliable and accurate reports of these please, please let us know. Was it safe where you were, what was the police/military presence like, did you notice any disruption at all?
Reply to this Hi Shane
Was in Egypt shark el sheikh last week / this week and everything was very calm, not much out of the ordinary other than quite a bit of police force around main hospital for the reason everyone knows and very little tourist (which was great !)
In Amman yesterday and same thing everything was very calm, not much to report there.
Funny enough, today in Baghdad outside of a few rockets things were quite quiet too (or maybe it us just because I come back from holidays !)
Cheers
Laetitia
Reply to this Laetitia, you seem to go to these countries, despite any unrest, so maybe you can advise me, on the following.
I was thinking about going to Syria this year. I am still undecided about whether to switch to a different destination. Do you think it would be safe enough for me to go to Syria this year? If it was you travelling alone, without the organisation you work for, would you go to Syria by yourself this year? If you think it is OK for me to go, are there any safety precautions you suggest?
Reply to this Hi Mell,
I'm just back a month from three weeks in Egypt, Jordan and Syria. I arrived in Damasus with a group but left for two days by myself. you can see my blog to see how much I loved it!! I was more than happy and felt safe by myself in Damascus, and met people in my hostel I could have travelled Syria with (unfortunately my flight home was imminent). It really depends on when you plan to go, the situation in Syria could be completely different. At the time the only change we needed to make to our itinerary was to avoid completely the Deraa border crossing due to unrest. We also stayed out of Damascus on Friday, when the protests happen after prayers. At the airport I met two Scottish guys who drove through a town in a taxi, only minutes later a protest started after the Friday prayers. Listen and talk to the locals, especially taxi drivers who can advise on when to avoid certain towns or areas. Simply try to avoid getting caught up in a protest.
Syria is a beautiful country and her people are the friendliest I have met. I would be more than happy to go back, even by myself, although personally I am happier if I have some people to travel with. If you are sensible with your safety as you should be travelling alone anywhere in the world, and are aware of local customs (bearing in mind Syria can be a traditional Arab state so be aware of what you wear), then you shouldn't have a lot of bother. However, it will be important to keep up-to-date with the news to see if the situation deteriorates anymore before you decide.
Hope I've been some help
Orla
Reply to this Hello Mell,
Best advice I could share with you right now would be wait and see. By the time your trip comes around the corner the situation might have improved (hope so...) but no one can predict how things will turn so if you still have time ahead of you then you got the freedom to see how things will evolve.
Until one week before my latest trip I actually had a whole trip to Yemen planned but based on latest events I had to cancel it (thats how I ended up in Egypt), anyhow waited until last minute but pushing it back was the best option (but still on my list for october). As far as Syria is concerned (for private trip) I would personally not go there right now (but same as yemen I am hoping to go there later in this year)
Take care and let me know once you have narrowed down the date of your trip to Syria
Laetitia
Reply to this That sure is reassuring Orla! Thanks for it. 😊
However, it will be important to keep up-to-date with the news to see if the situation deteriorates anymore before you decide.
Best advice I could share with you right now would be wait and see.
...waited until last minute ..
What I think I will do is fly into Turkey, and then I will still have the option of changing my mind about going overland to Syria if things deteriorate.
I havent yet travelled much in Turkey, so will still have an interesting time. I have been set on Syria, every since Shane who made this thread recommended it last year. But, I suppose it can wait, if necessary.
Thanks Laetitia! I value your advice, because I know you get to see a lot of places, and not only during the most peaceful times. Baghdad seems far from peaceful. Does your organisation provide enough protection, for you to feel safe there?
Reply to this Thanks Mell, and well as far as security goes, we do not use/ have armed escort/armed guards (if it was what you had in mind)but instead rely on the acceptance of the organisation (which has been present in Iraq for 30 years), good passive security & a permanent evaluation of the environment & strict movement policy. Somehow, I personally feel safer that way, low profile when moving around (which I do every week) and based on acceptance by all parties. Living conditions are difficult but in the same time the work is very rewarding, all in all I actually enjoy being based in Baghdad.
So back to your upcoming trip, did you already set a date?
Reply to this So back to your upcoming trip, did you already set a date?
I havent set a date yet, but my boyfriend has taken a week off in November to look after our daughter while I go to Syria. That week can probably be moved forward or back a bit. Ill let it depend on the flight offers that are available. 😊
Reply to this A lot can change between now and November. You can keep your Syrian dream alive and keep planning for it, but watching the news is a good idea.
Reply to this In response to: Msg #136598
Indeed, I am keeping an open mind about the safety issues. 😊 If I go to both Syria and Sumatra this year, I will feel I have done absolutely worthwhile travels for the year.
Sumatra is comming up in a few months, and then maybe Syria. Sumatra is another of those places that I am going to because I am impressed by the recommendations I got from some major travellers. Im glad the Sumatra one comes before the Syria one though, because of the rioting.
Reply to this Hello Mell
Definitely agree with Shane, still plenty of time so keep the dream alive.;-)
In the meantime, have a great trip in Sumatra!
Reply to this Hi Mell. Sylvia and I were in Allepo on Sept 11th, 2001. We never had any trouble with the Syrian people. In fact, exactly the opposite. We found out that day that Sylvia's dad had died in Australia so she was in tears. The locals all thought he had died in New York and were so solicitous it became awkward. We have been there twice now and found them most friendly - every one wants to take you home to their village!
I think Laetitia's advice is good. (How I envy her life!) You just need to keep your wits about you which I am sure you can do given your other travel experience.
We are off to Java in September. Thought we would go from Jakarta to Bali overland rather than just fly in and fly out.
[Edited: 2011 May 25 02:57 - John and Sylvia:18619 - Spelling error!]
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