Morocco 2016 - Any changed minds? (1 Viewer)

[bryandh]

Given the events in Sharm el Sheik, Fez, Turkey and the horror in France this week, is anybody planning a trip to Morocco this winter having second thoughts?
Have been to Morocco on 3 visits in past years, only 1 by MH, and always had a fabulous, incident free time, but have a growing reluctance to go ahead this year. Our plan is only embryonic in anycase depending on Christmas visitors etc., and would not happen until mid January.
Guess it is wait and see time, given where we live a last minute dash is easily arranged.

Bryan

 

[jumartoo]

I wouldn't go to Morocco by Motorhome before these recent events BUT we did go trekking in May in the anti Atlas and had a wonderful time. This introduced us to a great guide - Mohammed - who we bonded with really well, enough to invite him to stay with us if he visits Spain and this invitation would still stand. It's a real shame that recent events in other parts of the world impact on people's lives everywhere.

I don't know whether this answers your question or not but felt the need to respond!

Mohammed on the trek (fantastic guy)

Me and Mohammed sharing a few minutes of contemplation!

 

[PhilandMena]

Probably best asking this on the Morocco 2016 thread if you want answers. I don't see why any members will change there minds unless the threat levels change for the worse in Moroc.

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[bryandh]

Probably best asking this on the Morocco 2016 thread if you want answers. I don't see why any members will change there minds unless the threat levels change for the worse in Moroc.

Didn't want to jinx 2016 thread with my negative vibes!

Bryan

 

[scotjimland]

The Morocco Threat level is set at 'High' by the FCO

but I can't find a 'threat scale' https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/terrorism

only for domestic threats, which is set at severe Broken Link Removed


only ever seen Low, Med and High for foreign countries..

so what is higher than High ?

 

[bryandh]

The Morocco Threat level is set at 'High' by the FCO

but I can't find a 'threat scale' https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/terrorism

only for domestic threats, which is set at severe Broken Link Removed


only ever seen Low, Med and High for foreign countries..

so what is higher than High ?

Severe!

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[scotjimland]

Severe!

got a link .. ? I couldn't find the scale..

Syria is set at High ..

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/syria/terrorism

 

[Badknee]

The Morocco Threat level is set at 'High' by the FCO

but I can't find a 'threat scale' https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/terrorism

only for domestic threats, which is set at severe Broken Link Removed


only ever seen Low, Med and High for foreign countries..

so what is higher than High ?

Oh F@ck!

 

[bryandh]

got a link .. ? I couldn't find the scale..

No, but a security spokesman used the word for London status.

Bryan

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[Badknee]

In a more serious mode in answer to your question no we will not be going now or anytime soon. The threat level is just too high for us, so we won't be going.

 

[Badknee]

No, but a security spokesman used the word for London status.

Bryan

We won't be going to London anytime soon either, hate the place.

 

[scotjimland]

No, but a security spokesman used the word for London status.

Bryan

yes.. but that is a domestic threat level.. as per the link in my first post

clearly there is a greater threat in Syria than Morocco..

but the FCO don't give a scale other than Low, Med, & High for foreign travel .. hence my question..

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[ianthebuilder]

We won't be going to London anytime soon either, hate the place.

Nothing wrong with london mate , its the people that have f....d it up !!!!

 

[makems]

I suppose the same question could be asked about France.
Is anybody deciding not to go to France because of the clear and present danger of terrorism there?

 

[9526]

I suppose the same question could be asked about France.
Is anybody deciding not to go to France because of the clear and present danger of terrorism there?

I think there is a clear and present danger in any major European city from terrorism.

Having said that rural France (and rural Europe) are as safe as you can get anywhere in today's political climate.

So I wouldn't change my European plans.

I think the danger (perceived or not) in Arab countries is higher and for that reason will be giving them all a wide berth.

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[scotjimland]

@makems

as @mickyc said... not just Arab countries, .. but also any Muslim country

 

[Badknee]

I suppose the same question could be asked about France.
Is anybody deciding not to go to France because of the clear and present danger of terrorism there?

