Travel to Barcelona

[Stayingunderthecovers]

Dd2 (17) and her three friends planned some time ago to take a three-day break in Barcelona. None of them are streetwise or savvy, but I thought it would be nice for dd2 to take her first independent foreign trip (although she did go to Portugal last year with her elder, savvier sister).

However, in the light of yesterday's awful events I'm feeling a bit wobbly about it now. In my head I know it's probably one of the safest times to go, but it's still giving me the collywobbles. Do I need to get a grip? How would you feel?

I'd be worried but still let her go, how does she feel? Is it all booked?

In all honesty is not let her go. Yes it's probably saf (er) because of increased security but there was a potential 2nd attack which Thank God, was foiled you cannot be certain that other members of that group of nutjobs aren't ready to do something desperate. I don't know how security services are supposed to protect us from these atrocities.

She still wants to go ....

Sorry Marmalade yes, it was all booked ages ago.

It's really scary but tbh nobody knows for sure where is safe these days. Horrible things happen close to home too. I would let her go if she still wants to, just reiterate that it is best to stick together with her friends.

I suppose I've got at least until Monday to decide. I think what might really influence me is if I hear any mothers of any of the others refusing to let their daughters go.

All of these attacks in Europe have been single events, mostly the perpetrators are dead. It will be fine.

If she still wants to go then I'd let her

I don't think Barcelona is the best place for non streetwise/savvy teens. However they're more likely to get robbed than caught up in a terror attack.

I'd let her go. Your home town could be a target next week.
D's 18 is off to Paris with his girlfriend on Monday....just as likely to happen there.

I'm sat in the airport about to go to Barcelona now. I'm nervous of course and I'm leaving my children at home (they were never due to come) but at the end of the day the chance of something happening to me is tiny. Everything will be on high alert now so I'm probably safer travelling today than I would have been last week.
You have to live your life. If she still wants to go then I'd let her.

From the attack side, I'd say go. I've been frequently and it's an amazing city. I am someone who is frightened by many things, but somehow in my mind I know I'd go tomorrow. I'd feel safe.

The poster who said it isn't the best city for non savvy teens is right. There are many areas known for pick-pocketing and they are CLEVER! They may think they'd know if it happens but they wouldn't. It's a city where in the busy areas, they need to have their wits about them.

I would let her go.

Similarly I'd let her go to London or Paris or Nice.

Make sure her bag has a cross-body strap and she keeps everything zipped up at all times - LinkPlease is right that pickpocketing is a much more likely thing to happen.

Barcelona is an amazing city and I'm sure they'll have a fantastic time. They do need to keep their wits about them as they would in any large city.

It will be safer now than any other time. And I agree that what she really needs to watch out for are the pickpockets

Thanks everyone. One of the girl's parents has already pulled her out. If it has a ripple effect I guess I won't have to make the decision in any case.

Yeah I have to be in the minority here I guess - I wouldn't go right now. I'm not sure I'd be happy about my kids going either.
We have tickets to Paris in October and am actually thinking of leaving kids with parents and just going with DH.

There could be an attack anywhere, I'd let her go.

Even if there was another attack in Barcelona whilst she was there, the chances of her being caught up in it are minuscule.

She should go. But really really be careful with bags. Zip pockets, phone away, ears unplugged.

She's there, with four of her five friends and looking very happy. Thank you all so much.

Just read my original post - there were five to begin with, then down to three, and up to four this morning!

Hope she has a fantastic time - and that you don't worry too much

I hope she has a great time!