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Original poster

to wonder why people still holiday in volatile countries?

105 replies

Acorn20 · 09/01/2019 20:12

I am talking specifically about Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey etc. And no, I'm not just talking about terrorism, as that can happen anywhere nowadays.

I'm talking about the stories of people getting arrested and thrown in jail for trivial things. The fact if you walk down the street you will be hassled, whether it's sexual harrasment or for money.

I'm not denying these places have nice things to see, but it's just not worth it. Yet thousands of people go every year for some cheap sun.

OP posts:
StereophonicallyChallenged · 09/01/2019 20:18

I think if you start to rule places out (over and above official guidance) then you'd really quickly rule out large swathes of the planet.
I think that's it for me 😊 Also, seeing the world is not just/necessarily/ever about 'cheap sun'. That's just an added bonus.

BrightYellowDaffodil · 09/01/2019 20:20

With the exception of Tunisia, I’ve been to all of those countries in the last few years, as well as places in Asia etc. A while ago I spent some time travelling around Iran. All of them were amazing and I didn’t have a problem once. The reason I go is because I love going off the beaten holiday track - I know a lot of people want to stay with what they know in the holiday resorts, but that’s not for me. I want to explore, try new things and meet different people.

To my mind, if you see things as problems - harassment etc - they will be one. Roll with it - being careful with your personal safety when you need to and making sure you’re respecting local customs - and you’ll be fine.

Lonelynessie · 09/01/2019 20:21

From my own experience, the people that holiday in these places are not necessarily the same people that follow the news/current affairs, politics or know geography particularly well. Ignorance in some cases is bliss.

Flyingfish2019 · 09/01/2019 20:23

Very much of topic: you do not need to go to Turkey or Morocco to be sexually harassed or taped for money... and you can become a victim of terrorism everywhere, can’t you.

I never go there on vacation but still I do not believe there is a country without terrorism or sexual harrasment nowadays.

TerriTummyTowels · 09/01/2019 20:24

people getting arrested and thrown in jail for trivial things

So that's America out then

noworklifebalance · 09/01/2019 20:31

Google "is it safe to travel [visit] London" and see what oversees websites have to say.... you'd never want to set foot in the city. However, I work right in the centre of London and often walk along the sites of the recent terrorist incidents on a daily basis without a hint of fear.

maddiemookins16mum · 09/01/2019 20:36

It’s cheap and hot.

badlydrawncat · 09/01/2019 20:36

I've spent time all of those places except Tunisia, they're all very different, not really fair to lump them together. I have never been hassled in Morocco or in Turkey and I've travelled pretty extensively in both, not just in the tourist destinations. I always read up on local laws and dos and don'ts before I go and I think it helps that neither myself or partner are much for drinking, we can happily take it or leave it. I've never felt particularly at risk of arrest in either. I've couch surfed in Morocco and travelled a lot on public transport and met some wonderfully kind people. In Turkey, I was invited to visit the family and stay with someone I met. I did so the following year and saw village life at its best.

I have been hassled by touts and sellers in Egypt, specifically in Luxor, hardly a 'cheap sun' place. I hated the hassle, but it was a price I was willing to pay to see something I've spent the best part of 55 years dreaming of. Although it was horrible, I didn't actually feel threatened ever and there are other parts of Egypt I have never been hassled in. I do have some wonderful memories of Luxor even if I'd never go back.

There are other places I would never go although they're not normally thought of as volatile, mainly anywhere in the UAE.

Bowchicawowow · 09/01/2019 20:38

I don’t understand it. I wouldn’t go to Dubai for a number of reasons but people seem to love it Confused

CandyMelts · 09/01/2019 20:38

Because the idea of going to sit on a beach in Tenerife bores me to tears.

As would a beach in any of those countries to be fair, but there's more than just sunshine.

