goan friend of ours phoned last night,asked her about terrorist threats,she said she had not heard anything definite,but did say security checks at airport were causing delays. am going to look at goan newspapers to see if anything there.

I came back on Sunday night. Yes there is a serious threat - I always go to Ingos but was advised not to so didn't. The army were around Candolim, many people I spoke to were bothered and said they would stay out of the busy places. I heard a few things but don't want to put people off going, I remember being a little wary last Christmas with my kids in a packed Club Cabanna! I didn't find security at the airport any different - in fact when I was there in October they checked all hand luggage before we boarded, they didn't on Sunday, they did say they had CCTV on the Thomson plane that I was on. I'd still rather be over there than here - when your time's up it's up!

We go on the 23rd Dec and nothings going to stop me I am sure none of the HT crowd will cancel

oh im abit scared going on the 31 december and there is 13 of us do i tell them all about it or not

British Foreign Office says they are keeping the situation under close review
Is this good or bad news?

Foreign Office Advice
The advisory has indeed changed. At the moment they are keeping the situation under review and say there is an increased security presence in Goa. It also states, as it has for some time, that there is a high threat of terrorism throughout India.
With my mods hat off now- a couple of members are wondering whether to tell travelling partners about the possible threats. Please do tell them- they must surely have the right to make their own minds up. If it were me, I would be continuing with my holiday BUT taking more care eg avoiding the markets and other places where there are likely to be large gatherings of foreign tourists- particularly being careful on New Year's Eve. We went to Bali and stayed in a quieter resort for instance( and returning in the summer) avoiding the bigger resorts such as Kuta. Have a great time but just take increased care.

Good advice Fiona
The german foreign office as not made any statement as yet,I am going but will be taking care

Thats exactly what we plan to do Fiona. We have decided to not wander too far from our resort for the first few days, at least until the New Year celebrations are over. We are staying in the south and have ruled out any visits to the far busier north.

I'm worried of course I am, but im not going to let it ruin my long awaited Holiday.

I'm more worried at the moment incase there are any delays due to the fog we have been getting.

Difficult decision really,(discussing this particular bad news story) but people know their partners well enough to guess what the reaction will be. The only thoughts I would have in addition to what's already been said is the fact that IF (and it's a big if) anything were to happen while we were in Goa it is most likley we would be near to the event rather than actually involved in it. It would be worthwhile giving some thought to what you would do as a family / couple in the confusion which would be around if something terrible kicked off. Have a pre-planned meeting place away from crowded hotels etc - I would probably pick our fav shack. I wouldn't expect a slick anti-terrorism operation after an incident - it will be up to us to keep safe in these circumstances. With this in mind, it would make sense to have a discussion with 'other halfs' etc.

We fly out on sunday pm, must say feeling a bit scared,but, we can not let them win. Think i will be in airport bar till we fly ! Might not feel as scared after a few bacardi&cokes.

Oh dear, all this worrying & scaremongering certainly is'nt going to stop my wife & i from our first visit to Goa in February . We are really looking forward to going after all the lovely things talked about it on this site . All of you that are worried, let me ask you this. Is the ever present real threat of terrorism in Great Britain going to stop you going Xmas shopping in the next few days. Think about it !!!.

after all the contemplating i have told my wife and she just said "oh". i wish i'd told her ages ago

You know it makes sense! I bet you feel better now.

thanks for the advice fiona as delboy says you know it makes sense

the way i look at it, would you put a bet on that you WONT be back 2/3 weeks after your hoiliday, back to work and paying the credit card bills!!!!

i try to put it out my mind and just enjoy the holiday

jane

Just be careful, the army are around and about. I wouldn't go to any markets or clubs (if they are open) until mid Jan. I would still rather be there than here, just have a few more beers etc to make you chill out, any concerns/worries - report it! It did seem very quite in Candolim when I was there, the locals could certainly do with the trade, things are not good.
Anyone that is going over Christmas and the New Year - Have a great time!!!!!!

Sorry missed this thread,

I would just like to add the following points for advice:

Be vigilant
Report anything/anyone suspicious even if you are unsure.
Don't leave your bags lying around.
large groups and well known foreigner hangouts are usual targets (go somewhere else the shack owner will appreciate the business).
Carry photo card ID (Could you prove who you are if asked?)
Know your area (don't take a taxi everywhere try walking about and get to know where you are staying).
Make friends with the locals (expat and Indian) they will generally be the first to warn you if trouble is coming.
Finally, look after each other!

Thought this might help from an experienced point of view!

Any news over there at the moment?

There is a very high police presence everywhere and the bomb disposal team are driving about daily in their jeep. The place is packed at the moment with Indian Tourists as well as Europeans and to be honest it's not a nice place to be (IMO)!!! Too many people, too much traffic and far too much noise.
All parties are going ahead as planned - or so I believe??
I will be staying well away from the beach and the night clubs tonight.....just to be on the safe side, after all if they're gonna pull something off it'll be at the busiest locations for maximum impact and apart from that it's just TOO BUSY!!!

Hope you all have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

GFF xxxxx