How safe is your world for holidays?

WESTERN ISLES, Scotland, Nov. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- At one time, before the threats of jihadists, Ebola and terrorism, most of us felt that it was relatively safe to explore far flung regions of the world, however, increased fears are persuading many to holiday closer to home.

Anyone who has flown recently will have seen more passengers wearing masks and latex gloves or wiping down the arms of chairs and tables for their children with antiseptic wipes in an attempt to avoid sharing bacteria with strangers.  A cruise ship was prevented from calling into several ports because of an association of one of its passengers with an Ebola victim.  There are reports of jihadists using cruise ships to get to the Middle East and indeed threats made to blow up cruise liners.

There are always people who laugh in the face of threat and will travel irrespective, some are more cautious and will avoid certain fabulous holiday destinations such as South Africa because of the perceived threat of danger.  There are always those adventuresome travellers who will risk their safety and health to see Africa's natural beauty and wildlife.

Most would agree that it would be irresponsible taking children on holiday to Middle Eastern countries engaged in conflict and even countries that were formerly popular holiday destinations such as Egypt are viewed with caution, especially when buses used for transfers to holiday accommodation from the airport are checked underneath for bombs.

Natural disasters seem to worry people less. Tourists are quite happy to travel to earthquake or volcanic prone regions. There are frequent volcanic eruptions in Iceland and yet it remains a popular short break destination that attracts people by its thermal springs and unpredictable geology.  New Zealand is another long haul destination that persuades people to visit for the scenery and wine despite being on the 'ring of fire'.  Thoughts of beach holidays in Australia are tainted by potential shark attacks and yet the mosquito is the Number One killer in the world, followed by the motor car.

Perhaps there should be a guide to car free holiday destinations and remote locations with little traffic? Northern Scotland and the Western Isles would be included in any such holiday guide; there are few cars, no mosquitoes or dangerous diseases, outstanding scenery, plenty of wildlife and friendly hospitable people.  Could the Scottish Western Isles become the next most desirable cottage holiday hot spot for 2015?

Photos:
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SOURCE Country Cottages Online

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