Ted27 · 09/01/2019 20:40

I have been to all of those places and a number of others in Africa. I have a masters degree in African history and politcs and can assure you @Lonelynessie, that I am fully aware of the history, politics and current situation of anywhere I visit.
I don't sit roasting on a beach, drink, let alone to excess, or commit sex acts on holy sites. Strangely enough for the most part I've had trouble free trips. I think I was just as concerned about pickpockets on a jampacked tube in London last week as I've ever been in Cairo, Marrakesh, Tripoli, Nairobi or several other cities I could mention. I've never been hassled to the extent that I've felt unsafe, nor have I ever been worried about getting randomly arrested.
I've witnessed appalling behaviour from Europeans, not just the 'Brits abroad' brigade and thought they deserved everything they got.
Not everyone who visits these places behaves like an idiot.

Flyingfish2019 · 09/01/2019 20:41

Actually I am planning to travel to Egypt on day when the kids are bigger. Do you recommend it?
I want to see the Pyramids while I still have the chance. They say Egypt is becoming more and more unstable and I hope I will have the chance to see them. Something I have always would have liked to do since I was a kid.

Idontbelieveinthemoon · 09/01/2019 20:46

We did Egypt a few years ago and it was great. It felt safe, secure and fine for tourists. The airport was the only place I felt a little unsafe, but again it was fine, I was simply more alert than I perhaps would ordinarily be.

Obviously you wouldn't take unnecessary risks or put yourself in harms way deliberately but DH travels regularly and I tend to think if something is going to happen, there's not a great deal I can do to prevent it. We were in London (albeit far enough away not to be caught up extensively) in the 7/7 bombings and if something like that can happen on our doorstep it proves that no matter where you go, there's an element of risk.

planespotting · 09/01/2019 20:48

Been to Morocco and Tunisia and no concerns

FayFortune · 09/01/2019 20:53

I'd love to go to Egypt but it won't be happening now.

Some people want to go places and won't be deterred. Ultimately it is up to them.

user1468942365 · 09/01/2019 20:54

My wonderful MIL seems to migrate towards places formerly known as "war torn" . She is mega! But bonkers.

Fashionista101 · 09/01/2019 20:55

I've been to Egypt and never again. I hated it.

I saw a thread on here not that long ago and a mum was going to Egypt alone with her 2 kiddies. Crazy.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 09/01/2019 20:56

I agree, they aren’t on my travel list.

XingMing · 09/01/2019 20:58

Have not visited Tunisia or Morocco, but we took the family to Sri Lanka during the last phase of its civil war, and it was wonderful. There were almost no other tourists there, so we had huge historic sites to explore alone, and yes, there were lots of terror incidents, road blocks were everyday occurences, but now that it has calmed and become a regular destination (well deserved, as there 's masses to do and see) it has become very expensive and rather dull.

flowerycurtain · 09/01/2019 20:59

Because I don't go to Egypt for cheap sun. I go to look at the remnants of one of the greatest civilisations to exist on the planet.

Intrigued by the poster who said Egypt is getting worse. I've been waiting for my young kids to get older.

tillytoodles1 · 09/01/2019 20:59

My brother and SIL retired to Turkey. We visit them quite often.

Belishaa · 09/01/2019 21:02

Because most of the places on your list are fascinating and beautiful.

I've had amazing trips to Morocco, Turkey and even Syria (before he war). Yes there are risks - but there are risks in London too and I've been happy to take them for the rewards of fabulous travel.

FayFortune · 09/01/2019 21:04

I'd look at the current travel advice if I was weighing it up.

F1reInTheSky2 · 09/01/2019 21:05

Holidays/travel do have an element of risk for all sorts of things like; sport activities, transport, illness, different cultures, food & drink, however, you can also experience the same in your home country. Nowhere in the world is risk free. Ive been to those places and further afield. Can anyone predict when a volcano will erupt disrupting flights ?

Flyingfish2019 · 09/01/2019 21:05

@flowerycurtain I am not an expert on Egypt. I just know a women who married a guy who happens to be Egypt and she told me that the youth there are very disappointed with their country because there is a high unemployment. In fact most to hope to immigrate to other countries in search for a better life. I do not know her well or talk to her often but from what she told me I understood that there is a very unhappy youth in Egypt and there are fears among the population it might become unstable... and I have other heard echo that sentiment... but I haven’t done research on Egypt. It is just what i have heard.