Traveling to the Philippines

[Reala 0]

Hey everyone,

I really want to go to the Philippines and visit my sweetie, but the travel warning has me a bit worried. As many of you probably already know, the US Government urges against all but essential travel in light of a heightened threat to Westerners. Any advice?

[*Robert* 2]

Philippines

This Travel Warning is being issued to recommend that Americans consider carefully the risks of travel to the Philippines. Terrorist groups, including Jemaah Islamiyah and the Abu Sayyaf Group, and radical elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are planning multiple attacks throughout the Philippines. This information has been also released by Philippine government officials and is in the Philippine media. This Travel Warning replaces the Public Announcement for the Philippines dated February 18, 2005

[butuan 0]

yes it can be dangerous there, but just like any other place just watch yourself and be safe.

i've been there a few times and yes even southern part, be careful watch your back like any place you go go

or live your life in fear and dont go

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Can't say about the Phillipines specifically, but I traveled to Egypt when there were strong warnings against it after some bombings in Cairo. I was just fine. I won't advise you one way or another. It's something you have to decide if you want to take risks.

According to Forbes, the most dangerous travel destinations in 2006 are:

1. Afghanistan

2. Burundi

3. Cote d'Ivoire

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo

5. Georgia (country not the state)

6. Haiti

7. Iraq

8. Liberia

9. Pakistan

10. Papua New Guinea

11. Chechnya

12. Somalia

13. Sudan

14. Zimbabwe

[GaryC 7]

I have been there 5 times in the last 2 years. As long as you don't do anything stupid and stay away from the secluded places in the jungle it is perfectly fine. Just doing the tourist stuff in the big cities will cause you no problem. Just stay with your Philippine SO and you will be great.

BTW I am going back for trip 6 in June. I love it there!

[almaty 19]

11. Chechnya

figured it be in the top 5

[UmmSqueakster 54]

11. Chechnya

figured it be in the top 5

I was very suprised it was behind Pakistan.

[Jasman0717 9]

You should be cautious with any overseas travel. I really enjoyed the Philippines and never had any problems, just be aware of your surroundings. Those warnings have been in affect for several years, especially for Mindanao. My friend has been living in CDO on Mindanao for the past two years with absolutely no problems.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Been there several times and love it. Just be alert.

[Reala 0]

Thanks everyone. This is exactly what I needed to know.

[almaty 19]

11. Chechnya

figured it be in the top 5

I was very suprised it was behind Pakistan.

same here..even chechens fear going there....not a good place to visit unless you like to be kidnapped

[*Robert* 2]

One thing I always avoid, is wearing anything that makes it obvious I'm an American. Not U.S. flags, no T-shirts with U.S. Cities or anything like that. Neat and proper clothing, no logos. It's always best to blend in as much as possible. And most importantly... don't be an #######, or worse yet, the "ugly American tourist"!

[iceyspots 0]

If you use common sense, you should be fine. Don't try to stick out like a sore thumb and look touristy... And sometimes, if they want to bomb something they are going to bomb something where they know there is a concentrated amount of a certain type of people... e.g. american hotels, western restaurants etc etc... sheeze.. I didn't even know there was islamic people in the Phillippines... But... just be cautious as you would going anywhere!

There should be a travel warning issued for people from other countries coming to the states

like hmmmmmmmm DETROIT ? LoL

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

If you hang with the locals (your sweetie), they should know what places to go to and what places to avoid. As the other's have said, be alert but don't worry too much. When I went to Ethiopia, I knew and trusted that Nani would make sure we were going to good places only. And she did.

[I'm Gone 60]

I went there twice and never had any trouble. I think as others said the trouble in the lower islands.

If you go to Manila or Cebu you should be OK. Just keep your eyes and ears open as you would in any U.S. city. Don't flash a lot of cash in public.