My little sister is planning a trip around North Africa in the spring: she's going to take the ferry from southern Spain to Tangiers, trvale down Morocco to Fez, Marrakesh, Casablanca etc, then travel back up and cross Tunisia and Libya, to finish in Egypt.

I'm really worried her to be honest, with the situation in the Middle East as it is at the moment, and indeed the threat to Western travellers from Muslim fundamentalists the world over. Nowhere seems to be safe, there have been attacks on every continent, so it seems stupid to make a point of travelling somewhere where tensions will be higher than elsewhere.

How can I tell her how I feel without pouring cold water on her plans? She has travelled in South East Asia on her own before with no trouble, but I can't help feeling that this is a whole different situation.

She's 21 and can very well look after herself, but still...

you already explain to her you're worried? I understand you very very well. I would be in worry too. but why does she want to arrange a travel with other friends? or - I konw that it's different, but more safe - with a travel company?
I think you have to talk with her, explaining your worries.
good luck!
milly

Hi Katy!
South East Asia would be more risky if you consider earthquakes, criminality, prostitution and what not .The mass media have partly succeeded into giving a destructive image onto some north african countries , but reality being what it is these parts are even safer than some european countries .North africans like all mediterraneans are so warmful and kind with foreigners .Your sister won't be bothered at all in these muslim countries .I'm sure she'll be feeling safe in the touristic towns

Hi,
I understand your concerns, but by staying at home she will be letting the terrorists win. You can't put your whole life on hold, that's what people you use force to make their point want. Like you say, there have been hits on all five continents so far, so she is in as much danger in Europe as she would be in Morocco. Although there are obvious danger spots to avoid, for the most part, in my opinion the countries you mentioned are reasonably safe, with the possible exception of Libya.
You don't say whether or not she's going on her own. I've travelled round much of north Africa with my boyfriend and this makes a big difference. She will get a lot less general hassle if she has a man with her, it sends a powerful signal which will be respected.
With the exception of Libya, I think she'll be fine, as long as she takes notice of the Home Office's travel warning - check out the website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel
love
daisyxx

Hi,
I understand your concerns, but by staying at home she will be letting the terrorists win. You can't put your whole life on hold, that's what people you use force to make their point want. Like you say, there have been hits on all five continents so far, so she is in as much danger in Europe as she would be in Morocco. Although there are obvious danger spots to avoid, for the most part, in my opinion the countries you mentioned are reasonably safe, with the possible exception of Libya.
You don't say whether or not she's going on her own. I've travelled round much of north Africa with my boyfriend and this makes a big difference. She will get a lot less general hassle if she has a man with her, it sends a powerful signal which will be respected.
With the exception of Libya, I think she'll be fine, as long as she takes notice of the Home Office's travel warning - check out the website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel
love
daisyxx

well let me explain something quite important that the world has not yet understood. Why do you think Muslims are terrorists? They are not. it appears to be on TV because that is what they want us to know, but you guys are wrong. I never believed this actually. so once i checked the internet about the Islamic histroy and i found out that it's the most richest most beautiful histroy you'll ever read. It is rich with knowledge, power, honesty and loyalty. And i started to read many books which clearly brought out that Muslims are not terrorists, they are humans like us and they dont want to hurt anyone. but when others hurt them, they ought to defend themselves and that's what is happening now. I dont think your sister will find any trouble there. I visited a muslim country once and they were very friendly, they were trying their best to give a good image about themselves. I believe you should give her a chance to express her self-dependence and maturiry.
Wish you all the best of luck.
Rosemarry