To consider cancelling London trip?

[Anxiousannie89]

It's DH's birthday this weekend and we had booked a trip to London to celebrate.

With what happened in Manchester, we both felt a little uneasy about going but were resolved to go and "get on with our lives" and enjoy the birthday trip. Now I see that the threat level has been raised to critical meaning a terror attack may be imminent and I'm starting to think the trip may not be a great idea.

I've always had quite high anxiety about terrorism so I can't figure out whether I'm being irrational. I should also point out we would be going with our 2 year old and I worry that I'm potentially putting him at risk. I can't figure out whether cancelling the trip is a sensible move in light of the fact we'd be travelling with our young son and the threat level is critical, or whether I would be acting a bit irrationally? DH is happy to go but equally if I said let's cancel, I don't think he would mind.

What would you do?

Everyone will tell you to carry on and live your life or else they 'win'.

Personally you should do what you feel is right. If you don't want to go, don't.

If it were me, I would go. Security will probably be extra vigilant.

Get on with your lives. Be careful driving to the airport though. Dangerous drivers.

Dangerous drivers are probably the most dangerous thing you will ever come across. We (sadly) accept them as part of life. I hate them. They murder thousands of people in the UK every year.

I would say go . But if it's going to make you so anxious that it wouldn't be enjoyable then maybe best to cancel it.

No one can really predict what's going to happen in life. I got on a coach last year without a single worry, it crashed and I very nearly died. The chances of being a victim of a terror attack are massively smaller than me being involved in another rta.

Only you know how you feel , do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

There are 8.6 million people in London - the odds of you being affected are so slim. Many of us are in central London all week, every week and are not affected. You are safer after than before an incident. Security is very high here.

I would go and have a ball. I've always been a firm believer that wjfn it's your time then it's your time regardless.

Don't let the loosers get you down.

Very very unlikely to be involved in an attack.

However i always advise the following simple precautions, in case public transport is affected:

-have a prearranged area to meet up should you become separated from each other

-wear comfortable flat shoes

-keep mobiles charged

-carry water, cash, spare glasses if you wear them, and a small torch (key ring size)

-write down your important phone numbers

-don't carry large bulky bags you have to drag around. I like hands-free bags like crossbody or backpacks

Have a great time in London!

Whatthefox - thats hilarious! Like going to a foreign country.... I wear heels to work every day travelling through the centre of town at rush hour. Kids go up to town all the time.

Maybe just act normal!

We're still here in London, all 9 million of us. It is very safe. The attack was in Manchester, not London. The next one is just as likely to happen in Leeds as it is in Cardiff or any other town or city.

But wear a pith helmet..

I wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy myself so I'd cancel for my own peace of mind, couldn't give a toss if that means they are 'winning'.

Go with your gut.

YANBU. I'm selling our tickets to Adele next month at Wembley

DH has asked me to cancel our trip to London next weekend too! I think it's best to stay away from major cities until things have settled down due to the fact that the terrorist 'was most likely not working alone'! Think I will stay in my tiny little village in the middle of nowhere until it's all settled! Better safe than sorry! We are just rescheduling for the future.

Personally I probably would in central London. I'm visiting relatives next week. Intend to get out of central London asap when travelling. I will still be going out and doing stuff, but choosing less crowded and central areas like Kew Gardens, Crystal Palace Park, gardens at Hampton Court etc.

That being said don't let my opinion ruin your fun! If you feel confident enough to go then go ahead I'm sure it will be fine

I'm moving to London I. July and honestly ... I'm scared. I'm afraid of the tube and tower bridge . But I'm not going to put my life on hold for this ... the next step would be never leaving my house

Everyone will tell you to carry on and live your life or else they 'win'.Personally you should do what you feel is right. If you don't want to go, don't,

This. You won't "have a ball" if you're anxious. Do what you feel is right. We don't currently live in the UK but may move back and I can't say I'd be going.

TheFinger I don't blame you, I would be too worried.

The last time there was a serious terrorist attack in Manchester was 1996. In the two decades between those attacks, how many people were hurt by a car, or choked on steak, or were struck by lightening for that matter?

Anxiety isn't rational so your fears are your fears. If you wouldn't have a good time because if that, cancel. But cancelling because of something so unlikely to affect you? I wouldn't.

You could die literally any second from any thing.

This is no more a threat than a roller coaster is. In fact, I think the risk of getting killed on a ride is higher than the risk of getting killed in a terror attack.

I go to central London every day. I live in zone 2. during the 7/7 bombings people had to walk home for miles, no public transport or cabs to be found. If you're not familiar with london, it is a foreign country frankly.

I'm not suggesting acting abnormally in any way.

I wouldn't worry, really.

The Critical status has been put in place so more security measures are allowed to go forward with the army being used to guard and secure things, instead of armed police.

Also, it does not mean an attack is imminent. At the moment the government/police aren't sure the person who set off the bomb in Manchester was working by himself. So the increase of security has been raised in case.

Go have a fun time in London and feel better that there is more security around you to decrease the chances of you being in danger

Some posters didn't walk miles home on 7/7. I never wear heels though but a couple of friends really suffered. Walking 9 miles in not trainers is hard I think!

Op, go with your gut I think.

Go with your gut OP and don't let anyone bully you into feeling you are "letting them win".

Sometimes making a plan can make you feel more in control of the situation so you can relax a bit more. For others, it doesn't work and if you're really anxious then you won't enjoy it and it's not worth the stress, that's ok too.