We will be going to France next year but will shy away from big cities as we don't like them. Rural France is lovely and I would imagine a safer place to be.

 

[bryandh]

Be interesting to know/see how many French vans will be Morocco bound this winter.

Bryan

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[treetops1]

Would the insurance company cover bullet holes on the van i wonder. We are not in the process of stopping our trips to France.lol

 

[hilldweller]

but have a growing reluctance to go ahead this year.
Bryan

Stick with your gut feeling. Force yourselves and you'll be on edge from the start.

Read FUN and get some feedback.

 

[bryandh]

Would the insurance company cover bullet holes on the van i wonder. We are not in the process of stopping our trips to France.lol

Serious question beyond the humour in your post. Anybody aware of increased premiums for health insurance, breakdown, recovery or indeed, any insurance requests rejected?

Bryan

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[hilldweller]

Be interesting to know/see how many French vans will be Morocco bound this winter.

Bryan

It was already tending towards zero before this. Allegedly 50,000 last year. Many of them upsetting FUNsters. So from this point of view, a good year to visit.

 

[Peter & Elaine]

Eliane and I have had a very serious discussion this weekend over going to Morroco and I must admit the jury is still out
Our January plans will not change down into Spain for new year then it's going to be play it by ear any sign of trouble and we will be wintering in Portugal or Spain
I must admit we are under a lot of pressure from family to give Morocco a miss this time
But where do you find winter sun what are the alternatives
3 month in goa ?

 

[PhilandMena]

No doubt the French will advise their citizens not to travel to Morocco in 2016 as they did for 2015 after the attack last year. We estimated the number was down by about 60% so about 40% went and we certainly did not feel at risk. Before this atrocity in Paris on Friday Morocco was regarded as being no higher risk than Spain and France and I now suspect France will have a higher risk rating than other European countries.
We see no justifiable reason for not travelling to Morocco in several weeks time unless the terrorist risk rises.

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[PhilandMena]

In a more serious mode in answer to your question no we will not be going now or anytime soon. The threat level is just too high for us, so we won't be going.

I would not be too alarmed at this, much of Europe is rated at a high risk with UK rated severe. Providing you use a bit of common sense and vigilant you will be fine. There will be thousands of motorhomes heading down to Spain, Portugal and Morocco this winter and they will be fine. How many motorhomes do you know or have heard off who have been attacked by terrorists in the last 5 years. I know of none. Also, there are members in this forum who are quick to condem Morocco and in my view have a bias aginst the country and/or perhaps Funsters who choose to go there.
The alternative is to sell your motorhome, lock your windows and dors and never leave your home.

 

[Busman]

We see no justifiable reason for not travelling to Morocco in several weeks time unless the terrorist risk rises.

Ditto

 

[scotjimland]

there are plenty of alternatives without selling your van... it doesn't need to be 'Morocco or Bust ' there is no shame in saying you wouldn't go.. or changing your mind.. each has to weight up the risks with the available information and make their own decision ..

when members say they wouldn't go, calling them 'doom merchants' or suggesting they have a bias against a country or the funsters going won't change the current threat level, perceived or otherwise .. it's also rude.

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[PhilandMena]

there are plenty of alternatives without selling your van... it doesn't need to be 'Morocco or Bust ' there is no shame in saying you wouldn't go.. or changing your mind.. each has to weight up the risks with the available information and make their own decision ..

when members say they wouldn't go, calling them 'doom merchants' or suggesting they have a bias against a country or the funsters going won't change the current threat level, perceived or otherwise .. it's also rude.

I stand by what I say. There are members on here who repeatedly join a thread which has been started by others,with regard to Morocco and fundimentaly post negative comments.

 

[dabhand]

Don't want to sound flippant but you can blow yourself up with a shitty boiler, but certain precautions, as with travel, should be taken, even then you never know, life is a risk but we still take chances don't we!

 

[grumps147]

Threat levels from the horses mouth .. Broken Link Removed

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