american traveling after bin laden killed?

I really wouldn't worry too much. You might want to stay away from US embassies and well-known western chain hotels (I do that anyway). Your chances of being involved in a terrorist incident may have gone from practically non-existent to vanishingly small but that's all. And the TSA is all about security theater and does practically nothing to actually keep you safe.

Should you postpone your trip? That's a decision only you can make. No one knows what is going to happen next.

The highest chance of body injury will occur during the drive to the airport prior to your departure. Yet you do not think twice about making that drive. Your probability of being injured in a terrorist attack is same as a lightning strike. Go and relax.

It's going to be ok Heather, no reason to postpone your trip. I guarantee they will have air marshals on all transatlantic flights. These might be the safest flights you'll ever go on. Security will be enhanced at all the major sites you visit. I know it seems scary, but as mentioned already, the drive from Keene to Logan is statistically far more dangerous than the flights. p.s. I am leaving in 19 days (not that I am counting or anything), so I am walking in your shoes.

IMHO, the only American tourists who need to be concerned are those traveling to countries with large Muslim populations, esp. if there tends to be an anti-American sentiment already in place. With Pakistan being the most obvious example.

If you are so nervous that it will disrupt your trip, then consider postponing it. But if you can convince yourself to enjoy the trip, regardless of perceived risk, then go ahead with it. While danger will increase for a bit, no one really knows if specific reactions of terrorism will occur (or where, if they do). Like others said, maybe stay away from US Embassies or western chain hotels. Terrorists are not going to single out Americans on the street, it would be a broader target such as an embassy. So, just as someone visiting these cities, it should not be a problem.

Heather, I agree with the others! No one can guarantee that your trip will be completely safe, whether you take it next week or next year. A few things to consider: > The authorities have increased surveillance and will be watching for any reprisals. > Air travel should be as safe as before. You'll still have to use a 3-1-1 bag and exercise some caution on the items you take as carry-on. > Again as the other mentioned, I'd minimize the time you spend in places like large American chain Hotels, McDonalds, etc. > Try not to be focused on this situation so much that you ignore the other precautions you'll need to take in wearing a Money Belt, watching out for pickpockets and scammers, etc. Our government has just issued a warning against any "non essential travel to Pakistan", but aside from that there are no other warnings (at least at the present time), and no warnings that I've seen for Europe. Both countries that you mentioned have outstanding security forces! If I was in the same position, there's no way I would let the "evil doers" ruin my holiday (I can't print what I normally call them)! I won't be travelling until August, but have no intention of changing my plans! Happy travels!

Thank you so much for all of your thoughts! I am going to go!!!! :):):)

Heather, every place you'll be has a security force that's always on the ready for terrorist attacks - just wait until you get to the Eiffel Tower...They drill and prepare, and any time there's a perceived threat, they're around...they give you some reassurance in that icky, weird, 'I guess I feel safe with all of these machine guns, rifles, riot shields, and bullet-proof vests around me, but it's still a bit unsettling' kind of way... Your biggest worry will be getting something you didn't mean to order for dinner...;-)

Congrats Heather, you'll be glad you did.

Heather, It's great to hear that you've decided to continue with your trip. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!

We just came back yesterday from Spain so have some guidance. Other than being aware of increased airport security, and allowing extra time for it, there was no change at all from our trip out three weeks prior.

There were numerous travel advisories in place by the US Department of State before last week, just as there are this week. You should always check the Dept of State webpage before you travel to ANY country. On the list right now are: Mexico, Bahrain, Israel, Korea, etc. etc.......

I flew into FRA the day of the killing, and there was a universal sigh of relief when we got the news while in-line at passport control. Am at the CEMAT show here in Hannover, and no one has expressed any concern who has come in from literally everywhere in the world for security. No worries, Love!

I am a little worried myself. I will be traveling to London May 17 and with all this talk about protests in London has me a little nervous. I really don't even want to use public transportation while I'm there.

The protests in London consisted of about a hundred people. I'm going to Spain next Tuesday and nothing I've heard changes that.

Protests in major world cities, especially places like London, are quite common. Be aware of them but this is not reason to alter how your travel. Don't freak out and not us London's amazing public transit network because of it. Most of these are small and nonviolent and no threat to you or anyone else.

Eileen: Agreed... Heather's worry will be what's arriving for dinner... Gave me a good laught tonight. Linda

I guess I don't understand why you would want to avoid public transit? Or the relationship between public transit and protests. The probability of anyone being affected by a protest group is so small. We were in London 20+ years ago when the Irish bombing were occurring and people thought we were crazy to go. You should worry much more about getting hit by a car or bus because you looked the wrong direction when you stepped off the curb. That has happen to me more than once.

I will be leaving for Paris/Switzerland in early june and like others the most danger part of the trip is my 90 drive to LAX using all freeways. Last Oct coming back from a trip to Italy I almost had a bad accident on the 10 freeway as some out of control car was coming at me and by some miracle avoiding by a few inches of getting hit.
Europe security always has been tight and I feel safe when I am in any EU country. Seems like every time I take a trip there is some kind of warning.