To sense check my instinct on safety abroad...

[Jewels234]

I have what some (my PIL) might deem a lax approach to personal safety, with the attitude that 'I'm sure it will be fine'. For example, I don't do anything crazy, but have done things that some people might consider dangerous (I.e. hitchhiking).

I'm about to go on holiday to Sharm el Sheikh. My PIL are extremely upset about this....they think it's far too dangerous. Given the news this morning, their protests against us going are even louder.

AIBU to think that we will be absolutely fine, and will not be bombed/catch ebola (yep, they really think this)/be raped (yep, again, my FIL genuinely thinks that I'll be carried off by a man on a camel to be made his wife). It's safe, right? Just need my safety instinct sense checked!

YANBU, as long as your sensible you'll be alright in most places. My very nervous and prone to panic DM had a fab time in Sharm! They went after everything really kicked off a couple of years ago and had no trouble.

Keep an eye on the FCO, and do the thing where you can register to tell them where you're going and when.

Oh, and have a great time

That said, I've not seen this mornings news, so may have to take that back!

As long as you stay in the hotel complex and do as they say about going on any excursions you could be OK. I wouldn't personally go to Cairo or anywhere where there have been or could be more riots/bombings. Don't go out in towns/cities at night. You could get the usual holiday tummy, but I would use hand antibacterial gel a lot and get medication for that. Norovirus more likely than Ebola. Carried off by man on camel unlikely unless you are in the middle of a desert.

the FCO know their stuff. Sharm is no more or less dangerous now than it was when you booked.

you would be daft to hitch-hike in Egypt, though.

What is the news that's scared them? I can't find anything and I'm curious because I've got family going there soon!

You'll meet an awful lot of Italians.

Italians talk about "going to Sharm" like Brits talk about "going to Magaluf"

None of them ever meet an Egyptian or venture out of their hotel complex.

You'd be daft to hitch hike anywhere, camels and sand or not.

I don't want to go to this area. Just have a bad feeling about it. Know quite a few who ended up with bad food poisoning etc - seems it's almost expected. I also think Egypt is a big terrorist draw. Been too many attacks against westerners for my liking and too many terrorists springing from there. There are tensions and attacks going on in the region that don't get reported.

I'm sure in statistics terms you will be fine, I've just got a thing about it even though I go other places that many folk would be a bit wary of, hitched all over etc.

No hitched in Egypt - but have other countries.

Ok, just checked the news. That's what I meant by the area being unstable and skirmishes going on more than folk think - they just don't always make the news unless the casualties are high or westerners are involved.

I would have no problems going to Sharm at all now. You will be in a tourist complex and will be fine. Your PiLs are getting worked up about nothing.

FCO are not warning against it, in fact they are making the effort to say that area is excluded from the warning Here Frankly, it's probably more dangerous to be in London right now.

Amazing, knew I was right. I plan to go, take advantage of all inclusive, do the odd spot of snorkeling, and never leave the hotel complex

Jewels Ignore your PIL.

25 years ago, I booked to go to a little known country with a then-little-known tour operator. My mother was not keen on the idea because she thought I'd never come back because she did not know anything about the country. (Remember Apollo 13 when we all thought they'd never make it back to Earth?). I was ...erm... mature at the time so could make my own decisions and, yes, here I am - back home..

Have lived in Sharm (and have lots of friends still there) and can assure you Sharm is not like 'real' egypt. It is a tourist resort and security there is extremely high.

You'll be fine, although I wouldn't recommend hitch hiking. Don't feel the need to be trapped in your hotel but be sensible when venturing out.

The news this morning was about North sinai which is miles apart both geographically and in terms of security and lifestyle from Sharm.

Some people do get dodgy stomachs which I would say is your biggest worry so be extra careful with your hand hygiene and avoid ice!

Enjoy the snorkelling and have a go at diving - it's some of the best diving in the world!! If you want to know anything or advice feel free to pm me. Enjoy your holiday!!